The next morning, the rested travelers left the friendly farmstead.The children rode a small gray donkey, bought by Kassia for three silver Roman denarii.Gray sat behind Grace, hugging his sister's waist so as not to fall off.The girl gripped the donkey's reins tightly and led it after their mother.She was energetically swinging a stick she had found nearby. In her imagination, she was a general escorting the royal prince on his journey.Fighting off imaginary monsters from time to time, crossing endless forests and plains, the brave General Anna was to deliver the wounded prince safe and sound to the border town.
On their journey, full of hardships and dangers, they encountered a fierce dragon (a lizard) that blocked their way to salvation.The brave General Anna, risking her own life, managed to tame the fierce beast (the little lizard).Now the fearsome creature followed the beautiful general everywhere (sitting on her shoulder), helping to fend off endless enemies.
After two days of such adventures, they saw a small town.
The town of Danmur was a medieval stone fortress.The town was small and served as a checkpoint for various merchants, small caravans, and immigrants.The high stone walls of the city were surrounded by various wooden structures serving as a transit point between the outer and inner cities.
The town's population numbered about 100,000 inhabitants. Life was bustling everywhere.Along the sides of the road stood small stalls offering various goods to passing travelers.In the distance, there was a line of carts being inspected by guards for contraband.Nearby was an agricultural market where residents of nearby villages could sell or buy animals for breeding.
The architecture of the outer city was diverse.Here, classical Roman-style buildings were mixed strangely with medieval wooden huts.Above these structures towered the stone walls of the inner city.Beyond them, nothing was visible except for a tall magical tower, sticking out like a big thumb, indicating the obvious affiliation of the city.In that tower, numerous mages worked on their research, ensuring the state's stability merely by their existence.
Approaching the fortress gates, the family was met by tall men in full armor.
"Full name, occupation, purpose of visit, length of stay in the city, presence of goods subject to declaration," — a bearded man sitting at a wooden table registering incoming travelers recited the standard phrase without lifting his head.
"Khm, khm... Cassius and Luvia Ashfort, with us are the children Alexander and Anna.I am a trading agent for the company 'Neco International Products'.We are passing through, heading to the port of Stormdale to board a ship to the continent of Nightingale, and from there travel to the capital of the werewolves, Samar.I am tasked with delivering an urgent assignment from the head of the company.However, our caravan was attacked by man-eating wolves in the Nightmare Forest, and we found ourselves in a difficult situation," — Kassia answered in a low voice, perfectly playing her role.
The security officer looked up to inspect the strange group.When he saw Catherine's figure, his eyes lit up.He did not attempt to hide the lustful desire he felt toward this beautiful lady, who appeared weak and frail after a difficult journey.
"Hmm, hmm, understood.I need to conduct a 'thorough inspection' of your wife.I suspect she is hiding contraband goods.Miss Luvia, please follow me to the inspection room for a 'proper check'.You don't mind waiting a little, Mr. Cassius? The inspection will not take long. After that, we'll gladly let you into the city," — said the bearded man under the approving laughter of his colleagues.
The poor fool had no idea to whom he was making such a proposal.If he only knew that this "weak, fragile, and defenseless" miss had threatened the governor of the Province of Light two weeks ago with the complete destruction of his capital and the hunting of every citizen, he would be trembling in fear for his life right now.But he didn't know.And thus, he was full of anticipation when he suddenly felt a dagger pressed to his neck, held by the young neko man.The chilling intent to kill seemed to seep into his very soul.Facing Cassius's violet eyes, he wanted to fall to his knees.
"What did you say, worm?!" — Kassia whispered hoarsely into his ear.
The border guards immediately, although slightly belatedly, drew their weapons.Someone hastily called for reinforcements.Patrolling guards on the walls noticed the commotion below and aimed their crossbows at the young neko man.
"My dear, we are at the border, don't be impulsive, I'm scared... The children are here, please stop," — said Catherine, pretending to be frightened and covering the children's eyes.In truth, she was carefully monitoring everything that was happening.One wrong move from the guards — and she would blow up the entire city to prevent any information leak about their location.
She was on the edge.Despite all her kindness, she was a celestial being.She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty with innocent blood if such an act would ensure the safety of her family.Unaware of the Damocles sword hanging over them, the guards aggressively glared at the young neko, ready to unleash a city-wide battle.
Before anyone could raise a sword toward his wife and children, a loud voice rang out:"What's going on here?!"
An elegant man in his forties with lush mustaches stepped forward, rudely pushing the guards aside.The man was the chief of security, responsible for maintaining order throughout the city.He was a mage.A high-ranking mage.Hearing the report of the incident, he shifted his gaze to the couple and spoke:
"Young man, do you understand where you are?!"
"Precisely because I understand where I am, this bastard is still breathing," — Cassius answered in a low, cold voice.
"The young man," — the security chief began, — "even though his behavior was rude towards your wife, this is the Magical Empire; here, there is law.In such a situation, you are required to appeal to the authorities before attacking an official in the line of duty," — he tried to reason with Cassius.
"And what do you propose now?!" — Cassius asked, still not putting away the dagger, waiting for his answer.
"Um, mister...?" — Catherine's voice sounded very timid.
"Underwood, Dave Underwood," — the chief introduced himself.
"Mr. Underwood, the guard did nothing serious, let's resolve this with a small apology and a warning from your side.I have a letter here. It's from Clyde's mother; I was supposed to deliver it, but I didn't have time because of this unfortunate incident.Please, let's resolve everything peacefully — after all, there are children here," — Catherine addressed the chief, trying to smooth things over.
"Oh, Clyde! He's my assistant. Show me the letter," — Underwood said, softening.
Catherine handed the letter over without worry.She looked naïve and frightened, not seeming to realize she could be taken hostage.But in reality, she simply didn't care.She had already scanned the area and found no one capable of threatening her or her children.
After reading the letter and confirming its authenticity, Underwood spoke:
"If you had only said earlier that you are acquaintances of Clyde.Don't worry, we are all family here.Someone, call Clyde immediately.Jack, apologize to Mrs... Ashfort.Mr. Ashfort, would you mind lowering your dagger to hear his apology?" — the security chief continued, seeing a convenient way out of the situation.
Such a solution would not cause him any unnecessary problems or damage his reputation.The entire conversation took place only because Mr. Underwood sensed great danger from Cassius — and did not want to provoke him needlessly.Yes, even in the Magical Empire, only those strong enough could expect true justice from the law.
After the matter was resolved, the guard apologized to Catherine.Cassius apologized and received a stern warning, which he did not object to.Finally, Clyde arrived — a 25-year-old man, son of Lyuda from the village and at the same time the assistant to the local security chief.
"Clyde, register our guests and escort them into the city.You have the rest of the day off.Take care of their well-being.Here's a letter from your mother," — Underwood ordered before leaving.
"Guests, please follow me," — Clyde suggested after quickly reading the letter.
Inside the fortress, the border town was divided into four parts:to the north — the noble quarter;to the south — the commoners' quarter;to the west — the military barracks;to the east — the trade district, where the company of five headed.And in the very center — the magical tower, present in every city of the Magical Empire, the place of the elite, the place every inhabitant of the empire dreamed of entering.
The names of these districts spoke for themselves:The noble quarter was home to all aristocrats.The trade district was where all goods were sold.It was the liveliest place in the city, where travelers gathered.The barracks quarter was the result of reforms by the last king, King Orion.Only soldiers, knights, and mages responsible for guarding the border could enter.In the commoners' district lived all the commoners and inns for travelers visiting Danmur.
Catherine held Gray and Grace by the hands as their group, escorted by Clyde, entered the trade district.The streets were paved with stone.Buildings were mostly constructed from wood and concrete.There were roads for carriages and paths for pedestrians.
"I'm selling fresh bear meat for 5 bronze lira!""Wolf pelts for 10 bronze lira!""Slime cores for 2 copper coins!""Mana stones for 1 silver — straight from the Roman mines!"
Along the streets stood market stalls.It was a lively place where street vendors shouted out their prices, trying to attract the attention of passersby.Grace's eyes sparkled with interest.She kept trying to break free from her mother's hand, noticing various trinkets.Gray was an obedient boy, sticking closely to his mother while curiously observing the surroundings.
Seeing how the children enjoyed exploring the trade district, Catherine didn't rush.She calmly allowed them to look around, preferring not to attract attention by being in too much of a hurry.
"Clyde, how long ago did you attain such a high position?The villagers don't seem to know you are an important man here," — Catherine asked, breaking the prolonged silence.
"I didn't tell them," — Clyde replied."They would worry, and I can't yet afford to move the whole family to the city.It's not the best place to raise a child.Better that he stays another year or two in the village; then I'll bring him and Yulia (his wife) over."
"Don't distance yourself too much.Try to visit them often.You know, it's very painful to raise a child without a father's presence," — Catherine said in a slightly melancholic voice.
Clyde gave Cassius a strange, sympathetic glance, which sent shivers down the servant's spine.Deciding that he had just uncovered some dark secret of Cassius, Clyde replied:
"I will try to take your words to heart."
"By the way, we didn't cause you too much trouble at the gates, did we?The villagers took very good care of us, and we don't want to create problems for you," — Catherine said.
"Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Ashfort.Don't worry, the chief is a good man, he understood everything.With your appearance, I wouldn't be surprised if such problems follow you everywhere," — Clyde commented, casually making a small compliment.Even Clyde couldn't help but steal a few admiring glances at Catherine's stunning figure.
"Fu-fu-fu, you have no idea how much," — Catherine answered, sending Cassius a meaningful smile.