After crossing the marshes and passing through endless rice fields and farmlands, the group finally arrived at the capital of the Empire, the largest and richest city in the nation, surrounded by towering white walls.
Altdorf.
With General Paster by his side, Duanmu Huai had no trouble entering the Imperial capital. The soldiers returned to their barracks, while the warriors of the warband settled their final payments. Most of them could hardly wait to indulge themselves in the pleasures of this bustling city.
As for the [wyrdstone], under the watch of the Witch Hunters, they were handed over to the court wizards — a group of people wrapped entirely in robes, not even revealing their faces, practically carrying the words "I look suspicious" on them. They either failed to notice the trick hidden in the [wyrdstone], or were simply too shocked by the massive shard on the wagon to have time to verify the smaller ones. In any case, the fragments were taken away by the court wizards for "disposal."
At least, that was what they claimed.
Leaving the military camp, Duanmu Huai weighed the pouch of coins in his hand. According to General Paster, fifteen days later the Crown Prince would hold a grand banquet in the palace to celebrate the reclamation of Mordheim, the cursed city — and the leaders of the warbands, including Duanmu Huai, would naturally attend.
"You two heading back to the Holy City?"
Duanmu Huai looked at Lorena and Melody. The two exchanged glances, thought for a moment, and shook their heads.
"We'd like to look around this city, Sir Knight."
Lorena seemed very interested in the surrounding buildings — after all, this was the capital of another world's Empire.
"Fiya will go with you. Don't get into trouble."
Duanmu Huai didn't think much of it. He wasn't worried about them running into problems. If they were attacked, he would know immediately and could summon them back via [Soul Cards].
As for the court wizards, the Witch Hunters had already volunteered to investigate. For extra security, Duanmu Huai summoned two [Killer Dolls] to follow them, keeping their every move under watch.
"What about you, Sir Knight?"
"I plan to visit the library and look for records or clues about Manaria."
Since Mordheim had yielded nothing, Duanmu Huai could only hope Altdorf had something useful.
So while Lorena and the others went shopping, Duanmu Huai took Olgis to the Grand Library of Altdorf.
On the way, Duanmu Huai noticed something very off about the city.
Although Altdorf appeared lively and prosperous, packed with bustling crowds, there was a kind of chaotic disorder hidden within. It was strangely difficult to find the right streets. Roads were clearly there, yet some strange force seemed to warp the city's layout, making it hard to tell whether he was going the right way.
It was like standing at a crossroads, intending to cross the street, only for the intersection on the opposite side to somehow shift after a crowd passed through. One couldn't help but wonder — was it their own eyes playing tricks, or was the city itself wrong?
Duanmu Huai was certain he wasn't directionally challenged. Which made Altdorf's condition all the more intriguing.
Chaotic disorder, constant change — the marks of the God of Trickery.
Looking at the city before him, Duanmu Huai's expression grew grim. As the royal capital, Altdorf was home to many nobles and high officials — a perfect breeding ground for plots and intrigues. Coupled with the presence of its Colleges of Magic, the conditions were almost perfect for the descent of the God of Trickery.
Truth be told, he wouldn't be surprised if every mage and high-ranking official here were worshippers of that god.
"Master, it seems rather noisy here."
Olgis walked beside him, glancing around as she spoke softly. Duanmu Huai nodded. The noise wasn't the cheerful kind — rather, it was a restless clamor. Everyone, from commoners and merchants to mages and laborers, seemed hurried, as though someone was constantly cracking a whip behind them. The entire city felt noisy and agitated.
This was certainly not healthy for the mind.
He saw a coachman practically screaming as he lashed his reins, driving his carriage at a furious speed as if afflicted by road rage, ready to trample anyone in his way.
"We'd better get to the library quickly."
The library was in the College District. With General Paster's recommendation, Duanmu Huai entered easily.
He had hoped for some peace inside — but even here, agitation lingered.
A library should have been quiet enough to lull one to sleep. Instead, mages huddled in small groups, whispering in low voices. From time to time, someone would leap up, hurry to the shelves, snatch a book, and rush back to their seat — as if being a moment slower meant losing their spot.
The constant whispers and footsteps made it even more irritating.
"I'm looking for some reference materials."
Duanmu Huai spoke softly to the librarian. The man didn't even lift his head, staring at the book in front of him as if flowers were blooming on its pages.
"I'm looking for information about Manaria."
As he spoke, Duanmu Huai dropped a few silver coins on the desk. The clink of metal finally made the librarian look up. With a motion quick enough to rival a professional pickpocket, he swept the coins away.
"Bookshelf fifteen. Legends and Tales of Reikland."
"Thank you."
Duanmu Huai placed a few more coins on the desk before turning away. Following the directions, he found the heavy book on the fifteenth shelf, then — without hesitation — opened a [portal] and returned straight to the Holy City.
"Whew…"
Back under the blue sky and white clouds, surrounded by the Holy City's warmth and peace, Duanmu Huai finally relaxed. Altdorf had given him a deeply unpleasant feeling — a sense of ominous threat creeping in from all sides, yet impossible to pinpoint.
Here, though, all was well.
He walked to the central park, settled under a large tree, and began flipping through the book. Olgis sat beside him, sometimes watching him, sometimes observing the people and animals around them.
It didn't take long for Duanmu Huai to find the records on Manaria.
Yet… it was only a fairy tale.
Long ago, a great war swept the continent. An evil dragon tried to destroy mankind, and humanity faced ruin. Then a princess of a human kingdom stepped forward, leading her soldiers to slay the dragon and bring peace. That kingdom's name was Manaria.
That was all.
Still, it wasn't without a lead.
"This story is widely told in Dunkelberg, a household fairy tale there. Though its origin cannot be verified, I believe it is not merely the superstition of rural folk…"
Well then, the next target was clear.
(End of Chapter)