The bustling noise of the capital grew louder as Arzael, Seraphina, and Puff passed through the towering gates of the Valiant Alliance capital city.
The main street stretched wide before them, lined with sturdy stone-and-wood buildings blending elven elegance with human craftsmanship.
Banners of gold and blue fluttered proudly atop tall spires, while in the distance, a majestic castle rose with crystalline rooftops that caught the fading light of dusk.
Markets flanked both sides of the road, alive with merchants calling out their wares. Elves sold potions and glittering jewelry, dwarves displayed gleaming weapons and armor, humans offered steaming food whose aroma filled the air, and beastmen with swishing tails bartered hides of exotic beasts.
Puff's eyes widened in delight as she tapped Arzael's shoulder, leaning forward eagerly.
"Wow, look at all this! I could eat a hundred meat buns here—no, a thousand! Did you hear that? A thousand! Let's try them all, Arzael!"
Arzael didn't even glance at her. His crimson eyes stayed fixed ahead.
"First, we need an inn."
Seraphina nodded beside him, her silver hair glinting in the firelight of nearby torches.
"He's right. Walking without a place to rest will only waste our strength."
Puff pouted dramatically.
"Tch, you two sound like soulless golems! Even in a city this big, you still talk like that. Don't you know I'm full of adventure spirit?"
Arzael spared her a single look.
"Your adventure spirit is too noisy."
"Hey—!" Puff grumbled, but quickly settled back onto Arzael's shoulder.
As they pushed further into the city, a crowd gathered to the right side of the street.
Excited cheers and gasps rippled through the throng.
Puff scrambled onto Arzael's head for a better view.
"Whoa! What's happening? Is that… a festival?"
From within the crowd, a man shouted to his friend with a voice full of awe,
"Look—it's Princess Chitara! Even more beautiful than the rumors say!"
An elf added with sparkling eyes,
"Her hair is like spun gold, and her eyes… like sapphires. Whoever wins her heart will be the luckiest man alive."
"Rumor has it that Princess Chitara will be taking the Hero Association Academy entrance exam, just four months from now."
The cheering reached its peak as a carriage adorned with the royal crest came to a stop.
From within, a young woman emerged, pointed ears, long golden hair tied elegantly, sapphire eyes shining beneath the evening glow, and a noble gown trimmed with silver thread. She smiled gracefully at her people: Princess Chitara, daughter of the Valiant Alliance's ruler.
Arzael's gaze flicked briefly in her direction, cold and uninterested, before he looked away again. To him, the roaring crowd was little more than noise.
But for a fleeting heartbeat, their eyes met, her sapphire gaze locking with his crimson one.
A flicker of surprise, perhaps even intrigue, crossed the princess's face. Then it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by her practiced smile as she waved to her people.
Puff, of course, noticed. She whistled mischievously.
"Ooooh, boss, did you see that? The princess was totally looking at you! Everyone here is head over heels for her, but nope—she picked you to stare at! You're not interested at all?"
"Not interested," Arzael said flatly, striding forward.
"What?! But she's gorgeous!"
Arzael stopped, his voice calm yet unwavering.
"Seraphina is more beautiful."
Puff froze, her jaw hanging wide open. Slowly, her gaze shifted to Seraphina, as though expecting an explosion.
Seraphina, usually stoic, paused ever so slightly. A faint spark lit her eyes before she quickly hid it. Her voice, still composed, carried a softer undertone.
"Don't say things like that carelessly."
Puff burst into uncontrollable laughter, slapping Arzael's head.
"Wahahaha! I can't believe this! Arzael the Ice Statue actually complimented a girl! Write this down, history! The world must be ending!"
Arzael's crimson eyes turned to her with a warning glare.
"Silence, Puff."
"B-but—"
"Silence."
Puff zipped her mouth shut, though her shoulders still shook with muffled giggles.
They left the commotion behind, delving deeper into the heart of the capital.
Grand buildings lined the avenue, banners rippled in the wind, and adventurers of all races strode past: elves draped in flowing robes, dwarves carrying massive hammers, beastmen with twitching ears, and ordinary humans bustling about their daily lives.
On the right side of the street stood a towering hall with a large wooden sign: Valiant Adventurer Guild. From inside came rowdy laughter, the clatter of mugs, and the sharp scent of ale. Warriors came and went, weapons glinting under torchlight.
Puff pointed frantically.
"Look, look! That's gotta be the Adventurer Guild! Boss, you should join! You'd be S-rank in no time! Hahaha!"
"Not important," Arzael dismissed, barely sparing it a glance. Seraphina only gave the building a brief look before continuing beside him.
Finally, they found a three-story inn glowing with warm lamplight. The smell of stew and baked bread drifted through the doorway.
Inside, the tavern buzzed with lively chatter. Patrons laughed, clinked mugs, and tore into hearty meals. A waitress hurried to their table in the corner, handing them menus.
Arzael ordered the simplest dish without fuss. Seraphina followed suit. Puff, naturally, ordered half the menu.
When the food arrived, Puff nearly cried with joy at the sight of sweet rolls and ice cream.
"This… this is heaven! I can die happy tonight!" she shouted, stuffing her mouth greedily.
Arzael ate in silence, eyes scanning the room with quiet vigilance. Seraphina ate with graceful composure, her movements refined even in such a noisy place.
Later, Arzael approached the receptionist and booked a single large room with two beds.
As they entered, the soft glow of lanterns revealed plush mattresses and clean linens.
Arzael stood silently for a moment, then muttered under his breath, almost to himself,
"Seems I won't be sleeping on the floor anymore."
Seraphina tilted her head slightly.
"In Eterna Kingdom, you always refused the bed when I offered. Why?" Her voice was softer than usual, curious.
Arzael's eyes lingered on the bed before replying evenly,
"Out of respect for you."
Her composure faltered for a heartbeat. She quickly turned her gaze away before her expression could be read.
Puff, of course, couldn't let the moment slip. She erupted in laughter, rolling across the bed.
"Wahahaha! Oh, this is priceless! You two are just like a married couple already!"
Seraphina's voice sharpened.
"Be quiet, Puff."
Arzael added coldly,
"If you don't shut up, I'll roast you for dinner."
"E-ehh? R-roasted rabbit?!" Puff squeaked, darting onto Seraphina's shoulder and burrowing into her long silver hair for cover.
"Boss, you're cruel!"
That night, the room carried a warmth they hadn't felt in a long time after the journey.