The capital of the Fiore Kingdom, named Crocus, is the economic and cultural center of the entire nation.
Upon entering the capital, Ankh and his two companions were immediately astonished by the magnificent sight before them.
Wide, clean avenues, neat and elegant buildings, bustling crowds, and various vibrant flowers visible everywhere along the roadsides.
"Is this the difference between the capital and other cities?" Ankh mused inwardly.
Although Magnolia was also a famous city in the country, and even had the renowned Fairy Tail Guild stationed there, in terms of prosperity, it probably still couldn't compare to the capital.
Mirajane, who hadn't traveled far in a long time, her eyes shining, exclaimed in surprise, "The capital is so beautiful! This is my first time here!"
Erza, a smile on her face, held a travel guide booklet and said earnestly,
"Crocus is also known as the 'Hana Capital' because of the unique and beautiful flowers everywhere in the city."
"According to city legend, the capital even has the blessing of a flower deity!"
Mirajane pouted and said, "Erza always likes to believe in these intangible things, so naive."
Erza's good mood instantly vanished, and she aggressively poked Mirajane's head, her voice suppressed, saying,
"You poor, bad girl who doesn't appreciate legends and beauty!"
"What did you say?!"
Mirajane's eyes blazed with anger, and she raised her arms, ready to fight Erza.
Invisibly, both of them seemed to erupt in a blazing fire, confronting each other without backing down... And behind them, a poker-faced Ankh was utterly speechless.
What was Makarov thinking? He was here in the capital to research the White Devil Cult, so why did he send them along?
Even if he needed help, wasn't Laxus a better choice?
Perhaps he wouldn't even need to act, and the cult would be completely wiped out.
Of course, bringing a burly man to the romantic and elegant Hana Capital might be a bit strange... Ankh stepped forward, separated the two bickering girls, and gently reprimanded them, "This is the capital, don't disgrace the Guild. Let's go."
In terms of prestige, Ankh was even higher than Fairy Queen Erza after the start of the story, so Erza and Mirajane listened to him very well.
"Hmph!"
The two girls simultaneously turned their heads and walked forward, ignoring each other.
Ankh rubbed his head, feeling a headache. These two seemed to be natural rivals, just like Natsu and Gray... "Hello, excuse me, are you Ankh Ankhseram of Fairy Tail?"
Just as the three were about to get lost in the intricate streets of the capital, a group of soldiers in armor approached them. The leader asked Ankh.
Ankh looked at the royal guards in front of him, nodded, and said, "I am."
The guard's expression brightened, and he quickly said, "The King has sent us to escort you Mages to the royal palace."
"Understood, lead the way," Ankh said.
The guard 隊 led the way, and the three quickly arrived at the entrance of the luxurious and grand royal palace.
This royal palace is truly magnificent... Ankh looked up with a hint of envy, thinking, being a King doesn't seem so bad...
The guards led Anke and her two companions into the royal palace, and soon, Anke saw an old acquaintance.
"General Karteos?" Mirajane looked at the man's face in front of her, surprised.
Erza looked at Mirajane strangely and asked, "You know him?"
Mirajane nodded, "He was the client for my first mission after joining the Guild."
"Ankh went with me."
Erza nodded in understanding when she heard her words.
But when she heard the latter half of the sentence, Erza inexplicably wanted to hit someone again.
What do you mean by that? Are you showing off how close you are... You, you want to be my sister-in-law?
Impossible, a bad girl is impossible! No way!
Ankh didn't notice the two girls behind him starting to bicker again. He looked at Karteos, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, then said in a calm tone,
"General Karteos, why are you here?"
After many years, Karteos forced a smile on his face and respectfully said, "The King asked me to personally invite you all to the conference hall for a discussion."
Ankh nodded and said, "Thank you for the trouble."
Karteos smiled, then turned and led the way for them, gradually walking deeper into the royal palace.
Ankh looked at Karteos's back, narrowed his eyes, and thought, "Seram, do you feel that Karteos feels different?"
The Karteos he first met many years ago, although not handsome, gave people a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze and righteous, leaving a deep impression.
But today's Karteos was filled with a gloomy and complex aura, giving Ankh a completely different and very uncomfortable feeling.
After a while, Seram spoke.
"Of course he's different. He's not the Karteos you met when you were little. Although he hides it well, there's still a smell of foul magic."
Ankh was slightly startled, then revealed a knowing smile hidden with killing intent.
Sure enough, the White Devil Cult's reach is truly long... Their previous mission was that the White Devil Cult had infiltrated the capital, causing several terrorist attacks.
Moreover, they had successfully assassinated royal ministers multiple times, causing widespread panic throughout the capital.
Now, it seems that even the King's confidant, General Karteos, has been replaced. Their audacity is truly immense.
Ankh looked at "Karteos" and did not impulsively expose his disguise, acting as if nothing had happened.
Since the White Devil could send someone to infiltrate the royal palace, they must have other motives, but unfortunately, he had already discovered it.
Now that he knew his true identity, it would be easy to handle.
As long as Karteos made any move, Ankh would follow the clues.
His thoughts became clearer, and "Karteos" had already led them to the conference hall.
The two guards at the door, seeing the General, quickly opened the door. The fake Karteos walked into the hall and reported, "Your Majesty, Ten Wizard Saints Ankh Ankhseram and his two assistants have arrived."
Assistants?
You're the assistant, I'm a legitimate S-Class Mage!
Mirajane and Erza's faces showed displeasure, and they cursed wildly in their hearts.
Ankh looked up the steps in the hall and saw a small old man with Gray hair, whose body length was comparable to Makarov's, sitting on the throne, feigning majesty.
Hiss... Ankh gasped. He had thought that the Guild Master's physique was unique in the world, but he didn't expect to find another one here.
The other party was the King of the Fiore Kingdom. Ankh had no information about him, so he didn't show any disrespect. He bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, hello, I am Ankh Ankhseram of Fairy Tail."
"These two are Erza and Mirajane, also S-Class Mages of our Guild."