Scarlett had seen countless cities throughout her life.
As the granddaughter of the Leon Emperor, she had accompanied military expeditions, diplomatic delegations, and inspection tours across nearly every major province of the empire. Magnificent capitals, prosperous ports, and ancient fortresses no longer surprised her.
Yet… as the manticore descended from the clouds, she found herself unconsciously leaning forward.
Below them stretched the Imperial City of the Phoenix Empire.
For several long moments, she simply looked.
Then she quietly spoke.
"It is… much livelier than I imagined."
Kiara, who was guiding the manticore, smiled faintly.
"Our Imperial City?"
Scarlett nodded.
"The population." Her crimson eyes continued sweeping across the endless sea of buildings below. "It feels… much larger than ours."
The difference became obvious from above.
