The meeting room felt intimate. A low table sat surrounded by cushions, with maps and documents spread across its surface. The delegates settled into a loose circle, Iori at the head.
"Now that we're settled," Iori began, "let's discuss the Jubilee."
She unrolled a schedule and pointed to the marked dates.
"The Jubilee begins in three days. It runs for a full week and culminates in the Emperor's address on the final day."
"Week-long?" Leo asked.
"Grand celebrations always are," Akane said. "Opening ceremonies, cultural exhibitions, tournaments, diplomatic meetings. There's a lot happening."
Iori continued. "Day one will be opening ceremonies at the Grand Arena. All delegations are expected to attend. There will be cultural exhibitions."
"Days two through four involve various competitions, magical demonstrations, craftsmanship displays, and preliminary combat tournaments. Diplomatic meetings will happen concurrently for those conducting official business."
"Day five marks the beginning of the grand tournament. This is where skilled fighters from all races compete. It runs through days six and seven, with finals on the last day before the Emperor's address."
She looked directly at Leo. "You'll be attending as a First House representative. That means formal attire for ceremonies, appropriate conduct at all events, and representing us well if you choose to participate in any competitions."
Takeshi's voice came flat. "You are really going all out to bring him along. Hopefully our 'representative' doesn't embarrass the House."
Iori's gaze snapped to him. "Takeshi."
Just his name, but the ice in her tone cut deep.
He looked away.
She continued as if he hadn't spoken. "The city is on high alert. There have been rumors of threats, though nothing concrete. Security will be everywhere. So stay in groups when possible. Don't wander into dangerous looking places and if you need anything, the guards and attendants are available."
"For the next two days, you're free to explore, rest, or train as you wish. Familiarize yourselves with the nearby areas, and visit the academy if you're interested." She looked at Leo again. "Try not to get lost."
"I hear you loud and clear, but wouldn't it be weird to see a human as part of the delegates?" Leo asked.
"Oh it will, but you're open to refuse if it's too much for you," Iori replied with a smirk and clear challenge in her voice.
"Just don't be shocked when I start telling people that we are a couple," Leo shot back, playful.
They both chuckled. Takeshi rolled his eyes so hard they nearly fell out. Daichi and Yuki stayed composed while Akane grinned, clearly enjoying the exchange.
The briefing ended shortly after. The group dispersed to their own activities.
Leo returned to his room, thinking.
Three days until the Jubilee. Seven days of events, politics, and competition. After that, the academy would begin and Iori would eventually leave.
But for now, he still had time.
Time to explore, to learn, and to prepare.
He changed into simpler, good-quality clothes, took a small amount of coin, and headed out into the capital alone.
---
The noble quarter felt pristine and stifling at the same time.
Leo walked streets lined with mansions and high walls. Nobles in fine clothes strolled past with servants trailing behind them. Shops displayed items he could never afford: enchanted jewelry, rare ingredients, masterwork weapons.
After twenty minutes, he drifted away from the heavy wealth toward something that felt more real.
The scholar quarter sat right next to the noble district. Tall libraries with big windows lined the streets. Bookshops showed tomes on history and magic. Students in academy robes hurried between buildings, arguing loudly about philosophy and spells.
The air here felt different. Driven by curiosity instead of status.
Leo relaxed almost immediately.
He wandered the streets, pausing to glance at shop displays or listen to students debating on corners. In the distance, he could see the Imperial Academy, a huge campus with towers and training fields.
Too far for today.
He kept walking and soon reached the edge of a market district. Noise and color hit him all at once. Vendors shouted their wares. The smell of grilled meat and spices filled the air.
Leo bought a skewer of seasoned meat from a beastkin vendor and ate as he walked. It tasted excellent, juicy and full of flavor.
The market felt more alive and mixed than anywhere else. Humans, elves at herb stalls, dwarves checking metal goods, beastkin buying and selling. All the races moved together.
Mostly peacefully.
He noticed the same quiet tensions from the carriage ride. Guards watched non-humans more closely. Elves stayed in certain areas. Beastkin moved with extra care.
Leo spent another hour exploring before the sun dipped lower. The capital was simply too big to see in a day. Each district felt like its own world.
He started heading back, cutting through the scholar quarter toward the noble district.
Soon he reached a small plaza with a public garden. A fountain bubbled in the center, water sparkling in the late afternoon light. Benches sat under shady trees.
A few people relaxed there: students reading, an old man feeding birds, a couple talking quietly.
Leo dropped onto an empty bench. His legs ached from all the walking, but his mind buzzed with images of the city.
He watched the fountain, letting his thoughts settle. A small smile crossed his face as he remembered the last fountain he had seen with Iori. That felt like a lifetime ago.
Then someone sat beside him. Close enough that he caught a floral, sweet scent.
Leo turned, surprised.
A young woman met his eyes with an amused smile.
She was beautiful. High elf, with pointed ears and delicate features. Polished black hair fell in a loose braid over one shoulder, shining like silk. Hazel eyes watched him with open curiosity and playfulness.
She was tall, easily six feet, and carried herself with natural grace. Her simple dress flowed over a full figure, accentuating her curves without trying.
Nothing about her screamed wealth, yet her presence felt important.
"You're new to the capital," she said. It was not a question.
"Is it that obvious?" Leo managed.
"You're looking at everything like it's the first time." Her smile widened. "It's charming, actually. Most people here are too jaded to really see anything anymore."
Leo did not know what to say to that.
"Where are you from?" she asked, settling more comfortably like she planned to stay.
"Anywhere the wind takes me," he said. "But currently I'm traveling with... associates."
One elegant eyebrow rose. "Associates? That's wonderfully vague. Are they nobles? Merchants? Criminals?"
Leo smiled slightly. "Diplomats, I suppose."
"Diplomatic escort." She tilted her head, studying him. "Interesting work for someone who looks like a fighter."
"What makes you think I'm a fighter?"
"The way you sit, the scars on your hands, the fact that you scanned the entire plaza for threats before relaxing." She leaned back. "You're aware of your surroundings in a way soldiers are, but you also don't move like someone from the military. So... a fighter."
Leo had to admit she was sharp. She had clearly been watching him.
"What brings someone like you to the capital?" she continued. "Besides escorting diplomats who probably don't need escorting."
"I'll be attending the academy," Leo said. "After the Jubilee."
Her interest sharpened. "Really? What will you study?"
"I'll be focusing on combat and magic. Hopefully learn a few things to help me survive."
"Practical, and two disciplines as well." She nodded approvingly. "I like that. The academy is usually treated like a social club. You sound like you actually want to learn."
"Knowledge is useful."
"It is." She paused. "So... what's your name?"
"Leo."
She tested it softly. "Leo. It suits you."
He waited. She did not offer hers.
"And you are?" he prompted.
"Does it matter?" Her smile turned mischievous. "We're just two people talking in a garden."
"Usually people reciprocate when they get to name sharing."
"'Usually' isn't 'always.'" She stood gracefully. Leo found himself standing too. She was tall, maybe six-two, nearly eye level with him. "I should go. Responsibilities await."
"Wait—" Leo started.
She glanced back. "Yes?"
"How will I find you again?"
Her smile softened. "I have a feeling we'll run into each other, Leo. The capital isn't as big as it seems." She paused. "Especially not when you're looking for someone."
Then she turned and walked away, slipping into the evening crowd.
Leo stood there, stunned.
"Who the hell was that?"