Upon reaching the main gate, Ryan noticed soldiers standing in formation, dressed in dark blue uniforms adorned with metal belts, carrying spears and carefully observing everyone entering the city.
Upon reaching the soldiers, Anna produced a symbol and showed it to them.
Upon seeing the symbol, the soldiers paid their respects to Anna and allowed her and the Frost Knights to enter.
When they entered the city, Ryan smelled the scent of wood and firewood from the nearby markets, and the scent of spices and food.
Every corner was alive with activity: merchants raised their voices to attract buyers, children ran between carts, and workshops worked nonstop, emitting the creaking of iron and the clanging of hammers.
A feeling of wonder and awe mixed with Ryan's curiosity as he stepped into Terak for the first time, a new world full of both opportunity and danger.
Anna coughed, to get his attention.
"Ahem, ahem."
Ryan didn't turn to look at her, but she spoke anyway.
"So, are you surprised? I told you you'd love it."
Despite his surprise, Ryan didn't show it and said in his usual calm voice,
"It's not a big deal."
Anna smiled.
"You're lying."
Ryan didn't answer her; Anna showed a slight frown.
"Well, it doesn't matter."
She looked at the soldiers, raised her hand, and said:
"We will go to the Silver Crown hotel . If anyone gets lost in this crowd, they should go there."
They began to move through the streets of Terak
The roads were paved with gray stones and teeming with people from all walks of life: merchants pulling their carts, travelers carrying their wares, and vendors shouting to attract customers. But when people saw the Frost Soldiers in their white cloaks and shining armor, they began to step aside out of respect.
The soldiers marched with steady, measured steps, like a single mass moving down the street. Their shoulders were covered in white fur, their swords swayed gently at their waists, while their cloaks billowed in the light breeze.
They had left the horses at a gate due to the city's congestion; the only one not walking was Ceresia, who remained in her carriage, pulled by the horses.
Ryan walked among the frost soldiers, Anna was leading the way, he was scanning the city around him,the towering buildings and the wooden windows
They passed through a large market where the smells of spices, fresh bread, and smoke from blacksmith workshops mingled. As the soldiers passed, the sounds subsided slightly, and many people paused to look at the group.
After walking for a few minutes, a large building of polished white stone came into view, topped with wide windows and wrought-iron balconies. Above the grand entrance hung a metal sign with a gleaming silver crown.
That was the Silver Crown Hotel.
In front of the hotel stood several luxurious carriages and strong horses, indicating that the place welcomed important merchants, officers, and travelers.
Anna paused at the hotel's wide wooden door, while Ryan gazed at the imposing building. Torches hanging beside the entrance cast a faint light, reflecting off the silver crown emblem.
Anna opened the door, and then she and the soldiers entered the hotel with Ryan.
As they entered, a wave of warmth and the scent of burning wood rushed in from the large fireplace inside the hall.
The ballroom of the Silver Crown Hotel was spacious and luxurious. The floor was covered with shiny stone tiles, and on top of it, a long red carpet led towards the reception desk. On the walls hung portraits of old people and silver crowns, while crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting light in every direction.
In the corners sat merchants, travelers, and nobles talking quietly, some eating by the fireplace. But as soon as the soldiers of frost entered, silence fell over the hall.
The conversations suddenly stopped.
All eyes turned towards Ryan and the soldiers surrounding him. Their white armor, covered in ice patterns, gleamed under the chandelier light, and their metal boots echoed faintly across the stone floor.
Behind the reception desk stood an elderly man with a gray beard, wearing a smart coat. He was the manager of the Silver Crown Hotel. He bowed slightly respectfully and said in a quiet voice:
"Welcome to the Silver Crown Hotel… How can I help you?"
Anna took a step forward as the Frost Soldiers stood behind her like a wall of ice. With Ryan by her side , the guests' gazes remained fixed on them, some with curiosity… and some with fear.
Anna spoke in a quiet voice:
"Tell the hotel owner that Anna Froster is looking for him."