Chapter 18
The king was shocked for sure. Who wouldn't when an army is outside your capital not mention the incident a month or two back is still fresh in the king's mind.
"Tsar Vladimir, why did you bring your army if you are just visiting. There is no need" King Roland says and Vladimir replies after looking back at his soldiers then at the king.
"King Roland, you are mistaken. This isn't my army. These are my personal guards. Can never be too safe when visiting new lands,"
Vladimir doesn't know it but he started a trend for future Tsar and there will be a saying "If I don't bring 'personal guards' to my neighbors capital, can I be a Tsar/Tsarina" There will even be a talk about a Tsar that brought two million 'personal guards' to visit his neighbor.
The nobles around the king couldn't say anything can only look at the shameless Tsar 'if this is your personal guards then how big is your army?'
"Well, come to the capital Tsar Vladimir but can you only bring some of your guards since the rest can't fit". Vladimir nods and brings only 500 of his royal guards. They told the generals to have the soldier's camp and rest, but also keep watch. He also told them they can go into the city but don't bring the rifles and pistols in the city. They can bring a knife, bayonet, and sabers if they think they need protection.
Once in the city, Vladimir looks around while riding next to the king with a few nobles behind and horse guards behind them. The city has two walls and is divided into two. The outer wall surrounds the whole city while the inner wall surrounds the noble and rich area, which includes the king's castle as well.
Vladimir isn't a hypocrite and is going to say it's wrong because if I were these nobles and king, I would believe my life is better than theirs. Even in the modern world, how many rich and high class look back and help the homeless. At most, they will donate to charity just to look good and if they are helping the homeless or lower class, then why is it published and recorded. Isn't? it just to have a public image?.
Anyway, the roads of the outer city are dirt and he can tell when it rains it will get muddy. He continues looking around, looking at the peasants hiding away from the nobles or some begging and even a few kids looking hungry. If it were his people, he would try to help, but since they aren't he doesn't. Some might say he is being cold or selfish, but Vladimir would say "F*ck off. Want me to help everybody where I go and would I get out of it except losing money or food. Gratitude? Can it get me back my money or keep me fed" he scoffs in his head.
Once in the inner city, it is different. The roads are paved with stone and are cleaner. The people look better than the class difference can be seen. While riding King Roland has been watching Vladimir and his reactions to everything. He is happy that Vladimir is checking out his city. Who wouldn't?
Once at the castle, Vladimir just gives some simple compliments to be nice and head on in. Once inside, 5 of his guards are following him. They walk down a corridor while talking about some small stuff. They soon arrived at a garden and it is beautiful. Whether it is the bright flowers of red and blue to the butterflies and birds. He is brought to a table and chair with a woman in her late 30s with long dark hair and brown eyes.
"This is my first wife, Maria," Roland says introducing her. Vlad nods and introduces himself. Roland and Vlad sit with her.
"King Roland, I had brought gifts since I'm visiting. I'll have them be dropped of tomorrow,"
"Thank you, Tsar Vladimir," he says kindly. He is also excited since he doesn't like gifts, especially when you might receive new things.
"I will be having a ball in the 7 days' time and I hope you will be the guest of honor and also you can bring your gifts then?" Roland says inviting Vlad. Vlad nods, but what he doesn't know is that there was no ball planned at all and just wanted to show off the gifts. If Vlad had refused, he wouldn't have kept one.