Chapter 4: Capital City

The large capital city stood tall, grand, and imposing, dominating the landscape as far as the eye could see. The buildings, most made of stone or brick, reveal generations of skilled craftsmanship and artistry and bear the signs of war and prosperity alike.

The city was nestled within towering walls of white stone, rising high above the ground and adorned with ornate carvings and intricate designs. Guard towers pepper the walls, manned by soldiers with spears and shields, keeping watch on the city day and night.

Upon entering the city, one was greeted by a bustling gateway that seemed to always be teeming with people. Farmers bringing in fresh produce, bakers selling their wares, and traders hawking their goods as they bustle through the gate The cloying scent of spices and herbs filled the air, enticing visitors with the promise of exotic flavors.

The city's layout was a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, all leading to the central marketplace that sat at the heart of the city. Even in the busiest of times, an intricate arrangement ensured that traffic was flowing smoothly and people could always find their way.

Here, the markets bustle with life like a hive of bees. Colorful tents and stalls crowd the space, selling everything imaginable. From spices and delicate silk fabrics to handcrafted trinkets and magical artifacts from distant lands, everything could be found here.

As one moved deeper into the city, the architecture became more impressive, with grand cathedrals, towering castles, and regal mansions lining the wide streets. The city's citizens, dressed in fine garments and elegant jewelry, bustle around you, leading their daily lives.

In the center of this grand city stood the royal palace. The imposing building was a symbol of authority, power, and elegance. The palace, surrounded by its own walls and towers, served as the home of the king and the royal family. It was a breathtaking sight to see, with its grand halls, elegant staircases, and intricate decorations.

The streets were filled with the sounds of music and laughter as minstrels and street performers entertained the crowds with their talents. The inns and taverns were packed when the sun went down, with bustling patrons drinking, eating, and swapping stories.

The whole city seemed alive, humming with activity, and it evoked an awe-inspiring and overwhelming feeling of the grandeur, complexity, and beauty that this fantasy medieval capital city exudes.

That is why Mikoto found himself in awe as he looked at everything around him. His jaw might as well have been on the ground as he stared at everything with a mouth agape.

"Come now; there's no need for such a flabbergasted expression, Mikoto." To his side, Fiona spoke with a chuckle she could barely contain.

"Sorry, I just...this is all amazing." He blurted out as he adjusted his hooded cloak. A precaution Fiona bid him to wear so as not to attract unwanted attention.

"Well, the capital city is amazing, I suppose." She murmured absentmindedly. "And you are a outsider, so the views might be overwhelming. But come, there is much to see." She said walking through the streets with Mikoto following closely.

"We're not going to your place?"

"Not immediately, no. Come now, you must be curious as to what Galadriel has to offer, no?" She asked with a smirk.

"I guess...but is it wise to still walk around like this?" He could not help but question while he pulled his hood further down as they passed two conversing people.

"Do not worry. We will savor some of the cuisine and then be on our way." She declared.

"Cuisine?"

"Yes, the food stalls here are simply the best. It would be a shame to not sample some of the food while we have the chance." She clarified. "Aha! Wait here for a moment." Before he could even attempt to protest, she had already run off. So he sighed as he merely leaned his back against a cobblestone wall.

This really was something else, despite living in a vast city like Tokyo. Mikoto could not stop being in awe of this capital city. This city was filled with such diverse people. His crimson eye studied everything; he took in the sights of the people and structures, the shops. Everything.

This was all still so surreal—too surreal. But any doubt and surprise had long since died down, as absurd and impossible as this was. This was reality, and nothing would change that fact, so all he could do was clench his teeth and move forward. He had a clear goal, after all.

"But how long would that take?" He murmured as his eyes absently glazed over the happy faces of the people that walked by. It could be weeks, months, maybe even years. Could he hold out for that long? No, it was not whether he could or not; he had to. Even if it took him a lifetime, he would find a way back to those few people he held dear.

"You have very pretty eyes." A voice snapped him out of his thoughts as he registered the sudden appearance of a girl in front of him. She was short—shorter than even this new body of his. She had neck-length aqua-colored hair with equally brilliant eyes, though there was a dull look about the short girl.

"Thanks..." He merely murmured as he turned his head to the side.

"Are you a girl?" The girl randomly asked with a head tilt. Mikoto found himself sighing.

("Stupid Goddesses blessing, making me look like a chick.") Sure, he was good at magic and pretty strong, but still, did he have to look like a girl?

"I'm male." He quickly clarified as the girl merely stared on.

"Oh, pardon me, I recall that one must introduce themselves in situations such as these." She spoke with a pondering look breaking onto her face, as if she were not familiar with the concept. "I am known as Ruby."

"Ironic..." He muttered lowly as she tilted her head, not understanding what he meant. "Mikoto." He introduced.

"Mikoto." She tested the name on her tongue as a small smile graced her. "I like your name. I find it cute."

"Thanks a bunch." He uttered it with a blank look, yet her small smile persisted. "Forgive me if I sound rude, but was there a purpose in approaching me?"

"Purpose?" She asked with another head tilt. "Ah yes. I found your eyes pretty. And I wanted to tell you." She stated with a dull tone that if he did not know any better, he would think she was joking.

"I see...." He did not quite know how to properly respond to that, so he opted for two easy words.

"But that is all, Mikoto. We shall meet soon." She said it rather ominously as she threw him one last smile and wave before walking off. Her small figure soon disappeared in the crowd of people.

("What a weirdo!")

"And I have returned!" The loud announcement came from Fiona, who all but rushed him while pushing something into his face. "Here is some fine cuisine!"

"Thanks?" He muttered as he took it off of her hands. It seemed to be a crispy-baked potato wrapped in a small wrapper. Taking a small bite out of it, he munched on the contents.

"So? How is it?" She asked as she took a large bite out of her own.

"Pretty good."

"Pretty good? Is that all?" She questioned bemused as she continued devouring her treat.

"Very good," he clarified.

"Well, I think it's delicious." She spoke with a full mouth. Mikoto wanted to say that it was bad manners, but he refrained.

"Aren't you used to eating things that were better than this?" He asked, he assumed as she was the daughter of a duke after all. Meaning she must be pretty rich; by extension, she would have excess of the best kind of food, naturally.

"Hmph! As the daughter of a Duke, I must watch myself and present myself accordingly." She said this as she finished the residuals of the baked potato. "So I rarely get to eat like this; hence, I savor the meal."

"You devoured that in seconds, though."

"The details aren't important." She said it with a slight glare.

"Right..."

"But come, we shall be venturing to my home now. But be warned, my father can be quite dramatic, so prepare yourself." She warned as Mikoto nodded his head absentmindedly.

("A father that's not human scum? How nice...")

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The mansion was a grand and imposing structure, standing tall and proud amidst the lush greenery of its surroundings. Its massive walls were made of gray stone and had intricate carvings along their edges. The roof was made of red clay tiles and was towered by a myriad of chimneys and turrets, adding to its grandeur.

The mansion had multiple stories, with each one seemingly more magnificent than the last. The windows were tall and narrow, with deep recesses that made them look like caverns in the stone walls. Protruding from the walls were decorative balconies and intricately wrought iron gates that hark back to a bygone era.

As they approached entrance to the mansion, they were greeted by a large wooden door that's set in a stone archway and was adorned with ornate carvings of knights, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. The door lead into a large, circular hall, which had a soaring ceiling and was filled with the soft glow of flickering candles.

The walls were lined with suits of armor and weapons, while tapestries depicting scenes of heroic battles and majestic creatures adorned the walls. A grand staircase led up to the upper floors of the mansion, and chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm golden light on everything.

There was a great hall with a huge banquet table, a ballroom with a sprung dance floor, and a library that seemed to stretch on forever. Every corner one turned to revealed a new discovery: secret passageways, hidden rooms with exotic furnishings, and breathtaking views of the surrounding capital.

As Fiona moved through the main entrance with him following suit, he tried not to gape at the grand mansion. He suddenly felt a whole lot poorer than usual. But for such a large mansion, he obviously took note of the lack of servants. He also took note of how the main entrance doors seemed to open automatically.

He shrugged as they stepped into the circular hall with swirling stairs.

"Hm, my father isn't here at the moment." She muttered, and Mikoto could just give her a questioning look on how she even knew that. "He must be away on some manner of business; it matters not, I suppose." Raising her right hand, she snapped her fingers.

In one instance, his vision blurred, blackened, and distorted at the same time as his view of everything suddenly changed. He took note of his new surroundings, a rather spacious room filled with a large king-sized bed with luxurious white covers thrown atop it. An extravagant carpet was draped on the marble floor, and a large white wardrobe was placed against the wall, with golden, intricate patterns flowing on it. A large chandelier hung high, with a single window at the far right of the room displaying the bright sun rays. Mikoto blinked in confusion.

"Was that?....."

"A form of teleportation magic? Yes." She quickly clarified as Mikoto opened his mouth to speak, only for her to immediately cut him off. "Teleportation magic is quite difficult to use, hence the long journey. Though it is easier to use here as this is my domain, so to speak, my very blood is tied to this place. But more on that later."

Mikoto was, of course, still quite curious about all of that, but he refrained from asking any more questions.

"This will be your room for the time being." She continued as she noted his silence. "I am not sure when my father will return, but rest assured, he would be happy to have a guest. With no servants in the house, the old fool gets lonely fairly quickly." She said it with a chuckle.

"I see. So when will training begin again?" He asked.

"It's not training so much as me merely giving you the details on certain magic. As a spawn of Octavia, you possess more magical talent than me and everyone else." She explained. "But that is neither here nor there. Make yourself comfortable; I shall return soon."

Mikoto watched as a large blue glyph formed under her feet while a bright blue light enveloped her, and in the next instance, she blinked out of existence.

"Teleportation magic, huh? I wonder...."

"Could that be what I need?"