5 – The Capital

Cecil looked at the buildings outside through the window of the horse-drawn carriage. "Is this really the capital?"

"People from the village often say that the city does not meet their expectations." Eve also looked out. "Everything is almost the same, minus the calmness."

The buildings resemble those in the village, but they are closer together.

"Yeah." Cecil noticed a higher number of pedestrians compared to her village. "My parents always said that life in the city was more wonderful."

The horse carriage stopped in front of a bookstore. Lance and Cecil departed with a bodyguard while Eve remained in the carriage.

"You guys buy what you need. I have to go to other places." The witch said. "We'll meet at the city center in two hours."

As the carriage continued its journey, Cecil muttered. "Even though she says that, I have no interest here. I don't really enjoy reading."

"Come on." Lance entered the small shop.

"Let me guard outside." The bodyguard, wearing a white and purple Moryet family uniform, leaned his back against the wall.

"Thanks." Cecil replied with a grimace.

If Cecil felt awkward being guarded like that, Lance felt it was normal. In his previous life, he was often followed by bodyguards. He prefers to be escorted by humans without brain implants, rather than robots. They won't be able to get hacked.

"There's so many books." Cecil glanced around at the shelves and stacked books. "Huh, there's a section for blacksmiths, too?"

She walked towards that area while Lance went to the magic section.

This visit was Lance's request. He will use different things to build his new mech. So he felt he had to fill his brain with the necessary knowledge.

"Let's see..." Lance searched a shelf. Having a foundation of magic, he wanted to explore more advanced reading materials. Maybe about magic inscriptions and circles.

While flipping through the books, a girl with medium pink hair stared at him.

Lance looked at the girl and asked. "Excuse me. Do you need any help?"

The girl–wearing a witch outfit complete with a tall hat like Eve–flinched and bowed. "Forgive me! Can I know your name!?"

Lance raised an eyebrow. "Sorry?"

Lance was even more confused as the girl straightened up. The sparkle in her eyes hinted at her fascination with Lance.

"Ah, I should introduce myself first!" She bowed a second time. "My name is Jane Rufford, a final year student at Mythra magic academy! I… Eh, why did I mention the name of my school?"

Lance only knew that Eve also studied at that school. "Okay…."

"Hey, I found some interesting books, Lance." Cecil came to his friend carrying several books in his arms. She showed Lance one of them. "This is about how to make various types of screws…."

The blonde woman stared at Jane Rufford, who was still bowed. "You know her, Lance?"

 "No, I just met her today."

"I'm sorry I interrupted your date!" After saying that, Jane Rufford ran away as fast as she could. She tripped over a pile of books and almost knocked it over. After fixing it, she continued running.

"What the hell happened?" Lance had a guess, but wasn't sure.

"Ah, Lance has captured the heart of a city girl." Cecil chuckled. "Come on, tell her something."

"What for?" Lance opened one of the books again. "We have things to do, anyway."

***

After buying books and some blacksmith necessities that were not available in the village, Lance and Cecil sat on one long chair in the city center. Eve hasn't arrived even though it's been over two hours.

Compared to the rest of the city, it was probably the most different from the village. You could find statues of royal leaders in multiple locations. Then, a statue of a female warrior raising her sword is in the middle. She is Anna Celeste, a woman who founded the Celestenia Kingdom.

With a gulp, Cecil looked at the white ice cream in her hand, then licked it. Her eyes widened. "It's even better than my mom told me about!"

Lance chuckled at Cecil's expression. To the young man, that ice cream is nothing out of the ordinary. There is only sweetness and milk taste. In his previous life, he could find various refreshing flavors.

While he was eating his ice cream, Lance heard neat, rhythmic footsteps.

"The soldiers?" Cecil found a group of people wearing red and gold clothes marching from a distance.

"Yeah, I guess so." Lance noticed the military metal helmets they were wearing. They also carried swords on their waists or crossbows on their backs.

Seeing the residents watching the small parade instead of running, Lance stayed. Apparently, something like this is normal.

"Some of them are elves." Cecil hissed.

"I think they are refugees from Virnerios Kingdom." Lance guessed. "They were forced to become soldiers so that their families could live in this country legally."

"That explains the high demand for agricultural and livestock equipment nationwide. The governments gave farming and livestock jobs to the families of the elves who became soldiers."

The Zashrend Kingdom in the North invaded Virnerios, which was mostly filled with elves. So some elves fled to Celestenia for protection.

Lance enjoyed his ice cream again. He sympathized with the refugees, but it was not his business.

At least for now.

The soldiers stopped in front of the statue of Anna Celeste and pressed their palms to their left chests. It signifies respect.

Lance questioned the reason behind the mini parade. Does it to grew their patriotism? Are they marching to tell people that there are soldiers safeguarding the kingdom?