Chapter 37 Arrival In Rotengen

As Marius and Olin marveled at the bustling port of Rotengen, their initial awe turned into curiosity. The city's transformation from its former state of disrepair to a thriving hub seemed almost too remarkable to be true. With their companions lost and their spirits worn from the perilous journey across the Sea of Shards, they were eager to understand more about the dramatic changes.

They made their way to a lively market square, where the air was filled with the aroma of fresh bread and roasted meats. Vendors shouted out their wares, and the clamor of trade created a vibrant atmosphere. Marius and Olin approached a stall where an elderly merchant was selling finely crafted textiles.

Marius cleared his throat. "Excuse me, good sir. We've just arrived from the east and are trying to get a sense of how things stand here. What's the story behind all this prosperity?"

The elderly merchant looked up, his eyes twinkling with both pride and weariness. "Ah, you must be new. Rotengen has indeed changed quite a bit. Since the fall of the old king, the city has become the new capital of Obelia."

Olin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The capital? How did that happen?"

The merchant chuckled, folding a piece of cloth with practiced ease. "It's a long story. After the old king's downfall and the upheaval that followed, the city was chosen as the new capital due to its strategic location and the efforts of the current ruler, King Martin. He's done wonders here—rebuilding infrastructure, stabilizing the economy, and driving away the chaos that plagued the land."

Marius exchanged a glance with Olin, his mind racing with the implications. King Martin... The rumors were true, but I hadn't realized the full extent of his influence. This city is thriving under his rule.

"King Martin?" Marius asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "We've heard of him, but we didn't know he had such an impact. This city must have undergone a monumental shift."

The merchant nodded, his expression growing serious. "Indeed. It wasn't easy. Buy under King Martin's rule, Rotengen has become a beacon of stability in a fractured kingdom."

Olin, still trying to process the news, thought, This changes everything. If Rotengen is the new capital, it means that any trade agreements or alliances we make here will be crucial for our future endeavors.

"So what's the current situation?" Olin asked aloud. "Is there still a demand for supplies?"

The merchant's eyes brightened. "Oh, certainly. With the city's new role as the capital, there's a steady demand for all sorts of goods—food, materials, and other supplies. The people are adjusting to the changes, and business is booming. You'll find that while the risk might have been high, the rewards are substantial if you can navigate the new landscape."

As they thanked the merchant and continued their exploration, Marius turned to Olin, his thoughts swirling. "This city is more than just a place for trade now. It's the heart of a new Obelia. The opportunities here could be enormous, but so are the risks."

Olin nodded, still absorbing the scale of their discovery. "I agree. It's astounding how quickly things have changed. But we need to be smart about this. We're not the only ones who see the potential here. Others will be looking to take advantage of the situation, and we've seen what happens when we're caught off guard."

Marius grinned wryly, the weight of their journey evident in his eyes. "True. But considering what we've been through, this city's transformation feels like a stroke of luck. We'll need to act swiftly and negotiate wisely. Our survival depends on how well we adapt to this new reality."

As they wandered through the streets, observing the grandeur of the new buildings and the flow of commerce, Marius reflected on their ordeal. The city's prosperity is nothing short of miraculous, but it's also a reminder of how precarious our situation remains. We've survived the worst, and now we must navigate the opportunities and dangers of a city reborn.

Olin's thoughts mirrored his own. Rotengen's rise as the capital changes the entire landscape. If we can establish ourselves here, we could be part of something significant. But first, we need to secure our position and ensure we're not just another face in the crowd.

With renewed determination, Marius and Olin prepared to meet with local officials, keen to carve out their place in the thriving new order of Rotengen. The city's rebirth had set the stage for unprecedented opportunities, and they were ready to seize them.

----

In the grand council chamber of the Kingdom of Asasia, the room was lit by the flickering glow of torches. At the head of the long, dark oak table, King Eamon, a man of stern demeanor and piercing blue eyes, presided over the meeting.

The table was surrounded by his closest advisors:

King Eamon's gaze was sharp as he addressed the council. "We've received troubling news from our scouts. There are whispers that Obelia has a new ruler who wields sorcery."

A ripple of skepticism and curiosity ran through the room. Duke Alaric leaned forward, his voice tinged with doubt. "Sorcery? In this age? Sounds more like a tale spun by idle tongues. What evidence do we have?"

Mistress Selene's eyes narrowed, her voice calm but firm. "There's no hard proof yet, but the rumors are persistent. Such tales might be designed to create confusion or mislead us. Nonetheless, a prudent ruler does not ignore such possibilities."

General Isolde chuckled, her arms crossed. "Sorcery? We've been dealing with Obelia's chaos and lack of resources for years. A sorcerer king seems a bit too convenient as a scapegoat for their problems."

Lord Benedict raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to the map sprawled across the table. "The idea may be implausible, but if there is any truth to it, it could shift the balance of power. Obelia's instability has always been a concern. If their new ruler can alter the dynamics, we must be prepared."

King Eamon nodded, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Indeed. Mistress Selene, what do you suggest?"

Mistress Selene's lips curled into a measured smile. "I propose we send a covert team to Obelia. They can assess the situation and determine the truth behind these rumors. If there's any validity, we'll need to know before it affects us."

General Isolde's gaze was thoughtful. "If it turns out to be nothing but a fanciful tale, we'll have expended resources on a wild goose chase. But if there's even a hint of truth…"

King Eamon's eyes locked onto General Isolde's. "Then we will be prepared. Mistress Selene, you have the green light. Ensure your agents are discreet and thorough. We need accurate intelligence."

Mistress Selene inclined her head, her demeanor as inscrutable as ever. "Consider it done, Your Majesty. We'll uncover the truth, whether it's a sorcerer or simply a well-spun lie."

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere remained charged with tension. The possibility of sorcery in Obelia stirred unease among the council members. Despite their outward dismissiveness, each one harbored private doubts and fears about the implications of such a powerful adversary.

King Eamon watched the council members disperse, his mind racing. If these rumors are true, it could change everything. We cannot afford to be caught unawares.

Mistress Selene immediately set to work, her thoughts focused on the delicate task of deploying her spies. She knew the weight of her responsibility—uncovering the truth behind the whispers could be the key to maintaining Asasia's strategic advantage.

As the council room emptied, King Eamon stood by the window, staring out into the darkened night. Sorcery, indeed. If Obelia truly has a sorcerer king, we must be ready. The realm's fate could hinge on what we discover.