Emerald City

Chapter 22: Emerald City

"Your Highness, the city walls are in view. We should reach the gates in less that 30 mins", Doug said as he came up beside the carriage.

"Finally, its already been so long", Miara said.

When they first set off it was supposed to be a simple training trip, who would have thought that so many would end up dying. Miara could only sigh as she stared out the window.

Aaron who was also in the carriage heard Doug, curious he looked out the window and saw a glistening white wall that stretched so far he couldn't make out how large it was. As he wasn't from this world the site of such magnificent walls made him stop and gawk.

Miara and Ella noticing his astonishment felt a since of pride, This was their city.

"Is this your first time seeing the capital Aaron?", Miara asked.

She had not changed how she interacted with him after he said he couldn't teacher her. She understood that everyone had their own secrets and that she might have overstepped.

"No, this is my first time."

"Sir Heart, since this is your first time in the Capital please allow us to show you around", Ella said suddenly.

"Yes Aaron, first we have to visit my Father and explain what happened but afterwards we can give you a tour.", Miara agreed.

"About this...I'm sorry but I have to find some of my friends who arrived before me, I think something may have happened", Aaron responded after thinking of the letter The Red Bands left him.

"I actually have a question if you don't mind", he asked Miara

"I see, I'll help however I can", she responded

"Do you know of a Baron with a daughter named Veronica?", He asked. If she didn't know he figured he would then ask about Jasmine, considering they share the same Bloodline she was sure to know something.

"Veronica....A Baron's daughter", Miara placed her finger on her chin as she began to think.

"Can you describe her?", she asked after a moment.

"She has fair skin and blue eyes but her most striking feature is her red hair.",Aaron replied.

"Red hair...Well, I know that Baron Morgan has two daughters who share his distinct red hair, perhaps it's one of them. They should be in the Nobles district we can take you there before going to the palace"

Aaron couldn't be sure that this was Veronica but he figured it was a good place to start.

"I'll have to burden you", he replied

"No burden at all", Miara responded with a smile.

They continued to travel and soon arrived before the walls. As Aaron got a good look at the size of the walls he was truly shocked. The walls were easily 120 ft tall! They were made of the same pure white moonstones as Viridian City and glimmered in the light. As he looked at the roads leading to the gates and the gates themselves, he was shocked by the amount of people coming and going.

"To think there would be some many people", he mumbled

"Of course, the Capital has over 680,000 citizens within the walls. It's the pride of the kingdom!", Ella who had heard Aaron suddenly said.

"Oh...that's impressive", Aaron replied. Although he wasn't shocked by the population, as he had come from a city that had easily surpassed a few million people. However, he didn't think that this world which seemed to be in the mid to late middle ages could build a city that could sustain such a large population.

Soon they approached the gates, Doug made his was over and showed the Garrison Miara's Medallion. They guards after seeing it immediately made way and allowed them to pass ahead of the others and pass without issue.

Aaron started out the window and was indeed impressed with the Capital. It was built similar to Viridian City but on a much grander scale. The roads were so wide that 6 carriages could pass side by side and still have space to spare. The buildings were built in the same Georgian architecture but the materials used were clearly of higher quality, the white stone literally glowed as the sun's light feel on it. Emerald leafed trees could be seen all over the city, giving the feeling that the city was simply an extension of the forest. However, what truly surprised Aaron was that towards the center of the city a tree standing at least 300-350 feet could be seen. It had twisted bark golden bark and branches that stretched out in all directions, on these branches lush emerald green leaves could be seen sparkling in the sun. Aaron could feel that this wasn't an ordinary tree, in fact he felt a sense of danger from it.

"What's with that tree?", Aaron turned to Miara and asked.

"That's the Auric Emerald Tree, It's the protector of the Capital. It's located at the center of the city right in the center of the palace and is our family's guardian .", Miara replied while staring strangely at Aaron. She was surprised that Aaron hadn't known of the Auric Tree, it was well known all around the continent as the guardian of the Royal Family of the Emerald Kingdom.

'Just who is he?'

Miara once again found herself wondering, Aaron had always dodged any questions about his origin during their entire trip. He was so young yet so powerful, from his rare abilities and bloodline to his unknown martial skills. None of it added up as she thought of it.

'Wouldn't someone like this be known? Could he be from some secluded Martial family?'

Miara was starting to become more and more interested in Aaron's origins.

They continued on their way until they approached the inner city walls, again after Doug approached the guards and displayed the medallion they were allowed through without issue. The solders all saluting the the simple carriage as it passed.

"This should be far enough, I don't want to cause to much commotion after all", Aaron turned to Miara an said.

"Are you sure? We should be able to take you directly there."

"It's fine, besides you still have things I'm sure you need to do. It's best we go our own ways here."

Miara feeling dejected was about to respond when Aaron suddenly spoke softly to her.

"If it's at all possible, I'd like to see you again after everything is done.", He said while smiling at her.

Miara who was was feeling a bit upset immediately perked up upon hearing him. She had truly become interested in Aaron and wanted to spend more time with him. Hearing him say that he wanted to see her again made her quite happy. She took the medallion she had given to Doug to show the guards an handed it to Aaron.

"Take this, if you find the time you can come to the palace. Show this to the guards and tell them I've invited you on my behalf, they should let you through without issue.", She said without hesitation.

"Your Highness...are you sure?", Ella asked nervously as she had seen Miara hand over her medallion. This was no small thing, to hold on to it was to have the authority of the Royal Family behind you! One could travel unimpeded and could use it impose his will on others. If used inappropriately it could taint the Royals Family's image and prestige.

"It's fine.", Miara simply stated as she smiled at Ella. Aaron most likely didn't know the authority that having that medallion would entail him. However, she felt that even if he did he wouldn't abuse it's power, although this was just her intuition she felt confident.

'How decisive! This is more than I could ask for!', Ella shouted in her heart. Seeing that Miara was already so invested in Aaron made her feel that her plan would truly succeed!

"Thank you, I'll come find you as soon as I can", He smiled after taking the medallion. Just as he was opening the carriage door and was about to step out, he turned to look at Miara.

Miara noticing his gaze wondered if he had more questions for her. She was about to speak when she noticed that Aaron suddenly moved towards her without warning. Before she could react he lightly kissed her on the lips. Ella jumped at the sight, she hadn't expected Aaron to be so daring, This was The Princess! Yet he kissed her without warning.

Miara was so stunned she didn't even move or respond however Aaron soon slowly pulled back and started at Miara.

"I'll come find you for sure Princess", He said while looking into her emerald eyes.

Miara who was blushing from ear to ear, she hadn't expected Aaron to kiss her, on the lips even. This was her first kiss! She was quite for a moment before starting to twirl her hair. Her eyes locked with Aaron's , as she stared at his golden eyes her face became redder. She took a moment than spoke up.

"Call me Miara.", she said

Aaron was surprised by her words but quickly spoke with a bright smile.

"Ah, See you soon, Miara"

"En", Miara replied with a smile and nodded.

Aaron left the cart and went to get Elliot, they both said their goodbyes to the guards and began following the directions that Miara had given him. They walked for a while but had quickly began to notice that they were receiving strange stares.

'Agh~...Not again.", Aaron mumbled. He knew exactly what was happening, the same thing happened every time he went out in public. His appearance was just to shocking to others.

"Elliot, let's use this as an opportunity to practice Soru. Try and keep up!", Aaron suddenly moved, he didn't want to waste any time.

"M-Master wait! ", Elliot suddenly shouted and took off after Aaron. He had begun practicing the 'Six Arts' during their trip and had gotten the basics down. However he was no where as fast as Aaron and could barely keep up. It must be noted that Aaron had reduced his speed to allow Elliot to just see his back.

"What a profound movement skill!", a person suddenly shouted.

The surrounding observers were shocked to see both of them literally vanish before their eyes! The cultivators in the area were even more impressed as they had sensed that between these two young men, one of them was only at the early Body Tempering realm and the other was a mortal with no Qi!

"How can they move so fast?", one asked

"Who knows? Perhaps they have a treasure that masks their Qi?", another responded. There was no way someone with Qi could move at such speeds.

"Forget that, did you see that young man just now! How can anyone be so stunning?!", a young nobles daughter suddenly shouted, her eyes glazed over. She had been mesmerized by Aaron's appearance and couldn't get his image out of her mind.

Baron Morgans Estate – Front Gates

"Tch! Those damn bastards have come to trouble Miss Amber again!", one of the guards said in anger.

"They've been coming for the past few days and now they come with so many disciples and guards. What's the reason if not to intimidate us?", another responded.

"Baron Morgan will never accept their proposal! You know how much he dotes on his daughters, they're just wasting their time!", the first guard responded.

For the past few days The Baron had been constantly visited by those people from the Deep Wave Sect however those sect disciples showed them no respect! The Elder that was with them was even worse, a snake that would smile as he stabbed you in the back.

He was about to continue his rant when he suddenly saw two people appear 10 ft away from the gates. One of them was wearing simple clothes, he had blonde hair and blue eyes and appeared to be struggling to catch his breath, sweat could be seen pouring down his face. The other however stunned the both of them, they had never seen such a person before. He wore luxurious black robes that seemed to cost even more than what the Baron himself wore. On his back, draped over his black robes was a magnificent 'robe' that appeared to made of golden feathers! However what shocked them was not his clothing but his appearance!

'Holy Shit! Is he really human?!', one yelled in his mind. The young man had the most extraordinary features, his hair was black as night, face perfectly proportioned as if it was sculpted ,and most of all his eyes were golden! They literally appeared to shine, how could such a person exist?!

They soon noticed the two young men making their way over to the gates.

"Do you know who that is?", the first guard asked.

"No...I've never seen him before. Do you think he's some Noble?"

"Probably...look at his clothing, it must of cost a fortune"

Just at that moment Aaron had appeared in front of them. Looking at the young man from so close nearly blinded the two. He was far to handsome!

"Excuse me, but is this Baron Morgans Estate?", Aaron asked. He had noticed the two guards gawking but simply ignored it.

"Uh-Yes, but may we ask who this young master is? ", the first guard asked politely assuming Aaron was a noble.

"Aaron Heart, I'm a friend of Veronica's", Aaron replied. He brought up Veronica's name to confirm that this was indeed her residence. Sure enough the guards responded.

"Ah, so it's a friend of the Miss Veronica. May I ask why you have come to visit?", the guard responded with a smile. Hearing that Aaron was Veronica's friend put him at ease but he still couldn't be sure so he had to ask.

"I hear she might be having some problems", he responded

Aaron had no reason to lie so he told the guard the truth, if they didn't let him pass he would just bind them for a moment and make his way in.

"Well yes, however it's Miss Amber who....", the guard was about to speak up but decided to stop. He didn't want to gossip with a complete stranger even if he was a friend of Veronica's as he said he was.

"We'd like to welcome you however, the Lord has explicitly told us that none are allowed to enter the manor as he is currently attending an important meeting."

"Oh, is that so?...No problem", Aaron spoke and started walking forward.

The guards noticed him approaching and were about to speak up when they were surprised to find out that they couldn't move!

"W-What's going on?!"

"What did you do to us?!"

They shouted at the same time. They couldn't understand what was happening at all, they were about to move when they realized that they weren't able to! There was no warning or sign they simply just lost control of their bodies!

"Ah, don't worry I mean no harm. Elliot let's go.", Aaron blandly replied as he made his way in. He didn't wish to waste too much time as he still had things he wanted to do after finding out what had happened.

"By the way where can I find them?", he suddenly turned around as asked the guards

"....."

"....."

"Agh~....why must you make things difficult?", Aaron mumbled and continued to walk. He would simply head towards the main building and go from the there.

'Hehehe, Master might appear nice on the surface but he's actually quite forceful' , Elliot laughed to himself as he followed behind.

The guards could only helplessly stare too afraid to utter a complaint. After Aaron had walked a distance away from them they noticed that they could once again move their bodies, looking at each other they quickly rushed in.

Aaron and Elliot made there way through the residence while getting curious stares from the maids and workers moving around. They made their way over to the main building at the center of the residence however before they could enter they heard sounds of metal clanging from behind them. Turning around they saw over 10 guards approaching them, all of them watching them cautiously. Behind them, the two guards from earlier who had regained their freedom were following.

"I guess I shouldn't have let them go so quickly, oh well. Hehehe, maybe one of them will guide me", Aaron laughed as he watched them approaching. He didn't feel threatened after scanning a few of them and noticing none of them could challenge him.

"Stop! Who are you? How dare you enter this place without permission!?", the guard who appeared to be the captain shouted.

"As I've already told those two behind you, I'm a friend of Veronica's and simply wish to meet her, I mean no harm.", Aaron responded unworried.

"You don't get to make those decisions! Seize them!", the captain ordered decisively. He had been given direct orders to not allow anyone to enter until the Baron was finished meeting with those people from the Deep Wave Sect.

However the captain was confused as he noticed that none of the guards had moved after his order. Turning around he saw a look of horror on their faces, suddenly he had a bad feeling.

"C-Captain! I can't move!"

"Me either! Whats happening?!"

"Garggh!!!", one shouted as he struggled to break free.

The guards were panicking as they realized that they had lost the ability to move. They had no idea how or when they were bound which served to increase the panic they felt in their hearts.

"What have you done to them?!", the captain suddenly shouted at Aaron as he drew his sword and cycled his Qi.

His shouting attracted the attention of all those present who began watching the scene curiously. A few of them had run off somewhere to report what was happening, someone had actually dared to barge into the Baron's Estate!

Inside Baron's Manor

Baron Morgan, Veronica, and Amber could be seen sitting with 10 guards behind them, the anger on their faces unconcealed. Across from them were over 15 people, 10 from the Deep wave sect including the elder and 5 from Duke Henderson's personal guard who were surrounding Aston. On the table in between them one could see a mountain of treasures stacked high, all of them giving off a profound energy.

"Enough! This is the last time I'll say this, I will not approve of this marriage! No matter what gifts or benefits you offer my answer will remain unchanged!", Duke Morgan shouted. He had already lost his temper and was barely able to maintain himself, his Qi had started to leak out as if he would strike at any moment.

"Baron, calm your anger, I truly come in good faith. I've brought so many of my junior brothers and sisters as well as having my guards carry all these gifts to show my and the Sect's sincerity. My father has even given his blessings and hopes that Baron Morgan is a reasonable man who can see past himself.", Aston said with a smile as if the Barons anger was no cause to worry.

"Tch! All of you simply think you can intimidate us! Do you dare use force in the King's City?!", Veronica shouted. She was seeing red, these people had come to bother them for the past few days now, they simply wouldn't accept no for an answer.

"We never dreamed of using force Miss Veronica, this is simply all a misunderstanding all we...", Aston continued but was suddenly interrupted when the door to the room burst open. A young man could been seen with a worried look on his face as he hastily made his way over to the Baron and whispered something in his ear.

"What?! They dare? How audacious!", The Baron who was already at his wits end could no longer maintain his cool and sprang up when he heard someone dared to barge into his residence.

"Baron, has something happened?", Elder Mao suddenly interjected.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Guards!"

"Sir!", the 10 guards behind the Baron responded in unison.

"There are intruders go seize them immediately!"

"Intruders?", Veronica, Amber and the rest in the room were shocked. To think someone would dare to barge into a Nobles Estate!

Elder Mao suddenly smiled

"Baron Morgan please allow my disciples to take care of these intruders. It's the least we can do to show that we truly only wish for the prosperity of the Morgan Family and mean no harm." , he said feigning concern.

However before the Baron could respond the 9 disciples stood up and spoke towards the Baron.

"Worry not Baron Morgan we shall teach these intruders that they can't simply do as they please!", Luke who was among the group shouted and immediately left the room followed by the others not allowing for the Baron to get a word in.

"My apologies Baron Morgan they're all far to eager but they should be capable of handling the situation. We can continue our discussion and wait for the good news.", Elder Mao said while rubbing his beard. He could see that the Baron was angered by their behavior but simply didn't care.

"Fine, let's see just how capable your disciples truly are.", Baron Morgan said sarcastically. However he still ordered 7 of his guards to follow them and observe.

The disciples and guards quickly made their way out of the room and over to the main courtyard where they could hear a commotion. Making there way over they soon caught scene of something unexpected, the Barons guards were all standing in a single file line as they followed behind a young man draped in gold.

It was Aaron.