Chapter 11: Beyond the Palace walls

The day had finally come when King Max decided it was time for Aiden to see the capital city of Paradis. Though Aiden had spent much of his young life within the walls of the grand palace, his curiosity about the kingdom had grown immensely over the years.

He had heard stories from Seraphina and his parents, but nothing compared to the thought of finally experiencing it for himself. 

That morning, the air in the palace was buzzing with excitement. King Max, with his usual booming enthusiasm, gathered a small squad of royal scouts to act as their personal guards for the day.

Aiden watched with growing anticipation as the scouts, clad in their armour and equipped with high-tech gear, assembled in the grand courtyard.

Max scooped Aiden onto his shoulders, grinning as if this were just another one of their father-son adventures. "You ready, my boy? Today you're going to see what the great nation of Paradis is truly about!"

Aiden nodded, unable to hide his excitement. He had grown up in a kingdom that had always felt like a mix of two worlds. The palace, with its medieval towers and grand halls, spoke of history and legacy.

But he'd also heard whispers of the modern world outside—electricity, machines, and technology. It was hard to imagine how the two coexisted.

As they departed, the squad of scouts formed a tight formation around them, their armour gleaming in the early morning sunlight. The gates of the palace opened slowly, revealing the capital city that lay just beyond. 

The first thing Aiden noticed was the vastness of it. The capital of Paradis stretched far into the horizon, a mixture of towering stone buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and more modern structures in the distance.

The city was a vibrant blend of the old and new, with medieval architecture seamlessly interwoven with technological advancements.

There were medieval-style blacksmiths and markets, but above them, Aiden saw electric lights and sleek transport vehicles that glided quietly through the streets. 

"This is it, son," King Max said, puffing out his chest. "Our kingdom. The people here are what make it great."

As they walked down the main street, Aiden observed how the people reacted to his father. Men and women greeted Max with smiles and bows, and children waved excitedly. It was clear that King Max wasn't just respected—he was loved.

Max began pointing out significant places, weaving in the kingdom's history as they went. "Over there," Max gestured to an ancient-looking bell tower, "is the Bell of Eldia. It was erected centuries ago by the first rulers of Paradis.

Back then, the kingdom was isolated, feared by the world because of its powers. But that bell was a symbol of peace. Every time it rang, it reminded our people that no matter what the outside world thought of us, we were united."

Aiden stared up at the towering structure. It looked ancient, yet somehow it fit in perfectly with the more modern buildings around it.

It was as if the kingdom had taken the best of both worlds and blended them together.

They continued walking, Max explaining the significance of different landmarks. They passed the grand colosseum, where tournaments were still held in honour of the old ways, and the bustling markets where vendors sold everything from fresh produce to advanced gadgets. Aiden even saw a stall selling hoverboards next to one selling hand-forged swords.

At one point, they passed a statue of a man with a determined expression carved into stone. Aiden glanced up at it, intrigued. Max noticed his son's interest.

"That," Max said, "is Eren Yeager. He was once a hero and, some say, a villain. It was his actions that shaped the modern world we live in today. The rumbling he started nearly wiped out humanity, but in the end, he paved the way for Paradis to rise as the most powerful nation in the world."

Aiden stared at the statue, his thoughts drifting to the history lessons he had with his father. Eren Yeager had once been the Founding Titan, just like Max was now. It was strange to think that a single man had the power to almost destroy the world, yet also save his people.

They made their way to the heart of the capital, where the bustling sounds of the market filled the air. Max greeted the people with his usual larger-than-life presence, stopping to shake hands and chat with the townsfolk.

Aiden watched as his father effortlessly shifted between the role of king and friend to his subjects.

At one stall, an elderly woman selling fruit waved them over. "Your Majesty! Prince Aiden! Come, try these! Fresh from the orchards!"

Max grinned and plucked an apple from the pile. He handed it to Aiden, who took a bite. It was sweet and crisp, the best apple he'd ever tasted.

"Delicious, isn't it?" Max laughed. "Nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit from Paradis."

As they moved on, Max paused in front of a large fountain in the town square. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and children splashed and played around its edges.

"This," Max said, his voice softer now, "was where your mother and I had our first real date. We snuck out of the palace one evening and ended up here, just like the children you see now."

Aiden looked up at his father, surprised to hear such a personal story. Max was always so proud and kingly, but in that moment, Aiden saw another side of him—a man who cherished his family deeply.

They continued their journey through the capital, visiting ancient libraries, technologically advanced factories, and the massive gates that marked the entrance to the kingdom. At every stop, Max shared stories, his booming laughter filling the air as he recounted old tales of the royal family and their connection to the people.

As the sun began to set, they arrived at the outskirts of the city, where the modern world was more visible. Skyscrapers stood tall in the distance, and the hum of machines and advanced technology filled the air. Max noticed Aiden's wide-eyed look.

"We live in a unique time, Aiden," Max said, resting a hand on his son's shoulder. "The kingdom you see before you has been shaped by centuries of tradition, but also by the advances of the modern world. Our ancestors ruled with swords and shields, but today, we have technology that can change the world. Paradis is a bridge between two eras."

Aiden looked up at his father, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "Do you think I'll be able to lead like you one day?"

Max smiled down at him. "You're my son, Aiden. Of course, you will. You've got the heart of a king. But remember, being a ruler isn't just about power. It's about love for your people, your family, and your history."

As they made their way back to the palace, Aiden felt a deeper connection to the kingdom he was destined to one day lead. Paradis was more than just a kingdom—it was a testament to the strength of its people, both past and present.

And as Aiden looked out over the capital, he knew that one day, he too would have the responsibility of leading these people, just as his father did.

But for now, he was content to learn, explore, and grow under the watchful eye of King Max.