CHAPTER 353 - The Grand City of Demacia

The issue with Fiddlesticks had been resolved, and the army's pace slowed significantly. 

Thanks to the introduction by Jarvan IV, the soldiers came to know about Zoe and Morgana's celestial identities. 

Morgana, in particular, was a surprise for many. As the legendary winged protector, few were aware that she had a sister, and even fewer knew she was masked. 

In recent days, her name has been on everyone's lips. 

Before they arrived at Terbisia, Li Lin shared his experiences in Hengfeng Village with Isidor. 

Isidor expressed regret over Ander's misunderstanding and Qin's tragic fate but refrained from commenting further. 

As for the Mageseekers' suspected collaboration with Noxus, Li Lin hadn't even mentioned it to Jarvan IV, let alone Isidor. 

Though Li Lin trusted Qian's account, the Mageseekers were one of Demacia's most powerful organizations, and without solid evidence, it was unwise to stir things up. 

Besides, with Morgana's assistance, the repeal of the Magic Act was all but certain. 

Even if Eldred had ties to the Black Rose, could he truly stand against a celestial host with extraordinary powers? 

Of all the mortals in Demacia, the strongest warrior Li Lin knew of was the revered General Xin Zhao. 

Unless Eldred could summon the Colossus, Galio, there was no way he could confront Morgana. 

But of course, that's just wishful thinking, daydreaming at best. 

After all, Morgana was the winged protector of legend. Despite the slander and defamation she faced in the past, what does that have to do with her now? 

Morgana's name had long been forgotten in the annals of history, along with her title as the winged protector. 

The people of Demacia today had no knowledge of the "villainous" reputation she once bore. 

As long as Jarvan III or the Illuminators could confirm that the winged protectors were indeed sisters, the people of Demacia would welcome Morgana with open arms, and Eldred's slander would fall on deaf ears. 

In every respect, Li Lin and the Lightshield royal family held all the advantages, and Eldred had no chance of winning this game. 

Over the following days, Li Lin accompanied Jarvan IV's army as they sailed down the Silent River, meeting up with other forces in Terbisia before continuing their journey to the Grand City. 

However, upon reaching Yunceng Village, Li Lin requested that Jarvan IV stop the ship so he could visit Cithria. 

When the village chief, Ballant, learned of the prince's arrival, he was utterly shocked, hastily rallying the villagers to prepare a reception. 

But they were just passing through and didn't plan to stay long. 

Politely declining Ballant's hospitality, Li Lin encouraged Cithria to keep training hard to achieve her dream of joining the Dauntless Vanguard before continuing down the river. 

In the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed. 

After a smooth voyage, the group finally returned to the Grand City, the capital of Demacia. 

Demacia was a powerful kingdom, known for its law, justice, and glorious battle history, earning a reputation that preceded it. 

The people of Demacia had long revered justice, honor, and responsibility, taking pride in their traditions with almost fanatic devotion. 

Yet, despite these noble principles, in the past few centuries, Demacia had become increasingly isolated, a symbol of isolationism. 

Their policy of banning official foreign trade was evidence of this. 

Despite these isolationist tendencies, Demacia's technological level remained moderate across Runeterra. 

The Grand City wasn't the "medieval" life Li Lin had imagined. 

Inventions from Piltover, like flush toilets, running water, and showers, were present in the homes of the city's noble families. 

As they approached the city, Li Lin released an invisible drone and used nanomaterials to generate a pair of glasses on his face, allowing him to survey the entire capital. 

The architecture of the royal city was magnificent. Nearly every building was constructed from silver-white marble and petricite. 

Towering petricite walls, several meters high, rose up around the city, adorned with massive statues of the Dauntless Vanguard, reminiscent of "defense towers" in a game, carved into the walls. 

They held shields and spears, gazing eastward as if locked in a standoff with the Immortal Bastion on the other side of Valoran. 

As Li Lin looked into the city, what caught his attention first was Dawn Castle in the center. It spanned a massive area and stood hundreds of meters tall. 

It was surrounded by smaller districts, each representing a powerful noble family. 

From the west side of Dawn Castle lay the grandest plaza in the royal city. 

Whenever a new king ascended the throne or a major announcement was to be made, a special bell that could be heard across the Grand City would ring, drawing thousands of citizens to the plaza. 

To the north of Dawn Castle stood another towering structure, the Temple of the Illuminators. 

To the west, near the Conqueror's Sea Bay, stood a fortress built on a massive reef, connecting the mainland to a small island. This served as the royal city's port. 

As they entered the Grand City through the eastern gates, a ceremonial band was already waiting, playing triumphant music as the people cheered to welcome their beloved prince. 

Jarvan III had long known about his son's return and had ensured the news was well-publicized, building anticipation for this day. 

Good news travels fast, especially when it involves the Lightshield royal family. 

In the hearts of the people, Jarvan IV had not only subdued the border bandits during his journey but had also defeated the Noxian warbands attempting to invade Demacia, capturing their general and numerous prisoners. 

Many young women of eligible age daydreamed about the prince, riding valiantly into battle on horseback, wielding his mighty dragonlance, charging through the enemy ranks. 

They knew nothing of Li Lin's involvement or that Jarvan IV's campaign wouldn't have gone as smoothly without him. 

Of course, Li Lin didn't care about such fleeting fame.

Li Lin, Zoe, Morgana, and Shyvana sat in the middle of the army's carriage.

This was specially arranged by Jarvan IV to avoid the chatter of the crowd.

Zoe blinked her big eyes and peered out from a corner of the curtain, "Wow! What a lively scene!"

"See? I told you the capital isn't as boring as you imagined," Li Lin said with a smile, all while watching the drone footage on his glasses.

Zoe snorted in dissatisfaction, "Hmph~~ I still remember how boring the journey was!"

"I didn't expect the royal city to have developed this much," Morgana sighed, a vague sense of melancholy rising in her heart.

If only she could be with Kayle…

"When was the last time you left the capital?" Shyvana asked Morgana, curiosity in her eyes.

"I can't remember, maybe hundreds of years, maybe thousands. Ever since the Rune Wars, I came here with my father."

"To be honest, I'm kind of nervous about this audience with the king…" Shyvana patted her chest, her face filled with unease.

"Are you worried that the king won't recognize your magic?" Li Lin shook his head and chuckled, "You don't need to worry, isn't the prince vouching for you?"

"That's true, and I trust the prince, but…"

Shyvana pursed her lips, looking like a nervous girlfriend meeting her boyfriend's parents for the first time.

"Don't be nervous. Didn't you help the prince crush the enemy forces? Whether for the kingdom or personal reasons, the king won't mistreat you," Morgana reassured.

Shyvana nodded, "Mm… thank you."

As they chatted, the coachman lifted the curtain and said, "My lords, we are about to arrive at Dawn Castle."

(End of Chapter)

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