Chapter 28: Imperial Capital · Kaslania
Palo Village wasn’t far from the Imperial Capital. Gladys found a carriage at the local station, and by noon, they had already reached the so-called Imperial Capital · Kaslania.
This city was built by the founding emperor himself and had now stood for over a century. The current royal family was the sixth generation to inherit the throne.
Jumping off the carriage, Erika was stunned by the grandeur of the buildings before her.
She and Gladys entered through the north gate of the city. This city gate was probably ten zhang high, with a round arch engraved with intricate designs. At the gate was also the emblem of the Four-leaf Clover, the national crest of the Aarlan Empire.
There were many guards stationed here, and every person entering or leaving was being checked. All the guards were clad in armor, standing firm at the gate.
There were quite a few outsiders in the capital, so inspections mainly targeted contraband items. Gladys easily brought Erika through the checkpoint.
After all, in the eyes of others, they were just a pair of beautiful, ordinary mother and daughter.
“Gladys, I’m hungry.”
As soon as they entered the gate, Erika tugged at the hem of her skirt and began to act spoiled.
She knew it didn’t work to be forceful with Gladys.
But Gladys only raised her eyebrow slightly. “You ate so much last night, and you didn’t even eat the vegetables you promised.”
“Next time for sure.”
Erika’s long lashes fluttered up and down. “Let me try this city’s food first.”
“We’ll eat later.”
Unmoved, Gladys instructed, “Erika, we should find a place to stay first. This time we’ll buy a house instead of staying at a tavern.”
Erika didn’t mind where they stayed, but right now, her mind was filled with thoughts of food.
Because ever since she entered the gate, she noticed that the entire northern district of the capital was full of food stalls, snack shops, and taverns. The lively sounds echoed through the entire street.
As expected of the capital, it was a top-tier city compared to small towns or villages—like comparing a Tier-5 city to a Tier-1.
Just the elaborate decorations along the streets and the variety of stalls and shops were unmatched by any other town.
Not to mention the crowds—it could only be described as a sea of people.
Since it was the afternoon and seemed to be a rest day, many people were out shopping. The northern part of the city was a commercial area, and Erika and Gladys were quickly swallowed by the crowd.
Because there were too many people, Gladys picked Erika up directly. But she was just passing through and wasn’t interested in the commercial street.
In contrast, Erika was practically drooling. Her red eyes were fixed on the mouthwatering street foods, the delicious aromas making her unable to resist.
“Gladys!”
Unable to hold it in, Erika pointed at a nearby barbecue stall, pleading, “I want that meat skewer.”
“I said we’re finding a place to stay first.”
“But I’m starving and out of energy!”
As she said this, Erika began to struggle in her arms.
“Stop it.”
“Just one skewer! I haven’t eaten anything today! I’ll listen to whatever you say next time, I promise!”
“Really?”
“Really!”
Unable to resist Erika, Gladys had no choice but to head toward the barbecue stall.
Business there was booming, but the staff was well-prepared. Seeing customers approach, the vendor grilling the meat wiped his apron and smiled as he greeted them.
“Two lovely ladies, my Ronni meat skewers are a specialty of the capital. I’m sure you were drawn here by the smell. Want some?”
“Yes.”
Gladys nodded.
“How many?”
“Five… no, ten skewers!”
Erika eagerly answered.
Gladys frowned slightly at Erika’s response.
Just as she was about to speak, Erika giggled and said, “Just this once…”
Helplessly shaking her head, Gladys began to pull out money. Ten skewers it was.
The vendor was quick to set out chairs and stools, hoping they’d eat here to attract more customers—a basic business strategy.
Seeing this, Gladys said quietly, “No need. We’ll take them to go.”
“Alright…”
Awkwardly laughing, the vendor put the furniture away and kept chatting while grilling.
“You two must be from out of town?”
“How do you know?”
Bored while waiting for the skewers, Erika got down from Gladys’ arms, hands behind her back, chatting with the vendor.
“Heh, little miss, I’ve been doing business for decades—I can tell.
You two are so pretty, but you’re not dressed like the nobles here in the capital.
I bet this is your first time in the capital. Otherwise, beauties like you would’ve long switched to luxurious local styles.”
“Just by the way we dress?” Erika was intrigued.
“Of course,” the vendor chuckled. “A person’s attire says a lot. Like how I know you came from the direction of Palo Village.”
“You know that too?”
“Haha, because it’s the nearest place to the capital—and hot. Since you’re dressed so lightly, you must’ve come from there.”
Geez, what do you mean ‘so lightly’? This guy’s got no manners.
At this point, Gladys chimed in, “Do you know any decent nearby residences?”
“Of course—the affluent district on Bradley Street! A single mansion there costs hundreds of gold coins.”
“Anywhere… more affordable nearby?”
“Yes, just past this commercial street. There are some nice mansions that are much cheaper.
But… cheap for a reason.”
“What reason?”
“There’s a public execution ground not far from there. People living nearby might sometimes hear screams…”
“Got it. Thanks.”
Gladys nodded and took the grilled Ronni skewers, handing them to Erika.
Erika’s eyes lit up instantly as she took the skewers. She immediately devoured one, completely immersed in the delicious aroma of roasted meat.
“Gladys, you’re not eating?”
“I’m not hungry. You go ahead.”
Shaking her head slightly, Gladys reminded, “Remember what you promised earlier—be obedient from now on.”
“Okay.”
Erika blinked and scarfed down another skewer.
Did I say that?
Doesn’t seem like I did?
“And one more thing, Erika,”
Gladys continued, “We came to the capital mainly for your training at the academy. Don’t use your dragon powers recklessly—and never transform in front of anyone, understand?”
Gladys had mentioned this more than once on the way. Erika didn’t brush it off—she had already remembered it well.
Honestly, she was quite curious about what the capital’s academy was like.
After all, she’d heard that they even taught magic there.
Even though she had a Dragon Core Crystal and possessed the power of the Crimson Lotus Dragon, who could resist the allure of magnificent magic?