The sun was setting behind the hills as we finally approached Danustica. Its towering sandstone walls reflected the orange hues of the fading daylight, a stark reminder of the Southern Empire's wealth and resilience. The air smelled of civilization—baked clay, roasting meat. It was the kind of bustling city that both invited and overwhelmed newcomers, with traders shouting over each other to peddle their wares and townsfolk hurrying to finish their daily errands.
Our caravan rolled through the gates with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The past few weeks had been grueling, and the road had tested us at every turn. But we were here, alive, and with the goods Ameer had entrusted us with intact.
The merchant Ameer, his face lighting up with the prospect of business, didn’t waste a moment. “You’ve done well,” he said, clasping my hand firmly. “As promised, your payment awaits. I’ll see to it that it’s delivered by nightfall.”
It was the kind of praise that felt empty after everything we’d endured. Rich’s absence weighed on us like a missing limb, but his sacrifice ensured our success. I simply nodded, thanking Ameer and letting the rest of the group know the contract was complete.
As Ameer disappeared into the throng of merchants and traders, I felt a slight vibration—a faint pulse only I could perceive. It was subtle yet distinct, signaling that the system had something new for me. My heart quickened slightly at the sensation. Excusing myself from the group, I slipped away to find a quiet, secluded corner to examine whatever the system had brought to my attention.
I found a small alcove near the city’s outer wall, shielded from the bustling streets by a crumbling archway. The faint noise of the marketplace buzzed in the background, but here, I was alone. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let the system interface materialize in my mind's eye. The familiar blue screen shimmered into existence, its ethereal glow cutting through the dimming light.
Notification: Renown Level Increased
"Renown: 52/200 (Stage 1)"
A warm sense of accomplishment washed over me as I read the words. This was tangible proof of how far we’d come as a group. From struggling to fend off bandits in the Empire’s outskirts to surviving sea raiders and fulfilling a lucrative contract, Nova was carving its name into the annals of Calradia, one step at a time.
The notification expanded, revealing additional information:
Stage 1 Benefits Unlocked:
* Noble Quests: Your renown has reached a level where nobles may approach you with special tasks and contracts. Completing these quests may bring wealth, influence, and deeper alliances.
* Independent Party Management: You can now assign one of your companions to lead an independent party or Merchant Caravan. You will retain access to monitor their progress, stats, and resources remotely through the system.
The second benefit made me pause. The ability to form an independent party wasn’t something I had anticipated. It opened up possibilities for growth and strategy that I hadn’t considered before. For a moment, my mind raced with ideas.
I mentally selected the "Independent Party Management" feature, and a sub-menu appeared. It listed each of my companions, displaying their stats, combat proficiencies, leadership potential, and loyalty levels. Next to each name, there was an "Assign as Leader" option.
Nathanos, Silvana, and even Abda were listed. My thoughts immediately went to Nathanos. His combat prowess and growing confidence made him a natural candidate to lead a group. But Silvana’s steady hand and tactical mind also made her a strong contender. Abda, on the other hand, had a knack for building camaraderie among recruits, though her impulsiveness sometimes worried me.
The screen also displayed logistics: troop count, supply status, and even morale levels could be tracked in real-time. It was like having an omniscient eye over the operations, a level of control I never thought possible.
As tempting as it was to assign someone immediately, I knew this wasn’t a decision to rush. Leadership wasn’t just about skill—it was about trust, and about choosing someone who could represent Nova’s values when I wasn’t there.
I let out a sigh, leaning against the wall as the blue glow of the screen faded. The prospect of having an independent party was exciting, but it was also a responsibility. Nova was growing, and with growth came challenges.
The mention of "Noble Quests" also lingered in my mind. While the idea of gaining favor with the aristocracy had its appeal, I couldn’t ignore the dangers. Nobles rarely dealt in fair terms, and their games were often deadly. Still, if Nova was to thrive, building alliances with powerful figures might be unavoidable.
In the past, we already had received quests from various Nobles So I had thought about how this Noble Quest would be different from what we have been doing thus far.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
I pushed myself off the wall, brushing the dust from my hands. The system was offering us tools to expand, and it was up to me to use them wisely. For now, I needed to focus on the present—there was still much to do in Danustica, and the group needed me.
As I made my way back to the others, the thought of assigning a companion to lead a party lingered. I’d have to speak with them soon and gauge their readiness. But one thing was clear: Nova was no longer just a mercenary band.
Some members of our group were visibly exhausted. Timothy and Abda stayed back with the wounded, tending to their needs and ensuring they were comfortable at the inn we had secured beforehand. Sora, still recovering from her illness, excused herself early to rest. I could see the weight of the journey still clinging to her, and I didn’t blame her for wanting a moment of solitude.
Others, however, were in high spirits. Leon, always eager to celebrate, approached me with a grin. “Another successful contract, boss. How about we toast to it?”
It was hard to say no to Leon when he was like this—his infectious enthusiasm often lifted the group’s morale. I agreed, and soon, about twenty of us were heading toward a tavern recommended by one of the locals.
The streets leading to the tavern were lively, filled with the hum of evening activity. But as we drew closer, the atmosphere shifted. The usual rowdiness of drunken revelers was absent, replaced by an uneasy quiet. A group of heavily armed guards stood at the entrance, their stoic expressions deterring anyone who might consider causing trouble.
Leon, who had been chatting with a few recruits, stopped in his tracks. His face grew serious as he examined the guards. “That’s… unusual,” he muttered.
“What is it?” I asked, already sensing something was off.
“Look at their uniforms,” he said, pointing subtly. “Imperial Legionaries and Menavlions. These aren’t your regular city guards. They’re elite soldiers, likely from the Southern Empire’s army. Whatever they’re doing here, it’s serious.”
The sight of their polished armor and disciplined stance confirmed Leon’s observation. These were men who had seen battle, not the poorly trained militia often stationed in cities.
As we approached the tavern, one of the guards stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “This establishment is closed to the public for the evening,” he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Closed?” Leon asked, his brow furrowing. “Why? It’s a tavern, not a fortress.”
The guard didn’t answer, but the way his eyes flicked toward the door told us there was more to the story.
We lingered outside, curiosity getting the better of us. A few whispers among the locals nearby provided the missing piece of the puzzle.
“She’s inside,” one murmured to another.
“Who?” I asked, stepping closer to the source of the hushed conversation.
“The Princess,” the man replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “Princess Ira of the Southern Empire.”
The name hit me like a thunderclap. Ira was a figure I’d only heard about in rumors—a woman as notorious as she was revered. The stories painted her as a brilliant strategist and a fearsome warrior, but also as someone who lived her life with a defiance that bordered on recklessness. The fact that she was in a tavern, of all places, only added to her legend.
“She drinks in taverns?” Leon said, his voice a mix of disbelief and admiration.
“Apparently,” I replied, my eyes fixed on the door. “And with her personal guard stationed outside, it’s clear she doesn’t want company.”
We stepped back from the tavern, finding a spot nearby to observe from a safe distance. The presence of Ira had sparked a flurry of whispered speculation among my group.
“Doesn’t this prove the rumors?” one of the recruits asked.
“Which ones?” I asked, turning to him.
“That she’s… different,” he said hesitantly. “A noble who doesn’t care for the usual pomp and ceremony. They say she leads from the front in battle and doesn’t shy away from danger.”
Another recruit chimed in. “And that she has a temper to match her reputation. Some say she’s more feared than her generals.”
The more I listened, the more I realized how polarizing Ira was. To some, she was a hero who defied expectations. To others, she was a wild card, unpredictable and dangerous.
Leon leaned closer to me, his voice low. “What do you think she’s doing here, Augustus? This isn’t exactly a place for royalty.”
“Maybe she’s not like other royals,” I said, though the thought unsettled me. “Whatever her reasons, it’s best we stay out of her way.”
As much as I wanted to meet her—if only to satisfy my own curiosity—I knew better than to push my luck. Princess Ira wasn’t someone to cross paths with lightly, and I had no desire to test the patience of her guards.
“Come on,” I said to the group. “Let’s find another place to drink. This city’s big enough for us to celebrate elsewhere.”
Leon looked disappointed but didn’t argue. As we walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter, however brief, was just the beginning. Princess Ira’s presence in Danustica wasn’t a coincidence, and something told me our paths might cross again.
We eventually found another tavern, one that lacked the intrigue of the first but served its purpose. The drinks flowed, and the group’s spirits lifted as they shared stories and laughter. For a while, the weight of the journey seemed to fade, replaced by the camaraderie that had kept us going through the darkest moments.
But even as I joined in the laughter, my thoughts kept drifting back to the guarded tavern and the woman inside. Princess Ira was a mystery, one I couldn’t ignore. What was she doing in Danustica, and what role might she play in the larger game unfolding across Calradia?
As the night wore on, I resolved to stay vigilant. The Southern Empire was a land of opportunity but also a land of dangers. And if Ira was involved, those dangers might be closer than I realized.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, I allowed myself a brief moment of respite, surrounded by the people who had become my family in this harsh and unforgiving world.