The carriage continued down the Military District, stopping at another large gate. This one had severe protection, with knights on horseback and bulky armored paladins. A few carriages were in front of us, with muscular furred beasts standing on their hind legs unpacking their cargo.

「I think it’s safe to assume we’d need to walk the rest of the way.」 Evonika said, setting her book aside.

I stepped outside the carriage, watching as a few furred beasts began taking luggage from atop the carriage. The carriage rider stepped down, patting the two white horses carrying the caravan. He then stepped beside me, looking around with suspicion.

『Lady Yokalen. We have a conjunction waiting for us in the main hall. They’ll give you instructions and other… important information.』 He whispered in my ear.

He spoke another language, harsh, rugged, with emphasis on the Rs and Ts; Though I could clearly understand him.

「Wait, how are you-」

He put a finger in front of his lips and shook his head. 『It’s better if you speak Inascovian between you and your comrades while stationed here. There are eyes everywhere.』

Okay…? What is that even supposed to mean?

I can sort of understand where he’s coming from, though. If I am here to prevent some war, there may be others that want to start one. Politics relies on diplomacy and information, so giving your enemies an upper hand in either could lead to you playing catch up. Though I still don’t know who these enemies are.

『What? Have you forgotten your homeland’s language in just a matter of days? Surely not.』

I can’t let him doubt me… okay, you got this. Maybe I already know the language, somehow? I can’t think of it like learning a new language, rather beginning to accept an unfamiliar accent. Emphasis on the Rs and Ts, harsh vowels…

『O-of course not! How dare you challenge my lingual skills!』

『I-I’m sorry for doubting you, m’lady. Your luggage will be hauled to your suite. I’ll make sure of it. I believe you must go to the next gate so you can receive your seal.』

I nodded and began walking across the cobblestone to the oval-shaped gate. A purple veil enclosed the metal bars, acting as a barrier of sorts. Before I crossed, one guard stepped in front of me and raised their hand.

「Halt. State your name, country, and reason for visitation.」

「Yokalena Ramazayunov, Inascovia… and reason for visiting is for… the royal banquet?」 I said.

His metal armor clinked as he looked over at his neighboring guard. He raised a blue crystal in his palm, which then glimmered, revealing a white floating parchment.

「Right. Let me see your hand.」 The guard said.

I raised my hand, and he glided his fingers over the top, causing a blue two-crescent symbol to appear.

「This seal allows entry into the Capitol District and the Knight District. Its status will remain until you leave one of the main city gates. After that, you’ll have to get it renewed. Questions?」

「Yes. My sister and maid will join me for the banquet. Will they need a seal as well?」

「For security reasons, we’re unable to approve seals for associates. However, they can still enter and exit districts by going through a barrier along with you.」

I looked back at Agnelov and Evonika and nodded toward my shoulder. They each placed a hand, and I moved through the gate.

The cobblestone turned to a smooth white pavement with flat green grass patches on both sides. From behind, a large stone keep hid us in its shadow; While a wooden training ground tore with the noise of sword strikes and rallying troops to our right. Apart from other buildings with no clear use, the most grandeur was the towering brick castle that looked like it could pierce the heavens itself.

Huge stone blocks were hurled into the castle’s foundation as if it were carved from the earth itself. The main castle gates protected a subset of white-bricked houses climbing over each other, tinged with a whitish gleam as if blessed by a divine force. The houses became more elaborate the more they climbed to the peak, with added bronze bridges, keeps, and guard towers along the sides and sprouting in different directions.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Looking down at it all was the intricate white castle made of metallic-white brick that glowed in the darkness as if mocking the night for attempting to cover up its brilliance. Its walls were lit with shadows of horses dancing in a parry, knights battling monsters, and a king and queen waving to its subjects.

Three white and gold carriages stood near the edge of the road. As we approached them, a young man walked ahead of us and opened one door with a bow.

「Mind if I join you, ladies?」 He asked with a gentle smile.

「I think we mind. Thanks.」 Evonika said and walked past.

I put a hand on her shoulder. 「Now wait, Evonika. We’re in a new place. It wouldn’t hurt to act friendly. I’m sure he’s harmless.」

『You shouldn’t be so trusting, Lady Yokalen of Inascovia.』 Evonika replied, with an Inascovian accent.

What? How the hell did she learn to speak Inascovian? She must’ve heard me speak to that man and figured it out while we were walking. Unless she figured it out beforehand. She’s… surprisingly intelligent.

『Look. I’ve got a job to do here, and that means that I’ve got to maintain and create relationships. Information is power, remember? Trust me, just let me do all the talking.』 I said.

『If you say so. I’ll back your play, for now.』

Evonika walked in front of the young man, looking him up and down with a glare, before sitting down in the carriage. He smiled and lifted his head as I came near.

His black hair had a messy look, with two tufts framing his emerald eyes. An acute jawline and a hint of subtle eyeliner added a touch of femininity to his otherwise strong features. He wore a white suit with black-gem hemming, paired with a well-fitted black shirt. The only thing out of place was the long metal gauntlet device strapped to his left arm, pulsing with green energy.

I sat down in between Evonika and Agnelov. He closed the carriage door, and it began floating in the sky, leaving a glittering white trail.

The young man adjusted his tie with a laugh. 「Apologies, I never introduced myself. My surname is Saurbluff, Aeluin. And you are…?」

「Ramazayunov, Yokalen. A pleasure to meet you.」

「The pleasure is all mine, Lady Yokalen. You’re pretty far from home, aren’t you? I hope you're acclimating to our warmer weather.」

「I can make do with the weather as long as your cuisine is adequate.」

Aeluin laughed with a nod. 「Of course! I’m sure you’ll come to love Phoenian food. We have a specialty dish that’s derived from your country’s Selyodka. I’ll be sure to point it out to you at the dining hall.」

The gates and knights became small gray specks as we continued to climb in the sky. I leaned back and placed my hand on top of my crossed knee with a smile.

「It seems you already knew who I was. I only gave you my name, though you presumed I was from the North.」

Aeluin gripped onto his knee with a smile. 「Yes, yes. You caught me. But could you blame a noble for wanting to speak to Northern royalty? All these warring disputes and treaties have left the capital rather boring with the same faces. It’s nice to see someone new for a change.」

Same faces, huh? It’s safe to assume the other people joining us will be players, given the circumstances. But without that crystal-thing, I can’t tell them apart from NPCs. What else could I use to tell them apart?

「Is everyone joining us this evening of nobility?」 I asked.

「No, only a partial few. A good portion are emissaries, generals, and aristocrats that accompany sovereigns.」

「Is that so? You seem knowledgeable. How can you tell them apart?」

「Ah! Well, that part’s easy! Usually, the highest of nobles adorn long robes or coats called «Caskorn» that symbolize their country and status. Only princes, princesses, and revered knights can wear them. Along with their garb, they’re usually tailored by an entourage of spokesmen who rattle with information in their ear.」

I smiled while looking up at the night sky.

Wow, this guy made it too easy. I barely needed to pry, but he told me everything I needed to know to find out who was who. My conversation skills were unparalleled.

The carriage then raised onto a white-railed platform on the highest peak of the castle. Past the platform was a vibrant ballroom with silvery lights, bolstering laughs, and festive music. Even though we were outside, the sweet and meaty aromas escaped from the inside and wafted in the air.

Aeluin gave me a hand, helping me down from the carriage, and bowed once more.

「This is where we must depart, Lady Yokalen. But do not worry, I’ll come look for you soon for that dessert.」

「Thank you for the company, Sir Aeluin. Until next time.」 I said.

He then disappeared into a large crowd of nobles, cheering on a laughing couple as they danced and sang.

『You’re pretty good at keeping face. Very well played.』 Yokalen said while yawning in her palm.

『It was nothing, really. Now, however, I think is a good time to formulate a plan.』 I said.

Evonika nodded. 『Agreed. I couldn’t even stand being in the same ride as that guy, so I’ll obviously be no good at small talk. Why don’t you deal with the aristocrats and pick up any new information, and I’ll go searching around the castle for more clues? Reign and Vrb’br may even be here.』

『What makes you say that?』

『With Miinareen being a Knight and you being a Noble and having to come here, it’s safe to assume that most of the game’s «Classes» that began on this continent had to venture here for their next tasks.』

That’s a plausible assumption. If they are here, they may have even found a way to log out, too. But did she say continent? She must’ve found a map somewhere, but that can wait for another time.

『Alright. Agnelov, do you mind staying with me?』 I asked.

She stepped beside me and smiled. 「Of course. I’ll try to help in any way I can.」

『Oh, you can understand, but you can’t speak Inascovian… Never mind, I’ll teach it to you as we walk. Good luck-』

I turned to look for Evonika, but she was already gone. When I turned back around, five tall men wearing all-black suits and puffy hats surrounded me.

『Good evening, Lady Yokalen. We’ve been expecting you.』