"Okay, I don't like bureaucracy," I muttered, taking in the grand entrance of the capital. Towering archways of polished marble stretched toward the sky, each adorned with intricate carvings of heroes and legends. Colorful banners fluttered gently in the breeze, and fountains cascaded crystal-clear water into ornate basins surrounded by lush, fragrant gardens.

In fact, the capital is different from the outside because of the presence of an external magical barrier to protect it, distorting the flow of reality around it, or thats what old althus told me anyway.

But all this beauty didn't matter when you were in this crowded hell of commoners and merchants.

Joining the end of the absurdly long line, I sighed.

Wonderful, I've always wanted to experience what it's like to be a tree—standing in one spot for ages. This line makes the wait for the Winds of Winter book seem speedy. If Dante had known about this, he would've added a tenth circle to his Inferno.

Sigh.

Well... while bureaucracy is a terrible, horrifying demon, it’s a necessary evil. Without it, the world would fall into chaos. Of course, as a civilized person of the 21st century, I must abide by it. It’s not actually that bad—I mean, if I don’t commit to bureaucracy, who will? These medieval barbarians? Please. Someone's gotta uphold the system.

The guard at the front screams, "We have a counting error. All of you go back to the front of the line to recheck."

"...Fuck it. I tried."

I strolled straight to the front. The guards immediately fixed me with icy glares.

"Go back to your line, common—"

Before Captain Authority could finish, I casually pulled out my noble sign. "I'm Nathaniel Blackwood, third in line to House Blackwood. I'm here to attend Her Royal Highness's birthday."

The guard froze, eyes widening as he took in the emblem.

Although he wasn't as terrified as Leonard or the merchants had been, guess dealing with nobles daily in the capital toughens you up.

Still, his attitude did a complete 180 faster than a politician's campaign promises.

He gave a slight bow. "Forgive me, my lord. I hadn't noticed."

"No problem," I replied, keeping my expression neutral.

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"Please follow me this way" the guard said respectfully.

"Okay" I said, stepping forward as he led me past the gates.

As we walked, I couldn't help but think, 'Ah, the sweet smell of preferential treatment. Skipping lines, getting VIP service—all it costs is being born into a family where backstabbing is a competitive sport and Several assassination attempts in a plot by someone you've never met before but... TOTALLY WORTH IT.'

The city unfolded before me, a labyrinth of towering spires and bustling streets.

The guard led me through the gates, keeping a respectful distance but trying to make small talk.

"Milord, dost thou come from far?" he asked, trying his best to sound dignified.

"Aye, from a small corner of the empire, nothing of note," I said, keeping it vague. We dont want to make a small talk about the glorious fall of my house do we?

"Thou art most fortunate to attend Her Royal Highness's celebration. Few nobles from outside the capital get such honors."

I nodded, feigning interest. "Indeed, 'tis a rare privilege."

More like a royal trap with a dress code.

The guard smiled, clearly enjoying his own commentary. "The capital shines brightest this time of year. Many great houses art already gathered. Dost thou intend to stay long?"

"Mayhap," I said that but its most likely, because who knows how long it’ll take for me to fake some political alliances, avoid getting stabbed by a random hot blood.

All while avoiding any plots the other houses are planning against me.

After hesitating for a moment the guard leaned in slightly, as if offering a conspiratorial tip. "If thou dost seek fine wears, might I suggest the merchant district? There art many goods there, even for one of thy station."

"I shall keep it in mind," I said with a polite nod, internally groaning as the gate came into view.

The guard finally gestured grandly, "Welcome to the capital, my lord. May thy stay be as grand as the city itself."

Grand, huh? Well, if dodging backstabbing nobles and trying to find a halfway decent place that doesn’t serve me boiled pigeon, then sure—sounds like a grand time. I smiled, thanked him, Well it's not like I can get mad at him.

Fun fact: commoners don't speak with the same annoying Shakespearean accent as the nobility, so he must have been trying his best to keep up with me.

Honestly, I would prefer it if he spoke in a more natural tone. I'm really tired of all this annoying Shakespearean accent.

I looked up at the gate to see a silver snake-shaped artifact with a red aura swirling around it.

'High blood detector'

The gate passed behind me, and the capital’s vastness opened before me. "Finally." I couldn’t help but think of the detector back there, the thing capable of sniffing out anyone who didn’t have noble blood. Handy, but it also made it impossible for commoners to get through without being noticed, funneling them into the crowded main gates. For us nobles? Quick access. No paperwork. One of the few perks of being born into this mess.

As I stepped through, I caught the eyes of a few knights standing nearby, their armor gleaming with an almost unnatural brightness. They weren’t the least bit impressed by my presence. No shock, no fear. Just cold, indifferent looks.

Ah, the Candle Temple knights.

One of them stepped forward, his armor barely reflecting his worn-out face, though he couldn’t have been more than thirty. His voice was hollow, like he was barely alive.

"Lord Nathaniel Blackwood, 'tis a relief to see thee arrive safely. Thy house informed us that thou wouldst have arrived ten days hence. We grew concerned, but it is good to see thee in health."

His tone was polite, but he might as well have been a corpse talking.

I forced a smile, offering my thanks. "Aye, I had the misfortune of facing a large beast raid. Alas, I was the only one to survive."

Actually, a group of bandits and a fire menace were responsible for the death of my original companions, but let's keep that part to ourselves. We don't want people to know that someone planned to assassinate me, right?

The knight, of course, didn’t flinch. "A great misfortune indeed, my lord. Yet, 'tis the noblest of duties for commoners to lay down their lives in the protection of highbloods."

Right. How comforting for them. I kept the sarcasm inside, maintaining my polite mask. "Thou art most kind to say so, good ser."

Then he bowed slightly, his voice still as lifeless as before. "I’m sure thou wouldst like to rest after such trials, my lord. However, if thou wouldst desire, we could provide thee with one of our trusted knights as escort. Even within the walls of our glorious capital, danger oft lurks for those of noble birth."

Ah, so this is it. They wanted to keep tabs on me. No thanks.

"Thy offer is generous, but I am quite capable of ensuring mine own safety," I replied, as graciously as I could manage.

The knight didn’t push it. "If it be thy wish, my lord. I apologize for delaying thee, especially after so arduous a journey. I shall detain thee no longer."

He stepped aside, and I finally entered the capital.

Then, only when i have crossed the magic barrier the true form of the capital has been revealed to me.