The Imperial Capital. The nicest, largest, and most developed city within the Empire, it featured magical technology that one could not ever hope to see outside of it. This included the famous streetlights that dotted its roads. They would absorb sunlight during the day, but only once it stopped absorbing sunlight would it start emitting it, helping to illuminate the city. Of course, that meant in the winter, when days were shorter and nights were longer, they would often go dark before the next sunrise, but it would usually last for a good deal into the night. And while they lit up the streets, they were not blaring and so people were not typically affected by their light.
However, while not that strong, as it was sunlight, it would also help ward off most Vampires as well.
The streets were all cobblestone, so it wasn't exactly a smooth ride for a carriage, although it seemed they had flattened it as best as they could. As such, they were able to ride into the Imperial Capital without too much discomfort. Besides, their carriage had a system that helped decreased the amount of bumpiness it had, probably similar to what cars had maybe. And this one, being a Duke's Carriage, had another Magic Tool that helped decrease it further.
Still, their journey hadn't been entirely peaceful.
"...to think there were bandits who would attack a Duke's carriage so close to the capital".
"Not only that, but in such large numbers".
"Its a shame we couldn't go out and fight!"
"Now now Esre, the knights need the chance to do their duty".
Rowyn, Theo, Esre, and Runo all let out their remarks. Zuuki meanwhile pondered some things, and Pasa made sure to go over the checklist. Everyone made sure to make way for them, as they were a Ducal Household. In the Imperial Capital, noble status was quite strong here, although abusing it was also hard here. After all, if a fuss got caused in the capital, everyone would hear about it, and it could turn out quite bad. It had a strong guard force, and since they had to uphold the law of the very same Emperor that lived in the city, bribery often failed outright and even got them arrested.
After all, they could never be sure if an incident was actually just some cover for the enemy nations that tried to infiltrate every day.
Even in the game, Theo's sister was often shackled with restrictions in what she was able to do in the Capital. Trying to harass the protagonists was significantly harder, so her plans bore less fruit and failed more often, with increased risk, whenever the Imperial Capital was the location one was in for the game.
Consequently, when they learned a Yasuri was in their carriage, the guards asked Esre very nicely to please avoid any alleys, bars, basements, unfamiliar nobles, government locations, taverns, and to reframe from engaging in any fights or being drawn into any loud shoutings between citizens.
Esre puffed his cheeks in annoyance, while Rowyn shook his head.
"You forgot to tell him to avoid going out at night in general".
"Oh, right! Thanks for that! And avoid going out at night in general!"
"Hey! Rowyn! Don't take their side!"
That was roughly what occurred. They clearly had previous incidents with Yasuri family members. Theo asked them exactly, but the response was kind of vague.
"...well, they usually settle matters, but...they also cause a lot of headaches. And also, the entire guard force ends up looking bad at the end usually, despite often helping them".
Apparently it was a headache for them in various ways. Either way, they all soon arrived as the Duke Cromwell estate in the Imperial Capital. It was smaller then their estate that was just outside the capital city of their territory, but it was still quite nice. There was plenty of spare bedrooms for everyone, though a good number would probably go unused.
They quickly arrived, and after stowing all of their luggage, Theo hopped over to his father with a puppy dog look.
"...alright, go have fun in the city. Just don't go into any shady areas, and be careful. And remember, these are people of a different region".
"Kaaaaaaaay!"
Unable to fake a noble response with all his excitement, he let out such a response as he gathered the others.
"Lets go!"
"Woo hoo!"
"Lets explore every nook and cranny and find all the interesting spots!"
"Esre, were you not just warned to avoid getting into trouble?"
"I wanna see the grand fountain!"
"Lets see if Sola rickets are still available!"
"Oh yeah he is in town right?"
It was a bit difficult to tell who was saying what, as their voices blended together in a myriad of excited talk as the hit the city. Around tthe city, they saw various Sola posters, clearly celebrating the idol. Even though he was only nine years old, he was famous for his songs and performances.
And of course, he was also a capturable character in the game. In fact, perhaps because of his "boyish charm" or the fact he was basically an idol in the game where everyone already had good looks, he was considered a major fan favorite. He was one of tthe most sought after characters, and possessed unique skills and abilities. His route came up in the first game, and from what little Theo heard in his previous life, he also had quite the plotline in the third game as well.
As such, Theo was wondering if he could make a connection at Summer Hall. He knew Sola attended, although no one was willing to say much on the matter for some reason.
Its possible something happens to him in Summer Hall that results in his questlines in the games. If I recall correctly, his biggest sponsor ended up using him for some terrible deeds, and he ends up suffering rom their dark plots as well. If things don't go well, he ends up transforming into a Demon that can use his voice to control countless people, and turns the academy itself into a sort of dungeon/raid area, except for a single player game with followers. Haaaaah...after one time, I never ever failed Sola's arc ever again.
To call it brutal was an understatement. Furthermore, Theo doesn't just die...he got turned into a Miniboss which you had to defeat and kill in order to reach the main boss. Even if it wasn't the worst ending, the villains end up in a haste using one of the youngest, or as they say it, the "freshest" materials present, for their experiment. Which again, ended up being Theo.
And of course, he was only the youngest and most vulnerable there because his sister makes him attend early.
Theo's best option was probably to try and avoid that, but considering she has a prince backing her, it wasn't something one could just say no to either. She had a variety of reasons, such as the trouble escalating around the Empire, and other factors involved. Every potential excuse sealed off.
Theo considered briefly just running away, but that wasn't really an option either. He didn't know enough about the world, was too young, and also there was no telling what his sister would do if her favorite "toy" was gone. Would she just devote herself fully to her evil plans then? That would result in the calamities possibly succeeding, her taking over the Empire was even a possible conclusion.
And then she would almost certainly have him hunted down by the Imperial Spies and other assets.
Theo had thought long and hard about this issue, and without a doubt, he didn't have many options.
But for now, he decided to enjoy going around the Imperial Capital. If possible, he wanted to find Sola, establish connections, and look into that organization that works behind the shadows of the merchant group that sponsors him. However, finding and meeting Sola, who was essentially an idol, was borderline impossible. No one knew where he was staying.
Well, Zuuki and Paza might, but I cant exactly ask them without exposing I know they are Imperial Spies.
They had risked exposing themselves when they were fighting against the Delzar Archive, AKA The Black Book, however that was partially for their own survival, and also because of the target in front of them. That book was a major threat to the Empire, and even just driving it off with zero casualties or anyone being ensnared by it probably earned them praises and a lot of favor with the higher ups, even if it escaped. That was how dangerous it was considered.
There are probably leagues of Knights searching for it right now, hunting it down with extreme prejudice. No one would miss a chance to take down such a threat when it was weak enough for children, granted very capable children, to be able to drive it off.
However, there was no such blatant threat this time. Which meant, they were not able to risk exposing their capabilities.
As they walked by one alley however, Esre suddenly turned left. Theo and the others looked down the alley, and saw a bit of a surreal sight. It was two tall, armored women, accosting and hounding a young black wolf beastkin boy.
Huh. Usually in these sorts of situations, isn't it the other way around?
While Theo saw that, Esre suddenly stepped between them.
"Don't harass him like that! Don't you have any pride as knights?!"
So they are knights...
"Hmmmf. A boy like you doesn't know your place!"
"Yeah, dont get in our way brat!"
The two knights went to strike him, but Esre already had his Power Gloves on. The former Power Knuckles, now upgraded, actually stood out less as gloves, and as he activated them, he caught one attack while dodging the other, throwing her off balance and making her fall right into her comrade, resulting in both falling to the ground on top of each other.
Esre quickly got the boy out of the alley and into the street. He rushed out a thank you before running off, probably wanting to escape before the knights got up. Esre started to head back in when Theo snapped his fingers. Suddenly, he was lifted on both sides, Rowyn on the left and Zuuki on the right, and carried off forcibly as we also left the scene.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
"H-hey! We gotta teach those knights a lesson! They don't even know how to act like proper knights!"
"Esre, the guards asked very nicely that we avoid trouble. We saved the boy, but we don't have any jurisdiction to punish those two here, so we are leaving".
"Yeah, lets not stir up more trouble".
"We are 100% not getting involved further".
"B-but...it might be a fun fight!"
"No!" the rest of them said in unison.
"Even you Rowyn?! But what about your convictions!"
"You overheard their conversation too, you know very well that dispute wasn't about species".
"...but they still used it as a reason".
"Yeah, but it was just an excuse for an excuse".
"Hmm? I still dont want to get involved, but I need to be kept up to date of matters in the Imperial Capital. What was that dispute about?"
Rowyn sighed.
"They were fueled by greed...and lust. Apparently the boy spotted the pair shaking down businesses, as well as peaking into the boy's baths. Especially younger ones. They didn't want him causing them trouble, so they were extorting him and threatening him all at once".
"Thats...really terrible".
"Which is why we should go beat them up!"
"No, we will have my father report it. Rowyn, Zuuki, you got their faces memorized and maybe even their names right?"
"Yeah".
"I heard them talking to each other as well, so got their names".
Those two were very reliable as always.
----------------------------------------
Eventually, Esre calmed down and they could put him down, and everyone enjoyed their tour of the Capital City. Everywhere they went looked nice, even when they passed the districts where commoners lived and workers worked, it still looked nice. Everything that could be seen from walking down the streets all looked wonderfully built, elegant, very nicely designed and polished.
As a result, Theo was on edge.
So I guess whatever horrible event caused a lot of damage to the Imperial Capital hasn't happened yet. If only I knew what it was, but I dont have the game lore perfectly memorized. Hmm...thinking about it now, wasn't there a large scale undead attack mentioned at one point? That might be it, maybe it happened in the Capital.
Theo remembered clearly from Imperial Capital visits in the game that not everywhere looked this nice. Sure they had not been to the slums yet, or seen all of it, but it was definitely the sign of a large scale battle. Theo was once again regretting not being a bigger lore nerd who looked through all the lore zealously.
Those guys would have a much better advantage then I would right now!
While bemoaning his own disadvantage, they ended up making it to the Southern Market. There were four large marketplaces, with plenty of tourist attractions, inns, parks, and other recreational areas to enjoy. There were many places where one could sit down, enjoy the sunshine, even read a book. A few were even doing just that.
As they reached a giant fountain, the clocktower that was nearby began to chime. Each marketplace had their own clocktower, and it chimed every hour from 6AM to 6PM.
"Alright, lets split up a bit here and start visiting various stores and stalls. After the next ring, we all head back here to this spot, agreed?"
Everyone else nodded, and they ended up splitting up into groups. The twins wanted to check out a variety of shops, while Zuuki and Runo wanted to visit an alchemist and see about getting some good quality healing potions, as well as other more exotic ones and ingredients for them. Esre decided to check out the shops for any new cards, while Theo and Rowyn decided to look into a few bookstores.
Paza was of course not with them currently, as she had matters to attend to regarding the estate and managing the room setup. Or at least, that was her official cover.
"It was only briefly, but I spotted her I think. As expected, she is tailing us".
"It was good of us to leave off the Spirit Sense skill we had learned from our Status that we shared".
Although Theo didn't want to lie, he still was not entirely sure of what Zuuki's and Paza's orders were, nor did he know the exact nature of their allegiances. Not only that, but there was always a risk that something powerful, like a Vampire, might use their powers to extract information from them.
Because of that, Theo had made sure to hide some of their skills when they showed off Statuses.
And surely enough, Paza was indeed following them. Furthermore, there were three other people they had detected following them as well. Likely also Imperial spies.
"I wonder how she cleaned the room that quickly".
"She probably had others do it so she can remain on mission. There was at least two people who nearly slipped past our detection abilities even, they were able to slip in and out of the mansion cleanly, we only noticed them by chance when getting a midnight snack and noticed two shadows suddenly. We were so startled, and then you had to make up that embarrassing cover story".
While conversing telepathically, the two engaged in idle small talk out loud as they looked for a book store. As they turned the street however, something strange happened. All of the presences they had been sensing disappeared out of nowhere, leaving no one left to be found.
Hmm...I wonder if they stepped up their game, or noticed we knew...or perhaps they had to go do something else?
"Rowyn, any change?"
"There seems to be a fight nearby, I can barely make it out. There are also a few more ruffians around here then normal, so lets use this chance to duck our tail".
They headed off down an alley, cutting through a narrow crevice between buildings that only a child could fit through. After that, they both ducked inside a magic tool shop, only to accidentally run into someone.
"Oh, sorry".
"Ah, no problem. I wasn't looking where I was going either".
As Theo heard that voice, he quickly looked to see its owner. He was a bit younger, but there was no mistaking that look or face. Valyr Dezorin, one of the main characters of the game, a potential capture target, and potentially either a great ally or a powerful villain, depending on how you interacted with him.
He was wearing clothes that while fairly nice, were clearly more travel clothes, and designed to hide his noble rank. Suspender shorts, a short sleeve collared shirt, tall socks, study shoes, and a cloak that had the hood up. No matter how you looked at it, he was dressed as an errand boy or some sort of apprentice. Most themselves would probably see him as some fourth or fifth child of low ranked nobility, or a child of a wealthy commoner. Dressed up nice, but made to work. That was the type of outfit he was wearing.
No one would expect him to be the second son of a Marquis family.
Also, Theo couldn't help but think, or rather from her memories, couldn't help but find nine year old Valyr to be utterly adorable and cute, but that was shelved for now.
"Ah, yes. We are here on an errand".
"Ah, sorry. I am also here on an errand..."
"Ha, you say that boy, but you hang around here far more then a simple errandboy should" the shopkeeper mentioned. "Don't mind him, he is just a bit shy. He might as well be my apprentice at this rate, given how much he helps me with research".
"Haha, I just happen to be good at it".
Considering in the game, you start out with the evolved version of a Research Skill, yeah no that's being modest.
Theo decided to look around, figuring this place would give him good cover, but he was surprised to see Valyr in such a place. Especially alone. Rowyn however, couldn't help but stare at the cloak.
"Is that a Shadecloak...no, it looks modified. Increased effect and durability? But the balance...an obscuration spell? Even obscuring what materials are used in it, not justt to prevent it being recognized?"
Rowyn said such a thing, giving them both a shock.
"...to be seen through so easily".
"Well I am an Apprentice Knight, and a Guard Knight. Even if I get sent on errands like tthis, I happen to be known for my detection techniques".
Rowyn talked proudly, being oddly boastful. it wasn't just an act, for some reason Rowyn was in a good mood too.
"Rowyn?"
"I remember this shop, it was where I got my first sword enchanted. Ahh, is that the master's son? We got into so much trouble once, he made us be test subjects for so many weird magic tools as punishment".
"Weird magic tools?"
"He made a bunch of practical stuff to sell, but he also experimented with a bunch of innovative ideas...or just weird ones. Like that one that made us feel like we had to go to the bathroom even if our bladders were empty, or the one that made our hair change colors every hour, or the one that made us swap bodies for an hour".
Certainly, Rowyn wasn't kidding when he said weird.
Rowyn then looked at the shopkeeper, who then saw him back.
"Wait...the way you look...you look like those sketches my father always looked at!"
"Sketches?"
"Yeah, of him and his friend. Maybe you are his son...or perhaps his grandson?"
"Huh...this is new. I actually lost my parents at a young age, so I never knew my family very well. I do remember a lot of the stories they told me though".
"What a shame...but you definitely look like him. By any chance, do you remember a story about a boy and a girl that got bodyswapped?"
"....ah, I do remember that one".
"I thought so! My father was always so cheerful, those stories made him happy even as he passed away. And here I was bemoaning the only decent customer I got in recent years was that boy over there".
"You can call me Vay".
"You can call me Theo".
"My name is Rowyn, like the famous hero".
"Thats one big namesake to live up to!"
Rowyn must have grown up around here...he did meet my great grandfather in the academy after all, so he could have come from anywhere. So he came from the Imperial Capital.
Theo and the others had asked Rowyn about his past when they found the courage too, but they mainly got stories about his academy days, almost nothing before that. Apparently his parents had been murdered by Beastkin hating racists, and because they were nobles and the laws at that time, they got off scott free. He is also pretty sure those same murderers were likely behind the cursed poison as well.
"So that means we can see the good stock right?"
The shopkeeper nodded. Apparently, this was just were he sold the lesser products, to avoid troublesome nobles who might try to buy out the good stuff or recruit him if they knew his true capabilities. Apparently, in the back, only certain trusted customers were allowed in to see the premium stock.
As they entered the back, Vay came with him, apparently intending to browse as well. They entered a back area, and the shopkeeper knocked on the wood. Suddenly, the walls melted away and shelves appeared behind them, with various items that were all quite interesting. Among them, Theo saw the Body Swapping Magic tool, clearly labeled. Rowyn made sure to grab it, as well as picking up some other things as well.
Rowyn then looked at the shopkeeper.
"There is one more story I remember hearing...if you actually have it, that is. I can pay if necessary".
"Nah, it was paid up front. Honestly, id been planning to give it to you the moment I recognized your family resemblence, since the order is rightfully inherited by you anyways".
At that point, he opened up another secret compartment in the floor this time, raising it up high and revealing more shelves.
Apparently, even the secret shelves in the back were only the moderately good stuff, anything really special or on order was put here. Among them was a sword, with several empty notches, as well as a crystal. The sword had the image of a cat on the side, and it looked like its tail bent around the handle. The blade looked large, larger then Rowyn, but when he picked it up it adjusted its own size. There was also a bracelet next to it, as well as a pocket watch.
"This is really good quality".
"My father, and even my grandfather, used their last breaths determined to make it, when they realized they were not long for the world. They said they had to finish it, no matter what. Said it was for saving tthe life of their best friend".
Rowyn smiled a bit, unable to contain the warmth of what he felt.
"..that sounds exactly like them" he muttered softly, as he put the sword back in the sheath and equipped it.
It was a bittersweet moment, as Rowyn accepted a gift from a dear friend who had long since passed away.
"You know, you gotta make sure you show your face here. I am sure my mother would love to meet you as well, she might be getting up there in years but she is as sharp as they come, and I bet she would love to see a descendent of those she grew up with".
"Thanks..."
After that, they managed to ask for a few other things as well, before they left the story.
"You okay Rowyn?"
"...yeah. If I am right, then most likely that woman is...probably Annabell. Thats going to be an interesting conversation for sure".
"Interesting?"
"Yeah. Because she really is sharp, and she will see through any excuse we make. She will figure out in an instant who I am, and what I have become".
"...by the way, I was wondering this, but do they have some sort of extended lifespan or something?"
Theo was pretty sure that even withh a massive generation gap, Rowyn knowing that man's parents would be a bit off on the math.
"Ah, yeah. The parents were both Half-Elves after all, double the human lifespan. That guy probably has it too, he might look 30 but he is probably at least 50, maybe 60 years old".
"Ah...still, I didn't expect to meet Valyr there".
"Considering that cloak he has, I think he might be sneaking out a lot, especially at night, and is up to something".
Theo summoned a lesser spirit, and told it to covertly monitor Valyr as much as it could. The two decided to duck around a corner again, and find a book store and buy some books before their tails found them again. They went down a back alley, and then a side alley, and then down another back alley, to the point they couldn't see the street anymore, when Theo realized they might be lost.
"Wait right here. I will get a bird's eye view".
Rowyn said that as he jumped up, using footholds, window ledges, and balconies, as well as his full abilities, to jump up and up and reach the top. As he did, suddenly Theo heard a cry for help. It was close by and getting closer, so Theo turned the corner to see a blonde haired boy about two years older then him. He was being chased by a few men in dark cloaks, whose faces seemed to be obscured by the cloaks so he couldn't see anything beyond generic badguy faces that his imagination had plastered on them.
The boy had a cloak on too, but as he was running right at Theo the hood was down and he saw the face. It was the face of an outragously cute and possibly beautiful boy, whose face would be easy to recognize.
It was the idol, Sola.