As the carriage slowly entered the official road leading to Marlen Imperial City, the number of pedestrians gradually increased.
Along the way, Kenley witnessed a variety of scenes—peasants in rough linen garments walking along the roadside with their children, devout believers in ascetic robes bowing toward the Grand Cathedral of Light as they traveled, merchants in extravagant caravans showcasing their wealth, knights clad in gleaming armor atop majestic steeds, and half-elven archers draped in flowing green cloaks, their feathered hats swaying in the breeze. The diversity of travelers was endless.
From the outside, the imperial city displayed an architectural style that was grand and imposing. Towering spires rose from the city's center, spreading outward in a descending gradient. The massive city gates were adorned with intricately carved buttresses, and the deeply recessed ribbed arches along the walls were a masterpiece of symmetrical artistry.
The imperial guards rarely questioned merchants, travelers, or adventurers passing through. This lenient policy was a reflection of the Kain Empire's unwavering confidence in its own strength. Throughout the road, patrol cavalry could be seen in perfect formation, their armor polished, their steeds powerful, and their eyes filled with unwavering faith as they rode through the streets with an air of dominance.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop. The carriage pressed onward.
Passing beneath the grand arched gate steeped in history, the first sight that met their eyes was the smooth, gray-white flint-paved road—spotless, expansive, and meticulously maintained. The streets were bustling with activity—warriors, knights, nobles, merchants, dwarves, beastmen, monks, half-elves, and even the occasional enigmatic mage in flowing robes.
The distinctive southern Kain-style red-brick buildings lined the streets, forming a path that led straight to the Grand Cathedral of Light. There were no obstacles or unnecessary structures blocking the way—an architectural hallmark of the Kain Empire, where every city was constructed with a central avenue leading directly to the cathedral upon entry.
The carriage continued forward.
Kenley maneuvered it along the eastern Light Avenue for a short distance before making a turn, guiding it slowly toward the left. This was the commercial district of the imperial city—a place Kenley knew all too well.
At the street corner, a flower shop stood adjacent to a quaint café. Following the road inward, one would soon encounter a distinctive guild—the Adventurers' Guild. Next to it stood the Saint's Echo Inn, a favorite haunt of players, where they could rest and restore their energy or log out (as in the game, a player's body would enter a sleep state upon logging out).
To the south of the Adventurers' Guild lay the blacksmith's shop, the armor store, and a lively tavern. To the north were the tailor's shop, the Magic Association, and an astrology parlor. To the west stood the Elven Lodge—an establishment that only allowed elves and half-elven players to enter—along with an archery store. Meanwhile, Kenley's entry point was from the east, home to two particularly special establishments: the Arcane Library and the Duke's Bistro.
This district held a wealth of memories for Kenley. In the game, once players reached level 20 and progressed through the main storyline, they would arrive in the imperial city, where they would spend a significant portion of their time. Whether it was completing quests, socializing with fellow players, or forming parties for expeditions, this area served as the heart of the game—undoubtedly the most valuable zone in the world.
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For Tia, this was her first time setting foot in Marlen Imperial City. She had once been a princess of a distant kingdom along the eastern coast, dreaming of one day visiting the capital of the Kain Empire. However, the series of events that followed had forever changed her fate. Now, she had finally reached the empire's grand capital—but as a vampire.
Marlun Imperial City · Commercial District Streets
Tia curiously looked around, her gaze flitting left and right. She was captivated by the artistic architecture and deeply admired the city's broad-minded and inclusive atmosphere. Everything here felt fresh and new to her.
Before arriving, she had been worried that she would be bought by some depraved noble and turned into a mere plaything. Yet, fate had taken an unexpected turn. Thanks to her master, she was now able to experience this world again, even if only as a half-free person.
She stole a glance at Kenley, who was focused on driving the carriage. For some reason, she felt a slight fondness toward him. To be honest, she still remained wary of him. After all, she knew nothing about him—not his nature, nor his true intentions.
Although the Holy Servant Contract had indeed altered her perception of Kenley, her past experiences reminded her not to judge a person based on appearances alone. People had many facets, and while Kenley treated her well now, who knew what the future held?
The carriage slowly approached the entrance of the Adventurers' Guild. However, instead of stopping, Kenley pulled the reins and redirected the carriage elsewhere.
Tia was surprised. Just moments ago, she had thought he would stop at the guild, yet he had chosen to turn instead.
"Master, where are we going?" she couldn't help but ask.
Kenley smiled slightly. "Do you remember the promise I made to you?"
"Promise?"
"Mhm. Don't be impatient—you'll find out soon enough," he said, offering no further explanation as he continued guiding the carriage forward.
Tia grew increasingly curious. On the continent of Aude, it was common for villagers visiting the city for the first time to be wide-eyed, marveling at everything around them. Even if Kenley was a local, he was unusually calm and composed. This only deepened her suspicions about his true identity.
From the moment they entered the imperial city, Tia had been quietly observing him. She noticed that he showed neither excitement nor curiosity toward his surroundings. He didn't glance around, nor did he engage in idle chatter with others. His movements were purposeful, his control over the carriage smooth and practiced—like someone entirely familiar with the city.
For someone who appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen—an age where one had just recently undergone the coming-of-age ceremony—how could a simple farmer boy be so well-acquainted with the imperial city? Moreover, he had effortlessly navigated them into such a bustling district, weaving through the streets without hesitation, as if he had lived here all his life.
Could he have been born in the imperial city? That was the only explanation Tia could come up with.
Kenley gave the reins a slight tug, skillfully bringing the horse to a stop. Tia turned her head and saw that they had arrived in front of a tailor shop. She suddenly realized something, and warmth spread through her heart—her master had truly kept his promise.
"I told you I'd get you a beautiful new outfit," Kenley said, tilting his head slightly with a gentle smile.
Then, he stepped down from the carriage, extending a hand in an elegant gesture to assist her in alighting.
Though his movement was not entirely refined, it exuded a natural gentlemanly charm. Tia was taken aback—how could she, a mere servant, allow her master to personally help her down from the carriage? That was far too improper.
Kenley might not be aware of the etiquette breach, but as a servant, she certainly was.
"Master, this is something I should be doing for you..." she said hesitantly.