[A Certain Capital Resident POV]
The crowd cheered as the nobles entered the city. Men clad in colourful armour to boast of the houses they served illuminated the main street of the capital.
Thousands of soldiers marched guarding the line of carriages that nobles brought. This season is one of the most important in the Kingdom. To the point that even the common people can feel its presence.
Shops were filled to the brim with customers. The Knights’ barracks are full of vitality as the men prepare for the duel.
If I could summarize this festival, it was a time for nobles to show their wealth and power.
“Beautiful… Kaisels…”
“A masterpiece…”
“The lady of Romwells is beautiful…”
Carriages bearing the Romwell and Kaisel families as well as their aides could be seen moving on the street. The engraving on the carriage showed the elegance and wealth of both houses. Many carriages would have windows made out of wood but theirs was…
“We can see through their windows…”
“It was like the gems worn by nobles and wealthy merchants.”
As the parade went on, most nobles hailing from the west had those beautiful carriages. The colours were more vibrant than the ones from other regions. It was akin to paintings. Each family’s carriages are uniform with one another.
Fewer and fewer knights escorted the nobles, signalling that it was the barons’ family walking. Yet it still exuded vibrance due to bards using their instruments to welcome the nobles.
As the last of the barons passed by the crowd. As the colours and music faded.
A convoy of 10 black carriages lined with wood bearing the insignia of a wooden turtle. The carving looked so beautiful that the sculptures I have seen would not equal it.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
But more ominous is the 50 black knights that rode armoured horses bearing the same colour of armour. A man rode a black horse with his armour lined with wood.
“What?”
Some people laughed. Some questioned why they would even bother attending. After all, even barons were escorted by at least 500 soldiers. It was pathetic to only bring 50. Making more people wonder what noble house the convoy belonged to.
Even when some idiots threw tomatoes at the windows, they did not move. No noble stormed out to punish them. As if… we did not matter. The Knights and convoy kept moving not even gazing their eyes towards us.
But many… stood still… it was as if death had entered the city.
.
.
.
[Luke POV]
“We will head to the castle the rest, head to the house Sir Rowan prepared. Please inform Orwell that we’ve arrived in the capital.”
They bowed as they headed towards the noble district while one aide headed to the shopping district, while I had to go to the castle.
With me are Cynthia and Sir Rogers as well as 5 other knights. Marco went to his family after accompanying me on the parade. But in reality, he’s still a hangover from drinking last night, no scratch that, most of my knights were still experiencing hangovers. That’s why I made all of them cover their head just in case they would puke while the parade went on.
Even I wanted to rest but the nobles were already gathering in the castle to hold court. Thus I had to drag Sir Rogers and the five guards regardless of their feelings. I felt sorry for them.
“Hold, please name yourself.”
“Hi, Sir Klark!”
“Your Highness!”
“Oi, who the hell do you think you are to act like that.”
“Y-you must be…”
“It seems you need to be trained again.”
“Hiiii—”
“Stop scaring them, Sir Rogers. Anyways it’s a pleasure to see you again Klark. Oh, you must be new!” I greeted the knight beside him.
“It’s an honour to be acknowledged by your Highness.”
He allowed us in and we entered the castle. It had not even a year but I felt as if I no longer belonged here.
Well… in a few years, I will no longer be a Prince anyway.
The knights inside escorted me towards the council room.
“Unfortunately, only the Prince may enter.”
“I understand. Wait here Sir Rogers, Cynthia.”
“We shall wait for you, your Highness.”
I nodded.
I entered the room and I saw some court nobles focused their gaze towards me. The factions had already formed as the head of the major houses was seated in front of the factions they led. Around 400 nobles are currently inside the room.
In the center, standing behind the podium, the Prime Minister, arranging some papers. It seems Rowan has been distributing our papers too. I felt proud to see our product reaching the court already.
The Queen Regent sat on an elevated seat in front of the room. There were three other people seated beside her, the first, second, and third princes.
I walked towards the empty 6th seat leaving two seats empty between me and the third prince. I knew in this room. I was alone.