A massive wall in circular shape almost pierced the sky with its height.

From the gates, traffic of sundry carriage lined up perfectly as the guards tightly inspected them.

The city was built in the middle of a snowy field with nothing but rocks and dirt. A group of three people watched the hypnotizing beauty of the city of the merchant.

“Hmm... The capital is bigger.” A low voice escaped from the helmet of a certain burly man.

His plate armor has no decoration, a broadsword on his waist, and a shield with the symbol of sword and scale on his back. Darwyn pulled out his canteen and took a quick swig, the put it back almost mechanically. From his back, he heard something.

With steps showing enthusiasm, the wizard of the group run gleefully, ignoring the snow piled on the ground. She hopped and spun, almost playing as she was laughing around like a child.

“We did it! Who needs a horse huh!”

Her bright and wide yellow eyes glimmered as she spoke, her long pink hair bouncing. She then stopped while blinking her long eyelashes. Her blue hat and her blue robe ceased swirling, pink scarf hung around her neck. She was clutching a wooden staff.

Liliana as always, was a ball of energy and radiating cuteness, her cheeks blushed when she smiled dazzlingly at a certain female monk.

“Be careful okay? It would be troublesome if you got wet because of the snow.” A warning came from the airy voice of the monk.

She was wearing a simple monk's garb, but her body made it rather look appealing.

Her bounty chest would slightly jounce each time she took a step, her round bottom was generous too, her waist resembled an hourglass.

She brushed her long black wavy hair with her fingers then placed her raven slant eyes at the moving carriages.

“We're finally here,” Shen said, moving her long ears back and forth.

Almost four days they have walked, the adventurers finally arrived at the destination they were heading.

Behind his helmet, Darwyn squinted his eyes to have a better view of the city. The weather was mostly fine, the sun was its zenith, the clouds were little but the snow it left after the storm yesterday was still there.

“Let's go.” With his commanding voice, his party followed him happily as they looked at each other.

He showed neither joy nor sadness arriving here, he didn't even complain at the troubles they are having during traveling.

He was the foundation of the party, the silent rock-like leader of the group.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

The three worked their way down the hills and set their foot near the entrance of the entrance gates.

“Stop!” with a loud shout, the three were halted by one of the guards stationed at the place.

He readily came at them, then looked up to Darwyn. “W-what is your business here?” His voice was slightly trembling.

“We're adventurers,” Darwyn said as he took something from his hip, a small gold card with texts on it.

He handed it to the guard, observing him as the guard peruse the identification card.

“A-A-ranked! Don't tell me! You're the Paladin of Law!” His voice resonated with the other people that were waiting with them.

“Paladin of Law! That one guy who killed two demons!”

“No way! My son really idolize him!”

“So he really is big!”

And so, the clutter amongst the crown started. The guard gave a command to the other guards to open the gate entrance, then gave a salute towards Darwyn. “It is my honor to serve you, sir!”

“Me too. Keep up the good work.”

“Yes!”

Darwyn nodded to him, then shot a glance at his two companions who were struck of how they were treating him.

“Let's go.” He strode violently without waiting for a reply. The clatter gradually became louder as they entered the city.

Humanoids of all kinds passed them back and forth. The loud yells of several—dozens, no—hundreds of merchants almost quelled Shen and Liliana from walking. It was surprisingly warm inside.

“Hurry,” Darwyn said, encouraging the two to keep up to him.

His voice reminded them of the cold temperature outside as they quickened their march just so enough that they are hidden through his shadows.

“Keep your valuables near you, thieves will appear when you least expect it.” Darwyn had to tell them because having your precious items stolen was the worst.

I'd rather not let them experience it.

Bitter memories from his younger self resurface. There was a time too when he was young and naive and stupid.

The mass that was on their way splits before the massive body of Darwyn.

Everyone turned their head twice just to get a good vision of what he actually likes. And when their eyes caught the sword and scale tandem at his shield, they soon returned to what they were doing before his arrival. Oh! Just a servant of the law, nothing to worry about.

The buildings inside the gigantic wall were a mix of a new one that was built fifty years ago, and the old one that was dating back to ancient times.

The city was yellowish, diverse scent wafted through the air, hard clutter came from their shoes as it hit the old pavement of the streets.

Various shops passed through the party until they arrived at the front of a tavern.

“We will stay here.” His hand pushed the wooden door, making a loud squeak before entering the shrieking floor of the establishment.

Liliana adjusted her scarf before moving her neck from left to right. Most of the costumers of this facility are merchants.

Taking one step closer to Darwyn, she peered to him from his side, as if trying to see what was behind the helmet.

“I need two rooms.” He threw some gold coins at the wooden counter as it made a ringing noise.

“C-certainly.” Said the employee, bringing out the keys while making a difficult face.

No delicacy. Liliana thought to herself. If this world one of the light novels she had read back in her past life, the development should be, that the three of them would share one room.

There's no way I can do that. She shook her flushed face before gazing at Shen, who was busy exploring outside with her eyes through the windows.

“Let's go out together Shen!” Liliana said, capturing the attention of the monk.

With a seductive smile, Shen replied with “Very well.”

As the two engaged in amiable conversation, Darwyn just ended his. Receiving the keys quietly, he handed on of it to Shen.

“Take this. I will return in the evening.” He said before heading to the door.

“W-where are you going Darwyn!?” The question of Liliana made him stop, slowly, his helmet faced his side.

“To the church. I will see if I can receive another divination.” He grunted before proceeding to walk.

The two silently watched the back of their leader fading into the bright light behind the tavern's door.

“I guess he never really change...” Liliana rested her left hand to her waist before letting out a tired sigh.

“That's true. Even with all that attention, he was getting.” Shen giggled. Shen doesn't have an idea as to how rankings work with adventurer, but she reckoned that it must be pretty rare for someone to reach A-rank.

Her ears gave a small twitch before saying “Guess this must be just another normal day for him.”

As Shen was thinking for something, a willowy hand grasped her. “Let's go, Shen, let's check out our room!” The impatient Liliana said, her feet trembling in excitement.

A smile formed on Shen's red lips, “Yes yes,” she said like an understanding elder sister who was looking out for her younger sibling.

Because of their undeniable beauty, it was needless to say that the two attracted gazes, even the unwanted ones.