We woke up early in the morning, greeted by the melodies of various birds singing harmoniously. It was an alluring, peaceful sound that set the tone for the day. After having breakfast, we met with Ms. Nana, who was as beautiful and kind as ever. She greeted us warmly, and we continued on our journey. We were heading to the capital, Rize, first and then to Circle City.
"Good morning, everyone! I trust you slept well?" Nana asked with a bright smile as we gathered our belongings.
"Yes, thank you, Ms. Nana," I replied. "The accommodations were excellent."
Nana nodded, pleased. "I'm glad to hear that. Today, we have a lot to see. "
As we walked, Josh spoke up, "Ms. Nana, I realize from the first town we entered and all other towns that there are always guards around. It must be safe living in this country."
"So you have realized that, Mr. Josh. You are quite observant," she said, turning towards Josh with a smile. "They are called Blue Blazers, and the ones you met at the border are Brown Blazers. Brown Blazers patrol our borders, and Blue Blazers protect our towns and help maintain public order."
"Are you saying every town in this country has guards protecting them day and night?" Josh asked, his mouth wide open.
Nana chuckled softly. "Yes, indeed. Our Queen ensures the safety and well-being of all citizens. It creates a sense of security and order."
Not only Josh, but even I was dumbfounded. Along the road, we would meet soldiers patrolling, and when they saw us, they would approach and greet us respectfully, asking if we were lost or in need of directions. However, Ms. Nana would inform them that we were fine.
"Even in the empire, there is no such thing," I remarked. "Human countries, especially those near the border, are always terrorized by bandits since most countries focus their military in the capital. This is also to prevent coups, because if nobles have more military strength than the ruling family, the said nobles might rebel."
Nana nodded thoughtfully. "Our Queen believes that a strong, united front is the key to peace and prosperity. By ensuring every town is well-guarded, she maintains stability throughout the land."
We arrived in a beautiful, magical place—the kind you hear about in legends. The buildings were masterpieces of architecture, blending seamlessly with nature. Made of white stone and adorned with intricate carvings, they shimmered in the sunlight. The streets were paved with smooth, glistening stones that seemed to sparkle underfoot, and there wasn't a speck of litter in sight.
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The center of the city was dominated by a massive Yggdrasil tree, its branches stretching towards the heavens, creating a canopy of emerald green leaves that filtered the sunlight into a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. The tree's trunk was so wide that it seemed to touch the sky, radiating an aura of ancient magic and power. It was a sacred place, and no one was allowed near it, adding to its mystique and grandeur. Surrounding the tree, a protective barrier shimmered, ensuring its sanctity was preserved.
"Ms. Nana, I see Rize has changed a lot too," I said as we walked through the bustling streets, my eyes wide with wonder.
"Our capital is no longer Rize but Elfan. Our Queen merged Rize and Circle City," she explained.
"What is that big building over there?" Josh asked, pointing out the largest building from afar.
"That is the royal palace where our Queen lives," Nana replied. The palace was a magnificent structure, towering above the city with its spires and turrets glistening like silver. Waterfalls cascaded down its sides, feeding into crystal-clear canals that crisscrossed the city, providing both beauty and practical transportation.
"Elfan? Is that some sort of relic or something the Queen used to name the capital?" I asked, still amazed by what I was seeing.
"No, it is named after the Queen's husband," Nana answered with a confident smile.
"I am sure other husbands were jealous," I said, familiar with the customs of Elzaran.
"No, sir Richard, our Queen only has one husband."
What? I thought the crown princess worked together with the Whiteheart and Vermillion families to achieve this much. Nana gave us a tour around the capital, and we saw what they call bicycles, which we had never seen before. Communication crystal balls had turned into portable square devices that could fit into pockets and were mass-produced and sold to the public. They called it a "phone."
This device will change the world, especially during wartime, since information is key."
We entered restaurants, and the food was delicious. Nana introduced us to various local dishes, each more delectable than the last. The dining establishments were enchanting, with open-air terraces draped in flowering vines and illuminated by softly glowing orbs of light that floated above the tables.
"Ms. Nana, can you tell me about the educational system here?" I asked as we enjoyed a meal.
"Of course, Mr. Richard. There are schools all over the country, and the prices for both the academies and basic education are kept low to ensure everyone has access. Our Queen believes in the power of education to uplift society," Nana said with pride.
We visited several schools, including a prestigious magic academy where students practiced spells in open courtyards, their incantations filling the air with a sense of wonder. Next, we toured a knight academy where young warriors trained with dedication and precision, their movements a blend of grace and strength. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and the students radiated confidence and skill.
If my guess is correct, this country will soon have a lot of migrants from Aranthor. I wonder how will their Queen will handle it.
We continued our tour, visiting beautiful public landmarks such as the Fountain of Eternity, a stunning marble structure with crystal-clear water cascading down in intricate patterns. We also saw the Garden of Luminescence, where flowers glowed softly in the evening light, creating a magical, serene atmosphere.
Tomorrow, we will be heading to the palace to trade. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and anticipation for what lay ahead.