So, this is Hal-Castemour?

It's not as big and obviously prosperous as Jeraldine's capital, for sure. But it still certainly seems a lively place. The highlight is certainly the ivory towers. Even with the sun at their back, they still almost seem to shine.

We moved towards the coast a bit before we joined the line at the gate. There's a few merchants with us, and one of them is with a crew on one of hovering skiffs.

It's the first time I've seen one up close.

It mostly resembles a regular boat, but with shallow sides, no obvious underdeck, a cabin at the rear, and crates piled on palettes.

It floats off through the gate in front of us after being cleared by the guards, and starts to rise off towards one of towers. Passing through the gate appears to be mostly a formality.

We move forwards.

One of the guards, a girl, blinks rapidly as the two sweep their gazes to us.

"Silver... W-wh-wait! Is that... the princess Aria!?" She exclaims to her male compatriot.

"Oh shit!" He joins her.

I notice Aria is snickering to herself as if gloating. She does enjoy it when she actually gets recognised... but then I think she finds being incognito entertaining in its own way as well.

The guards have gone down on one knee.

"Your majesty!! You did not need to wait to go through!" The older male guard exclaims.

"You may rise. Do not concern yourself. You are doing well."

Wow... Aria is actually capable of taking on an imperious tone sometimes.

"Your majesty is merciful." They say in unison, bowing as they stand. It's clear that they sigh in relief.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

I suppose the standard situation with nobles like this involves the guards being punished for daring to make them wait.

"We will let Viscount Remus know immediately of your arrival." They exclaim.

Aria looks troubled, and for some reason, so does Yuuzu.

"No. This is not a formal visit, as my attire attests. I am here as a mercenary only. Please do not make a report. We have an important mission for the crown that relies on secrecy." She states clearly.

The guards look a little troubled in return now. It's probably an unreasonable request now, where it wasn't before? I wonder why we... well I guess we don't have time for a noble reception, do we?

Though there is a moment’s hesitation, naturally the guards let us through without further incident.

We move through the streets of what appears to be the wharfs and dock area. Despite how early in the morning it is, it is a hive of activity. There are several street stalls and everything here is punctuated by the smell of fish.

"Ufufufu... it -IS- still a fishing village at heart after all." Seria muses.

I guess she's not wrong.

At this point I notice one of the towers has started billowing smoke.

"Is it on fire!?" I exclaim.

"It is not. That tower is a production centre for alchemical products."

Kurono answers. She seems much less distressed than before. She even answered me without a prompt from Yuuzu. I wonder what happened?

"I believe that they also manufacture parts for the flying boats there." Aria adds.

"That is correct. It is a precision process. Many craftsmen live in Hal-Castemour." Kurono clarifies.

"Ah... thanks!" I say to her.

Here's the glare and the 'hmmph'.

Makes sense I guess. If you're gonna have an alchemy place, and if there’s even one dozy girl with an affinity for explosions working there, it’s good to keep it away in the stone, less likely to burn so hard tower. Keeps the streets from choking in bizarre smoke too.

"Um... whilst there are questions... is there... an inn... called 'The Furious Stallion' around here?" Kiku asks tentatively.

Kurono stops glaring at me, and her expression softens but looks surprised.

"Ah... yes... it is close, in fact, just two streets back from where we came."

Ah, I see. Looking at Kiku, her fists are balled and she has that starry-eyed look.

"Have you been there before? I wouldn't normally recommend it as the most... hospitable... place for travellers, but..." Kurono continues

"Is by chance, the food well renowned?" I ask.

Kurono blinks and nods, raising an eyebrow.

"Celia-shishou's shishou!" Kiku exclaims.

I look back to Aria and Kaede, who both have wry smiles.

Wait... Kaede has a wry smile? What the fuck?

I am bewildered by another strange development that has somehow slipped by me like a ninja in the night.

"I guess the place we're staying is decided." Aria shrugs.

"Eh wot!? Is that ok!?" Kiku acts joyous.

She really is like a bundle of happiness when good food is on the horizon.

"Well... don't say I didn't warn you..." Kurono sighs and says something ominous.