I didn't know what the capital looked like in terms of details, but I knew where it was from looking at my mini-map.
Upon appearing in the capital, I teleported into an alleyway between town large buildings. I was instantly blown away by how prestine everything was. It was like the main city, only cleaner and more regal looking. Even the alleyway was well kept.
The inhabitants wore beautifully tailored clothes, carried themselves with pride, and seemed to have the lastest in cosmetics. Some walked, some rode carriages, others flew above the crowds. However, the most shocking thing by far were the chains. The chains that were around some of the people's necks.
All of these people with chains around their necks all looked apathetic, but they looked just as immaculate as every one else. Like dolls put on display.
Slaves...something like that exist here. I had been so caught up in the fantasy aspects of this world that I had forgotten about the historical logistics of my world.
I lived in a time where it was thankfully eradicated, but it must have been horrible time for the victims who had to live through it.
"It would seem that the culture here is to maintain cleanliness, no matter how dirty someone's behavior is. Mortals are quite strange," Erythro said.
Erythro's right. "Agreed, this...just doesn't feel right."
"I lived in a time where this kind of behavior was ruled unlawful," I added.
Erythro sounded intrigued. "Your world sounds far more pleasant than this one."
"Yeah, in some ways..." I said solemnly.
Anyway, I have a feeling that my clothes might actually cause problems in such a high end society.
"Erythro-"
"I'm already on it," Erythro acknowledged.
My clothes began to shift, turning into red slime before solidifying.
My previous textiles and fibers were replaced by a nice looking tuxedo with the addition of a red tie.
I couldn't stop myself from whistling.
I'm impressed. "This is tight!"
"Is it, allow me to loosen it," Erythro insisted.
"Oh, no, you don't have to. That was just an another analogy."
"Right...an analogy," Erythro lamented.
First order of business, I need to figure out more information about the Wasps. Merlow muttered the name of their leader; Roland Fraiser Alistair.
I need to find out more information about this guy, but where do I start?
I should just scout things out for now, look for clues.
My stealth pretty high, so no one should notice me. I slipped out of the alley and phased into the oncoming crowd.
I walked with the people for a while when the voice of a woman addressed me from behind.
"Excuse me good sir, please forgive my intrusion, but I must know where you got your clothing from. The stiching and fabric look absolutely marvelous."
I looked over my shoulder to see a fair-skinned woman. She had black hair with red streaks running through it, but her eyes were a peculiar violet color. Her velvet/black dress was long, but it didn't touch the floor. She held her hands folded in front of her displaying how well mannered she was. It hovered just a few inches above the ground, giving her a far more elegant aura as she skillfully walked as to not step on it.
If I thought that the people in the main city looked amazing, then I hadn't seen anything yet.
To be honest, I felt like it wasn't entirely safe talking to these people, but I feel like it's even more dangerous to rudely ignore them.
I slowed down my walking speed to match that of the woman. "It was tailored out of town by a rather skillful fashion designer."
She seemed conflicted. "How unfortunate, I wouldn't dare leave this city even for something I very much wanted. It's not very safe outside of these walls, I commend you for your bravery kind sir."
Somehow, this person doesn't seem that bad.
"You flatter me, I'm really not that courageous. I simply refuse to live a life restrained by limitations such as fear," I explained.
"Oh my! You have quite a way with words, don't you? It's very difficult to find those talented in conversation these days, may I have your name, I wish to know the name of the man I'm speaking too if you don't mind," she insisted.
"Milo Foster, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise Mr. Foster, my name is Victoria Moon by the way."
Victoria Moon...
At the mentioning of her name, many of those around us turned their heads.
I nodded. "I'll remember that."
She puffed her chest out a little bit more than she already was before letting it fall. "Eh? You mean you don't already know it?
I furrowed one brow. "Know what?"
She pointed at herself. "The name Victoria Moon doesn't ring any bells, any bells at all? You know, the esteemed Moon family, one of the largest contributers to the city of Dsor."
Crap, how can I save this?
"Please forgive my cluelessness Ms. Moon. It's not often that I'm within the presence of such an esteemed figure. That reality always seemed so unrealistic to me."
Some of those around us turned their attention away, others scoffed.
"I suppose it can't be helped then. It's not like I expected much to be done with the knowledge of my identity in the first place. It is also not often that I'm walking about, like so."
"I see, then I'll take your word for it."
"By the way, what business do you have here today?" Victoria questioned.
While this isn't a lie, it's not the full truth either. "I was honestly just going for a stroll."
"Then perhaps, could you accompany me? Good conversation really is hard to find," Victoria said with a smile.
"I have a feeling that she might be able to aid us in our goal," Erythro suggested.
Then I guess it wouldn't hurt to walk with her.
I came to a decision. "I'd be honored."
(About 10 Minutes Later)
I genuinely enjoy talking to Victoria; she seems to know her way around this place. According to her, she's normally not encouraged to be outside, but she doesn't like to be caged in for too long. I've also become more accustomed to the capital. There were some places that weren't even on the mini-map.
While we were laughing and enjoying ourselves, something suddenly felt very off in the air.
A carriage being carried along by two horses and a band of guards drove past us before stopping not to far from away.
That feeling...it's coming from inside the carriage. My suspicion was confirmed when one of the doors was opened by a guard.
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
A rather distinguished looking man made his way down the steps of the carriage. He used a cane to support himself, but it seemed like he didn't need it.
He wasn't creepy looking in anyway other than that aura he was giving off. I couldn't tell if he was old or young based off appearence along.
His grey hair and demeanor gave off the impression of old age, but his face and body begged to differ.
The man completely disregarded my presence as he approached. "Victoria! It's so good to see you again. If memory serves, you had business to attend to when we last had the chance to speak."
"You know how it is, Roland, duty calls," Victoria feigned interest.
Roland? Could he be who I'm looking for?
Victoria was visibly tense now.
"Yes, I'm sure, but it's funny how it only calls when I'm around. Oh, and please, call me Alistair dear," Roland sneered.
Yup, that's definitely the guy I'm looking for.
"Very well Alistair, now if you'll excuse me, my friend and I have somewhere to be," Victoria said while waving a hand over to me.
Roland unexpectedly extended a hand out to me which caught me off guard, but I didn't show it. "Salutations, It's a pleasure to meet you, Roland Fraiser Alistair at your service."
His greeting was clearly forced, but I met his grip and introduced myself as well. "Milo Nathaniel Foster, nice to meet you."
His handshake was surprisingly friendly...at first I thought. Out of nowhere, a pressure of what I can only describe as evil surrounded me. Roland's face was now twisted into a sadistic smile with glowing yellow eye sockets.
It seemed like time around us had frozen as there was no motion other than our hands greeting one another. It was intense, however, I clashed with the aura using intimidation which seemed to keep it at bay.
A notification popped up in my vision.
"The skill Clean had met the proper conditions and has upgraded to Purify."
"Suggested Action: Purify"
Purify.
Roland's face became one of shock before it turned into one of pain. He screamed in agony, unable to escape my grip.
The world returned to normal and Roland released his grip. He now looked slightly distraught.
"Your friend here has quite the grip, hehe...well then, I'll leave you two to it," Roland nervously announced while clearing his throat.
As he walked away, I used telepathy on whim.
"What the hell? I'm supposed to be invincible! That bastard, I'll kill him! I'll get you for this, and I'll take Victoria for myself."
This guy's...disgusting.
He returned to his carriage and rode away...I feel like I'm being watched.
I glanced in the direction of the feeling, but I saw nothing, just some plants under some shade.
"How strange, Roland isn't known to back off so easily. You're quite something, aren't you?"
I shrugged. "Maybe he was just eager to get somewhere."
"Ho~"
I need to remember that Mana, but I'm confident I won't have any trouble doing that.