The capital of the Clareian Kingdom is called 'Amaranthia'. The name came from the Empire's name Amaranthia that originated from the deity who blessed the entire empire, Goddess Amaranthine the deity of creation. The capital is located in the middle of the Clareian Kingdom near the Imperial Palace. It is a vast land wherein most of the merchants live.
The capital is divided into four sections and a grand plaza located in the middle of it. The four sections are called 'Esquiran' and each has special qualities that make each of these four sections to stand out equally.
The northern section is called Borealis and this is located in front of the Imperial Palace. You can find various of shops in the northern section that sells different types of clothing. Other than that, dangwas are one of the most highlighted shops that you can enjoy looking at in Borealis.
The southern one is called Meridies. You can find inns and restaurants that you can surely enjoy after wandering around. This section is famous for serving different types of cuisines that originated from different places. There are also bars that you can enjoy during the night.
Occiden is the name of the western section, and this section is full of armory and carriages shop. They specialize in making weapons and armors for mercenaries that work in the capital. A mercenary inn is located at the center of the western section, and that's where you can register and become an official mercenary for the kingdom.
Lastly, the eastern section or what they call the Orientem. The Orientem is the most intimidating section in the capital. This place has the most shady looking shops as well. That is because the eastern section is the home of mana and magical crystals shop, libraries, and fortune-telling shops.
One thing that each section has in common is the Great Phoenix statue. However, each statue has a magical type of gem crystal that is placed at the forehead of the Phoenix and each gem crystal symbolizes one element of nature: Borealis with the air crystal, Meridies with the fire crystal, Occiden with the water crystal, and Orientem with the earth crystal. It is said that they were personally blessed by the powerful Solaris. Each crystal serves a purpose, and that is to keep the whole Kkngdom of Clareian safe from any dark magic attacks.
Additionally, this statue is the actual symbol of the deity Amaranthine and also the symbol of the first ever powerful mage Solaris who protected the empire with all his life. It is said that the Phoenix statues are alive and monitoring each section of the capital.
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[ THE CAPITAL AMARANTHIA ]
"I didn't know that the streets outside the Imperial Palace were quite pleasantly looking. They really maintain the cleanliness here," I muttered lowly.
I really felt amazed at how neat everyone looked outside. It was because of the maids' words that made me think that life outside that sheltered palace would be a bit hard. It was really just a thought since I've never gone outside ever since I got here.
I flinched when Rowan held my hand and pulled me closer to him. "Don't wander too much, princess. You might get lost," he warned, his voice low and cautious.
I glanced at him and noticed how wary he is of our surrounding. He must've noticed something odd. Ah, what have I been thinking? Tsk. I shouldn't let my guard down as well.
I carefully looked around then lowered my head when I noticed a few men watching us. They don't really look like palace guards, more importantly, they look like mercenaries.
I've read about them in one of my history books. Mercenaries in this world are former soldiers from different nations who resigned and made a choice of using their own strength to a much dirtier work that offers a satisfying paying price. They are often hired by nobles to assassinate someone they dislike.
But why do they look like they're watching us?
I heard a soft hissing sound coming from my corset-belt, so I looked down and noticed Violet looking up to me. I unconsciously squeezed Rowan's hand when I motioned for my snake to hide back.
"Is there something wrong?" He asked, holding my hand tighter.
I pressed my lips together as I felt my heart pounding against my chest.
Calm down. He's just worried since you suddenly squeezed his hand.
But him being worried is making it even more nerve-wrecking!
"Henrietta." His voice sounded soft when he called my name. I quickly look at him and shake my head, unable to let out any words that may stumble across my quivering lips. "Should we eat and rest for a second?" He asked, but it didn't really sound like a question. It was more like a suggestion.
He didn't wait for my answer and just dragged me carefully to a restaurant nearby. My focus drifted away when I heard a soft sound of a bell as we enter the restaurant.
"Calm down, your highness. I shall protect you." This voice... I think I've heard of him before...
"Henrietta? You really seem out of it. Are you not feeling well? Do you wish to go back?" I blinked a couple of times and frowned.
What's happening to me? I'm not usually like this.
"I'm sorry, Rowan... But don't worry too much, I'm alright. We should visit the plaza after eating," I replied, smiling at him.
He didn't seem to believe that I'm alright, but he didn't ask any other questions and just agreed. We ordered the same food since I'm not quite accustomed to the food they serve outside the Imperial Palace.
Rowan and I talked about random things as we ate our lunch. I couldn't help but feel amaze at how sensible he actually is. This side of him looks nothing compared to that impatient and aggressive side he showed to me before, in fact, he's way more than that. Just imagine a young politician wanting every good thing for the betterment of his nation and people. It was a mistake judging him from that behaviour of his.
"But why don't you take the throne? I mean, you're the eldest, supposedly, you're the next heir." I know it's not necessary to ask that, but you could say that I'm kinda curious about that story. It wasn't mentioned in the book either.
Rowan smiled as we walked past a tall tree planted on the plaza. We finished our meal a few moments ago and decided to walk around the plaza. The capital's plaza is like a park or a huge garden of trees. It's in the middle of the capital, yet it produces a very comforting atmosphere. Maybe it's because of the trees.
"Why do you ask? Well, I'm not quite sure as well. I only remembered wanting to do the opposite of what my late father would ask me to do." He's saying that, but I guess he just doesn't want to talk about such things. Maybe it hurts recalling a memory for him.
I gave his shoulder a gentle pat then I smiled at him. "It's alright, Rowan. You don't really need to answer that question. But in the future, if it will be alright with you, I'd still want to hear your answer. So, until then, I'll support you in every way I can." At times like this, people who're like him tends to shut down or close themselves, not wanting to talk about deep things another person again whenever the other person will accept their answer without considering what he might have meant.
I know that for a fact since I was like that too.
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It was almost sunset when we decided to go back to the Imperial Palace. We headed to the West Wing first so we could change back to our noble clothes. Luckily, we weren't caught, and the worst thing was everyone were in chaos in search of Rowan and me. It was a funny sight, but uncle really looked mad. He even glared at Rowan when he saw me coming back with the first prince.
I carefully gave him to keep quiet, so I could come up with an excuse to save us both. "I was given a task by my tutor and Rowan was the only one available earlier that's why I asked him a favor. We stayed at the end of the maze in the Rose Quartz garden until sunset, that's why you can't find us."
Uncle seemed reluctant with what I said, but the rest, Marquess Louis, Aurelius and my cousins, looked like they believed me.
"But please don't do that again. Don't disappear like that without informing us." Uncle sounded weird. He sounded too worried.
"Yes, uncle. I'm really sorry for making everyone worried," I answered, bowing politely at them.
"It seems that the two has become quite a pair," Marquess Louis said in a teasing manner.
Uncle heaved a soft sigh, ignoring what the Marquess just said then he gave me a gentle pat on the head. "We should head to the dining hall. Dinner's already served," he instructed, but instead of walking ahead of us and leading the way, he held my hand firmly, letting me walk beside him.
I might've made him really anxious for him to act this way. Have I become precious to you, uncle? Or am I a pawn for something outrageous in the future?
We had dinner with the Marquess and the princes. It wasn't silent nor was it lively, but the atmosphere felt warmer than the other times we had dinner together. Maybe something good came up while Rowan and I were gone.
I noticed Rowan's discreet glances at me and I couldn't help but smile throughout my meal. Why is he suddenly acting cute and tiny?
"Did something good happen while you weren't around?" Arthur asked, sounding sulky as always.
"Nothing extreme, brother. I just thought that I missed you and brother Hendrix and uncle that I feel happy having dinner with all of you," I answered so passionately that I want to pinch myself for the cringe inhabiting me right now.
But Arthur's expression looked cute that it satisfied me somehow. I wouldn't mind acting like this every day if I'll see those cute reactions of theirs.
"Right. We missed you too! You should always tell us your whereabouts in the future before going somewhere, understood? Your big brothers were so worried about you. Tsk." He's saying that so maturely with that affectionate expression.
I thought Hendrix would stay quite the whole dinner, but he proved me wrong. He faked a cough to get our attention then he looked at me with those shy eyes of his. "He's right. And you can always bother us if you ever need someone by your side."
Ahhhh~ What have I done to receive this kind of blessing? I'm not entirely against it. I'm just really grateful for this.
"Your brothers are right, Henrietta, but enough of that. We have important matters to discuss in my office after dinner," uncle said.
Hendrix and Arthur fell silent right after that and when I glanced at them, I noticed how deadly their glares are towards Rowan. And Rowan, he seemed calm, but I can feel the confusion surrounding him.
Poor soul. But I wonder why they're acting like that.
Dinner finished and we head to uncle's office right after changing to a semi-formal dress, uncle stated that we needed to change to something formal or whatnot. I'm starting to feel curious about this. Is this about the investigation? Have they found anything?
I've reached his office and was greeted with my cousins and the princes. They were all sitting at the opposite side of the room; Hendrix and Arthur sat on the couch on the left, while Rowan and Aurelius sat on the couch across them. I didn't know where exactly to sit so I took the single couch placed in between them, which eventually felt pretty awkward.
The air felt thick and ominous, as if both sides are having a mental fight in their imagination. We abruptly greeted uncle and the Marquess when they both entered the room, the Marquess smiling nonchalantly beside uncle who looked rather gloomy.
"Good thing that everyone is here. While the Marquess and I were discussing regarding the empire's rectification and future, we've concluded to form a union that will help not just our kingdom and their nation, but the whole empire. So we've decided to appoint Prince Rowan Alexis Leroux, first prince of the Nation of Talares as Princess Henrietta's fiancé."
What uncle just said astounded me...
I could feel my whole being falling in shock at this announcement.
While the other person who was mentioned looked dazed.
For some reasons, I could feel fate twisting my path right at this moment...