Turning my attention to the city before me, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the bustling exterior and the signs of turmoil hidden beneath the surface.
The crowded streets painted a picture of desperation, with people jostling for limited resources and shelter. It was clear that Azurith Port was facing a dire situation.
The buildings that lined the streets bore the scars of hardship. Cracks in the walls, broken windows, and neglected facades spoke of a city that had seen better days.
It was evident that the struggle against the encroaching monsters had taken a toll on the city's infrastructure and its people.
As I walked further into the heart of Azurith Port, I reached the central square. The once-prosperous hub of trade and commerce was now a place where survival was the primary concern.
As I pressed on, I suddenly heard the sounds of three men laughing and jeering. I saw them surrounding a little girl with long red hair, who was cowering and trying to defend herself.
I couldn't stand by and watch as this innocent child was being tormented, and I quickly approached the group.
"What's going on here?" I demanded.
One of the men sneered, an arrogant smirk playing on his lips. "This little thief stole an apple from our cart, and we're teaching her a lesson."
With defiance in her voice, the young girl spoke out, her aristocratic pride evident. "I didn't take anything! I was only famished." Her lengthy scarlet hair flowed down her back like a fiery stream, twirling in the gentle breeze.
Her sparkling emerald eyes, reflecting her high-born lineage, glimmered brightly like precious gemstones, and a mischievous twinkle hinted at her egocentric disposition.
The girl appeared surprisingly composed. Actually, 'composed' didn't quite capture her demeanor. She was anything but composed, but at the same time, she didn't seem to be frightened either.
Her aristocratic bearing was unmistakable as she continued, "My father is Sir Ernst Kaiser, the esteemed knight in the service of her Majesty the Queen. I assure you, any untoward incidents will be promptly reported to him, and you shall face the consequences."
The three men, however, were dismissive, their arrogance matching the young girl's own. They exchanged mocking glances, clearly unfazed by her reference to her father's esteemed position.
One of them, brawny and brash, spat on the ground, his contempt evident. "A knight's brat, eh? We'll take our chances."
"Let her go," I said firmly.
The men hesitated for a moment, but one of them stepped forward, blocking my path. "We don't take orders from strangers," he growled, his arrogance matching the girl's in its intensity.
Without hesitation, I swiftly dispatched one of the men with a powerful kick to his knee, causing him to crumple to the ground in agony. However, another man tried to fight back, but he was no match for me.
I expertly dodged his attacks and landed a precise blow, leaving him incapacitated on the ground. The remaining men, now wary of my skills, backed off and retreated, leaving me alone with my victory.
Taking a moment to catch my breath, I assessed the situation. The defeated men were slowly picking themselves up and quickly realizing that they had no chance against me.
Knowing that they were outmatched, they hastily retreated, disappearing into the shadows.
The young girl, looked up at me with a mix of shock and admiration. "Thanks," she said, her tone laced with a newfound respect.
I gave her a stern look. "You should be more careful. You could have been hurt."
The girl rolled her eyes, but her arrogance had softened somewhat. "I can take care of myself, you know," she said, her voice less disdainful. "After all, I am already 8 years old."
I arched an eyebrow, acknowledging her spirit. "Clearly, you couldn't handle those men."
The girl pouted, her aristocratic demeanor momentarily slipping. "I was caught off guard. It won't happen again," she said, her voice growing slightly louder and aggressive.
I couldn't help but smile at her persistence. "What's your name?" I asked.
The girl straightened her back, reverting to her proud aristocratic demeanor. "My name is Tomoko Rin Kaiser," she declared, pounding her hand on her chest. "Daughter of the prestigious knight Sir Ernst Kaiser."
"Well, Tomoko Rin Kaiser," I said, extending my hand. "I'm Mumei. It's nice to meet you."
Tomoko eyed my hand warily for a moment before taking it. "Likewise," she said with a small smile. "Just Tomoko will suffice."
I glanced around the bustling streets, then turned my attention back to Tomoko. "Where is your father?" I inquired, my tone direct and unwavering.
Tomoko's emerald eyes darted anxiously through the crowd as uncertainty momentarily overcame her earlier arrogance. "I... I lost him in the crowd," she admitted, her voice less assured than before.
"Do you need assistance in locating your father? A young lady like yourself shouldn't be wandering these streets alone!" I asked with concern in my voice.
The girl's eyes narrowed, her aristocratic pride resurfacing. "I hardly think I need the assistance of a stranger to locate my father," she replied haughtily.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her feistiness. "Of course, Tomoko. If you ever change your mind, feel free to ask."
Tomoko hesitated for a moment, her bravado giving way to a hint of uncertainty. Finally, she conceded, "Very well, stranger. I suppose an extra pair of eyes wouldn't hurt."
With that, we set off into the crowded streets, our eyes scanning the bustling thoroughfare for any sign of Sir Ernst Kaiser.
As we walked, Tomoko continued to speak about her father, her love and admiration for him evident in her every word. "My father is a knight, you know," she said proudly, her aristocratic demeanor resurfacing. "He is her most loyal and trusted knight. He's always been my hero."
I nodded, listening intently as Tomoko regaled me with tales of her father's chivalry and valor. "I want to be just like him when I grow up," she said with determination, her fiery spirit shining through.
After what seemed like an eternity of searching, we eventually located Tomoko's father. She sprinted towards him with excitement, anxious to share the story of the stranger who had come to her aid.
As she approached, her knee-length dress, crafted from a glimmering blue fabric that perfectly complemented the color of her eyes, swayed gently in the breeze.
Draped over her dress was a stole adorned with intricate embroidery and gold threads, a symbol of her aristocratic lineage that she wore with immense pride.
Meanwhile, I discreetly slipped away into the crowd, content to continue my exploration of the city and its secrets.
The vastness of the port city became clear to me as I walked through the labyrinth like street complexes. It was one of the largest cities in the region and among the largest cities in the world.
Whereas by 6967 INC (initium novae civilizationis), the capital of the Alban Empire had at least 5 million inhabitants, the City-State of Blair and the city of Ari numbered only a few hundred thousand or less. The port city rivaled the City-State of Blair for second place in the region.
The port city was divided into four equally sized residential areas with the same layout, had religious areas, market places, towers, a theater, and a huge crematory. Roughly in the middle of the city stood a high citadel, the Adria Ava Ignatius.
Beyond the mighty walls of the port city, the vast farmlands lay largely deserted, their fields no longer teeming with the labor of humanity. This somber reality extended into the heart of the city itself.
It was no longer unusual to hear pleas for help: "Please, any assistance," "Can you spare a coin?" Poverty had cast its shadow even over one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
As I strolled through the bustling streets, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a twilight hue over the city. My thoughts remained entangled in recent events, leaving me feeling both overwhelmed and disoriented.
Seeking refuge from the ceaseless flow of the crowd, I scanned my surroundings, on the lookout for a place to rest and collect my thoughts. My eyes soon settled upon a nearby tavern that promised recuperation.
I proceeded toward the inviting establishment, my silhouette lengthening in the fading light. Once vibrant and lively, the streets now succumbed to encroaching darkness, their transformation marked by the soft glow from within the homes that guided my way.