A few days later, they arrived at the imperial capital of the Faerie Kingdom.
"We're here, my lord," Edwin reminded as he steered the horse towards Maximus' carriage.
"Hmm, proceed as usual," Maximus replied.
Soon, they reached the city gate.
"This way, my lord."
Seeing the symbol of the Shadowcrest family, the guard didn't dare to be presumptuous as he led them to the special entrance.
This entrance was reserved especially for nobles, so they wouldn't have to wait in line with the commoners.
"Hmm," Edwin nodded at the guard and handed him some silver as the entrance fee.
Inside the city, a bustling scene greeted them, with wide and clean streets adorned with towering trees, making it feel like they had entered a fairy's realm.
Maximus opened the window of his carriage and peered outside.
"It truly is the capital city."
Observing the festive atmosphere with singing and dancing, it was clear that the banquet wasn't only for nobles.
But a celebration that encompassed the entire Faerie Kingdom, or at least its capital.
"To the noble quarters," Maximus instructed Edwin.
All the nobles attending the banquet or coming to the imperial city had special accommodations to separate them from the commoners.
It must be said that the King of the Faerie Kingdom was considerate in this regard, ensuring that the arrogant nobles were kept apart.
...
They soon arrived at their accommodation.
"Welcome, Count Maximus," the steward smiled.
The steward had heard of this young man who had recently succeeded in his father's position.
There were even rumors that he wouldn't last and that some noble would take over his territory.
However, seeing that he was alive and well, the steward just sighed.
Indeed, he was the son of a Tier 3 Earth Knight.
"When will the banquet start?"
"There are still 6 days before the banquet."
"Very well, then take us to our accommodations. It's been a long journey."
"This way, Count Maximus."
After a week of travel, although the carriage was comfortable, it was Maximus' first time enduring such a long journey.
...
Soon, Maximus and his guards were led to their accommodations.
It was a fully-fledged manor with everything inside.
"This is the 7th manor in the noble area, with over a hundred rooms and 3 main suites."
"There's also a stable for horses and servants to take care of the guests."
"In total, it costs 100 gold per day," the steward explained.
This noble area seemed to be quite costly, demanding a hefty price.
You know, the annual income of Moonshadow City is only hundreds of gold coins.
Yet, such a sum was only for a single day.
Of course, the yearly income of Moonshadow City was pure profit, subtracting all miscellaneous expenses, maintenance for the city, and the significant amount allocated to his father's training.
A Tier 3 Earth Knight training resource is such a huge expense that a city's income can barely cover it.
"Then we'll stay for 7 days," Maximus said, gesturing to Edwin.
"Here," Edwin took out 700 gold from the storage ring, a hint of heartache in his expression.
Such an enormous amount for just 7 days.
"Very well, please call on me if you require anything," the steward bowed.
...
The next day,
**Yawn*
Maximus yawned as he got up from sleep.
The long journey had really taken a toll on his spirit.
"Now, what should I do today?" he thought.
There were still 5 days before the banquet, so he considered scouting the city to look for opportunities.
Upon leaving his room, he saw Edwin and the other guard already prepared, guarding his safety.
"Have you eaten?"
"We have, my lord."
After all, as guards, they needed to ensure they were always ready.
"Very well, I'll eat first. Prepare to visit the imperial city."
...
In the afternoon, Maximus explored the city in detail.
The imperial city was truly remarkable.
Rare items that were hardly found in Moonshadow City were abundant here.
Take potions, for instance.
They were considered a rare commodity only available in Berrun City, yet they were everywhere here.
Of course, it wasn't entirely accurate.
Berrun City might be the source of potions, but there was no reason others couldn't buy from there and then resell them here.
Despite the perilous journey filled with danger, when profit margins were astronomical, many dared to take such a risk.
However, the price of such potions upon arrival here was staggering.
If the potion was priced at 10 gold in his system mall, 100 gold in Berrun City, it would be tripled here, costing 300 gold.
There were even black shops selling them for 500 gold.
As for how he could sell pure salt when other imported products were available, it was because he sold it at a much lower price.
The pure salt here was priced at 60 gold, causing him to clench his teeth at the greedy merchants.
Of course, he didn't believe it was wrong to be angry at the merchants, even though he earned much more than them.
It was about being deceived; with the actual price, the 50 gold per kilo of salt was still acceptable, as the merchants also needed to make a profit.
However, the fact that they slashed the price in half to 30 gold coins was truly heart-wrenching.
His city tour wasn't solely about these observations; he also identified a potential venture he could pursue openly.
That is clothing and wine.
The reason for the scarcity of clothing is due to low productivity.
Despite the utilization of magical power, productivity remains low.
Apart from the scarcity of resources, this magic power has been predominantly used for combat.
This was his observation, though he wasn't familiar with other places or continents.
In any case, clothing held considerable potential and wasn't too dangerous.
Similarly, with wine, the associated risks were minimal.
The danger he referred to was the potential exposure of his system.
As for the greed of the nobility, that could be solved through items in the system mall.
Feeling content with his exploration, just as he was about to return to his accommodation, he noticed a carriage filled with people.
"What is that?" Maximus inquired.
The original host had only been to this place a few times with his father, so his knowledge was limited.
"It's a slave caravan, the route should just come here," Edwin explained.
"I heard that it was backed by the Westle Kingdom, a formidable force incomparable to the Faerie Kingdom."
"Let's take a look," Maximus said with curiosity.
This is his first encounter with slavery in this world.
However, instead of feeling pity, it piqued his interest.
Slowly but surely, he was being influenced by the ways of this world.
He soon approached the caravan.
"Welcome, sir," a portly man greeted him, eyeing him as if he were a piece of meat.
"Uh-"
Before he could respond, Edwin stepped forward, drawing his sword.
"Watch your eyes!" Edwin said as he draw his sword.
"Calm down, gentlemen. I was merely admiring the demeanor of this lord."
"Hmph," Edwin snorted but kept his sword unsheathed.
"Calm down, Edwin," Maximus finally intervened, patting him on the shoulder.
Seeing Edwin's agitation subside, the portly man let out a sigh of relief.
"Would you like me to introduce our products here?"
"No, I'll just browse casually," Maximus declined.
There was a significant variety of people here, ranging from knights to mages, from commoners to noblemen.
The background of this caravan was indeed frightening.
Soon, he spotted something of interest: a Tier 3 Earth Knight slave.
[Johnson: tier 3 Earth Knight(Crippled)]
[Smith: tier 3 Earth Knight(Crippled]
"Could you introduce these two?" Maximus inquired.
"You certainly have a keen eye, my lord."
"These two were once renowned generals of a fallen kingdom."
"Unfortunately, their defeat left them crippled."
"Tsk, tsk, what a loss," the man sighed with pity.
Indeed, such valuable Tier 3 Earth Knights were now reduced to a state worse than mortal.
"It is indeed unfortunate."
"How much are you asking for these two?" Maximus asked.
His question drew the cold glances of the two crippled generals.
"You do have a perceptive eye, my lord."
"These two are available for a mere 10,000 gold coins each," the man replied with a grin.
"So much?" Maximus muttered.
After all, they were now mere mortals; how could they be so expensive?
"Lord, these were once glorious generals. Despite their injuries, their knowledge and experience could still win a few wars," the man boasted.
"Very well, I'll take these two," Maximus decided without bothering to negotiate.
After all, he was the one who would benefit in the end.
He bought them not just to serve as advisors, but as full-fledged generals.
The system mall offered many medicines and elixirs capable of healing any condition.
"Thank you for the business, my lord. I'll have them prepared for you," the man said, instructing his assistants to remove the two generals from the cage.
"No need, my guards will take over," Maximus waved his hand dismissively.
"That's fine."
"Here is 20,000 gold," Maximus stated, producing a crate of gold coins from his storage bag.
"Hahaha, a prosperous deal with you, my lord. Here is their magic contract," the man added, presenting a magic contract.
After all, they were former generals; such caution was warranted.
"Hmm," Maximus accepted the contract and continued to survey the people in the carriage.
One by one, he spotted various Tier 2 knights, but since they were uninjured, their price was higher costing tens of thousands of gold coins.
As he neared the end of his search in the final carriage, he noticed two girls covered in scars.
Seeing Maximus looking at the two girls, the man quickly introduced them.
"Is your interest piqued by these two, my lord?" the man inquired.
Seeing Maximus silent, he continued, "These two are twin sisters, once prodigious talents from a fallen kingdom."
"Originally, they had promising futures, but their father, a Tier 4 Sky Knight, perished."
"With no protection, their once-coveted beauty and talent suddenly became commodities."
"Despite their resistance, they were besieged and eventually sold as slaves."
"What do you think, my lord? Are you interested?"
"Despite their scars, their beauty remains, simply dim the lights and it'll be the same."
"Rest assured, they are clean." Seeing that Maximus was still silent, he added.
"Okay, no more talking, you're giving callus to my ears," Maximus said, scratching his ear.
The reason for his earlier silence was excitement.
Seeing their fit value, how could he not be excited?
[Name: Luna Silvermane]
[Strength: Tier 1 - Official Knight ]
[Potential: Rank 2 - Uncomon]
[Fit: 75(94)]
[Name: Livia Silvermane]
[Strength: Tier 1 - Official Knight ]
[Potential: Rank 2 - Uncomon]
[Fit: 75(94)]
Just this his trip to the imperial capital is complete.