The Royal Capital
Just upon entering the city, you could see how beautiful it was. The entrances to the city had big white archways around them, with heavily armored guards posted at each one. The entire city was walled off in three sections. The outside section was the biggest. It contained the highest population, mostly commoners and low-tier merchants, along with various guilds and other businesses. The landmark of the district was the arena, where many mages or other martial artists would fight for the entertainment of others; rarely was it deadly and was used purely for entertainment. The schools of the Empire even hosted tournaments there every year. The Middle section was smaller and hosted a combination of small and big noble houses along with well-off merchants. It was also home to the market district. An entire section dedicated to a market where you could buy nearly anything you wanted. It was also home to the Grand Cathedral. A Cathedral dedicated to all of the divines. Last was the most inner section; this was the smallest among the three sections, but it hosted the largest building.
The Imperial Palace
A building made that would intimidate anyone first laying eyes on it. It was known to be the third-biggest building on the continent. This was not only where the royal family lived but also where many decisions regarding the entire empire were made. High-ranking noble families, as well as representatives of the many major cities and the church, would meet here to decide our future as an Empire. Surrounding it was a man-made lake and a bridge connecting it to the rest of the city. In the district were the houses of those who would attend the meeting at the palace.
"Wow!" Eve said, taking in the sight of the Royal Capital.
It had been about a week since the group left Hillcrest and met Claire, and despite losing a day to a storm where they had to sleep in a cave, they managed to make it there unscathed.
Their first order of business was to find Lyanna, Alex's and Raven's aunts, and Anna's sister.
Anna clapped her hands, getting the group's attention.
"Okay, first things first, we have to go to my sister's house. She lives in the middle part of the city, so follow me!"
Anna led the group through the outer part of the city, with many eyes turning to them. After all, it's not a common sight to see one guy surrounded by five beautiful girls. However, it wasn't just the girls getting attention.
"Hey, who's that boy?" a girl in her older teens asked.
"I don't know, but those purple eyes of his... I wonder if he lives around here?" her friend around the same age asked.
"Maybe you should go talk to him?"
"No way; see all those girls around him; there's no chance he's single."
"I didn't say ask him on a date; just talk to him."
"Maybe if I see him again; he looks busy right now."
"If you don't try, I don't doubt those girls he's traveling with will stay away."
"Uugh"
As the group continued walking, they entered the inner gate, following Anna. They eventually arrived at a big house near the center of the area. It was a big house, about the size of the Blackwood mansion, with a small pond in the front and what seemed to be a garden as well.
"Here it is!" Anna said as she walked up to the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
Alex and Raven looked nervous; it had been a long time since they had met Lyanna. She had visited them many times when they were younger; however, the visits became more and more rare as they got older. They did meet their cousin Amelie on a few visits and got along with her, but they hadn't seen her in years either.
In a short time, an older woman opened the door. She seemed to be in her mid-to-late fifties, her gray hair wrapped in a bun.
"Hello, Welcome to the Morrigan residence." the old lady said before quickly realizing something.
"Lady Anna, is that you?" she asked.
"It is; it's good to see you again, Agnes." Anna said as she hugged the older lady.
"I'm so happy you're here, my lady. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you; it seems my sight is going on me." Agnes said.
"Don't you have a pair of glasses?" Anna asked.
"I broke the things the other day; they fell off as I was cleaning, and I accidentally stepped on them." Agnes explained.
"Well, how about later we go out and get you a new pair?" Anna said.
"I'd love that, my lady." Agnes said.
"Oh! Agnes, let me introduce you to my son Alex and my daughter Raven." Anna said, pointing to her kids.
"Hello ma'am"
"Hello"
"Well, I'll be. Hello kids. My name is Agnes, and I'm the head maid of the Morrigan household. I was your mother's and aunt's maid from back when they were toddlers. It's nice to meet you. Oh, and I see you brought some others as well." Agnes introduced herself.
"Yes, you remember Kaede and Eve right. And this is Claire, my son's bodyguard." Anna introduced everyone.
"Hello Again!" Eve said this with a smile on her face as Claire and Kaede waved their hands to say hello.
Agnes knew about Kaede's true identity pretty early on, as she taught her how to be a maid when the Morrigan family took her in.
"Hello again, girls; it's been a long time, and it's also nice to meet you, Claire." Agnes said.
Claire, not used to people quite yet, quietly moved behind Alex.
"Well, okay, that's adorable." Alex thought to himself.
Claire has been glued to Alex's hip for almost the entire trip. Alex had to beg her to stay in the girls room while they were at the inn. She became dependent on Alex, and while Alex didn't necessarily dislike having her always around, he wanted her to become stronger on her own as well.
"Come inside; Lady Lyanna and Lady Amelie should be home." Agnes said.
Everyone walked inside the house and marveled at how beautiful it was. It was well designed, and you could tell the cleaners didn't skip anything; you could almost see your reflection in the floors.
Agnes looked into a room and spoke.
"Lady Lyanna, you have some special guests."
Anna walked past Agnes and waved.
"Hey Lyanna, miss me?" she said.
Lyanna jumped out of her seat at the table and hugged Anna, saying
"It's so good to see you again!"
‐----------------------------------
Patreon:
https://patreon.com/Alex_Blackwood628
Discord:
https://discord.gg/97ejzvAGKb