The citadel is made up of 3 areas: "Commoners' Area, Merchants' Area, Nobles' Area, and the King's Castle". Each area is separated by walls guarded by extremely careful soldiers. The commoners' area is the largest.
To make it easier to visualize, you can refer to the AOT map.
Going deeper into the citadel, everyone was surprised because compared to the people outside, the people inside did not seem to be hungry, cold, miserable, or worried about the Demon King. There were many merchants and traders here, and obviously there were also people who seemed to be nobles dressed very luxuriously. Even though they were only separated by a wall, it was like 2 completely different worlds. Finally, Lan and her friends understood the meaning of the man's words when they mistook them for nobles.
Going inside the castle, everyone was once again surprised by the grandeur, vastness, and luxury of this place. There were many soldiers standing guard around. And then everyone was invited to the dining room that looked extremely magnificent, the king was already sitting here waiting. When he saw the group of young people, the king was extremely happy, and approached to welcome them.
"Welcome, guests from far away, you must be the messengers sent by the gods to help our kingdom. You must be tired, please have a meal with me."
After saying that, the king ordered the servants to pull out chairs and invite everyone to sit.
Lan sneered, whispering to Hoa and Tuan: "You must be the messengers of the gods, it sounds so solemn, even though we are just a bunch of toys to entertain the gods."
Hoa and Tuan replied: "Be quiet for a moment."
The dining table in front of everyone was decorated with dishes that looked extremely delicious and strange. All the dishes and ingredients had never been seen before.
Everyone did not hesitate, sat down and ate deliciously. Perhaps because they were tired after the recent incident.
Suddenly, one of the group spoke up:
"I have a question. I wonder why you knew that we would be sent by the gods to this place and how you prepared to welcome us?"
"We will have to discuss this matter anyway, so I will present it now." The king replied and signaled for his servants and soldiers standing guard to go out.
Then he ordered his close aides to present:
"There are only two kings in this world, the King of Humanity and the Demon King - the King of the Demon Clan. Each side rules half of the hemisphere, and we have lived like this for hundreds of years. However, 4 years ago, the King of the Demon Clan suddenly began to attack the other hemisphere, which is also our Kingdom. It is said that he wanted to unify this entire world into the kingdom of the Demon Clan. Due to the sudden and overwhelming attack, our Kingdom was unable to react in time and suffered heavy damage. About 3 days ago, a stronghold was attacked and occupied, which was also the stronghold where the people waiting for refuge outside used to live. Until now, there are only 3 strongholds left, including this Capital and the remaining 2 strongholds taken over by the king's 2 sons."
The king began to speak: "As for the reason why I know about your group, it is that 2 days ago, a God descended to earth and appeared before me and said that 2 days later, which is today, a group of strangers would come here to help us. He also clearly stated the identifying characteristics such as clothing and age along with the number of people who would come, so we knew and prepared to welcome them in advance."
"Also because we were afraid that your presence would be revealed outside and the Demons would take the opportunity to disguise themselves to enter here, no one else knows about you, I only ordered the guards to know your appearance so they would know to welcome you. So I am very sorry if my people and soldiers have done anything to offend everyone."
Lan did not eat or drink anything, glanced at the king and then looked around.
"The losses are heavy, the people are starving because they have lost their homes, but it seems that your inner city is still magnificent, everyone looks so calm and peaceful?"
The king smiled awkwardly because he did not know what to say
"Just a little woman dares to judge me." - The king thought to himself.
A smooth-talking person in the group spoke to ease the tense atmosphere:
"Perhaps because the King here already knew that our group of heroes would come to rescue, that is why he was so assured. He even personally attended to treat us to a delicious and sumptuous meal even though it was the first time we met. Not only that, he also generously let the people into the city to take refuge, stay and distribute food to them, he is truly a wise king."
"Haha, that's too much praise. As a king, I only do what I should do to help my people." - The king was pleased and asked, "I don't know how to address the envoy."
"My name is Pham Hai Cuong, you can call me Cuong," the smooth-talking man replied.
Cuong continued to speak: "Then may I ask, when will the Demon King's army attack again? Do you have any information about this?"
The king replied: "Usually, it takes about 2-3 months for them to attack once. Maybe it's because we need to prepare manpower, supplies and food before attacking."
Cuong suggested: "Then I would like to request that before we go to support other strongholds, you allow us to stay here for about a month to be trained by your army and learn about the Demon King's army's methods of attack. After all, we were just sent here by the gods and have no combat experience yet."
The king was surprised because they had no combat experience, and close associates around them simultaneously cast doubtful looks at everyone, wondering if they could defeat the Demon King. Because in the past 4 years, even soldiers with many years of combat experience could not win a single battle.
Cuong quickly saw the doubt from the king and the others:
"You don't need to worry too much, the supreme god declared that we could help you defeat the Demon King, correct? That means we are undoubtedly capable. Moreover, apart from you and your trusted advisors, no one else knows about us yet, right? If that's the case, then let's assume that within just over a month of training, followed by the next month where we successfully defend your stronghold, and soon after that, we manage to defeat the Demon King. Wouldn't you then be celebrated as a wise and brilliant king? A ruler who, in just a short month, managed to train exceptional warriors capable of protecting the entire nation," Cường suggested confidently, a faint smile playing on his lips.. Or if you still doubt us, it will be no different from doubting the supreme god. Does my proposal meet your expectations, Your Majesty?"
The king seemed extremely pleased with Cuong's presentation. And happily invited everyone to continue eating.
"You also have to eat, Lan. Even if I sympathize with the people, I still have to eat to have strength." - Hoa whispered to Lan.
Lan thought for a moment and replied: "Yes, you are right. Maybe I paid too much attention to the details. The main goal is still to defeat the devil king."
After that, Lan ate a lot.
After finishing eating, Cuong invited the king to go outside so that everyone could talk privately, then suggested that everyone introduce themselves because at first they were too hasty to know each other's names. And each person introduced their name and told each other about the color of light they possessed.
1, Nguyen Thi Hoang Lan: 17 years old, studying and living in Tu Son-Bac Ninh. Crystal color owned: "Red"
2, Nguyen Ngoc Hoa: same information as Lan. Crystal color owned: "Green"
3, Do Dinh Tuan: same information as Lan. Crystal color owned: "Blue"
4, Pham Hai Cuong: 17 years old, studying and living in Hanoi. Crystal color owned: "Blue"
5, Dao Quynh Trang: same information as Cuong. Crystal color owned: "Purple"
6, Bui Duc Nam: 18 years old, studying and living in Da Nang. Crystal color owned: "Orange"
7, Trinh Minh Duc: 16 years old, studying and living in Thai Nguyen. Crystal color owned: "Green"
8, Nguyen Van Hai: 16 years old, studying and living in Nghe An. Crystal color owned: "Purple"
9, Huynh Ngoc Bao Tram: studying and living in Phan Thiet. Crystal color owned: "Green"
In summary, the group of 9 people includes: 1 Red 🔴, 2 Blue 🔵, 3 Green🟢, 2 Purple 🟣 and 1 Orange 🟠