After half a day of travel, Rami and his sister Layla finally arrived at the capital. The sight before them was breathtaking. The capital sprawled like a vast metropolis, a striking contrast to the small town they had left behind, which now felt like little more than a village. Towering buildings gleamed with glass facades, and meticulously paved streets thrummed with sophisticated transportation systems, unlike anything Rami had ever seen. Everything in the capital radiated modernity.
Eager to find a place to rest after their exhausting journey, Rami set out to locate a suitable hotel. After an hour of searching, they stumbled upon a mid-range establishment that seemed satisfactory. However, they were shocked by the cost—ten silver pieces per night, an exorbitant price compared to their hometown, where even the finest inns charged only five silver pieces for an entire month.
With few options and every other hotel charging similarly high rates, they reluctantly decided to rent a room for a week despite the cost.
Once settled, they ordered food from the hotel's restaurant, ravenous from their journey. The meal was both delicious and satisfying. Afterward, Layla, her eyelids drooping with exhaustion, suggested, "Let's sleep now and explore the capital after we wake up."
Rami, just as tired, readily agreed. They went to bed, excited about what they might discover in the city the next day.
When Rami and Layla awoke, sunlight filled their room with a warm, golden glow. After a quick breakfast at the hotel, they set out to explore, wearing their worn-out clothes, which seemed outdated compared to the fashionable attire of the capital's residents.
As they walked through the bustling streets, they couldn't ignore the disdainful stares from the well-dressed locals. Their shabby clothes and unkempt appearance were in stark contrast to the stylish elegance around them.
Feeling uncomfortable, Layla shyly suggested, "Brother, what do you think about buying some new clothes before we continue?"
Recognizing the necessity, Rami nodded. "Yes, we should also find a bathhouse."
After a brief search, they found a second-hand clothing shop with reasonably priced items. They tried on several outfits, eventually selecting clothes that, despite being used, gave them the appearance of nobles. Layla, especially pleased with her choice, felt the outfits would help them blend in better. Although the clothes were more expensive than they had anticipated, Rami deemed them worth the expense.
Instead of changing immediately, they continued their search and soon found a well-known establishment called "The Royal Wash." Upon entering, the receptionist's skeptical gaze lingered on their shabby appearance.
"What kind of service do you need?" the receptionist asked, his tone indifferent.
Rami, sensing the man's unwelcoming attitude, asked directly, "How much does it cost per person?"
"One silver piece each," the receptionist replied, eyeing them with thinly veiled doubt.
Rami placed two silver coins on the counter. The receptionist's demeanor shifted instantly. "I apologize for any misunderstanding. Please, wait while we prepare everything."
After an hour, Rami emerged dressed in his new clothes, astonished by Layla's transformation. Her once tangled black hair now shimmered in the light, and her face, clear and radiant, complemented the black outfit that matched her striking red eyes.
Layla's eyes widened as she took in Rami's new appearance. "Brother, you look so handsome. A ten out of ten!"
"And you look beautiful, Layla," Rami replied with a smile.
"Am I also a ten out of ten?" she asked, curious.
"Of course, ten out of ten," he answered confidently.
Their transformation complete, Rami and Layla stepped out of the bathhouse, attracting curious glances from passersby. With their refined appearance, they now resembled nobles.
"What should we do now?" Layla asked eagerly.
"I'm thinking we should visit the School of the Supernatural first," Rami said, his voice filled with determination. "Now that I'm a wizard, I should make the most of it. You also want to become a sorceress, right?"
"Yes, brother, but first, let's get some ice cream!" Layla pointed to a nearby cart where people were gathered.
As they approached, Rami marveled at the strange mix of old and new in the capital—noble traditions alongside advanced technologies that reminded him of his old world.
His thoughts were interrupted by Layla's gentle tug on his sleeve. "Brother, maybe we shouldn't get ice cream. We need to save money for accommodation and school fees if you're accepted."
Rami's expression softened with regret. "You're right, but I was just distracted. Let's get you that ice cream."
Taking Layla's hand, he led her to the cart. When their turn came, the vendor's indifferent gaze shifted as he noticed their noble appearance. He suddenly addressed them with a tone of formality and respect, likely mistaking them for aristocrats based on their clothes and dignified red eyes.
Calmly, Rami ordered, "One chocolate, and—"
"And one strawberry for me!" Layla interrupted excitedly.
Rami finished with a nod, "As you heard."