The next day, early in the morning, everyone was already awake and continued their journey. Evan was a bit stunned seeing how they could wake up so early, even when the surroundings were still as dark as night. Though sunlight was beginning to show in the eastern sky, the dense trees blocked most of it.
A few hours later, they passed through the forest and continued to follow the river's flow. About an hour later, they crossed hilly areas and valleys. After three hours, the group finally saw the grand city of Olivia.
From a distance, the city walls seemed to shine under the blazing sun. A long line of people waiting to enter the city looked like the body of a snake, winding in front of the gate. Evan was in awe. It was his first time visiting such a large city, one as old, or perhaps even older, than the kingdom itself.
"First time here?" Syiban, who had appeared beside Evan, teased him. His camel snorted, seemingly mocking Evan's indifferent horse. Syiban probably knew it when he saw Evan's wide-eyed expression as he took in the sight of the vast city nestled in the valley.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Very much so," Syiban chuckled. "Your eyes look like a child who just got a new toy." He widened his eyes and opened his mouth slightly, mimicking Evan's earlier expression. Evan laughed.
The city was indeed large, very large, almost as big as Aetheria. It sat in a valley of a massive mountain with snow-capped peaks. The enormous city walls weren't just on the outer edges; there were three layers of them, each thicker than the last.
Watchtowers stood proudly along the walls. The massive gates looked heavy, and the river flowed from east to west through the city—this was Olivia.
At the center of the city stood a majestic fortress, which had never been breached throughout history. A grand, ancient, and fortified city within the Kingdom of Emberlyn. It was no wonder the city had three layers of walls, complete with thousands of armed knights.
"Is this where you're looking for that stone?" Evan asked, breaking the silence. The group had gone far ahead, leaving only Syiban's caravan and Evan behind.
The dark-skinned youth shook his head. "I've already found it. I'm on my way back now." He turned to Evan, observing him closely. "How about you? Is your stone here?"
"It should be," Evan replied, unsure. "Though I'm not certain."
Syiban nodded, gazing at the city for a moment before grinning widely. "It seems we'll have to part ways here, my friend. I have no business passing through this city."
Evan was surprised. "Isn't the fastest way to the northern desert through this city?"
"But I never said I was heading to the desert. My friends and I are going north, but not to the desert."
"You said you were from the desert?"
"I meant another desert. No, wait... to be more precise, because the desert is too vast, passing through this city would only take us further out of the way." Syiban smiled, showing his white teeth. "Well then, farewell, my friend. I hope we meet again someday—under better circumstances."
***
Evan parted ways with the merchant group as they entered Olivia. Since they were traders, their destination was, of course, the market, which greeted them immediately after passing through the gate by turning east a few meters.
The others who had been traveling with the traders also went their separate ways. Now, Evan was left alone with his white horse in the bustling city.
The Olivia City market was perhaps too large. Despite having no intention of turning east into the market, Evan soon found himself passing its outskirts. On either side of the road, vendors shouted, promoting their wares and prices. A few meters later, Evan was trapped in the crowd of the marketplace.
His father had once advised him to be cautious when he arrived in this city. Olivia was notorious for skilled pickpockets, who could deftly steal people's valuables. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, and even bags could be snatched directly from their owners. Such incidents were common in the market.
Now, Evan was stuck in the middle of it.
"Sir, I can take care of your horse and clean it."
"Sir, I can carry your large bag. Only two silvers, wherever you need."
"Sir, you seem weary from your travels. How about trying my drink? Just one silver for a full cup."
"Need a ride?" This man was foolish. Clearly, Evan was leading a horse, and yet he offered a cart to someone already with a horse. Fool!
His father had also warned him about pushy transport services in Olivia that wouldn't leave until they were paid. Evan had now seen it firsthand and struggled to shake them off.
Annoyed, he mounted his horse, figuring it might help him escape the persistent vendors. And it worked, somewhat. People stepped aside to give him room.
Things were going smoothly for a while, until suddenly, he heard a shrill voice.
"Hey, sir!"
A girl's voice called out. Instinctively, Evan pulled his reins to stop the horse. He looked down and was startled.
A girl, possibly the same age as his sister, around eighteen, was lying on her side in the street, clutching her right side. She grimaced in pain.
Her clothes were dirty, her hair disheveled, and her face smeared with dust and grime, making her skin appear greasy. She glared at Evan fiercely.
"Your horse hit me!" she snapped.
"Oh, really?" Evan quickly dismounted and helped the girl to her feet. "I'm sorry, miss. The crowd here is so thick, it's hard to see the path without riding my horse."
The girl dusted off her clothes, though they remained covered in dirt. Her face was still angry. "I won't forgive this!"
Evan was perplexed. He was an experienced rider, and he would have felt it if he had bumped into someone. However, as a newcomer here, Evan didn't want to cause trouble.
"I truly didn't mean to. I didn't feel anything when I supposedly hit you." Evan bowed slightly. "I'll compensate you for your medical expenses. How much would you like?"
"A cup of hot tea and freshly baked toast. I want it in silver!" the girl demanded.
Evan nodded, counting with his fingers before pulling out three silver coins. The girl was still angry.
"What's this? Three coins? That's barely enough for toast," she grumbled, but her slender hand quickly snatched the coins and stuffed them into her pocket. "Add three more!"
The red-haired youth gritted his teeth but remained calm. "That's more than enough, miss. Where I'm from, hot tea and toast cost only two silvers."
"That's where you're from, not here! You're an outsider, right?" she pressed. "Three more coins, or you'll get in trouble. The soldiers here aren't kind to outsiders."
Grumbling in frustration, Evan handed over three more coins. Without another word, he pulled his horse's reins and walked away.
"Have a nice day, sir," the girl called out cheerfully, waving her hand. Evan didn't even glance back.
***
"Father was right…."
Evan rummaged through his large bag but found nothing. He shook his head. "Father was right; there are many thieves here."
He had arrived at an inn a few minutes earlier. Before going to his room, Evan had stopped for lunch at the inn's restaurant.
What a rotten day.
First, getting stuck in the market, then wandering around the city in search of an inn to spend the night. All the inns were full, except for this modest one with a bed that creaked and swayed every time he moved. And now, he realized that his dagger was missing.
"It must have been in that cursed market!" Evan muttered. "Or maybe it was that girl? It makes sense. I didn't feel like I hit anyone, and suddenly she falls and demands my money. Hmph… that wretched girl!"
Fuming, Evan decided to return to the market, determined to find the girl who had likely stolen his mother's cherished dagger.