The walk through AryaVart was both overwhelming and fascinating. I kept my head low, trying to take in the lively streets while avoiding too much attention. The city seemed to pulse with energy—narrow stone paths were flanked by vibrant market stalls, and towering structures loomed overhead, adorned with banners fluttering in the breeze.They really have banners,huh.
Ahead, Princess Rimu strode confidently, her fiery hair making her impossible to miss. She spoke briefly with the guards, three mages in ornate robes and four knights clad in gleaming armor. Their presence was both reassuring and unnerving.
"You can look around," she said, turning to me as we walked. "The capital isn't a prison."
I frowned, my eyes looking from one busy street to the next. "It's not that. Just... different."
She smirked. "What? Is AryaVart,the capital too much for a quiet guy like you?"
"No,"I said quickly without a second delay, but yes my voice lacked conviction.
As we turned a corner, the bustling streets opened into a wide square brimming with life. Stalls lined the edges, their colorful canopies billowing in the wind. The scent of Sweets dishes and spicy foods filled the air, and the sounds of cheerful chatter, laughter, and music were almost deafening.
"Welcome to the Festival of the Summoning," Rimu announced, spreading her arms theatrically.
Yeah,my stomach sank. A festival celebrating us? I glanced around at the happy faces of the townspeople, their joy a stark contrast to the doubt weighing him down.
"The festival marks the success of the summoning ritual," Rimu explained, walking past stalls piled high with brightly dyed fabrics and strange, glowing trinkets. "It's one of the biggest events in AryaVart."
"I see," I muttered, my gaze was fixed on the ground.
Rimu noticed my change in demeanor and raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem thrilled. What's the problem?"
"It's nothing," I replied, in quiet voice, "Just… what would happen if these people found out one of the summoned heroes doesn't have any magic?"
Rimu stopped and turned to me, her amber eyes narrowing. "You think too much."
I flinched at her bluntness, "I—"
"I mean, sure, they might be surprised. Some might even be upset. But you're here for a reason, whether you see it or not," she said, folding her arms. "Stop sulking and enjoy the festival. Or are you always this boring?"
Her words stung, but I couldn't tell if she was mocking me or trying to encourage me. Maybe both.
If I thought about it, yes, she's currect. They had four out of five heros who have magic, so festival was a good thing.
"I'm not sulking," I muttered defensively.
"Good," she said with a smirk. "Now, come on. Let's see what this place has to offer."
As we moved deeper into the square, I began to relax. The vibrant energy was infectious, and my curiosity got the better of him.
One stall had a magician performing tricks with floating flames, making the crowd gasp and cheer. Another sold peculiar fruits that shimmered as if dusted with glitter. I lingered at a toy stall, my eyes drawn to a miniature spinning dragon that seemed alive, they have better toys here than our world,huh.
Rimu watched me with amusement. "I thought you were too serious for toys."
"They're… interesting," I said, picking up the dragon. It flapped its wings once before returning to its stationary pose.
As we continued, the smell of sweet dish drew us to a food stall. I hesitated but eventually tried it, It was like sugar but in the better way it tasked like freezed milk with sugar in it. The flavor was unlike anything I'd ever tasted, and for the first time since my summoning, I found himself smiling.
"See? You're not completely hopeless," Rimu teased.
I sighed, though my mood had undeniably improved, "Do you always have to comment on everything I do?"
"It's my job to keep you from brooding," she said with a grin.
We passed a stall selling intricate fabrics, another with shimmering stones that seemed to pulse with energy, and a small magical circus where performers juggled orbs of light and summoned miniature rainstorms.
"It's… incredible," I admitted, my eyes wide as I watched a magician create a swirling tornado of glowing butterflies.
Rimu raised an eyebrow. "So, you do like it."
Uzu nodded reluctantly. "It's hard not to."
"Good," she said, her tone shifting. "Because we're not done yet. There's somewhere I want to take you."
The lively energy of the festival began to fade as we left the main square. I noticed the streets becoming quieter, the buildings more imposing. The guards remained a step behind them, their silent presence reminding I of the weight of his situation.
"Where are we going?" Uzu asked.
Rimu glanced at me over her shoulder. "You'll see."
We stopped before a grand but somber building, its walls lined with ivy. The air felt heavier here, as if the place carried a history that demanded respect.
"This is the home of General Kaizen's family," Rimu said softly.
My eyes widened. I had heard Tem mention the general before—a legendary warrior who had fallen in battle years ago.
"Why are we here?" I asked, his voice cautious.
Rimu's expression was uncharacteristically serious. "Because sometimes, the past has lessons for the present. And you need to understand the cost of the path you've been put on."
Her words sent a chill through me, same as when I was being inspired to play chess. As we stepped through the gates and into the quiet courtyard, I couldn't shake the feeling that this visit would be more significant than anything else I'd experienced so far.