It took nearly six days of travel by carriage for Alexander and his uncle to reach the largest city in the region.
Massive towering walls made of white stone encircled the most affluent part of the settlement, while smaller, less opulent walls served as protection for several more sections. Finally, on the outskirts of Torden City were several fenced farms that spread out in all directions.
Overall, Torden City was around twenty times the size of Malm. The number of people that resided within and around the city was said to be over five hundred thousand.
"I know I've been here before, but every time I'm amazed at how large and prosperous it is." Alexander said as he gazed out the carriage's window with an expression of awe.
"Yes, it is a far cry from Malm, especially with the current state of the mines. Still, the royal capital is more than twice as large. When you make it there, I'm sure that your breath will be taken away."
His uncle began regaling Alexander of his own time spent in the royal capital when he attended Fulminous Academy as they waited to enter Torden.
For the last two centuries, it had been the highest institute for finishing education in the nation. It was practically a necessity to attend if someone wanted to hold a position of power.
Eventually, they entered through the large gates of the outer wall and entered the city proper.
Once inside, Elias finished paying for the carriage that he had chartered, and they continued on foot.
"I'm going to head straight to the offices where I can file the adoption paperwork for you. Do you want to accompany me, or is there something else you plan on doing in the city?"
When his uncle asked him about his plans, Alexander looked down at his left leg.
He had been getting by with cheap and hastily put together pegleg, but it was hardly a permanent solution.
It was not particularly comfortable, and to even be able to walk at a normal pace, he had to constantly use magic to enhance himself.
'No one will take me seriously as a warrior if they see this. I need something that at least can disguise my disability.'
With his mind made up, Alexander told his uncle that he planned on searching around for a craftsman that could make him a better artificial limb. What he was working with right now would not cut it going forward.
"That's a good idea, but do you have enough money. Even if it isn't enchanted, a high-quality prosthetic is going to set you back a lot. I've not got too much on me, but I can give you a few silver strips and a couple gold chips." Elias said, pulling out his wallet.
"Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate the gesture, but I lost my leg because of my own foolishness. I'll deal with buying a replacement myself. You've already done enough for me."
Seeing that Alexander was resolute in his desire to pay his own way, Elias backed off. He knew that sometimes it was necessary to do some things on your own even when it would be easier to ask for assistance.
After that, the two of them went their separate ways and agreed to meet back up around dinner time at the inn Elias always stayed at when he visited Torden City.
Walking down the city streets, Alexander looked around excitedly. He had been to this city a few times before, but this was the first where he was able to roam around on his own. Whenever he had accompanied Arouraios here, he always stayed within the confines of the duke's castle.
"I doubt I'll get anywhere just asking strangers on the street, but there's any easy way to build rapport and learn things from them." Alexander muttered, looking towards a series of stalls that were set up in a large square he had just walked into.
So long as he was a paying customer, the owners of the stalls hawking their wares to people would at least put on a friendly façade. A bit of courteous conversation where he could ask for common information between a sale was completely normal.
Alexander scanned each of the small businesses populating the square and soon locked onto one that he thought would be perfect.
It was a stall that was selling bowls of soup along with a roll of black bread.
No one would call this fine cuisine, but there were a fair number of customers lined up, and the owner appeared to have a jovial demeanor and was happily serving his customers and engaging in conversation with them.
Joining the line, Alexander waited for his turn.
Once he reached the front, the friendly young man that was running the stall told him about the three different types of soup that was being offered.
"I'll have the dokuu soup with dumplings."
"That'll be nine cooper chips." The young man said.
Alexander promptly handed over the money while thinking that it was a bit pricey. Though he would get two chips back when he returned the bowl.
While the owner poured his soup, Alexander struck up a conversation with him and quickly moved to the topic of where he could find a store that specialized in prosthetics.
"Hm, I'm afraid I don't know. If you head past the third wall and continue down the main street for a couple of minutes and then turn west, you'll find an area where there are a bunch of shops run by skilled craftsmen."
The owner gave Alexander some more quick directions and then called out the other customers to ask if they knew anything.
This surprised Alexander, as everyone was friendly, and a couple of people gave him the names of stores that were likely to be able to provide what he was looking for.
Having obtained the intel that he wanted, Alexander thanked those that had given him advice and moved over to a nearby bench to enjoy his meal.
Surprisingly, it was really good. The bits of dokuu meat, which came from a small, flightless domesticated bird, were cooked well and seasoned with some sort of spice which was unusual.
'I can see why he's got such a dedicated customer base. The price might be a touch higher than most food one can buy on the streets, but it's good enough to warrant the extra cost.' Alexander thought as he dunked the roll into the broth to soften it up.
When he was finished, he returned the bowl to the stall and received two cooper chips back.
After that, Alexander headed deeper into the city where he would hopefully fine someone capable of making him a quality prosthetic leg.