Chapter 315: Valoria
"Welcome to Valoria, esteemed guests," he spoke hurriedly, visibly anxious yet maintaining respectful composure.
Seris calmly approached the guard captain, handing over a small pouch of copper coins to cover the entrance fees.
Orion briefly raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by the simplicity of the city’s system, but chose to refrain from questioning it openly, instead stepping forward confidently into Valoria alongside his companions.
As they entered the city’s outer area, Orion and the group carefully observed their surroundings. Unlike Thunderpeak Kingdom’s bustling and prosperous capital, Valoria’s outer city felt humble, worn, and burdened by war.
Simple wooden stalls lined the streets, merchants loudly calling out their wares—fresh produce, basic tools, and inexpensive fabrics.
The citizens filling the streets were exclusively Tigerkin, their expressions weary yet resilient. Mothers gently guided their kids through bustling crowds, laborers carried heavy bundles upon their shoulders, and elderly citizens exchanged quiet greetings.
Their clothing was modest and functional, visibly worn but meticulously maintained, demonstrating the proud dignity of a people determined to endure despite hardship.
Seris gently led Orion and his companions deeper into the outer city, explaining quietly as they walked, "Valoria’s outer city is where merchants, mercenaries, peasants, and lower nobles reside. The Inner City is reserved exclusively for nobility and the royal family."
Nyss, whose typically cold expression briefly softened with curiosity, asked calmly, "Is the city always this crowded?"
Seris softly nodded, her voice quietly sad yet firm, "Recently, it’s become even more crowded. Many villagers from settlements along the border have fled here seeking safety from Lionkin raids. The city struggles greatly with limited resources and housing."
Orion quietly listened to her words, yet he inwardly wondered if Tigerkin were doing the same to the Lionkin as well. He then silently observed the struggling populace.
Felira’s gentle eyes carried quiet sorrow, and she softly commented, "It’s heartbreaking to see people suffering simply because they lack sufficient strength to protect themselves."