Chapter 169 - Holy endeavours
Scarlett looked out of the carriage window at the stone buildings outside as they slowly traveled down Bridgespell’s cobbled streets, watching the colorful storefronts and inviting establishments they passed by. Although it was one of the empire’s larger cities, Bridgespell’s Kilnstone district was a winding labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways unless one followed the main thoroughfare, which their journey had taken them off not long after arriving in the city.
That wasn’t to say that the traffic was any less intense along their current route. It was simply more cramped. Pedestrians scurried to make way for the carriages and wagons, and the crowds weaved between the buildings like a swarm of ants.
“Ah, this brings back memories,” Rosa hummed to Scarlett’s left, leaning forward in her seat with her chin resting on her palm. Her gaze followed Scarlett’s out the window. “There’s no place quite like Bridgespell if you want to experience what it’s like to be a sardine packed into a barrel.”
“You’ve been here before?” Allyssa asked from her seat across from Rosa.
“Of course,” the bard replied, casting an amused look at Allyssa.
The Shielder returned it. “Is there anywhere around the Empire you haven’t been?”
Rosa furrowed her brows, tapping a finger against her cheek. “I suppose I haven’t visited the Rising Isle yet. Or the Forgotten Tower, for that matter. They’re close enough to the empire in my book that I can’t not hit them up eventually.” She shot a sly smile in Scarlett’s direction. “If I stick close to this one for long enough, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before I get the chance as well. I’ve already checked off reaching the summit of one of the highest mountains on the continent, thanks to her.”
“No one has ever been to the Forgotten Tower,” Allyssa remarked. “And doesn’t the Rising Isle only allow mages?”
“They don’t have any policy against non-mages visiting the island.” Shin said, looking up from the book that he was reading. “They haven’t for a long time. I would imagine that there are at least some living there who aren’t mages, and there have been several collaborations between the empire and the Isle in recent decades, allowing visitors from our side.”
“Ok, well, yes, sure. If that’s the case, I’ll admit that I wouldn’t be surprised if Scarlett somehow ended up taking us there someday.” Allyssa shook her head. “But my imagination draws the line at the Forgotten Tower. That’s a bit too far-fetched, don’t you think?”
“Hmm, I don’t know~” Rosa glanced at Scarlett, her smile growing into a smirk. “Is it?”
Scarlett looked at the bard for a moment, then returned her gaze to the passing cityscape. “I do not believe you are quite ready for that yet.”