Chapter 46: Fame (3)
“You will also get a new mercenary badge, Mr. Ketal. Since it will be custom-made exclusively for you, it might take some time,” Rosa explained.
“Oh? A badge made just for me?” Ketal asked with curiosity.
“Yes. Starting from C-Rank, mercenaries are treated as true professionals. It comes with its perks. For starters, you will now have access to most places.”
With this new rank, Ketal would experience far fewer restrictions. He would even be able to enter the capitals of most kingdoms after a proper inspection. The Mercenary Guild, a massive organization, was essentially vouching for him.
“Depending on the religious order, most churches will also accept you without issue. However, the capital of the Empire is an exception,” Rosa continued to explain.
“Is the Empire that strict?”
“Ordinary citizens aren’t allowed there at all. Only those granted permission by the imperial nobility can set foot in the capital.”
Skill alone wasn’t enough to gain entry. Only recognition from someone truly noble could open the gates to the Empire’s capital.
Rosa lowered her voice as if sharing something dangerous. “To be honest, no one really knows what’s inside the imperial capital. All we hear are ominous rumors.”
“Is it that bad?” Still, people live there, so there must be some exchange with the outside world, right?” Ketal asked.
“No.” Rosa shook her head firmly. “The people who live there rarely leave. Even if they do, they never speak of the capital. Frankly, there’s less information about it than about the Demon Realm.”