061: City of Nidaross
Author note: This might be the last chapter I uploaded here. The book will be "temporarily" deleted from all platforms for signing process with WN. If the future for this book is promising enough in wn, then this book will be permanently contracted there. If things going nowhere, I'll just re-upload everything and building my reader base from scratch. Life is tough man. :"(
Enjoy.
***
About a week later, they could finally see the tall landmarks towered over the city wall. Alice had read and heard about the city from many people. However, seeing Nidaross in person really changed her perspective about the kingdom which was renowned and often called a dwarf kingdom.
After the rise of Queen Freya who ‘banished’ the corrupt nobles within the kingdom, Nidaross had now developed by leaps and bounds. The city walls were upgraded, it was torn down to its bare foundation and rebuilt from scratch using advanced materials and building techniques. On top of that, the new, star shaped outer walls were being built to strengthen the city defense.
With the financial help of Tusa Village and Alice’s engineering ideas and technique, various magic powered construction machines were used to build them.
Alice couldn't tell the exact materials that they used to build the wall, but she saw red fired brick was being laid as the core structure. Meanwhile, granites were used as the outer layer of the wall and were bonded with lime mortar.
To strengthen the defensive ability, each watchtower was equipped with Magic Canon, ballistae, and many other war machines. The engineers of Arlenheim Kingdom borrowed Alice’s idea of using Mana Stones and Rune Formation to convert magical energy into various Enchanted Tools that can be used by everyone.
Apart from that, many other war machines were being researched and built in the Arlenheim Kingdom’s Institute of Technology. Meanwhile, the Arlenheim Kingdom’s Royal Magic Academy was in charge of enchanting the machines with the Rune Formations.
The old law that dictates magic was exclusive to nobility was abolished. Anybody in the Arlenheim Kingdom was allowed, and will be granted a scholarship if they were proven to have high affinity.
Who would've thought that a sex toy would inspire the kingdom to a new age of Magic and Technological Revolution?
“Well, it seems like Queen Freya’s investment has paid off.” Alice chimed while looking at the city’s splendors.
“Wait until you see the new face of Arlenheim's Royal Palace.” Catharina added, smiling gently.
“Well, I can't wait to see it. But, let's head to our living quarters first. Seems like these two were on their limit already.” Alice glanced at Momo and Arya who were now leaning their heads to each other, sleeping blissfully.
Since Nidaross was built upon the valley's slope, the carriage had to traverse the winding road to reach the lodge. The city had three main areas for each social class. The upper, middle, lower class neighborhood. Before the departure, Alice had told Queen Freya to provide her a medium sized house as for the temporary living quarters.
That was the initial plan, however. As they climbed higher toward the Upper Class area, Alice soon noticed the luxurious housings, pavilion, mansions and vibrant neighborhoods came into her view.
“Pray tell, Catharina. Why are we here? I remembered correctly that I only asked for a humble house to live in during my stay.”
“Oh, please, your majesty. A Commoner’s house wouldn't be fit for the Queens of Demons and Beastkind. Furthermore, the middle class and lower class housing area is too crowded. It would be a nuisance for others regarding your ‘unlimited’ love for Momo during night time.”
“Right… it would be a hassle to maintain a soundproof spell every night if not days on end.”
Aside from the future noise complaint, a medium sized house would not be enough to accommodate her company’s operation in Nidaross. She would need to hire two or three more maids, stable hands to take care of the horses and carriage, administrative staff and many more.
Kahleesi, Cecilia, and Catharina were capable of doing those tasks, but it would be very disrespectful to their skill sets by letting them do the menial chores around the house.
“Indeedy.” Catharina chuckled impishly.
“You and Queen Freya must be behind this plan, huh?”
Catharina wouldn't reply, only displaying a huge smile on her face.
Before long, the carriage came to a full stop before the metal gates which were guarded by two fully armored soldiers. Anybody could tell that these guys were Arlenheim’s Royal Guards. And only the Queen had the full clearance to deploy them to secure the mansion’s premises behind them.
“Halt!” Warned one of the guards. “This is a private property of Arlenheim's Royal Family. Please turn around and leave the premises at once!”
Alice massaged her temples. Before she could mutter her complaint, Catharina was already facing the Royal Guards outside.
“Good morning, gentlemen. Pardon our lateness… But the Night Princess and her companions are very tired.” Catharina produced a piece of letter and handed it to one of the guards.
Their bodies stiffened upon reading the letter which has the Queen’s Insignia at the bottom.
At this moment, the two Royal Guards ceased with their mundane protocol and let the carriage enter the mansion’s courtyard.
Catharina promptly returned to the cabin, sitting beside Alice nonchalantly with a side glance.
Unbeknownst to Alice, Queen Freya and Andariel have held a secret meeting with the high rank member of the Royal Council of Arlenheim. They agreed to grant Alice a special status and title. As Andariel’s daughter, Queen Freya bestowed the title of Night Princess upon Alice as a sign of respect and hope that Alice would be the successor to the throne, just in case Freya's descendants in the future would do injustice to the people. This title was only known to a few people and could only be used by those closest to Alice.
“Is there something the matter?”
“Not really. When did you arrange this Night Princess thingy?” Alice glanced at the Head Maid with one eye open.
“During your training with Lady Hanako.” Catharina said. “Queen Freya proposed this idea and I agreed right away given the strategic nature of this position. Whilst you were not directly holding the responsibility and the function of a Princess, you will still receive all of the privileges that comes with it. But of course, there are some responsibilities that you still need to attend to.”