Book 3: Chapter 2
A delegation to send to the royal capital in Cavarin was hastily pieced together.
After all, Cavarin couldn’t be reached in a day or two. That meant they had to decide on a route, find lodgings along the way, gather their entourage, and prepare the necessary provisions. On top of it all, they had to align themselves with Western culture.
“Ninym, I’m going to Cavarin by carriage. Go ahead and bring it out.”
“Really? All right, but carriages are typically for women.”
“In the East. Especially in the Empire.”
The Empire was a meritocracy, where riding on horseback was a symbol of strength. There, it would be ridiculous for royals and noblemen to use carriages. Others would point and laugh that they couldn’t ride a horse without training wheels.
“There’s an understanding in the West that nobles shouldn’t excessively be in the public eye. If a royal was to ride in on a horse unaided, they’d be seen as a foreign barbarian. At least, that’s what Claudius told me.”
“I see. I’ll have it ready.”
“I’m leaving that to you. I have to go review Western etiquette with Claudius… They’re a stiff crowd.”