Chapter 16
Lucien slowly stirred from his slumber. A gentle nudge roused him, and as his eyes blinked open, the soft fabric of the tent ceiling greeted him. The early morning light barely seeped through the tent's canvas, casting a faint golden glow over everything. A familiar presence knelt beside him.
"Good morning, young master," said Marie, her voice as calm and warm as ever. Her smile was soft, carrying the kind of gentle fondness only time and care could cultivate.
Lucien blinked once more, adjusting to the light. "Morning already...?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Yes," Marie giggled. "You fell asleep under the stars. We tucked you in. Breakfast is ready, and we should be leaving soon."
Stretching with a small groan, Lucien sat up. His snowy white hair was tousled from sleep, and he yawned before giving Marie a slow nod. "Thanks. I must've dozed off faster than I thought."
A short while later, Lucien sat beside a campfire surrounded by their elite escort. The savory scent of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced root stew filled the air. After a quiet breakfast shared with Marie, Knight Rex, and the six A-Rank knights, they packed up camp and mounted their enchanted carriages.
The magical steeds, wreathed in faint dark flames, neighed softly in anticipation. The sky had turned a calm blue, dotted with drifting clouds, and a soft wind whispered through the plains.
As the journey resumed, Lucien peeked out the carriage window again. The view began to shift—grassy plains turned into paved roads, scattered villages slowly gave way to bustling signs of civilization. Then, towering far ahead, like a fortress carved into the world itself, rose the first of the three legendary walls of the Empire.
Lucien's breath caught in his throat.
The gate loomed as they approached: a colossal structure of gleaming metal reinforced with pale blue mana crystals. Even from a distance, the might of the Empire could be felt in the way the earth trembled slightly with the sheer footfall of traffic flowing in and out.
Carriages passed by—some merchant wagons laden with goods, others bearing the banners of minor noble houses. Adventurers on horseback and traveling caravans joined the mix. Despite the crowd, everything was organized by platoons of imperial guards.