Chapter 662: Regalia: Haven or Illusion?
After gathering with Asha and Louise, the group pushed against the relentless flow of citizens. Sometimes, they brushed against coarse fabrics that suggested poorer backgrounds. More often, softer ones flourished with stylistic embroideries caressed their shoulders and drew an approving nod from Julius.
He knew every city had its own problems, but Regalia appeared like a haven at first glance.
As Adam had taught him, he scanned the circular streets that descended toward the crater’s heart for the suburbs. ’It’ll tell you everything you need to know about a city’s rulership.’ His words before he grumbled about Shepard’s appalling management. And remembering his village and Alkemia Al-Nur, he agreed with them.
Yet, even after circling the gates’ surroundings, the shaky buildings he had expected didn’t greet his eyes. No extreme poverty, ill-looking men, or women begging to feed their children. No stench of molds either, only that of fresh gardens, sweet and sour fruits, or grilling meat from restaurants.
Everything sparkled like new, pulsing with mana and decorated with fresh terraces. A shadow of doubt obscured his face. Did the royal family relocate poverty to its towns, or was it hidden so well that he couldn’t catch it at first glance? He’d discover it slowly. For now, exploration!
His lips curled a little more with each shop he passed by. He noticed no gleaming swords or enchanted armor displays—those were likely reserved for the elite. Instead, they mostly sold magical artifacts. From soft glowing ones that drove darkness away to crackling stones used for heat or cooking, they covered various features geared towards daily living.
The closer he approached the royal castle, the better their quality was. However, the items that had sparked his curiosity earlier hadn’t appeared yet.
With a raised brow, he turned to Arun and pointed at the sky. "Why can’t we find these flying carpets and devices?" He grinned. "It’d be cool to have our own, right?"
Arun patted his shoulder, sighing. "Right? It’s difficult to get them, though."