Journey to the Royal Capital

Holy Wing Islands, Hila territory.

The Baisha Ship sailed north along the Dragon Saliva River toward the royal capital. After the vortex storm at Azure Fort had ended, any weather felt fair and pleasant to them. Whether sailors or passengers, whenever they had nothing to do, they preferred to lean against the railings on the foredeck and admire the scenery along both banks. The storm that had nearly sunk the entire harbor beneath the sea now seemed like nothing more than a phantom lingering in memory.

Many ships traveled back and forth between the north and south, though most were riverboats, far smaller than the Baisha Ship. Moreover, the flag flying from the Baisha Ship belonged to none of the nations of the Western Pole, drawing countless onlookers. After all, it was the first time a first-rate warship from outside the nations of the Sea of Tranquility had appeared in the royal capital's waters. If not for the Hera Church's goddess flag hanging from both sides of the vessel, the defense forces along the route would likely have boarded to inspect it.

"That's Hila City." Taxisis pointed at a dense "gray forest" in the distance.

"The buildings by the river... are they all factories?" Li craned her neck to look.

"Yes. In every respect, the royal capital stands head and shoulders above the other cities of the islands. It has far more merchants, workers, Church believers, and ordinary citizens than Azure Fort, and its embassy facilities are much more luxurious as well." A trace of pride crept into Taxisis's voice as she spoke. "During your stay, I'll prepare stewards and servants for you. I guarantee you'll receive the most comfortable hospitality."

After several days of rest, the young woman's injuries had mostly healed, and her spirits had recovered considerably. Aside