Finally, they found a hotel named "White Deer" in Royal Capital West District, an area known for its concentration of scholars, craftsmen and wealthy businessmen, with good security and elegant environment.
This is a three-story stone and wood structure building with a clean and tidy facade. An exquisite wooden signboard with a white stag carved on it hangs at the door. Different from those Port Belen hotels that are always filled with the smell of alcohol and damp musty, the lobby of White Deer Inn is spacious and bright. The floor is covered with thick dark red carpets. Several polished oak tables and chairs are placed in an orderly manner. The fire in the fireplace burns quietly, bringing a touch of warmth to the early morning air.
A middle-aged shopkeeper with well-dressed clothes and meticulously combed hair received them. He did not have too much enthusiasm, nor did he show any indifference. He just asked about their needs in a professional manner and recorded the pseudonym provided by Moria in the register. In Camelot, as long as you don't take the initiative to show your identity as a "stranger", no one will bother to investigate.
They requested two adjoining single rooms. After settling down, Moria came to Li Wen's room.
"I plan to go to St. George's Grand Cathedral first." He said straight to the point, obviously having planned his first step, "Report my arrival to the church and seek their assistance to investigate the clues that 'Great Blood' is in Royal Capital."
As Firstborn of the Temple, this is undoubtedly the safest and most effective approach. As the center of power of Candle Sun Church in Arthur, St. George's Grand Cathedral must control an intelligence network and resources that are difficult for outsiders to reach.
"I understand." Li Wen nodded, not surprised. "I also have some things to deal with, and I will act alone for the time being."
"Need help?" Moria asked, even though he knew the answer would probably be no.
"No need for the time being." Li Wen replied calmly, "I just want to visit Royal Capital's library, learn about the customs here, and make some preparations for the future journey."
This reason sounds reasonable, but Moria did not delve into it. He knew that there were many secrets hidden in Li Wen, just like the road related to dusk that she had never mentioned. But since they are partners, the most basic trust and respect are the basis of cooperation.
"Then, let's use this place as our contact point." Moria said, "If you encounter any trouble or find anything, you can leave a message for me at the front desk of the hotel. I will also check back regularly. If there is an emergency, you can also go to the cathedral to find me and report my name to the monk guarding the door."
"Okay."
After a brief conversation, the two separated. Moria arranged his clothes, left the hotel, and walked towards the St. George's Grand Cathedral that was located in the center of Royal Capital and was said to be more dazzling than the sun.
Li Wen was in no rush to act. In such a large and well-ordered city, rash action is the stupidest choice. She first adjusted herself to the best condition in the room, then put on her hood and left the hotel quietly.
Her first destination was the largest map merchant in the city.
Camelot's urban layout is far more complicated than she imagined, with clear and orderly divisions. She spent a sum of money to buy the latest and most detailed Royal Capital map. Not only are the main streets and buildings marked on the map, but the functions of each urban area and the distribution of major chambers of commerce are also noted one by one.
In the central area of the map, the palace and St. George's Grand Cathedral are like two bright pearls, echoing each other and dividing the city's power map. The outer courtyard of Sunday Secret College is located in the northeast corner of Royal Capital, occupying a vast area, and its iconic tower icon is particularly eye-catching on the map. The Royal Library is located near the palace and is heavily guarded. Judging from the map, it is probably more difficult to enter than Sunday Secret College.
In the next half day, Li Wen was like a most ordinary traveler arriving in Royal Capital for the first time, walking leisurely through the streets of Camelot. She did not go to any famous scenic spots, but just relied on the map to travel between various urban areas, using her own eyes and feet to measure this strange city.
She saw Royal Griffon Knight patrolling the aristocratic area. The horses beneath them were extraordinary, attracting passersby's admiration. She also saw those dark-skinned dwarf masters in the craftsman area, having a heated discussion with human craftsmen about the drawings of a certain precision instrument. She also saw in the scholar area, young apprentices wearing Magic Society uniforms, sitting in twos and threes in an outdoor cafe, talking loudly about ethereal flow and the profound topics of the magic circle Inscriptions.
Everything in this city is so orderly. Radiance, royal power, magic and wealth have reached a delicate and fragile balance here.
In the evening, Li Wen parked on a quiet street in the academic district. This place is far away from the hustle and bustle of the main road. There are many shops selling books, magic scrolls and alchemy materials on both sides. The air was filled with the musty smell of old paper mixed with the strange aroma of various herbs.
After observing for a while, she walked into a bookstore called "Quill Pen".
This bookstore may not have a big appearance, but it has a unique charm inside. Rows of bookshelves reaching to the ceiling divide the space like a maze, filled with books of various thicknesses. Many players and young people wearing Arcane Academy outer courtyard apprentice uniforms were passing through, or sitting on the floor in the corner, immersed in reading.
Li Wen did not look through the books, but walked slowly through the bookshelves, as if looking for a certain book, but his ears were keenly picking up the whispers around him.
"... This year's promotion assessment is really difficult. Just the item 'Aether Flow Sculpting' has eliminated more than half of the people."
"Forget it, I didn't even pass the examination. My tutor said I didn't study enough and didn't allow me to enter the literature room on the second floor to check the information. How could I possibly write a qualified paper?"
"Learn something, learn something, learn something! It's really hard for us, apprentices from outside the academy without any background, to get ahead..."
Listening to the complaints of the two apprentices, Li Wen recalled. There is indeed a strict hierarchy within Sunday Secret College, with serious class consolidation, and the acquisition of knowledge is strictly linked to identity, bloodline and even talent. It is simply impossible to go in and out at will like visiting a library.
She turned her attention to the two complaining apprentices. One of them looked older and depressed, the other looked younger and had an angry look on his face.
Then an idea suddenly started to formulate in her mind.