Homeland

Blue skies, white clouds, bright sunshine, and a gentle breeze.

Under the high-flying Double Cross Star banner, the Standing Army troops belonging to the Central Territory marched neatly around the city walls toward the military camp in the southern outskirts of the Royal Capital.

Several dozen horsemen among them wore cloaks and surrounded a carriage, leaving the formation early and heading for Everstar City.

At the city gate, the City Guard, having received notice, had acted early. They restricted the flow of people, cleared a passage, and, following the regulations for making way for a special envoy, drove the accustomed crowds to the other side of the avenue. After examining the warrant and insignia of the leader, the city defense officer respectfully and discreetly welcomed the several dozen knights of concealed identities into the city.

From the leisurely coachmen to the hurried merchants, quite a few passersby curiously pointed and whispered at the group—especially at the carriage among them—but no one showed any particular surprise.

Compared to people from the provinces, the residents of the Royal Capital had seen far more of the world and remained calm in any situation. Born with a natural sense of superiority, they had even lived through a major event like the Star Kingdom's National Affairs Conference recognizing the Second Prince. What kind of unusual occurrence could possibly shock them?

Thus, the carriage surrounded by knights smoothly passed through the city gate and entered the main road, continuing forward under the curious gazes of the people along the roadside.

Within the group, a figure who seemed thinner than the others poked his head above the saddle.

"Your Highness," Gilbert slowly caught up and nodded understandingly. "Welcome back to Everstar City."

"Welcome home."

The thin figure did not answer, only trembling faintly.

Everstar City.

Home.

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