"Is this Emerald City?"
Behind a checkpoint temporarily sectioned off by wooden fences, D.D. and Vanguard Officer Nate Nesi led their mounts and stared in astonishment at the crowds surging before the checkpoint and the seemingly endless buildings behind it.
"Good grief, there are way too many people. We can't even get in despite queuing."
"Was Emerald City always this lively? Or are they holding some massive market sale?"
"No, it isn't a market, and there's no sale either." Garrison Officer Komuto struggled over from the other side, desperately refusing the hawkers trying to sell them accessories. "But clearly, we still picked the wrong time to come..."
"Have you seen all these Alert Officers filling the streets? There are more of them than beggars in the Royal Capital."
"Your Highness Tales is probably going to have a breakdown when he sees this. He hates crowds most of all..."
"Hey, everyone!"
Wyatt Casso—the real one—dodged a dust-churning carriage, covered his mouth with a cloth, and came over to them. "Good heavens, it wasn't easy squeezing through. His Highness has been waiting in the back for ages. Lord Marius sent me to hurry you along. What exactly is going on up ahead?"
Komuto nodded. Amid the roar of the crowd, he had to throw his arms around his companions' shoulders and raise his voice beside their ears.
"I got in touch with the Garrison Officer here. He's already sent a messenger with Zoneweed to meet Lord Marius! But judging by this crowd and the numbers, I'm not optimistic! He suggested that, for safety's sake, we wait outside the city a while longer. Once the crowds have passed and they've restored order, we can enter. Emerald City will send us food..."
Everyone from Star Lake Fortress immediately voiced their displeasure.
"You've got to