Andorhal

The ornate carriage rolled slowly through the old city gates and into Andorhal. Unlike the somewhat dilapidated appearance of the outer walls, the streets within the town were neat and clean, lined with dense rows of masonry houses.

Because the town's trade hub was located near the docklands in the southeast, the area Alvin and his party were passing through consisted mostly of two-story residential buildings, with the occasional grocery store selling daily necessities.

Situated in the Eastern Tirisfal Glades, the builders of Andorhal often utilized local materials, increasing the proportion of timber in their construction. Consequently, although these houses all featured high roofs, most were only two stories tall—a safety precaution, as the wooden structures could not support excessive weight.

As it was the afternoon, most residents were not at home but out working. The entire residential area seemed rather quiet, with only a few children, roughly Alvin's height, watching from afar under the watchful eyes of their mothers or sisters as the carriage, escorted by a group of knights on tall steeds, passed by.

After spending nearly half an hour traversing the tranquil civilian district, the carriage gradually ascended a gentle slope. Ten minutes later, it came to a halt in the plaza outside the walls of the town hall. Abberton, who had been riding guard beside the carriage, knocked on the side window to remind the Archbishop and Alvin that they had arrived.

When the prince was startled awake by the rhythmic knocking, Archbishop Alonsus Faol had already risen. The old man patted the boy's head, his deep voice filled with affection.

"We shall be staying in Andorhal for a time. Benedictus arrived two days early to notify Mayor Martin. You may go out and explore the town these next few days; I believe you haven't had much chance to walk the streets before, have you?"

Having spent nearly two years in his company, the old man trusted that the little one before him would not become unruly due to a sudden sense of relaxation, unlike an ordinary child. He hoped Alvin could use this time to let down his guard; once they reached Stratholme, the curriculum he had prepared for the boy would be anything but easy.

"Yes, Teacher," the prince nodded, his expression respectful in the face of the old man's approval.

Although he had always strived to work hard, Alvin still harbored a bit of curiosity about the lives of ordinary people in this world. Even if Archbishop Faol hadn't suggested it, he might have been tempted to sneak out with his personal guards to wander the streets anyway.

Now that he had the Archbishop's permission, he had already decided to visit the eastern docklands tomorrow, which were said to be the commercial and trade center of all Andorhal.

But before that, he still had to face the middle-aged mayor, whose hair was nearly all gone, along with the group of minor nobles and their descendants living in the town of Andorhal who stood behind him.

Although many believed the chances of Alvin inheriting the throne of the Kingdom of Lordaeron were near zero, that did not hinder the respect ordinary people held for him. He was a genius, and in the future, he would likely be the most outstanding figure in the path of the Holy Light among humanity, second only to Archbishop Alonsus Faol.

Unlike the mages of Dalaran who believed only in truth and power, his status as a prince made most nobles eager to curry favor with him—by the Holy Light, if one could marry their daughter to the younger brother of the future King of Lordaeron, their family could strengthen its ties with the royal house!

Not to mention, Alvin himself possessed astonishing talent in the path of the Holy Light. In this era, most people still believed in the theory of bloodline. The combination of a royal genius's bloodline with their own was an irresistible temptation for every noble who valued the continuation and prosperity of their lineage.

Therefore, when Archbishop Faol saw the young girls standing behind the welcoming nobles—girls who acted prim and proper but whose eyes betrayed a mischievous spirit—he was already mentally prepared. As for Alvin, who was the target of their attention, he remained immersed in his own world, deaf to the goings-on around him.

"Respected Prince Alvin, Lord Faol, I welcome your arrival on behalf of all the residents of Andorhal. These gentlemen of some renown in our town have been waiting for you both for quite some time."

Just as the young prince jumped down from the carriage, Mayor Martin, with his round face, stepped forward quickly and bowed respectfully to the two distinguished guests. However, as an official of the Kingdom of Lordaeron, he showed even more deference to the young prince than he did to Archbishop Faol.

"No need for formalities. I believe my disciple Benedictus has already conveyed the orders of King Terenas to you. I hope Andorhal can formulate a suitable plan as soon as possible; we do not have much time."

The Archbishop waved his hand, answering concisely and swiftly.

To avoid potential panic and chaos, the autumn operation would be treated as a drill until it was confirmed that war would truly erupt. Thus, only a few kingdom officials and high nobles knew the inside story. He needed to resolve matters here as quickly as possible and take Alvin to Stratholme to take command.

Compared to Andorhal, which had long existed in peace and tranquility, the Darrowmere Forest region, which frequently suffered from raids by trolls, Gnolls, and other humanoid monsters, required more of his time and energy.

"Of course, we have already prepared a luncheon in advance. I trust Prince Alvin and the Champions from the capital will enjoy the unique delicacies of Andorhal."

As he spoke, the slick mayor made the necessary arrangements. A team of attendants led Alvin, his guards, and the group of nobles with ulterior motives toward the backyard, while he himself escorted Archbishop Faol toward the main hall.

Regarding this differential treatment, the old man merely patted the boy gently on the back, signaling that these were secrets belonging to "adults" that a child could not participate in.

Perhaps aware of the Archbishop's simple habits, the short and stout Mayor Martin had only prepared a small luncheon in the backyard of the town hall. Although it was a relief to finally sit down and rest after the long, exhausting journey, the minor nobles who kept bringing their daughters over to approach him made Alvin feel truly annoyed.

The inexperienced prince did not know what the nobles who kept approaching him during the luncheon were planning; he only felt that after days of fatigue, those seemingly polite fellows and the girls pretending to be young ladies were truly tiresome.

At this moment, he had only one thing on his mind—to finish his daily prayers, get a good night's sleep, and go out for a stroll in the streets tomorrow.

Ps: Thanks to book friend | Yao Ji | for the 588 Qidian coin tip, thank you for the support!