"We've arrived, sir."
The carriage came to a steady stop, and the driver's voice sounded from the front.
After stepping down, Zeliel looked up at the building before him and let out a quiet gasp of admiration.
"Well, well...
"The Kingdom United Savings Treasury certainly lived up to its name. What an impressive place."
The entire building was constructed from massive pale-gray stones, giving it a sober, imposing air.
Broad stone steps spread downward from the entrance, reaching all the way to Zeliel's feet.
At the top of the steps stood an equally magnificent portico.
Tall stone columns lined either side, their shafts straight and slender, their surfaces carved with intricate scrollwork reliefs.
Two bronze doors stood open inward, with a stone plaque hanging high above them.
Besides the large words "Kingdom United Savings Treasury," the plaque bore a vivid gold-coin design in the background, its sheen rich and lustrous.
"Heh..."
Zeliel chuckled.
For a place devoted to storing money, they certainly weren't shy about spending it on appearances.
Beyond the bronze doors, a bright, spacious hall came into view.
The floor was smooth marble, inlaid with orderly patterns in dark gray and muted gold.
The vaulted ceiling soared overhead. Fluorite chandeliers hung between metal supports, while sunlight streamed through tall windows high above, casting distinct rows of light and shadow.
It was clear that the people who came here were far from ordinary. Most were nobles or wealthy merchants.
Several well-dressed merchants stood near the counters with account books in hand, occasionally pulling out a receipt and exchanging a few quiet words.
Near the tall windows sat several men and women in luxurious clothing.
There were also a handful of mages.
Their attire was not necessarily more lavish than that of the nobles, but they looked just as composed.