As the first fortress against the foreign races, the Imperial Capital of the Tartun Empire was hardly a city known for culture or commerce.
But now, colorful banners hung from its Streets and eaves, making the staid city look festive.
"I'll pick out a gift for my cousin first." Isabel ducked into a gift shop.
"A gift? Is it her birthday?"
"Just a gift for the visit."
Isabel's words reminded Annan that this was noble etiquette, though he had apparently never observed it before... At least it wasn't too late to learn.
Annan fell a little behind, plucked a pale golden flower beaded with dew from a roadside flowerbed, and slipped it into his Spatial Ring.
A patrol knight spotted the flowerbed vandal and spurred his horse toward him, only for a companion to call him back.
"Why did you stop me?"
"That's the boss's... 'little brother,'" his companion said.
Admiration rang out from beneath the knight's helmet. "So that's him."
They passed the Star of Gems jewelry store first. The dazzling array of gemstone jewelry in its window gave Annan some idea of Isabel's cousin's family wealth. Then they reached the upper slopes of Montreal Mountain, where the wealthy lived.
Looking down, they could see buildings stretching into the distance and tiny Hills beyond. It felt as though the whole world lay beneath their feet.
The wealthy district consisted of quiet, elegant little manors. When the carriage stopped outside a front courtyard, Isabel jumped down.
"Miss Isabel, what brings you here? Miss Franda will be delighted to see you." The butler looked at Annan, then stopped short in astonishment. "And who might this be?"
"Annan. My friend."
"Please, come in."
Annan and Isabel followed the butler into the Manor and waited in the sitting room. Before long, Franda