"Look, we're here." the merchant spoke.
As I looked to the left, past the front of the carriage, the light ahead slowly dimmed, revealing what lay beyond.
The soft breeze that once gently brushed against my skin now carried a heavy pressure.
The once peaceful and calming sounds of the road had transformed into the murmur of a growing crowd.
Towering walls loomed ahead—so massive and tall that even from this distance, I had to crane my neck just to glimpse their tops.
The gate embedded in the center was a monolith in itself—so vast that even the largest of beasts could pass through without the need to stoop. Its surface was reinforced with blackened steel.
Guards patrolled the walls, and knights stood vigilant at the entrance.
"Welcome to the City of Contracts and Coin—Nolvarra." the merchant announced with pride.
I gazed toward the gate. A long line of people waited to be admitted, and the ones checking them were no ordinary soldiers—they were knights.
Fully clad in armor that was neither rusted nor crude. It gleamed with elegance, forged for both beauty and battle.
Heavy silver plate armor adorned with intricate golden designs etched across the chest, shoulders, and bracers.
Some bore large kite shields; all wielded broadblades strapped confidently to their sides.
'The security looks pretty good. No one's yawning or slacking—they all seem committed to their posts.' I noted after a quick scan of the area, watching the rhythm of duty unfold atop the walls.
A glimmer of blue shimmered faintly around the city—encasing it like a dome.
'…A shield?' I thought, taken aback.
The air itself held a subtle blue tint, like faint mist.
'But it looks too thin… almost fragile. Can that really serve as a barrier?'
"What do you wish to do in the city, Mister? Looking for a fresh start?" ,the merchant asked.
"I need to get her to the temple first. We were attacked by orcs in the woods." I replied, glancing down at Liora, still asleep in my arms.
"But you'll need a good sum for that, Mister. The Church claims to help out of goodwill, but unless you donate a hefty amount, they'll only handle minor injuries or things that boost their reputation. They won't waste high-ranking spells otherwise." one of the soldiers chimed in.
"If it's just basic healing, they'll take few coins and do it. But anything beyond that… it gets expensive." another added.
"I want them to use Purify and High Heal on her, just to be safe." I said firmly.
"That's gonna cost quite a bit." the second soldier muttered, and the first nodded in agreement.
'Maybe I should sell that potion ingredient first.' I considered, reaching for my inventory—but before I could act...
"But don't worry, Mister. You saved our lives—we'll cover it." the second soldier said, glancing at the first, who nodded silently.
"You both don't have to pay anything. I'll handle it." the merchant added cheerfully.
[ Do you wish to finish the bandits, Master? ]
Sebas's voice echoed in my mind, calm and unwavering.
'No, Sebas. The security here is solid. I'll leave them to the guards.' I replied, but something tugged at my thoughts.
"Is there no bounty for turning them in?" I asked the merchant, gesturing to the unconscious bandits.
"There is. Quite a generous one, actually. But you'll need that money to settle in with the child. Still, I can't just repay a life debt with a mere toll fee." the merchant answered solemnly.
We had arrived at the city's massive gate.
The carriage rolled to a stop—it was time for inspection.
"Where are you coming from?" a gruff voice called from outside the carriage.
"From Florwyn village, bringing goods to sell." the merchant replied smoothly.
"And we were attacked by bandits on the way—they're unconscious in the back."
Two knights approached. One checked the tied-up bandits while the other began searching the crates.
"Where's your ID?" the voice continued.
"Here's my merchant guild card." the merchant said, handing it over.
The knights at the rear verified the soldiers' IDs, then turned their attention to me.
"The other two are new arrivals. No ID yet. Here's their toll." the merchant added.
"Please step out. We need to confirm whether you have any criminal records." the knight outside said.
The merchant nodded with a calm smile and looked at me.
I stepped down from the carriage and stood beside the front wheel.
"We will wait just inside the gate." the merchant said, entering ahead as I nodded.
Moments later, one of the knights returned with a box—large, metallic, and inlaid with runes.
He opened it to reveal a thick, closed book resting upright as though ready for ceremony—almost like something placed at an altar.
I frowned in confusion.
"Please place your hand and the child's hand on the book." the knight instructed, his tone polite but firm.
I laid my palm on it. Blue powder-like particles burst forth in a gentle glow, swirling for a second before vanishing.
"You're clear. Now the child," he said.
I lowered Liora carefully, guiding her hand onto the book. Again, the same ethereal particles danced upward.
"You're free to enter." the knight confirmed, motioning us through the gate.
Inside, the merchant and soldiers stood waiting near a wall, speaking with another knight.
As I approached, the knight nodded and walked away.
"Perfect timing," the merchant said. "The knight verified the bandits. Here's your share of the bounty—minus the two who were killed by the soldier. That portion goes to his family."
I nodded silently, accepting the pouch without question.
"Come, I'll take you to the church." the merchant offered.
Everyone climbed into the carriage once more, and we continued deeper into Nolvarra.
The streets teemed with life. People bustled in every direction, weaving through the chaos of market stalls and shouting hawkers.
Clothing was plain and practical. Men wore loose shirts made of coarse fabric, paired with simple trousers. Their boots were sturdy, worn for walking rather than looks.
Women wore long, roughspun dresses—often layered with aprons or shawls.
Children were in oversized, hand-me-down clothes—patched, frayed, but lived in. No one dressed to impress. Everything was made to endure, not to dazzle.
The city's color palette was earthy—browns, grays, and the occasional deep blue or forest green. Practical, subdued… but alive.
Buildings stood tall and neat, made of clean-cut stone and polished wood, their roofs tiled in smooth clay. Balconies with iron railings, glass windows, and even painted walls gave everything a strange elegance. Some homes even had small gardens or lantern posts—signs of people who didn't worry about food or firewood every day.
The streets were wide and clean, lined with cobbled stones. Merchants had proper shops, not just stands—each one adorned with carved wooden signs. Inns flaunted painted doors, fine curtains, and more floors than I could count at a glance. It didn't feel like survival here. It felt like... comfort.
After a while—
"We're here, Mister." the merchant announced.
I stepped out of the back and moved to the front, and that's when I saw it—
A majestic building radiating warmth and quiet reverence. A grand cathedral, its tall spires reaching for the sky, framed by a carefully tended front garden. I didn't know what all the parts were called, but even from a distance, I could make out a statue.
A statue of a maiden—or perhaps a goddess? I couldn't be sure.
She stood like a vision carved from moonlight.
Her entire form was draped in flowing white robes, layered to conceal every curve. Gold embroidery traced sacred symbols along the hems and sleeves, glinting faintly in the light. A soft veil covered her face, revealing only the outline of her features—just enough to see, never enough to truly know.
Only her eyes showed—calm, distant, almost glowing. Her hood concealed even her hair, leaving nothing exposed. She moved with quiet grace, untouched by the world… as if she belonged to something far beyond it.
The merchant called to me and extended a few coins, but I politely declined.
"Then please come to my shop when you're done here. Just ask anyone for The Fresh Pick. That's my shop's name." the merchant said with a smile.
I gave him a nod and headed toward the church.
The air smelled faintly of flowers—sweet and delicate. Soft grass swayed gently around a marble fountain, and sunlight danced over the still water. The entire space felt like an embrace. For once... I still had hope.
After a few steps, a man approached.
He appeared to be in his prime, with a composed and steady aura. His white robe was pristine, adorned with intricate gold embroidery along the collar and sleeves—elegant, refined, and unmistakably clerical.
"Welcome to the Church of Goddess Adessa. How may we assist you?" he asked with a formal tone.
"I am the bishop here." he added gently.
He looked at me—bare-chested, draped in nothing but a wolf pelt and simple clothing.
Though he said nothing, his gaze said plenty.
'Kindness and hope is only in appearance.'I thought and sighed silently.
I drew out a pouch of coins, opened it in my hand, and spoke.
"I want to make a donation… and request purification and high healing from the church for this child."
I moved the pelt slightly, revealing Liora nestled beneath.
"We are thankful for your donation. Please, allow me to help. As per the teachings of our goddess, we offer aid to every soul." the bishop replied as an attendant stepped forward and gently took the pouch from my hand.
I carefully lifted Liora from beneath the pelt, cradling her in both arms. She was still asleep, fragile as ever.
"In the name of Goddess Adessa." the bishop began solemnly, "I request the goddess to look over this child and remove the impurities corrupting her."
A golden light shimmered around Liora's body—subtle from the outside, but I could feel it. Her breathing became steadier, no longer shallow.
"In the name of Goddess Adessa, I request the goddess to bless this child with your kindness." he continued.
Another light descended—brighter, stronger.
This time, the change was clear.
Color returned to her skin—the pallor giving way to a healthy blush. The veins along her arms no longer looked faint. Her lips, once dull, regained a pink hue. Even her hair looked less brittle, her fingers curled faintly as if stirring from a gentle dream. The swelling in her limbs faded. She looked... alive again.
Seeing her like that... made something inside me soften. The rage quieted. Just for a moment.
"It is done. Would you like to come inside and pray to the godde—" the bishop began.
"Thank you. We shall take our leave now." I interrupted calmly, turning to walk away.
Though I was relieved—happy even—to see her recovering, my heart still burned.
'I saw all those eyes filled with disgust, I was hearing all that sh*t…, saying for my daughter… I saw them. I heard them. All of them.'
'I can't just kill anyone here. That'd make me an easy target for public outrage. I don't want to wipe out a whole city of people just because they've been manipulated. Calm.Down.'
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
'I should head to the merchant's shop now.' I thought, stepping into the clean streets once again.
to be continued…