Re-Estize Royal Capital.
Lower Fire Month, September 12th.
Nearly four months had passed since the conclusion of the Imperial Trial competition, yet discussions surrounding Gazef Stronoff had not only failed to die down—they had grown even more fervent.
As per tradition, the tournament's champion was to be knighted by the king himself shortly after the competition's end.
However, this time was different. Not only had the ceremony been delayed, but when the moment finally arrived, Gazef was granted an unprecedented title—Chief Warrior.
It was neither a noble rank nor an official position. It was merely a title.
A title with no authority, no privileges, and seemingly, no purpose.
The decision sparked immediate outrage among the people. Many were left angered and disheartened by the treatment of their champion.
Meanwhile, another controversy was brewing.
Rumors spread that a viscount's daughter from the Baharuth Empire had arrived to challenge Gazef—the reigning champion. The news ignited the citizens' emotions like fuel to a flame.
Unable to voice their grievances against their own nobility, they instead directed their pent-up frustration toward this foreign noblewoman.
Given the kingdom's recent humiliating defeat at the border, the people yearned for Gazef to deliver a crushing response—to prove their nation's strength.
Yet, despite the growing tension in the streets, the nobility and high-ranking officials remained eerily silent.
A rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed along the central street.
A luxurious carriage, adorned in pale gold and blue patterns, moved at a steady pace, drawn by two pristine white horses.
Eventually, it came to a smooth halt before a grand five-story building, its corners accentuated by protruding towers.
This was Your Hotel—an establishment reserved for nobles visiting the royal capital from distant territories.
The coachman expertly brought the carriage to a stop, dismounted with practiced ease, and retrieved a wooden step stool adorned with brown and yellow patterns. He placed it beneath the carriage door before bowing slightly.
"Miss Leinas, we have arrived."
With a courteous gesture, he pulled the carriage door open.
A poised and elegant figure stepped onto the stool before descending to the ground.
Leinas was clad in finely tailored white trousers that subtly accentuated the contours of her slender legs. A delicate tunic and lace-trimmed blouse complemented her refined silhouette, exuding effortless grace.
She gave a slight nod to the coachman, her fair complexion tinged with an air of indifference, before making her way into Your Hotel.
Along the corridor, numerous attendants—dressed in immaculate servant attire—paused at the sight of her, offering respectful bows.
Leinas, unfazed by the display, had long since grown accustomed to such treatment. A glimmer of contemplation flickered in her green eyes as she ascended to her floor.
She had already spent some time in the royal capital. Initially, she had checked into a prestigious inn, but for the past several days, she had taken residence in Your Hotel.
Her presence here was not coincidental.
She had been invited.
Moments ago, she had just returned from an insufferably dull aristocratic gathering.
"A kingdom on the verge of decay."
Leinas's green eyes gleamed as she mused over recent events.
She had begun to piece together the motives behind her lord decisions. Gazef's reputation was undeniable—so much so that she hadn't even needed to conduct an investigation.
A warrior capable of winning the Imperial Trial should have been celebrated. And yet, these incompetent nobles had resisted him. Instead of honoring him with a knighthood, they had bestowed upon him a meaningless title.
If this had happened in the Baharuth Empire…
With the strength Gazef had demonstrated, Emperor Jircniv wouldn't have hesitated to entrust him with a significant role. A mere knight's title would have been the least of his rewards.
As for his status as a commoner?
In the current system of the Baharuth Empire, one's abilities far outweighed lineage. Compared to strength, bloodlines were of little consequence.
It took only a short time for Leinas to recognize the truth—this kingdom was as stagnant and crumbling as it had always been.
Upon reaching her floor, Leinas pushed open the door to her room.
The moment she stepped inside, her brows furrowed.
Her sharp green eyes locked onto a maid standing in the room.
"I told you—I don't need my room cleaned."
The maid, however, appeared utterly unfazed by the remark. Instead, she casually picked up a pastry from the table and took a bite.
"Hmm… This is Moonleaf Grey Cheese, isn't it?"
A familiar, cold voice—tinged with mild disgust—escaped the maid's lips.
"I've heard about it plenty of times, but this is my first time trying it. Spicier than I expected. Not particularly good either. What a disappointment."
Leinas's composed expression faltered for the briefest moment.
The next instant—
She instinctively stepped back, her gaze darting toward the doorway to check for anyone nearby.
Finding no one, she exhaled softly, stepped inside, and shut the door behind her.
"What an unexpected guest, Imina."
Leinas crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her chin slightly upward. "You've been in the royal capital for quite some time, yet this is the first time you've come to see me of your own accord." Her green eyes gleamed with curiosity. "What's the matter? Did something go wrong with the task my lord assigned you?"
Imina, dressed in a maid's uniform, let out a small huff, her expression betraying a hint of reluctance. "You think I wanted to come here?" she muttered. "He's waiting for you."
Leinas's eyes flickered with intrigue. She ignored Imina's tone and asked, "Where is he?"
Without another word, Imina turned and strode back into the room.
Leinas quickly followed.
As expected of noble accommodations, the suite was spacious—three grand halls in total, each adorned with exquisite furnishings.
In the deepest hall, a lone figure stood by the window, bathed in golden sunlight.
"My Lord."
Leinas's tone shifted to one of formality as she approached Sakeer. She stepped forward briskly, raising her right arm to rest it over her left shoulder in a gesture of respect.
"Long time no see, Leinas."
Sakeer turned his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Since leaving the Baharuth Empire, he had traveled directly to the royal capital of the Kingdom of Re-Estize. The journey had taken longer than anticipated, and now, he intended to settle matters here as quickly as possible before continuing his path of advancement.
Two days earlier, he had already arrived in the capital. However, instead of seeking out Imina and Leinas immediately, he had first visited the shop he had once been to when he had first arrived in this world.
His goal had been simple—to reclaim the gold necklace he had originally sold for his initial funds.
Yet, upon arriving, he discovered that the shopkeeper had already sold the necklace to a minor noble.
Thus, Sakeer had been forced to track down the noble and negotiate for its return.
The noble had initially demanded an outrageous price—five hundred gold coins.
But with a little 'persuasion', the man had been more than willing to hand over the necklace for nothing.
Of course, Sakeer wasn't a thief. He had still paid one gold coin in exchange, ensuring the deal wasn't completely one-sided.
"Gazef has agreed to the duel."
Leinas delivered the report in a crisp, efficient manner. "But I've sensed that some of the kingdom's nobles don't want me to fight him."
Sakeer chuckled, shaking his head. "They're afraid that if you lose, Gazef's fame will only grow."
His voice carried amusement—he truly didn't know what to make of this kingdom's nobles and their endless schemes.