Chapter 48: Royal Capital

"Clack, clack, clack," the wheels ground against the road below. What had once been a mere path of compacted earth had now transformed into a track paved with small, jagged stones.

This signaled that they had fully entered the periphery of the Royal Capital, having truly reached the outskirts of the sovereign city.

The trade route grew wider, and soon they were joined by other carriages and horses. There were adventurers traveling on foot, the private carriages of noble lords, and other merchant caravans much like the Goblin Guild’s own.

The day was fading into twilight, yet the sky remained bright enough; the sunset and the evening glow began to bleed across the horizon. Originally, they had expected to travel for another full day, but now it seemed they would arrive in little more than half a day.

The reason was simple: Wang Yu, having nothing better to do, had stepped in to help. Because their horses were few, the caravan had slowed, and Emon had hopped down to pull the cart himself. Wang Yu, after a moment’s thought, had joined him.

Although Elliot felt embarrassed to have such an honored guest pulling a cart, Wang Yu cared little for such formalities. With the two of them working in tandem, their speed had increased significantly—and arriving early was, after all, a good thing.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Wang Yu let go of the rope. A caravan ahead had blocked their path, forcing the Goblin Guild’s convoy to slow to a crawl.

"Hard work," the burly orc beside him said, dropping his own rope and nodding at Wang Yu.

"It’s fine. We certainly saved a lot of time," Wang Yu replied casually.

He looked up toward the Royal Capital. It was not far now; another few thousand meters and they would be there. The magnificent city of this other world finally revealed itself to his eyes.

"Damn, no matter how you look at it, it’s truly spectacular," Wang Yu remarked with genuine awe.

Even having seen the bustling traffic and towering skyscrapers of modern metropolises, he could not help but marvel at this otherworldly capital.

Different worlds they might be, but the human capacity to reshape nature remained unchanged.

It was a city so vast it made one feel insignificant. It was not that the city was filled with giants of glass and steel that made every passerby feel looked down upon; rather, the city’s essence was one of diversity, complexity, solidity, and sheer scale.

From their vantage point on a high slope, Wang Yu could overlook the capital. The trade route dipped downward, allowing only one caravan at a time to pass, forcing those behind to wait.

It was a magnificent city, and to a transmigrator who had witnessed the prosperity of the modern world, it was nothing short of breathtaking.

There was no moat outside the walls, only a winding, towering rampart, over five meters wide and reaching heights of more than ten meters.

It coiled and spiraled like a World Serpent guarding the city, using its own body as an iron wall for the capital.

The city’s first impression was one of vitality and vigor. One only had to look at the endless stream of carriages stretching from the city gates all the way back to the hillside to understand the magnetic pull of this prosperous hub.

From this height, whether looking at the streets or the walls, the constant flow of people and horses seemed endless. The evening glow, paired with the lingering rays of the setting sun, cast a charming filter over the people and the city alike.

Within the walls lay a realm of prosperity. Buildings stretched from Wang Yu’s line of sight to the very edge of the horizon, a dense tapestry of architecture filling every corner.

The interplay of alleys and streets between the houses formed the city’s own circulatory system—a giant’s body with veins and meridians as vast and complex as its frame.

The structures were mostly single-story, occasionally two, housing taverns, weapon shops, grocers, brothels, and inns—everything one could imagine in such a kingdom.

And yet, among these staggering numbers of buildings, one might suddenly stumble upon things beyond imagination.

It was not just simple houses; one could see towering spires topped with crystals radiating magical light, with physical runes swirling and flickering upon them.

In the air, one could occasionally spot figures darting past, elements swirling around them—powerful mages for whom flight was no difficult feat.

There were also academy-like structures, clusters of multi-story buildings where people in uniform attire moved in and out, alongside vast training grounds that reminded Wang Yu of the school playgrounds of his past.

In the sky, airships drifted by—wooden hulls with slowly rotating propellers. Though the source of their power remained a mystery, these seemingly primitive vessels had conquered the heavens.

They cruised through the air, occasionally docking and descending upon a massive floating island suspended in the sky.

It was as if a mountain range had been hoisted into the clouds; on the main island, one could even make out a magnificent castle.

Smaller floating islands surrounding the center were covered in complex, massive magic arrays. It was a sight that naturally drew a gasp from any human witnessing such colossal objects traversing the sky.

Looking further, at the very heart of this bustling city, stood a massive, towering peak. Amidst the swirling mist, one could see a mountain range that pierced the heavens.

And the gorgeous, soaring palace complex perched atop the flattened summit was the residence of the King of Alastair.

It was a colossal castle, built primarily of stone, bearing the visible scars of time.

Its intricate corridors, staircases, and internal structures reminded Wang Yu of the breathtaking architecture of Lothric. Comparing the two, perhaps this giant palace above the sea of clouds held the slight edge.

Above the palace, the supreme defensive array—the Banner of Intemis—projected a massive runic formation at the peak, fueled by magical energy drawn from nodes across the entire capital.

The slowly rotating magic circle could be seen from every corner of the city; it was the capital’s greatest defense, an ultimate barrier surpassing even the highest-circle spells.

"The Throne. That mountain is called the Throne," Emon’s voice came from beside Wang Yu, who had been staring in fascination. The orc’s face held a look of reminiscence, nostalgia, and a hint of a smile.

"Then I suppose those palaces are called the King?" Wang Yu shrugged.

"A king on the throne? Reasonable, but no. It’s called the Crown," Emon waved a hand.

"The throne endures forever, but the one who wears the crown does not. That is what the founding emperor of Alastair said. And it holds true—the mountain hasn't changed in all these years, while the royal bloodline has shifted countless times over these past few centuries," Emon continued.

"Seems the first king was a decent fellow," Wang Yu remarked casually.

"Come to think of it, how does an orc like you know so much about this human city? And aren't you a bit too... invested in human affairs?"

Wang Yu had wanted to ask this for a while. To call Elliot’s orc guard an "orc" felt wrong; he was more like a large, burly human. It wasn't his appearance, but his inner nature, his knowledge, and his habits—they were far too human.

Emon fell silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Do you know what a war-slave is?"

Wang Yu nodded. He hadn't expected Emon to have such a history.

"Haha, you thought I was a war-slave? I am not," the orc’s fierce yet honest face broke into a cunning grin.

"Oh?" Wang Yu paused.

"My father was a war-slave. He picked me up. He wasn't an orc; he was a human," Emon began to explain.

War-slaves were a vital component of the army. The previous assertion that the lowest rank was the common soldier was inaccurate.

The true bottom of the hierarchy—the cannon fodder and servants—were the war-slaves. They were either prisoners of war or civilians who had resisted conscription.

These people were treated as expendable labor, forced to build fortifications, draw enemy fire, or even carry suicide weapons into battle.

Perhaps, in some twisted logic, it was seen as a "good" system—after all, why waste resources on prisoners when they could be put to use? As for those who resisted conscription, in the eyes of this world, they were no different from captives.

But even the best systems rot over time, and this was never a particularly wise one to begin with.

Much like the "forced voluntary" nature of noble rights, war-slaves, under the manipulation of those in power, became a commodity that could be designated at will.

As it happened, Emon’s father, a simple farmer, was one such unlucky soul. That year, a famine struck, and the village petitioned the noble lord for grain aid—a legal requirement.

But whether the lord was exceptionally stingy or cruel, when the villagers returned, they brought back only a squad of soldiers and the news that the entire village had been declared war-slaves.

The lord didn't have to provide grain, and by turning the villagers into war-slaves to work as laborers, he could even collect a fee for them. He profited immensely.

Emon’s father and his fellow villagers were inexplicably turned into slaves whose lives could be snuffed out at any moment.

Even when there was no fighting, life in the army was brutal—starvation rations and backbreaking labor. Within half a year, the elderly, the weak, and the children had perished, leaving only the able-bodied men.

It was during that time that Emon’s father found Emon in the nearby forest. He was just a furry little infant, abandoned by someone unknown.

When Emon was first brought back, everyone opposed it. The villagers were barely surviving on the meager rations earned through their own blood and sweat. Raising an orc meant another mouth to feed, and that was a heavy burden.

But when the fuzzy little orc appeared before them, the hearts of the villagers—who hadn't seen a newborn in ages—softened. They scraped together an extra portion of food to keep the foundling alive.

"Yeah... that’s how I grew up. My language, my habits—I learned them all from humans. We just lived day by day. The army didn't care; they just tacitly accepted that there was one extra 'non-slave' among the war-slaves..."

"I worked alongside my father and the others. Later, there was a massive, brutal battle. See this?" Emon gestured to the long scar running from his left eye to his jaw.

"Luckily, orcs have strong healing abilities, so I survived. But my father and the others... they all died." The orc’s tone grew noticeably heavy.

"Afterward came the distribution of war honors. Because the battle was so crucial, the higher-ups ordered that all surviving war-slaves be granted freedom and a sum of money to start a new life—at least, they wouldn't be slaves anymore..." He let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"It’s funny. I wasn't a war-slave. When the officers saw me, they skipped right over me and told me to get lost. I actually watched them pocket my share of the money, even though my name was clearly on the rolls..."

"That was how I left the barracks. I had nothing—just a set of tattered clothes. I knew nothing, and I had nowhere to go. Then, as luck would have it, the boss was hiring guards that very day, so I signed up. And, well, you see how it is now."

Wang Yu nodded knowingly. He didn't say much, but he already understood why this orc felt so much like a human.

"Eamon, what are you chatting about? Hurry up! We’re almost at the city gate; get ready to unload the cargo!" Elliot’s distinct, shrill voice rang out from the wagon.

"Coming, boss! Right away!" Eamon scrambled to respond.

Wang Yu smiled, his thoughts drifting back to the wraith from yesterday. There were no rules in this world; good people existed, but there were also more scumbags than one could count. So, it was best to let strength do the talking. He needed to grow stronger—at least enough to avoid being swept away by the tides or crushed by those damned, rotting rules.

He tossed a small bottle in his hand. It was filled with translucent powder, all that remained of the wraith after it had extinguished itself upon slaughtering that family of wretches.

It wasn't a bad thought, really. This world possessed the supernatural, which at least served as a warning to those wretched scum. People might not be watching, and heaven might not be looking, but vengeance could strike at any moment.

Wang Yu certainly wasn't a saint; at best, he was an ordinary man with principles. He hoped there were more good people in this world, if only to make his own life a little smoother.

Yet, thinking of all he had seen and heard, and the filth and darkness hidden beneath the prosperity of this kingdom, Wang Yu narrowed his eyes. He suspected things wouldn't go so smoothly from here on out.

As Wang Yu chatted, the caravan approached the city gate. Elliot hopped down from the wagon and ran to strike up a conversation with the arrogant guards.

Seeing that the visitor was a rather unsightly goblin, the guards, who had been looking down their noses at everyone, appeared visibly annoyed.

However, Elliot’s ability to talk and cozy up to people was peerless. With a few words of flattery and a small cloth pouch slipped discreetly into a hand, the guards' expressions improved visibly.

After a few more pleasantries and the surreptitious addition of a small wooden box, the guard tucked it away, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He clapped his hands, and they were cleared to pass.

The goblin merchant caravan entered the city without incident. Wang Yu glanced at Eamon, who was watching a group of refugees pleading with the soldiers for entry. They were ragged, sallow-skinned, and many were wounded.

Noticing Wang Yu’s gaze, Eamon offered a bitter smile. "I know I can't help them. They’re likely refugees seeking aid, but the soldiers won't let them in. I just... sigh..."

Wang Yu made no move, but Elliot, who had just walked back while grumbling, saw Eamon’s dejected look and immediately kicked him in the knee.

"You idiot, what’s gotten into you again? Always wanting to help, always wanting to meddle—who do you think you are? You aren't even human, yet you worry so much. And that city guard! I’ve never seen a human greedier than a goblin."

"I learned something today. One bribe wasn't enough; he even coveted my magic device. Good thing it was a piece of junk that breaks after one use, or I’d have taken a real loss. Damn it!"

Elliot continued to curse, shifting from berating Eamon to railing against the guard, then boasting about the fake goods he had passed off.

Watching this strange pair of boss and employee, Wang Yu truly couldn't tell which one was the orc—the kind-hearted one or the irritable goblin.

"We’re about to part ways. By the way, Elliot, do you know where I could buy or rent a place to stay?"

Wang Yu interrupted Elliot’s muttering. Since they had entered the city, there was no need to follow the caravan any longer.

He had a good feeling about this three-man goblin merchant team. If possible, he thought it might be useful to have them handle some matters in the royal capital.

"Ah, honored guest, are you leaving? I rarely see a wealthy man as easygoing as you!" The goblin’s rambling was cut short.

Wealthy? Wang Yu mused. The old saying about murder and arson leading to golden belts wasn't wrong; he’d only just butchered Decathlon and already had so much coin.

"A place to stay? Let me think... yes, there’s one over on White Stone Street, and the West District has some too. Oh, and Maple Leaf Street has..." The goblin began to rattle off his potential properties.

He hadn't expected the goblin merchant guild to be so well-established. Wang Yu had done his research: in the royal capital, a small house served as proof of identity. Only with a home could one be considered a resident, a true citizen of the capital. It sounded simple, but the price...

Suddenly, a familiar name caught his ear: "Maple Leaf Street." Wasn't that where he was supposed to report to the Night’s Edge? That was the place.

"Elliot, how much for that house on Maple Leaf Street?" Wang Yu asked directly.

"Ah, honored guest? That one? Well, to be honest, property here isn't cheap. If you don't mind, our guild also owns some inns."

"As for your identity, don't worry. If you register with us, we can get that sorted out."

Elliot actually had a good impression of Wang Yu, who was easygoing and lacked the airs of a typical big spender. Helping out and making a friend seemed like a good deal to him.

"Thanks, but no need. I think that house on Maple Leaf Street will do. How much? I’ll buy it outright."

Wang Yu still intended to buy the house. He wasn't stingy with money; while it had many uses, it only served its purpose when actually spent.

Setting aside the attachment to a home he’d carried over from his past life, this house would be invaluable to him—a place to hide secrets, conduct research, and more.

Staying in someone else’s property, like an inn, was never quite convenient. The cost might be high, but it was an investment in paving his way forward.

"Well, alright then. Let me see... 1,750 gold coins. It is in one of the central districts, after all. I’ll knock off the extra, make it 1,500... er, let’s just say 1,400..."

Elliot didn't push it. Since Wang Yu was set on buying, he’d sell. But he truly wanted to be friends with Wang Yu, so there was no need to haggle over profit; he sold it to him at cost.

Perhaps one of the reasons the goblin merchant was so successful was this very trait: not being overly attached to small change and being willing to sincerely make friends.

"Good, thank you. Just deduct it from my magic crystal card." Wang Yu could see Elliot wanted to be friends, and that was fine by him.

Wang Yu would return the kindness shown to him. Maybe he’d do more business there later? He wondered if he’d end up penniless, but he shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.

"Then you can head straight there. 41, District 8, Maple Leaf Street. I’ll notify the guild immediately. Just go to the Golden Azalea Tavern nearby and ask the boss for the keys."

Elliot took Wang Yu’s magic crystal card, fiddled with a crystal plate in the carriage, and after a flash of light, returned it.

"Honored guest, let’s work together again when we have the chance!" Elliot waved goodbye.

Wang Yu signaled for Aiviya to follow, waving back in return.

...

Walking down the street with Aiviya, Wang Yu watched the bustling crowds, people of all sorts of professions, and the chaotic variety of shops lining the road. Only now did he truly feel like he had arrived in another world.

Before, he had either been struggling to survive or caught up in bloodshed. Whether this prosperity was the true other world or those struggles were, it was hard to say.

"Wang Yu, that house... you spent quite a lot, didn't you?" Aiviya asked as she walked beside him.

"Yeah, it was a fair bit. Most of those two thousand gold coins are gone. But it doesn't matter. I was planning to find some dump near the city wall to crash in, but I couldn't have you living there, too. It wouldn't be right."

Wang Yu didn't care about where he lived or how, but considering Aiviya, he couldn't just settle for a place that was essentially an external slum. In this regard, he was unexpectedly thoughtful.

"Oh, is that so? Then... should I give you my money too?" Hearing that Wang Yu had spent more because of her, Aiviya felt a bit embarrassed.

She pulled out the magic crystal card her mother had used, though it held far less than Wang Yu’s—only about five hundred gold coins.

"Hey, no need," Wang Yu refused, though he felt a warmth in his chest. Aiviya was always so considerate.

"Now, we’re going to do something important!" Wang Yu thought for a moment, then took the card from Aiviya’s hand.

"What important thing?" the girl asked.

"Eat!" Wang Yu announced loudly.

"Eh?" Aiviya was stunned.

"I’m serious. I don't have many hobbies, but I really love to eat. Since we finally made it to the royal capital, we have to experience the benefits of its prosperity!"

"After eating nothing but gruel and roasted meat for so long, I want a real meal!" Wang Yu truly wanted to eat. He didn't have many hobbies, but eating was one of them.

Being able to endure hardship didn't mean he couldn't enjoy life. Wang Yu would never force himself to live like an ascetic; if he could enjoy life, why not?

"Is, is that so? Wang Yu, I actually know how to cook. Would you like me to make something for you later?" the girl asked, blushing.

"That sounds lovely. But for now, let’s just have a proper feast."

Taking Aiviya’s hand, Wang Yu found a place that looked like a restaurant and ducked inside. For now, he cast aside all his burdens and worries to experience his first grand meal in the royal capital of another world!