Chapter 549 - Mistaken Love at First Sight
Sitting inside this carriage was none other than Princess Aurora of the Subila Kingdom and her escorts.
“Lord Derek, why do we have to move separately from the army? Could it be that there is still danger along the way?”
Aurora sat modestly inside the carriage’s soft cushions. Beside her was a beautiful silver-haired girl who yawned sleepily. This was the human form of the silver dragon Agnes.
The culture of San Soliel often emphasized the transience of life and the need to make every moment count. After all, death could visit almost anyone from any number of directions. Because of this, social norms highlighted personal expression and individuality to a large extent. Notions of chastity and decency were, consequently, quite low in the pecking order of values. And so Aurora’s bold lace dress was not out of place.
Her gold and black hair came to her shoulders, and her puffy breasts were half exposed. Her delicate and smooth skin was like snow that highlighted her proud figure.
Aurora did not think that her clothing was inappropriate. In the world of San Soliel, from goddesses down to mortal women, all thought that showing their charm as women was something to be proud of.
In front of Aurora was the legendary rank warrior who had not changed for twenty years. Neither his strength nor appearance had changed at all. Ranking up from legendary rank to a demigod was something that could not be accomplished solely by hard work as it also required tremendous luck.
This guard captain bowed his head and tried not to let his gaze wander on Aurora’s body. Aurora was a warlock who possessed a natural charm that even he had difficulty resisting.
“Your Highness, there won’t be any danger on the way, but moving with a huge army would take a long time. Moving with them from Subila Kingdom to Dragon City would take at least a month. Her Majesty Andrea hoped that you could reach Dragon City quicker so she sent out the army in batches.”
Derek explained briefly. Aurora nodded her head slightly. Since it was her mother’s orders, she didn’t doubt its purpose.
“Your Highness, with our speed, we would only need four days to reach dragon city. Please rest in the carriage. I will be outside to keep you safe.”
Derek respectfully said then got down the carriage. He sat together with the guards driving the carriage as it was a little overwhelming to sit with Princess Aurora in a small space.
This dragon lady with the bloodline of a god, possessed allure that surpassed her mother. Derek was a man who didn’t have a great private life so he did not want to give in to the temptation.
He did not want to die yet and so he didn’t dare lay his hands on this Holy Maiden.
……
Four days later, the carriage had reached the vicinity of Dragon City and began moving on a spacious concrete road. Aurora looked out of the window and was surprised to see the prosperous scene outside.
Countless caravans traveled along the road that stretched to the distant pure white city built on the mountain. Some of these carriages were very dilapidated and some were exceptionally luxurious. Even this luxurious carriage that they were riding easily blended into the crowd.
“That is Dragon City…”
Aurora’s face was complicated as she looked at the magnificent city in front of her. She who had been living in the thousand-year-old capital was shocked at the sight of the most famous city on the main continent.
The whole city seemed to be made of white jade. With the San Soliel Mountain Range’s snow-white peaks as background, the city seemed like a spiral that towered the skies of the mountains.
There were many people who looked just as stunned and in awe as Aurora. Some merchants and locals who were in the mix would proudly introduce Dragon City as the most prosperous and richest city founded by the Dragon God.
“Compared to twenty years ago, this place has once again developed by an unimaginable amount.”
Derek looked at this lofty city and exclaimed
In this city, even a legendary rank warrior would have to lower himself simply because there were too many strong people there. Who knew if someone walking down the streets wearing a gaudy costume was some country’s royalty? There were simply many nobles and royalty who would exploit their people and bring their hard-earned money to Dragon City for their enjoyment.
“These smooth roads were made by spells of mages. Since the Goddess of Magic established the magic network, the number of mages has increased dramatically and many countries wanted to follow the example of Dragon City to build such smooth roads, but in the end, they found that they could not succeed at all. They still have not learned Dragon City built such a highway twenty years ago.”
While Derek drove the carriage, he introduced the city to Aurora.
Soon, their vehicle reached the city gates following the crowd.
“The toll of Dragon City isn’t high, but the city has a consumption tax and the tax on merchants is also relatively heavy, but even so, many merchants would still flock to this city.”
After paying the toll, the luxurious carriage finally entered the city.
Aurora impatiently sat by the carriage window and peek at the city through the curtain.
A spacious avenue large enough for eight carriages to travel side-by-side was connected to the city center at the top of the mountain. When a carriage enters the city, the sound of clamoring falls on Aurora’s ears. There were countless people walking on both sides of the street or stopping at some stalls.
The inhabitants of the city were spirited and vigorous. Every one of them had a healthy rosy cheek, showing that everyone had a very good diet. In the streets, many races of people could be seen such as humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, kobolds, and many more. Aurora was even able to spot devils and elementals among the crowd. It could be said that this place was like a flower field with many different flowers.
This kind of scene could never be seen anywhere but in Dragon City which accepted all races.
Merchants, adventurers, ordinary citizens, and oddball races from different realms were all walking together without fighting and living harmoniously. From time to time, heavily armored soldiers and the famous mage group of Dragon City could be seen patrolling the city. The elven hippogryph knights and dragon knights of Dragon City could also be seen patrolling from the skies.
The most unbelievable thing for Aurora was the cleanliness of the city. There was hardly any litter that could be seen. It was a stark contrast to the filthy and messy cities in the world of San Soliel. Even the Subila Kingdom, with the exception of the noble areas, was dirty and messy.
“Under the Dragon God Church, the city had placed heavy importance on cleanliness. Her Majesty Alexia also followed the will of the Dragon God and strictly monitored the hygiene of the city. There are even special government positions for collecting garbage. Your Highness, you must not throw garbage here or urinate and defecate. If found, you will be subject to fines and repeated offenses may result in whipping.”
Derek said in a serious tone.
Aurora’s pretty face was red. Open defecation was something a bit excessive for a princess like her.
“You see those garbage cans. Those could only be found in Dragon City. I don’t know who thought of it but garbage is divided into four categories: wet garbage, dry garbage, hazardous waste, and recyclables. Those who come to the city for the first time would feel a headache because anyone who wants to live in this city must first learn garbage classification!”
“There is a special manual introducing garbage classification at the city gate. Although you will be living in the palace, I would still suggest that you take a good look at it when you have time.”
“I… I will look at it when I have time.”
Aurora whispered. She was like an old lady being introduced to the internet for the first time. So many places in Dragon City were new and strange.
For example, those beautiful gardens that even allowed ordinary people to go in and play or the strange fountains and magic street lamps that dotted both sides of the road. These were all unheard of for Aurora. This was the moment she finally knew why Dragon City was called the divine kingdom on the main continent.
“Your Highness, we have arrived in Dragon City. There is no need to hurry to the palace. If you go to the palace now, it is likely that you will not have the opportunity to come out for the duration of your stay. Why not take advantage of this time to stroll around the city? There is a restaurant here that is the most famous in the whole city. The types of food inside are unheard of, so why don’t we go have a meal first?”
Derek gulped as he craved the food.
“Mother said that I should listen to you as much as possible outside, Lord Derek, so let’s do what you want.”
With the princess’ consent, Derek quickly drove the carriage toward the most expensive restaurant in the city. As the most recommended restaurant by the Dragon God Church, this place was a must-go place for people who wanted to make connections and eat good food, but ordinary people would definitely not be able to afford to eat here.
The carriage didn’t take long to reach the parking lot in front of the restaurant. Aurora and Agnes stepped out of the carriage and followed the impatient Derek. When they entered, they were greeted with hospitality by several beautiful elven waiters.
Just as she stepped into the place, Aurora felt a spiritual shock. She felt attracted to something. When she looked at the corner of a restaurant, she saw a young man with rare black hair. The young man wore formal clothing and had a gentle smile and elegant temperament. Even in this noisy environment, his surroundings seemed to remain forever quiet.
After seeing this handsome youth, Aurora’s cheeks reddened. She lowered her head as her heart thumped wildly and the blood in her body began to boil.
Her head was in a panicked state. She did not know what happened to her and why she could not control herself after seeing this young man.
‘This couldn’t be love at first sight, right?’