The Estorian convoy, led by the Imperial Gate Captain and his guard, continued its journey across the plains within the Empire’s borders.
After traveling for so ti, a new marvel began to unfold before Eric and Alina. Gazing out of their carriage windows, they spotted a city in the distance. It was an urban expanse that dwarfed any city they had seen.
Its scale was breathtaking, its outer walls were tall and formidable, punctuated by gatehouses and watchtowers.
From this distance, they could see signs of activity. Outside the city’s periter, long lines stretched in different directions.
These lines were composed of carriages, wagons, and people on foot, all waiting to gain entry into the Imperial Capital. The volu of traffic was unlike anything in Estoria.
Eric, astonished by the spectacle and the sight of this city, turned towards his father, a question forming on his lips.
King Noor IV had set aside his docunts. He too was looking out of the window, his expression one of calm observation.
He sensed Eric’s query and explained, his voice even, "This, Eric, is Aethelburg, the capital of the Empire of the Mountains. It is the heart of Imperial power, trade, and culture. People from all over try to co here to trade. The markets of Aethelburg are legendary. More than half of the people you see in those queues are rchants, craftsn, and travelers from other kingdoms. The rest," he added, "are adventurers."
Hearing "adventurers," excitent ignited within Eric. Adventurers! He had read about them – individuals who undertook dangerous quests and perford deeds ordinary people could not. The idea of such individuals in this city was fascinating.
The King’s convoy, under the guidance of the Imperial escort, approached the capital city. As before, the King’s procession did not join the long lines. They were directed towards a separate gateway reserved for official business and dignitaries, and entered the capital quickly.
After passing through the city gates, they traveled along a thoroughfare. Eric and Alina were amazed by the developnt and sophistication in the Imperial capital.
The roads were wide, smooth, and made of a substance that looked like polished concrete. Buildings, many several stories high, were constructed with elegance and prowess that spoke of wealth and knowledge.
Eric also saw magicians flying in the sky above the city, so on platforms or carpets, others by their own power, their robes trailing. It was a display of magical ability almost unheard of in Estoria.
On the streets, amidst citizens, rchants, and people in attire from distant lands, Eric noticed individuals who stood out. They were large, powerfully built, radiating strength and confidence.
So carried weapons openly, others wore armor. They reminded him of the Imperial Captain. Seeing them, feeling that power, fear began to grow within him. This city, this Empire, was a place where power was displayed, and he felt small and vulnerable.
Inside Eric’s internal domain, Adam was seated on his sofa, his composure marred by restless energy. One leg was shaking, a tic that betrayed his agitation. The humiliation by the Imperial warrior still gnawed at him. Adam looked at Millennia, the System Interface.
"This is a good ti, Millennia," Adam commanded, his voice sharp and impatient. "He is unsettled by this display of Imperial might. Go and convince him. I need control of our body, especially when I see that warrior again. There will be a reckoning."
After Adam’s command, Millennia vanished. An interface appeared before Eric, who was looking out the carriage window at the Imperial capital.
Eric was surprised to see the [System Interface] materialize. Since he had refused its help during the confrontation with the Imperial Captain, it had remained silent. He had hoped it had retreated or he had gained control.
Before Eric could ask the [System Interface] why it was there, the interface inford Eric: [Host Eric. A warning protocol has been initiated. I wish to warn you regarding a threat assessnt.]
Eric was surprised by the directness and tone. Warn ? he thought, with curiosity and apprehension. What kind of warning? A threat? Here? Now?
---
Eric’s ntal question, ’Warn ? What kind of warning?’, hung. The screen flashed red. The text was sharp and clear.
[System Critical Alert: The destination you are approaching, the Imperial Palace, under the current circumstances, your father, King Noor IV of Estoria, his death is a certainty there.]
Hearing this, Eric’s peace vanished. Dread filled him. Sweat poured down his face. He pulled back in his seat. His mind stuttered, "Wh-what... what are you saying? Father... dead? Here?"
The red [System Interface] continued. Its tone sounded grim and urgent. [Host Eric, you do not understand your situation. You believe you alone face this trouble. But your opponents are formidable. If you lose here, if your innocence is not established, the consequences will be absolute.]
Eric, reeling, beca confused. "What are you trying to say?" he ntally asked. "We are going to the Empire. To the Emperor’s court. If we explain things, he will understand. He is known for his justice. We have Alina. She is an eyewitness."
The [System Interface] replied. Its red glow didn’t waver. [Your father might trust Alina’s testimony because he knows you. But does the Emperor know you? Does he know you well enough to believe your word, or a common girl’s, against another ruler, against the Roland Kingdom’s narrative? Why are you looking at politics through the sa naive lens you apply to your family? You need to understand, due to your past mistake, your reliance on powers you do not comprehend, you have pushed your father into the jaws of death, without considering the consequences.]
After the [System Interface]’s words and accusation, Eric was silent. He shook his head. "No," he whispered, with rising panic. "No, I don’t believe you. The Emperor... he cannot kill my father. My father is a King. There are laws..."
Inside Eric’s body, Adam listened. He felt satisfaction at the System’s bluntness and impatience. He shouted, his inner voice a roar, "Are you a fool, boy?! Can’t you hear what it said? Open your ears and listen!" The [System Interface] heard Adam, though Eric was unaware.
The [System Interface], perhaps pushed by Adam, spoke to Eric again. Its tone had a sharper edge. `[Were you not conscious, Host? During the incident in your father’s throne room? Are you acting as if you didn’t hear what that Imperial warrior stated? The threats? The accusations? Do you comprehend that if you are found guilty, you will be punished? What form will that punishnt take, given the cri – an attack on another royal? Do you believe your father will stand by and tolerate such punishnt? And what sentence do you think the Emperor will deem appropriate? A reprimand? A fine? Or sothing more... final?]
Eric looked surprised by the questions and troubled by what they ant. He stamred, "Why... why are you talking as if I am already a criminal? As if my punishnt is certain? I haven’t done anything wrong! I have proof! Alina saw everything!"
After Eric’s cluelessness, the red [System Interface] fell silent. Then, with a brief statent, its red glow faded, and the screen vanished.
[If that is what you believe, Host, then whatever happens, you will be solely responsible. The consequences are yours.]
As the [System Interface] disappeared, Eric didn’t understand. Unease washed over him. He ntally called out, "Wait! Co back! System Window, please!"
He repeated this, but the [System Interface] did not reappear. Eric was surprised, and fear began to take hold.
What is happening? he thought. No, it can’t be true. Nothing will happen to Father. I won’t let anything happen.
But a seed of doubt, planted by Adam’s anger and fed by the [System Interface]’s warnings, had been planted. Imperial justice seed fragile.
After his chat with the [System Interface], Eric no longer paid attention to the city, crowds outside. The sights of the Imperial capital now seed unimportant. He sat quietly, his hands clasped, his mind a ss.
The King’s convoy reached its destination: the Imperial Palace. It was a building so huge it made Estoria’s palace look like a small manor. Alina looked at the palace with wide eyes. It was like a city within a city. Its marble walls glead, and its towers reached the sky.
As the King’s convoy arrived at the main gate, the Imperial guards who had escorted them spoke with the palace guards. Then, their duty done, the escorting guards left. The King’s convoy proceeded through the gates and into the palace grounds.
When the carriage stopped before a wing of the palace, the King, Eric, and Alina got out.
Standing outside, waiting, his arms crossed, his golden armor gleaming, his expression cold, was the sa Imperial warrior who had confronted them in Estoria – Captain Thomas.
As Eric and King Noor IV stepped out and saw Captain Thomas, anger lit up in the King’s eyes. He drew himself up.
"Captain Thomas," King Noor said, his voice tight, "I am here to et with an official delegation regarding the summons, not to be greeted by you."
Captain Thomas smiled, a condescending curve of his lips. "King Noor of Estoria," he replied, his voice smooth and lacking respect,
"you probably know my na. I am Captain Thomas of the Imperial Legions. As for your delegation, the Empire does not provide delegations to the accused. You and your son are here to answer charges. You will co with now. Or," he added, his eyes glinting, "I will use... force thods."
The King was surprised by the Captain’s words. He was a King, in the capital by Imperial order, yet treated like a criminal. He had never been treated this way.
In Eric’s mind, the [System Interface]’s words replayed. The belief that the Empire would not harm his father was shaken. It crumbled under Captain Thomas’s hostility and the System’s prophecies.
The warning that today might be his father’s last day echoed in his thoughts. Eric was troubled. Sweat beaded on his face, and his heart pounded.
The King, struggling to keep dignity, looked at Captain Thomas, his voice strained. "The cri you are talking about, Captain," he said, "has not been proven. What if this accusation is false? A fabrication?"
Captain Thomas smiled again, dismissively. "We’ll see about that, King Noor. Before the Imperial council. For now, you co with ." He looked at the King, then turned and began to walk towards an entrance.
The Imperial guards flanking Captain Thomas looked at King Noor’s party with hostility, their hands on their swords.
King Noor IV turned, forcing a smile for his Estorian Royal Guards.
"All of you," he said, his voice calm, "wait here.." After saying this, the King looked at Eric. His son was troubled, his face pale, fear in his eyes. Alina, beside Eric, was frightened, her hand clutching his arm.
With a sigh, King Noor IV straightened his shoulders. The three of them – King, Prince, and girl – began to walk, following Captain Thomas and his guards into the Imperial Palace, towards an unknown fate.
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