Chapter 221: Harmonia City II

The moment the grand gates of Harmonia opened before them, the breathtaking sight of the city greeted their eyes.

As they gazed out the carriage window, their eyes widened in awe.

Even Rowan, seated at the coachman’s seat, stared slack-jawed at the view.

Eldrin wore a look of surprise as well, but then he muttered, "Why didn’t they check our carriage?"

It puzzled him.

After all, verifying the identity of those entering cities and fortresses was standard protocol—an essential measure to prevent suspicious individuals from stirring unrest.

It also allowed authorities to monitor who entered their territory.

’Strange... I don’t remember Larkson sending a message asking them to treat us as special guests.’

He thought, ’So there’s no reason they should know who we are.’

Eldrin stroked his beard, frowning, ’Even if they recognized me, they wouldn’t make this kind of arrangement.’

After all, even as one of the few master-rank mages in the Acheron Kingdom, he was well aware that the other races subtly looked down upon his status as a human.

His thoughts came to a halt as a figure approached, flanked by two guards.

As the man drew closer, his appearance became clear: an elderly gentleman with slicked-back gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

His black suit hugged his lean, muscular frame, and he wore white gloves on both hands.

He radiated an air of refined elegance.

He and the guards stopped about two meters in front of the carriage.

"Let’s go." Eldrin said, and the others obeyed.

They descended from the carriage—Eldrin first, followed by Regis and the rest of the group, with Aurelia stepping down last.

"Good afternoon, Madam Aurelia. Sir Aurum has been expecting you." The man said.

Seeing the wary look in Aurelia’s eyes, the man’s eyes widened slightly, as if realizing something.

He gave a courteous bow and spoke with calm dignity.

"My apologies for neglecting proper introductions. You may address me as Vesper, the personal assistant to Sir Aurum."

He then turned to the rest of the group, his tone polite, "A good day to all of you who have accompanied the young mistress on her journey."

At last, he faced the old mage and greeted him with a hand to his chest and a respectful bow, "It’s an honor to meet a mage as esteemed as you, Sir Eldrin Einswald."

At that, Regis, Killian, Pandora, and Aurelia all turned to the old mage, their eyes wide with shock.

Eldrin gave a wry chuckle, "I’ll explain it later."

"My apologies." Vesper said quickly, realizing his slip.

But Eldrin simply waved it off, "Don’t worry about it. It’s not like I’ve been hiding my identity intentionally."

"Anyway."

He added, "Isn’t Aurum waiting? Let’s not keep him too long."

Vesper smiled and gestured for them to follow, "Then let us proceed."

He led the group ahead while the guards guided Rowan to a nearby area to park the carriage.

Rowan initially declined, intending to return to Bakurad Fortress immediately since his mission was complete.

However, Eldrin insisted he rest for a few days—they had just finished a long journey, after all.

"My apologies."

Vesper said, his face apologetic, "There’s construction all over the city, so a carriage would only slow us down. Would you mind walking instead?"

"Don’t worry about it."

Eldrin replied, stretching his lower back with an animated groan, "My back’s killing me from all that sitting. A little exercise will do me good."

As they walked, Eldrin made small talk with Vesper, asking about the city and what it was like to live here.

Meanwhile, Regis and the others took in their surroundings, their eyes shining with wonder as they watched people of different races mingling freely, chatting with one another as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Then, from a distance, a few elves turned their gaze toward them, specifically, toward Regis and Pandora.

Killian noticed and leaned in, whispering to Regis, "Why are they staring at you like that, Boss?"

"I don’t know." Regis admitted, shrugging. He was just as confused, to be honest.

Aurelia, sensing Pandora’s discomfort, subtly held her hand in an attempt to comfort her.

After a moment, it clicked.

Regis lightly traced a finger around his own eyes and let out a quiet chuckle., "It’s been a while since someone looked at me like that."

He moved to shield Pandora from their stares, but Vesper was faster, stepping between them and fixing the elves with a firm look, forcing them to glance away and mind their own business.

For a few seconds, Vesper stood in silence before lowering his head, "I’m sorry you had to experience such disgraceful behavior."

His grave tone and the weight in his eyes left no doubt about his sincerity.

"Don’t worry about it, Mister Vesper." Regis replied, waving a hand dismissively. His voice was languid, unbothered, but remained respectful.

It really had been a long time since he last experienced such an encounter.

After all, back in Bakurad Fortress, no one had treated him or Pandora differently because of their red irises.

Therefore, such an incident felt new to him.

The rest of the journey passed quietly, Vesper ensuring no further incidents occurred.

Still, despite what had happened, Regis, Pandora, Killian, and Aurelia could not help but marvel at the city around them, gasps occasionally escaping their lips.

The wonder in their eyes was unmistakable, looking like country bumpkins.

Even Eldrin, though more reserved, was quietly amazed.

Then Regis broke the silence, "Mister Vesper, what are they doing on the pathway? Why are they laying those things on the ground?"

Vesper followed his gaze to where a mixed group of workers from different species, though mostly dwarves, were securing iron rails into the street with an array of tools and machinery.

With a smile, he turned back to Regis, "They’re building a rail system that will run throughout Harmonia."

"Rails?" Killian chimed in from the side, "Like the ones for minecarts in mining tunnels?"

"Exactly." Vesper said. "But these are for trams—a kind of public transport. They’ll let people travel the city without needing carriages."

"Trams? What are those?" Aurelia asked this time, curiosity lighting up her face.

Vesper patiently explained as they walked, "Think of them like minecarts, but larger, rectangular, and designed for passengers. They’ll make getting around much easier."

"Woah..." Aurelia’s eyes sparkled.

Even back in her hometown, no matter how rich they were, it was the first time she had heard of what he was saying.

As they kept walking and marveling at the wonders before their eyes, they also asked questions from time to time.

It did not take long for them to arrive in front of a grand building that seemed to be ten stories tall.

Vesper gestured with his hand.

"This is Harmonia’s City Hall, where all the city’s administrative affairs are managed. It houses the offices of the council members, key officials such as the honorary founders, and even the City Lord himself."

Gulp—

Regis and the others unconsciously swallowed at the piece of architecture that stood tall before them.

"How can something be so... big?" Killian could not help but mutter to himself.

Regis smirked, "I thought you didn’t swing that wa—"

"Give me a break, I beg you." Killian did not even bother to argue as his eyes remained fixated on the building before them.

Aurelia giggled at their antics, "I’m excited to see Dad..."

It had been nearly a year since she last saw her father in person.

Since then, they had only exchanged letters.

Though his words brought her comfort, the emptiness of their home weighed on her—no laughter in the halls, no warm embraces, just silence where family should have been.

It was inevitable for her to feel lonely.

Aurelia’s pulse quickened as they drew closer, mere minutes now stood between her and the father she had not seen in more than a year.

She barely contained her excitement, fingers twitching at her sides.

Vesper, noticing their heightened emotions, allowed them a moment to collect themselves, his lips curling in an understanding smile.

When their breathing steadied, he raised his hand in a fluid gesture, "Shall we proceed?"

The group fell in step behind him as they ascended a broad flight of stairs, their footsteps echoing off the marble steps.

At the summit stood an imposing set of double doors, stretching several meters both in height and width - a design accommodating the diverse species that inhabited the city.

With practiced ease, Vesper exchanged nods with the armored guards on both sides of the entrance.

As the doors swung inward with a low thud, the interior of the City Hall was laid before their sight.

They moved through the spacious lobby, its welcoming atmosphere accentuated by plush, oversized seating and polished wooden tables.

The warm glow of the crystal chandelier above bathed the interior in golden light, casting dancing reflections across the marble floors.

Vesper maintained his composed demeanor, guiding them with measured steps past the lounge area and up another set of stairs.

Their footsteps echoed softly through the carpeted hallways until, after about a minute’s walk, he came to a smooth halt before an ornate door.

A golden plaque could be seen on the ornate door that read:

Aurum Midas of the Midas Merchant Organization.

Vesper straightened his suit with a quick downward tug before raising his hand to knock.

Knock— Knock—

"Come in."

A deep voice from within.

Gripping the handle, he pushed the door open smoothly.