Cold winds swept across the road as the royal carriage entered the borders of Wilhelm Kingdom.
Tall black banners carrying the silver wolf emblem fluttered above the gates while armored soldiers carefully inspected every traveler entering the kingdom.
Unlike Ardent, Wilhelm followed strict border inspections as part of their usual security routine.
Inside the carriage, Nick quietly pulled the curtain aside and looked outside.
“Too many soldiers,” he muttered.
John nodded silently.
Ever since they crossed the border, he had noticed how disciplined Wilhelm was.
Every guard stood perfectly still, every checkpoint was carefully organized, and not a single traveler dared to argue with the soldiers.
Sir Carol sat calmly across from them.
“At this pace,” he said, “we will arrive at the capital the day after tomorrow.”
John lifted his eyes slightly.
“The day after tomorrow…”
That meant they still had time.
Nick suddenly leaned closer toward John before lowering his voice.
“We should investigate before reaching the capital.”
Sir Carol glanced at them.
“Investigate what exactly?”
John answered calmly, “The people.”
The carriage became silent.
Nick continued, “A kingdom’s condition is easier to see in markets than inside palaces. If someone is moving behind the scenes, rumors will reach merchants first.”
Sir Carol observed them quietly for a moment.
“You suspect internal problems inside Wilhelm?”
John looked outside again.
“I suspect someone benefits from the chaos between kingdoms.
John remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Sir Carol.”
Carol lifted his eyes toward him.
“I and Knight Nick will leave the carriage here.”
Nick crossed his arms with a faint grin.
“We’re going with the merchant caravan.”
Sir Carol frowned slightly.
“For what reason?”
John answered calmly, “We want to investigate the trading posts near Wilhelm’s northern border.”
The atmosphere inside the carriage became quiet.
Sir Carol stared directly at John.
“You suspect something?”
John looked outside toward the crowded road ahead.
“Trade routes carry more than goods. Rumors, information, secret dealings… if someone is moving behind the scenes, traces will appear there first.”
Nick nodded in agreement.
“And traveling as merchants will attract less attention than arriving as royal guests.”
For several seconds, Sir Carol said nothing.
Then he finally spoke.
“You realize this could create problems if your identities are discovered.”
John gave a calm look.
“We won’t act recklessly.”
Nick immediately laughed.
“He means we’ll try not to.”
Sir Carol sighed quietly before leaning back against his seat.
“There is a large trading post ahead. Merchant caravans heading toward the capital usually rest there before continuing south.”
“That will be enough.”
The carriage slowly came to a stop near a crowded trading station filled with wagons, horses, and traveling merchants preparing supplies for the road ahead.
Sir Carol stepped outside first while John and Nick followed behind him.
A merchant leader quickly approached after noticing the royal carriage.
“You will take these two with your caravan,” Sir Carol ordered calmly.
The merchant immediately bowed.
“Of course, Sir Carol.”
Nick adjusted the cloak over his shoulders while John secured his sword beneath his coat.
Before returning to the carriage, Sir Carol looked directly at them.
“We will continue toward the capital as planned.”
John nodded slightly.
“We’ll catch up with you before entering the capital city.”
Sir Carol studied him silently for a brief moment before speaking.
“Don’t disappear before then.”
Nick smirked faintly.
“You almost sound worried.”
“I simply dislike unnecessary complications,” Carol replied coldly.
Moments later, the royal carriage continued south toward the capital city while John and Nick joined the merchant caravan heading toward the northern trading post of Wilhelm Kingdom.
Unlike the main royal roads, the northern trade route was crowded with traveling merchants, supply wagons, and wandering traders from different kingdoms.
It was the perfect place to gather information without attracting attention.
As the caravan slowly moved forward through the cold mountain roads, John quietly observed everything around him.
If someone wa s truly operating behind the shadows of Wilhelm-
A trading post near the border was the perfect place to hide their movements.