The main armored carriage of House of Silver finally left the ceremonial avenue and entered the inner district of Gimle.
Through the glass window, Aiden carefully observed the changing cityscape.
Rows of commercial buildings gradually gave way to magnificent architectural complexes, the streets grew wider, and the number of royal guards stationed at every intersection increased.
Despite carrying decades of experience as a veteran of Pantheon: Twenty-One Worlds Online, he had to acknowledge one thing.
Knowing a world did not automatically grant him a complete map of every city within it.
Especially when the body he now inhabited was only two years old.
This was his first visit to Gimle, and the information he possessed was still limited to the general descriptions he had heard before.
He needed to see for himself how this capital operated.
Around the palace, the centers of government, religious institutions, economic power, and noble residences formed an intriguing arrangement worth observing.
Aiden was just about to examine an intersection when the warm embrace around his body tightened slightly.
Duchess Freya adjusted the fur coat wrapped around her youngest son, making sure there were no gaps through which the cold air could slip into his clothes.
Then she gently brushed his cheek with her thumb.
“My clever little boy,” she murmured affectionately.
“Even after such a long journey, you’re still busy observing everything around you.”
Freya smiled proudly, as though her son’s composure were an extraordinary achievement worthy of celebration.
Aiden merely blinked his sapphire eyes.
He was already accustomed to this kind of treatment.
However, getting used to a mother’s affection proved far more difficult than learning the mechanics of a complicated game.
Especially when his mother considered every little movement he made absolutely adorable.
“Aiden.”
A gentle voice came from the opposite seat.
Elena, his black-haired elder sister, leaned forward.
The teenage girl followed her younger brother’s gaze, then smiled as though she had just found an excuse to start a conversation.
“Are you studying Gimle’s city layout?”
Aiden turned toward her.
Elena raised one finger and pointed toward the magnificent complex of buildings rising in the distance.
“Since this is your first time visiting the capital, let your big sister explain a few things.”
Her smile widened.
“At the center of the city stands the Central Palace, where King Gyo governs the kingdom. Most of the main roads lead toward that area, while the surrounding districts each serve their own purpose.”
Elena began pointing toward several locations through the window.
“To the south of the palace stands the grand cathedral of the Church of Goddess Aurelia Lumina Vespera.
Its architecture is dominated by white stone, with towering spires and stained-glass windows.
“To her followers, the cathedral is one of the most important spiritual centers in the northern territories.”
Aiden followed the direction of her finger.
From a distance, the tip of a white tower rose above the surrounding buildings.
“Meanwhile, in the western district, there’s a complex of temples and monuments dedicated to the Thirty Founding Gods of Aethelgard. Many physicians, healers, and religious figures visit the area to pray or carry out their duties.”
Elena’s tone remained light, although her eyes briefly lingered on the distant cathedral before she continued.
“So even though both religions have a presence in the same capital, each maintains its own religious center.”
Aiden stored the information in his memory.
Two major religious institutions, each wielding enough influence to maintain its own spiritual center near the heart of the government.
That was hardly insignificant.
Elena pointed toward a busier road.
“To the south, near the city gates, you’ll find the merchant and adventurer district. That’s where the Adventurers Guild and Merchants Guild are headquartered, alongside various inns, restaurants, and a large market selling food from Winterfell and Baronia.”
She moved her finger in the opposite direction.
“By contrast, the northern district has a very different atmosphere. That’s where the red-light district and the slums are located. Many people who cannot find a place within the city’s prosperous center end up struggling to survive there.”
Elena’s smile faded slightly.
“In a city this large, luxury and poverty are often separated by nothing more than a few streets.”
For a moment, Aiden studied the streets outside without speaking.
Then Elena continued.
“The western district also has rows of mansions belonging to high-ranking nobles and aristocratic families with close ties to the palace. Meanwhile, the eastern district is home to many wealthy merchants, business magnates, and senior figures from the merchant guilds.”
At last, Elena lowered her hand.
“That’s more or less how the city is organized. If you want to understand Gimle, you need to remember that every district has its own interests.”
Aiden gave a small nod.
The seat of government.
Religious power.
Trade.
The nobility.
And the districts where those excluded from prosperity were forced to live.
In his mind, the arrangement was beginning to form a more complete picture.
Gimle was not merely a large city with a magnificent palace at its center.
It was a place where different powers gathered, depended on one another, and sought to keep one another in check.
However, such a balance did not necessarily mean peace.
Sometimes, the more interests that converged in one place, the greater the likelihood of conflict.
Aiden did not yet know whether that conclusion would prove useful anytime soon.
But he had already learned never to dismiss something simply because its danger had yet to become apparent.
Freya kissed the top of his head.
“Don’t think too seriously about everything, darling. You still have plenty of time to learn about the world.”
Aiden turned toward his mother.
Freya’s expression was so warm that he could only offer a small smile.
If only Mother knew what I was thinking, she might not be telling me to relax.
Or perhaps she’d simply hug me even tighter.
The carriage continued along the increasingly quiet streets.
Ahead of them stood the magnificent outer gates of Gimle’s Central Palace, guarded by soldiers in royal armor holding their spears upright.
The royal banner fluttered above the watchtower.
After a brief inspection of House of Silver’s procession, the gates opened.
And for the first time, Aiden saw the residence of Gimle’s ruler from such a close distance.
A white marble courtyard welcomed the arriving procession.
The snow had been cleared from the main road, leaving the stone surface gleaming beneath the pale winter sunlight.
Tall pillars supported the front of the palace, while enormous windows reflected the faint light of the sky.
As soon as the main carriage came to a halt, several palace servants hurried forward and opened its door.
They then formed a corridor of honor by standing on either side of the steps.
At the end of the line stood a butler of around sixty years of age, waiting with impeccable posture.
His gray hair was neatly combed, and the elegant black suit he wore appeared to be completely free of wrinkles.
He bowed with measured precision as Duchess Freya emerged, carrying Aiden in her arms.
“Welcome to the Central Palace of Gimle, Your Grace, Duchess Freya, and the esteemed members of House of Silver.”
His voice was calm and clear.
“It is our honor to welcome the family that has guarded the kingdom’s northern frontier for so many years.”
Freya returned his greeting with a graceful nod.
“Thank you for the warm welcome. We appreciate the palace’s hospitality.”
The butler bowed once more before continuing.
“Her Highness the Princess’s birthday celebration will take place two days from now. By order of the palace, the western wing has been prepared as your family’s residence during your stay in Gimle.”
He raised one hand, signaling to the servants waiting nearby.
“Please follow me. Our staff will attend to all your family’s needs.”
Edward dismounted from his horse and took his place beside his mother.
Elena followed shortly afterward, her eyes occasionally wandering toward the palace buildings with barely concealed curiosity.
Meanwhile, Sir Raymond had already dismounted.
The heavily built knight stretched both arms wide, rolled his shoulders, and let out a long breath.
The faint sound of his joints cracking could be heard beneath his armor.
“Haaaah! We finally made it.”
He patted the breastplate of his armor before lifting his face toward the sky.
“What a pleasant journey.”
Edward glanced at him.
The young man fell silent for a moment, as though making sure he had heard correctly.
“Pleasant, Sir Raymond?”
“Of course, Young Master Edward.”
Raymond flashed a broad grin.
“Sitting on a horse for days is far more relaxing than dealing with an ice bear trying to tear my head off back in Silvergard.”
He rolled his shoulders once more.
“At least no monsters tried to make a meal out of me during the journey.”
Several guards nearby stifled their laughter.
Edward shook his head with a faint smile.
“In that case, I hope you continue to find this journey pleasant until we return to Silvergard.”
“Ah, don’t rush to talk about the return trip, Young Master. We haven’t even tasted the palace cuisine yet.”
This time, a few guards actually laughed.
To those who knew him only through battlefield stories, Raymond might have seemed like someone who was difficult to joke around with.
However, to those who had served alongside him, his relaxed demeanor was nothing unusual.
He could face monsters without the slightest hesitation, then complain about a long journey only moments after the danger had passed.
That contrast was precisely what made him so approachable.
Even so, Raymond’s gaze occasionally swept across the courtyard, taking note of the entrances, the guards, and anyone approaching their procession.
His good humor did not make him forget his duties.
He was still a veteran who understood that being inside a palace did not mean being in a place of absolute safety.
While the butler arranged for the immediate family to be escorted to the western wing, the remaining carriages began entering the courtyard.
Behind the main carriage came three simpler cargo wagons carrying provisions, equipment, and various necessities for the family’s stay in Gimle.
Two additional carriages followed the procession, designated for House of Silver’s servants.
One of them stopped not far from the edge of the courtyard.
Its door opened, revealing Martha stepping down carefully as she adjusted her dark gray coat.
The middle-aged woman surveyed her surroundings before making room for Amy, the young maid who followed behind her.
Amy briefly froze when she saw the towering palace pillars.
“This place is enormous…”
“Don’t just stand there staring, Amy,” Martha admonished without raising her voice.
“We still have work to do.”
Amy immediately came to her senses.
“Yes, Aunt Martha!”
The two hurried toward the cargo wagon carrying some of the family’s personal supplies.
Several wooden crates had been prepared for transfer onto the palace’s handcarts.
Among them were boxes containing warming remedies and herbal ingredients commonly used to help the family stay healthy during cold weather.
Martha pointed to one of the crates.
“Amy, be careful with that box. Don’t let it take a hard knock. We’re carrying several herbal extracts from Silvergard, and I don’t want them damaged before we have a chance to use them.”
“Understood!”
Amy grasped the crate with both hands and carried it alongside a palace servant.
Martha herself inspected the ropes securing the other goods and checked their condition.
Her movements were efficient, neither hurried nor wasteful.
Several palace servants watched them.
They might have expected servants from the frontier to appear awkward while working in such a magnificent environment.
Yet Martha and Amy performed their duties with the same discipline they had shown in Silvergard.
No unnecessary fuss.
No complaints about the workload.
To House of Silver, a duty remained a duty, no matter where it was performed.
After making sure the main supplies were secure, Martha turned her attention toward the family, who were preparing to follow the palace butler.
She then looked at Amy.
“Make sure every crate is recorded before it’s brought inside. Don’t let anything get mixed up.”
Amy nodded firmly.
Freya was still carrying Aiden as the group began moving toward the palace corridor.
Edward walked beside them, while Elena followed with light steps.
Sir Raymond remained close to the procession, making sure the guards and luggage stayed together with the immediate family.
Aiden resumed observing the buildings around him.
Thick stone walls, carved doors, and rows of guards made it clear that this palace was more than just a king’s residence.
The structure had been designed to project power as well as preserve it.
However, before he could continue his observations, Elena suddenly glanced at him.
Her expression changed.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
Then her eyes began to sparkle.
Aiden recognized that expression.
Unfortunately, he had yet to discover a truly effective way to avoid it.
Ah, we’ve arrived in Gimle.
Elena began making plans in her mind.
A city this large must have plenty of good shops.
Soft silk fabrics, the finest wool from Baronia, warm blankets with beautiful embroidery…
She glanced at the fur coat wrapped around Aiden’s small body.
My little brother needs more comfortable clothes for the next cold season.
Then her thoughts jumped to something else.
Gimle’s famous sugar cakes!
I’ve heard there’s a shop that sells cakes filled with cream and honey.
Aiden would definitely like those.
Her smile widened.
What about wooden toys?
Or a little monster doll?
Oh, perhaps I could also buy some fragrant dried flowers for his bathwater.
The more ideas came to mind, the harder it became for Elena to contain her excitement.
She even began imagining how Aiden would look when he received all those gifts.
Her little brother, dressed in soft clothes she had personally chosen, sitting on a new blanket while enjoying the sweet cakes she had brought especially for him.
The scene was so perfect that Elena unconsciously slowed her steps.
The corners of her mouth rose even higher.
Her eyes narrowed.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
The smile that had initially seemed sweet gradually transformed into a peculiar grin that might have made anyone who saw her wonder what on earth the girl was thinking.
Edward happened to turn around.
His steps nearly came to a halt.
He stared at his younger sister for several seconds before furrowing his brow.
“…Elena.”
There was no response.
“Elena.”
The girl jolted.
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Brother?”
Edward regarded her with a complicated expression.
“Are you thinking about something that really shouldn’t be making you smile like that?”
Elena immediately arranged her face into the most innocent expression she could manage.
“Of course not.”
The answer came far too quickly.
Edward narrowed his eyes.
Elena smiled back.
In the end, her older brother could only sigh and decide not to investigate further.
He had known Elena long enough to understand that some questions only made the situation worse.
Meanwhile, Aiden watched their exchange from the comfort of Freya’s arms.
He couldn’t hear everything going through Elena’s mind.
However, based on previous experience, he had a fairly accurate suspicion.
Don’t tell me she’s planning something again.
Aiden regarded his sister with calm sapphire eyes.
Elena immediately returned his gaze with a sweet smile.
“Aiden, once we’ve rested, your big sister will take you sightseeing around Gimle.”
Aiden blinked.
“And perhaps we can buy a few little things.”
Her smile grew wider.
“Just a few.”
Edward turned away, concealing an expression of resignation.
Aiden, on the other hand, could only remain silent beneath his fur coat.
He had faced opponents with complicated strategies, survived battles that lasted for hours, and studied countless game mechanics that demanded extraordinary precision.
Yet none of those experiences had prepared him to deal with an elder sister who considered spoiling her younger brother a lifelong mission.
For a moment, he felt that palace intrigue might not be the only threat he needed to watch out for during his stay in Gimle.
The butler led them through marble corridors decorated with portraits of former rulers.
Palace servants bowed as the members of House of Silver passed.
At several points, guards stood in neat formations, watching each intersection with solemn expressions.
Two days.
That was how much time remained before the princess’s birthday celebration began.
For most guests, those two days might offer an opportunity to rest, enjoy the palace’s hospitality, and prepare for the festivities.
For House of Silver, the time also presented an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, identify important figures, and ensure they remained vigilant amid the many competing interests gathered in Gimle.
Aiden rested his head comfortably against Freya’s shoulder.
And before the first notes of the celebration’s music were played, someone inside the palace appeared to have already taken an interest in House of Silver’s arrival.