(I Can't Think Of A Good Name)

Chapter 6: The Capital

Dion, Red and Lia arrived at the gates of the capital.

Ahead of them were multiple guards stood there regulating the many people moving in and out of the capital.

It was an incredibly busy day for the guards, especially since it was a day where the governors would all be gathered.

After a while, a guard approached the three of them.

"Your identification rings?"

Dion slipped the ring off his finger and let the guard inspect his ring and his belongings.

"Alright, you're free to enter sir."

"Thank you. Ah, and also, could you let that person with red hair in? he lost his ring in the woods due to an accident."

"We can't do that sir."

The guard replied with no hesitation.

"Hm, I guess that's too bad then."

Dion looked over at Red with eyes of pity.

"That's too bad Red, you'll have to deal with this yourself. We'll be leaving now, take care!"

Red looked at Dion with pleading eyes.

"Sir could you at least try to convince them with your status??"

"Ah,would you look at the time! its already past 10. The meeting's about to start soon! Sorry Red, we'll have to go now, I'll speak to you later."

Dion casually mounted his horse and quickly rode off into the capital while Red stared at Dion's back in dismay.

(Damn you Dion.... I'll make the your fee higher the next time you need a ride...)
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"Dad, where are we headed now?"

Lia asked in confusion, the entire capital was too much for her to take in at once.

"Our destination is within the inner circle, so we'll have to travel just a bit farther."

"Inner circle?"

"The capital is split into two parts, the inner circle and the outer circle. The inner circle is commonly used by nobility and are inaccessible by commoners unless they have permission from the king himself."

"The outer capital is where everyone else lives, it's rowdy and wild in the outer circle compared to the inner circle."

"And naturally, there is also the very middle of the capital, where the royal family resides. It is inaccessible by anyone not from the royal family. Not even the king can overrule that fact."

After hearing Dion's last sentence, her facial expression became a little down. It was a bit disappointing to not be able to observe the huge tree up close, but it wasn't as though she didn't expect this to happen.

The tree of the capital or so it was usually named by the citizens. Its official name was the ancient tree Byzan.

It had lush pink leaves and its trunk was light yellowish brown. Every year on the 31st of March, the tree would drop millions of its leaves, showering the people with good luck.

What made this tree special however, was its unique ability to protect the capital from danger. It was an ancient sentient tree, the protector of the city.

Lia became mesmerised by the tree's beauty. All of a sudden, a growl sounded from her stomach.

Dion took a quick look at the tree before determining that they had some time before the meeting.