Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Rosewyn City

Three hours had passed and a slight dimness had begun to envelop the surroundings. The carriage, trio were in had, finally reached the outskirts of Rosewyn City. The large city revealed itself with imposing gray stone walls and a passageway large enough to easily accommodate multiple carriages.

The walls themselves were fortified with crenellations and watchtowers that provided both defense and a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Guards, clad in armor, were patrolling the parapets, ever vigilant against potential threats.

Finally emerging from the forest road, the carriage moved smoothly across the flat terrain, flanked by vigilant soldiers, towards the awe-inspiring majesty of the city walls. In front of the walls there were deep ditches filled with water and a large stone bridge had to be crossed to reach the city gate.

Soon the carriage reached the bridge at the city entrance, under the anxious gaze of the farmers, that working in the fields on the plain. Since no guards stopped the carriage, it passed through the huge gate without stopping and entered the city.

The city's residents traversed the winding streets on foot, while the occasional horse-drawn carriage rumbled by, transporting goods or noble passengers.

Noticing Edwin, who was curiously looking at the people of the city from his seat, Amber smiled a little at his expression.

"Is this your first time seeing a city this big?"

"Yes, I've never been in a settlement with so many people. When I was with Goddess Livian, the place where she trained me was a small house in a large forest. Even though I had everything I needed, I lived there alone and never met anyone." Edwin said, his eyes were still looking outside.

At these words, Amber began to speak with excitement. "So, how about I show you around the city!"

"I don't know Amber... I have a mission to complete you know." Edwin spoke in a hesitant voice.

Amber rolled her eyes. In the short time she had known Edwin, she had realized how seriously he took his mission. Despite finding it a tad frustrating, Amber kept her thoughts to herself.

"I know, I know..." she continued with a charming smile. "How about this, it's getting late today and besides we are still tired from the journey. Tomorrow, you can go to the temple and get the information you need. When you get back, you can join me and we can see the city together."

Edwin bowed his head and thought for a moment, then looked up at Amber and nodded.

"Alright, let's do it like you said. To be honest, I'd love to do some sightseeing myself too."

"Good! Then it's settled!" Amber turned her head to her left and spoke to her black-haired cute maid. "Olivia, come with us, it's been a while since we've had a chance to take a leisurely stroll together."

"Huhh? Are you sure, Lady Amber?" As she spoke, she gave Edwin a furtive glance.

When Amber caught this action, a flicker of red light flashed in her beautiful blue eyes, and with a nimble movement she grabbed the cheek of the lovely maid next to her.

"Don't let your eyes wander too much, you naughty little maid!"

"Uaahhh! L-Lagdy Amberr, isst huyyts!" Olivia complained in gibberish as Amber pulled her cheek.

"Hmpf!" Amber let go of Olivia's cheek. "Whatever, you're coming tomorrow too. I can already tell by the way you look that you want to come."

Olivia pouted cutely as she rubbed her sore cheek and then said in a low voice.

"... Edwin will run away from you if you're always this rude."

Amber squinted at Olivia. "What did you say?"

"N-Nothing!"

Seeing their pleasant bickering, Edwin smiled warmly. Even though Olivia was Amber's maid, the way they treated each other was more like friends than a relationship of servant and master. This made it possible for the three of them to have a really good relationship.

Amber turned her gaze to Edwin and spoke in a timid voice as she played with her hair.

"E-Edwin, I wonder if..." She stopped mid-sentence

"Hmm? What is it, Amber? Don't be shy, you can tell me anything." Edwin spoke in an encouraging voice."

Seeing his attitude, Amber relaxed a little more and took a deep breath.

"... Edwin! I wonder if you'd like to duel with me when we have some free time?"

Edwin raised an eyebrow. "Duel? You want to have a fight with me?"

"Yes!" Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've been thinking about it ever since you beat those corrupt wyverns so easily! I want to have a duel with you!" She added anxiously. "Of course, if it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to agree."

Edwin smiled as he found Amber's expression of concern mixed with excitement funny.

"I'd be happy to spar with you, Amber. It'll be a training for me too, I've been lazy for a few days."

"Really? Great!"

Amber's excitement was written all over her face. This gorgeous red-haired woman really loved to fight. Amber didn't always have the opportunity to face strong opponents like Edwin and so she had been itching for a fight ever since she first saw him.

While they were chatting, the carriage was rapidly approaching towards a great castle in the center of the city. Behind the walls of this castle was the home of the Redwood Family, the sole rulers of Rosewyn City and the surrounding lands.

The walls of the fortress were aligned with a river that ran through the heart of the city. The river not only gave life to the city but also provided natural protection for the people inside the castle.

Crossing the river on a bridge, the carriage finally stopped in front of the castle gate. The soldiers at the gate didn't have to think too hard to see who was coming, because the red tree symbol on the flags the soldiers carried and the armor they wore told them who it was.

"Open the gate!"

One of the gate guards turned around and shouted. Soon after his shout, the large iron gate slowly opened upwards, accompanied by the sound of metal chains. After a few seconds, the metal gate opened wide and the carriage began to move once more.

There were many buildings within the walls, but at the end of the stone road, a majestic keep stood out from the rest. In front of the wide staircase of this keep stood a bespectacled maid with long green hair. Behind her were two rows of male and female servants.

The carriage's speed slowed down and finally stopped a few meters in front of the maid. As the carriage stopped, Amber turned to Edwin and smiled happily as she began to speak.

"Edwin, welcome to Blazesteel Castle! This is the home of the Redwood Family, and therefore my home."

In front of the carriage, a striking red keep, crafted from robust crimson stones and adorned with detailed Flamewood, commanded attention in its surroundings. The warm and regal ambiance, accentuated by arched windows and turrets, defined its captivating presence. Fluttering high above the keep, vibrant red flags and banners painted with rich hues danced in the breeze.

Edwin admired this graceful structure for a while. Than he turned his head to the side and saw Amber looking at him with expectant bright eyes. In response to this Edwin spoke with a small smile.

"You have a really beautiful home, Amber."

Amber's cheeks flushed a little when she saw Edwin's smiling face and she was momentarily at a loss for what to say. Olivia, meanwhile, entered the conversation with her cheerful voice.

"Lady Amber, we'd better get out of the carriage soon! People are waiting for us."

Amber nodded in agreement at Olivia's reminder and began to look toward Edwin. Realizing what she was implying, Edwin sighed in resignation. Then he reluctantly put on the red cloak and hid his face with its hood.

Seeing him like this, Amber found the situation a little funny, but she restrained herself from smiling. Then she furrowed her eyebrows a little and adopted the serious expression she wore in front of other people.

After opening the door of the carriage, she stepped out. What greeted her outside the carriage was an indifferent female voice.

"Welcome home, Lady Amber."