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nOnce again, they took the Tame River, but this time they rode a grandiose ship that belonged to the King. It used multiple wizards to move fast upstream. The Sand City was not too far away, so by evening, they neared the majestic walled city situated beside the point where the Tame River and Snake River intersected.

nUsing elemental earth wizards, an artificial moat was formed from the Tame River to the Snake River behind the Sand City, which instantly gave the city protection from all around. But, Sand City had limited area, so a new city was made on the other side of the moat, called Gravel City, and on the other side of the Snake River, there was the Blessed School Of All Arts, where people of all social rankings were taught a talent.

nWizards honed their craft, knights trained in swordsmanship, and commoners were schooled in various trades such as carpentry, art, sculpture, iron and goldsmithing, and more. While the affluent paid tuition, the less fortunate received a free education.

nThis unconventional and revolutionary education model proved advantageous for the Highland Kingdom, allowing them to produce exceptional craftsmen despite limited natural resources. Additionally, proximity to Riveria’s Trade Corridor facilitated the Kingdom’s ability to sell their products at a lucrative price, further enhanced by King Highland and King Conrad’s successful trade agreement with Sylvester as the common link.

n“Such a stunning city,” Sylvester remarked as the ship docked at the harbor. The entire Sand City was fashioned from strong mud bricks, imparting a sandy texture, yet ample greenery flourished on the numerous balconies and walkways in the form of planters. The locals dressed in light, loose attire, a sensible choice given the sweltering climate.

nKing Highland proudly nodded. “Of course! This city was founded by an ancestor many generations ago — the last man from the Oathkeeper bloodline. The kingdom even celebrates Phoenix Day in his name, the day of lovers, as everyone calls it. Most marriages and marriage proposals are made on that day.”

n‘I should pick a book about the Kingdom’s history to learn its own history. Books in the Holy Land tend to tell the history on a world scale, without giving the finer details about these kingdoms.’ Sylvester reminded himself as he felt ignorant about the pasts of all the kingdoms.

nSoon, they disembarked from the ship and began their walk toward the royal castle, which was the biggest structure in the city. The city appeared to have a mountain-like topography. The streets constantly went up in a slight slope, and the buildings appeared towering over one another.

n“There is not a single building in my city that stands less than five stories tall,” declared King Highland as he proudly introduced Sylvester to his kingdom. “Through the aqueducts, I have brought running water to the Royal Castle. The water cascades down from the highest point of the city, splitting into distinct channels for drinking and sewer use. This ensures that my city remains spotless and free of any repugnant odors.”

nSylvester was genuinely impressed. Having visited numerous cities in the East Sol, he was all too familiar with their foul smells.

nThen, as they continued to walk upwards towards the castle, they crossed a section that seemed like a vast wall that circled the entire city and separated the lower part from the upper. And the moment they crossed over to the other side of the large arching gates, loud firecrackers resounded.

nBoom!

nBoom!

nAnd before Sylvester knew it, hoards of people appeared on the windows and balconies of the tall buildings on the sides of the road. They began showering flower petals on Sylvester, King Highland, Sir Dolorem, and Bishop Lazark.

nWoosh!

nAnother explosive firecracker echoed, but this time it was different as it prompted something. In an instant, the lamps at the sides of the streets lit up with tall fire, and loud beats of drums began.

nSylvester looked at the King. “Is this for… me?”

nKing Highland folded his arms and nodded, “Indeed! Welcome home, Young Bard. Deserte Village is just a short distance away, and since you were born in this kingdom, this rightfully is your true home.”

nSylvester looked ahead at the castle not far away and felt a hint of disappointment with himself.

n‘Perhaps, if I was born here in this castle, I could have had my peace from the beginning. But then, I’d have only turned a blind eye toward the storm that was brewing outside. Now, from the highest seat of humanity, I shall achieve my true peace… I guess no one can fight fate, and this is the only way.”

nThey continued their walk, and soon the entire street was filled with flower petals as they walked over them. To Sylvester, it felt like a waste of money and resources, but he didn’t object to it.

nEventually, they reached the top and walked through the heavily guarded gates of the castle.

n“Welcome back, your majesty.” A middle-aged man with looks similar to King Highland spoke.

n“This is the Prima of this kingdom, Gladius Highland, my younger brother,” introduced King Highland. “Gladius, meet Archbishop Sylvester Maximilian, Sir Dolorem, and Bishop Lazark.”

nSylvester shook hands with the man. ‘What’s this? He’s trying to evaluate me and assess my character. But I don’t smell any animosity, so that’s good.’

n“Your Grace!”

nJust then, an ashen-blonde-haired, six-foot-tall woman with unparalleled beauty strived closer. She had a young boy, no more than one year old, in her arms.

nSylvester bowed his head. “May the Holy Light enlighten us, Your Majesty.”

nQueen Trinity smiled warmly and politely embraced Sylvester while still holding the little boy. “Welcome to Sand City, Your Grace.”

n“It’s Sylvester for you, Your Majesty.” Sylvester corrected her. “We discussed this the last time.”

n“But this is an official meeting…for now,” replied the Queen, stepping aside. “Let’s go inside. You must be tired from your journey, having come all the way from the Sorrow Kingdom. I’ve heard about your accomplishments and can’t help but feel proud. You saved those poor people, and I’m sure they will never forget it.”

n‘They have already begun to forget by accepting Anti-Light.’ Sylvester thought in their head.

n“I’m glad you hold me in such high regard, Your Majesty. But I believe I should have the first round of talks with the rebel slave Kaecilius and King Conrad Riveria before doing anything else. I’ve already delayed their business for days due to my selfish desires, and I don’t want to further delay it,” spoke Sylvester in an entirely official tone.

nKing Highland appreciated it, as King Conrad had become increasingly grumpy with his kingdom suffering economic setbacks from the slave rebellion. “Then I will lead you to them. Gladius, bring the rebel and King Conrad to the private chambers in the roof garden.”

nSylvester glanced at Sir Dolorem and Bishop Lazark. “The two of you may go and rest. King Conrad will likely desire a private discussion.”

nWith that, Sylvester also sent Miraj away with a gesture. His job was to follow Gladius and find Kacelius. Miraj had a letter for the slave that needed to be read before the meeting. It would define the next step of the strategy.

n“I hope you can bring an end to the troubles of both. I spoke with Kaecilius. What a brilliant, honest man who fought for his freedom until it finally broke him. But their war is bringing losses to me as well since the northern border to Fort Sunflower remains closed as a route to the rest of Riveria. As a result, the traveling convoys of traders have been unable to move,” King Highland said as they climbed the fifteen floors to the top of the castle.

nSylvester agreed with him. “I understand. It is not in the interest of the Holy Land either. The longer this rebellion persists, the further the fire will spread. If the slaves revolt throughout Sol, it will lead to the instant downfall of many nobles due to low productivity.”

n“We’re here,” King Highland announced as they reached the roof garden of the palace, complete with tall trees that provided shade on warm days.

n“That is the private chamber. I hold my meetings there sometimes, but today you may use it. I will not be coming inside as King Conrad may feel offended.” King Highland stopped and patted Sylvester’s back. “I wish you good luck, and I will see you at the feast!”

nWith that, Sylvester proceeded alone into the large, finely adorned room that resembled a king’s court, with one larger cushioned seat. However, no one intended to sit in that room.

n“Lord Bard!” Blonde-haired, King Conrad was inside there in his regal attire. “It is my greatest pleasure to see you again. Already an Archbishop, I’m afraid I’m witnessing the making of the youngest Pope.”

nSylvester knew the king could afford to joke around like that due to his status. “Thank you, your grace. I am simply doing my duty. It is the Holy Land that acknowledged my abilities.”

nKnock!

nJust then, the door opened again, and Kaecilius walked in, followed by Miraj. His short black hair, beard, and stern face looked as serious as ever. His clothes, though not torn or poor, were nothing noteworthy.

n“I pay my respects to his grace.” Kaecilius bowed his head, as everyone knew Sylvester had helped the man settle his kid and wife in the Holy Land—another reason why he was accepted as an arbitrator.

nKing Conrad’s eyes turned red, and he angrily pointed at Kaecilius. “You damned slave! I gave your family a happy life… Enough! His Grace is impartial, and he will show you the true word of the lord. Men of your station should not stray from their lowly lives, and yet, you have influenced others to follow!”

nSylvester nodded. “Let us not waste time accusing each other and shouting. Kaecilius, why did you do it? What do you hope to gain?”

nKaecilius glanced at the King hatefully. “I’m fed up with the exploitative system. Our lives are mere games for these men. We are thrown to kill each other for their entertainment! I want an end to slavery throughout the kingdom, and I wish to become the Lord of Fort Sunflower!”

n“I agreed to the latter request!” King Conrad roared. “I offered you — swear fealty to me, and you shall have the lordship! Then you demanded the end of slavery! Without slaves, the kingdom will be ruined! No better than the Sorrow Kingdom!”

nSylvester interjected at that point. “So we agree on one thing? Your majesty, are you willing to make him a lord?”

n“I am! Not only that, I will free all his fellow slaves! As long as he allows my auditors to monitor the revenue at the Fort, he can be a Viscount,” King Conrad exclaimed quickly. “But he wishes to bite more than he can chew.”

nSylvester sighed and rubbed his chin as if deep in thought. “Hmm… So the problem lies with slavery? But I can understand His Majesty’s argument. Without slaves, all of the industries in Riveria will collapse.”

n“That’s right! But this fool cannot comprehend that!”

nSylvester raised his palm to ease them. “Calm down, Your Majesty. I believe I have a suggestion that may be a suitable compromise for both of you.”

nThe two men looked at his face intently.

nSo Sylvester continued, regretfully so, as he wanted to end Slavery. But, he understood that a mountain could not be climbed in a single day. If he were to end the entire Slave system so fast, it would lead to an instant recession as industries and farms won’t have workers, while the owners would be repulsive to pay them for what they used to do for free. 𝘰𝑣𝘭.𝗇𝓔t

n“I suggest turning the slaves into Serfs.”

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nThank you!

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