Passing through the bustling outer city marketplace, the roads gradually became wider and cleaner, and the clothing of the people walking by grew increasingly respectable.
Regg led Matthew and Aidan toward the inner city.
Before long, a slightly lower, grayish-white city wall appeared before them.
Though not as long or towering as the outer wall, this wall was far more exquisite and majestic. The stone surface was carved with intricate patterns of vines and shield crests, clearly a symbol of noble power.
Before the city gates, the atmosphere was completely different from that of the outer city.
There were no chaotic crowds or vendors here, only guards clad in uniform armor standing solemnly on both sides.
The armor was dark red, with a lion with a flared mane embossed on the breastplate.
The guards had cold, grim expressions, their gazes scrutinizing every passerby like hawks. The halberds in their hands gleamed with a chilling light, maintaining a strict and solemn order.
Matthew looked through the carriage window, his gaze sweeping over the Fiery Lion crests on the armor before landing on the Fiery Lion flags hanging from the watchtower. He understood immediately: this entrance to the inner city was likely a checkpoint directly controlled by the Fiery Lion family.
Sitting beside Matthew, Regg naturally noticed his gaze.
He pulled on the reins and turned his head, his tone calm but carrying a trace of subtle pride:
“This is the ‘Fiery Lion Gate’ of the inner city.
The inner city of Abilan County has three gates in total, each controlled by one of the three major families.
This one is the domain of my Fiery Lion family.”
He raised his hand and pointed at the guards. “They are all elite private soldiers under our family, trained since childhood, with unquestionable loyalty. Unlike the outer city, which is a mixed bag, the order here is jointly maintained by the three major families.”
Matthew nodded slightly, a trace of understanding flashing in his eyes.
Seeing Matthew's calm demeanor, free of any awe or flattery, Regg felt a hint of appreciation rise in his heart.
He continued to explain some of the rules of the inner city: “Most of those who enter the inner city are either influential figures or Class holders.
“Therefore, you cannot ride horses at full speed on the streets of the inner city, though carriages are permitted. This is a rule jointly established by the families to maintain the decency and order of the inner city and prevent conflicts.
“Of course, rules are rigid, but people are flexible. If you hold proof from one of the three major families, those guards naturally wouldn't dare stop you.”
“...”
Regg continued to explain the rules that needed to be observed in the inner city.
Matthew listened quietly without interrupting.
A moment later.
The queue slowly advanced to the front of the gate.
It was their turn to be inspected.
The guard captain who had been protecting Regg's side immediately rode forward.
Instead of shouting, he simply guided his horse close to the guard captain and spoke in a low voice. At the same time, a dark red family emblem flashed past his fingertips.
The guard captain's expression changed instantly.
It was no longer just routine seriousness; it was replaced by a near-fervent respect and anticipation.
He straightened his posture, his right hand slamming against his breastplate with a crisp metallic clang, before turning to the guards behind him and shouting in a sharp, powerful voice:
“Let them pass! Let them pass! Welcome back, Young Master!”
At his command, all the guards moved in perfect unison, as if they had rehearsed it a thousand times. They stepped aside and raised their halberds, clearing a wide path. Their originally cold, iron-like faces even showed a faint, proud excitement.
The guard captain quickly settled everything and rode back to Regg's carriage. He leaned down slightly and reported through the window, “Young Master, it is taken care of.”
Matthew looked at him. This guard captain, who had been steady and capable throughout the journey and had contributed greatly to covering their entry, now had a rare, barely perceptible smile of relief on his face.
That smile mixed the relief of completing his mission with a sense of accomplishment for safely escorting the young master back to the family.
Matthew understood what he was thinking—despite the ups and downs of this journey, he had ultimately brought the Eldest Young Master back safely. This achievement would certainly earn him ample rewards and promotions within the family.
Regg merely nodded slightly, as if all of this was only natural.
After entering the inner city, the scene before them was entirely different from the outer city.
The streets were wider and cleaner, the bluestone-paved roads flat as a mirror. On both sides stood orderly stone buildings with mostly grayish-white or dark brown walls, appearing solemn and majestic.
The windows were fitted with bright glass, and intricate carvings could occasionally be seen.
The pedestrians on the street were decently dressed and walked at a leisurely pace, with none of the clamor and crowding of the outer city. Occasionally, a luxuriously decorated carriage would pass by, the clatter of horseshoes on the stone slabs sounding crisp and rhythmic.
A faint scent of spices and flowers drifted through the air, replacing the greasy smoke and animal odors of the outer city.
The buildings in the inner city were generally taller, some even featuring towers or spires. In the distance, the towering silhouette of the Governor's Mansion and the walls of noble estates were visible.
The entire area was enveloped in an orderly atmosphere that subtly exuded power and a sense of distance.
Regg brought Matthew to a relatively quiet district in the inner city. The buildings here were not the most luxurious, but they were clean and tidy, suitable for a temporary stay.
They stopped in front of a two-story stone building named the "Stone Oak Inn."
The inn had a simple and sturdy exterior, with an oak sign hanging at the entrance, carved with the inn's name and an acorn pattern.
The group came to a halt here.
Regg pointed at the inn and said to Matthew, “The Stone Oak Inn. It's in a quiet location and has a clean environment, perfect for a temporary stay. If you'd like, I can help you buy a small house in the inner city later.”
Matthew looked up to size up the two-story stone building. It was indeed not luxurious, but the bricks and stones fit together seamlessly, and the windows were bright and clean, giving off a reassuring feeling.
He nodded. “No need to go to the trouble. This place looks nice.”
Matthew knew Regg was not joking about buying a house, but this was no small favor. He did not want to owe such a favor when it was not a necessity.
Regg smiled, not minding Matthew's refusal. “Alright, then settle in first. If you run into any trouble, feel free to find me at the residence I mentioned to you earlier.”
He paused, his tone turning serious as he added, “As for the reward I promised you earlier—those few medicinal herbs will definitely be delivered to you within a week. Rest assured, the quality will be the absolute best. I won't fob you off with sub-par goods.”
Matthew knew that as the Eldest Young Master of the Fiery Lion family, Regg possessed both the credibility and the capability to back up his words.
He nodded again and replied simply, “Alright, thank you for your trouble.”
Seeing him agree, Regg did not linger.
“Then get some rest. It was a tiring journey. I still have some family matters to attend to. Once the herbs are ready, I will deliver them to you personally.”
With that, he nodded slightly to Matthew, turned his horse around, and departed with his sole remaining personal guard. The crisp sound of hooves quickly faded at the end of the clean, quiet street.
...
...
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