Chapter 62: Back In Lightburgh

POV Ansgar

We made our way towards the capital. The night before, Cornelius had been very upset about the previous boss fight, which I couldn't understand. We had won and everyone had survived. And I had fun. My Berserker unique ability finally came into its own and I was able to live out it. So I actually found it a shame that we didn't go further into the dungeon, but Cornelius was our leader and I didn't feel like having long discussions. So I stayed quiet.

After the day-long ride, we reached Lightburgh and were allowed straight through the city gate. At the same time a guard ran towards the palace to announce us. The palace was located in the inner area of ​​the city and was separated by its own wall. We were met at the gate by an emissary from the emperor.

“Welcome back, noble heroes. We awaited their arrival. If you would please follow me?” <Emissary>

A carriage was waiting for us behind the city gate, which we boarded and drove to the palace. There we were given the opportunity to make ourselves presentable. In two hours we had an audience with the emperor. We bathed, were given new clothes and had a light meal. Afterwards, an official picked us up and led us to the throne room. There we stood in front of the large double-leaf door that opened in front of us. The offical went forward and introduced us.

“As ordered, I present to you the heroes. Dear heroes, step forward.” <Official>

We entered the throne room and walked the long red carpet. To the side stood nobles who were currently in the capital. In front of us, on seven steps, rose the throne on which the Emperor Baldur sat. To the left of him on a slightly smaller throne sat Empress Ilina and to the right of him on another slightly smaller throne the first Princess Trist. We knelt before the throne and waited for the emperor to speak.

“Welcome back, noble heroes. Did you make good use of your time in the dungeon?” <Emperor>

“Yes, your majesty. We have all reached level 20, as was our goal.” <Cornelius>

"Very nice. This allows us to move on to the next phase of our plan. I am very satisfied.” <Emperor>

“Thank you, your majesty” <Cornelius>

“There is a banquet tonight. Let's celebrate the success. You can step away.” <Emperor>

We bowed and left the throne room. Then we were dressed for the banquet. All I cared about was getting food and drink. I don't care about the rest, but Cornelius would make women's world unsafe again and Eleonore would be upset about it. Javier had witty conversations and didn't let anyone bother him. So everything as always. I was more pleased that we got better equipment and trained to use it over the winter. 

Over the course of the winter we mainly had theory lessons and exercises at the academy on how to use our new equipment. The theory was boring as always, while the new equipment was a blast. With our level we had our weapon talent at advanced and were therefore able to carry and use improved weapons and armor. My new ax was big, heavy and powerful, just the way I wanted it to be. She was great fun to fight with. The training dummies couldn't do much to counteract my force.

The others were practicing just like me, or so I thought. Cornelius practiced with his new sword and slowly got used to his new plate armor. Eleonore spent a lot of time in the cathedral and was otherwise as attached to Cornelius as ever. Javier was nowhere to be seen except in the theory lessons. As always, he neglected his physical exercises, but that's fine with me. He would already know what he was doing. So we spent the winter, in which nothing else exciting happened. Further planning called for us to next go to the second dungeon, which was accessible from Lightburgh. Liss should also arrive at some point, then we could go.

POV Eliza

It had rained almost constantly the last few days, so we were all soaked. The merchant I accompanied on the quest had hired another adventurer. He was a man in his 30s who I barely spoke to. He left no doubt that he wanted nothing to do with me. Maybe I was too young for him, but I didn't mind. The escort mission was just there to get me to the capital. Luckily, because of the weather, we didn't meet anyone on the street. On the last day of our trip it had stopped raining in the morning and we were able to slowly dry out. We reached the capital around midday. The sight that greeted me brought back memories, unfortunately not good ones. At that time I left the city through a sewage tunnel and came across the circus. That was ten years ago now, but I hadn't forgotten it. I didn't know then or now what awaited me, but I could handle what was coming. Even if I had to do with the heroes, I had to go through with it.

At the city gate, the merchant I accompanied led the conversation. Once inside the city, he drived his carriage to one of the markets in the southeast of the city. Here I was released and received both my payment and confirmation to the guild that the job had been successfully completed. First I walked through the city to take in the atmosphere and find the Adventurers Guild. The city was very busy and there were a lot of people on the streets. The atmosphere was hectic, but generally relaxed. Many people were out running errands after the winter.

I only stayed briefly in the adventurers' guild. Here I submitted the confirmation of my order and had thus completed the first quest for promotion to Rank C. Afterwards I looked for an inn to have a warm lunch. At the same time, I took the opportunity to continue drying my clothes. I then looked for a place where I would be undisturbed for a while so that I could transform my form and status. I entered the alley as Eliza and left it as Liss.

Then I turned towards the inner part of the city to the palace district. The route was easy as the large cathedral was also there and could be seen from most major streets. As I approached the gate I was stopped by the guardsmen.

“Stop, you are not allowed to pass. Only people with permission are allowed through.” <Guardsmen>

“I have a letter asking me to report to the heroes.” <Eliza>

“Anyone can come there. Do you have any further evidence?” <Guardsmen>

“You can ask the heroes. I was part of the group in the Dungeon of Tyros. My name is Liss and I am a scout.” <Eliza>

“Wait here. We are sending a messenger to verify your claim.” <Guardsmen>

I was led into a guard room and asked to sit down. A good 30 minutes passed before the messenger returned. The guardsman spoke to him briefly and then turned to me.

“You seem to have spoken the truth. The messenger will take you to the palace.” <Guardsmen>

I thanked him and followed the messenger towards the palace. There we were met by two soldiers and led into a separate room. A magician came there and looked at me. Apparently he was making a pass on me. Then he nods and leaves the room again. The soldiers led me into the inner area of ​​the palace and into another room. This room was decorated like a lounge with sofas, fireplace, tables with glasses and drinks and so on. I was asked to wait there. The heroes would come soon. So I waited.