The city walls were towering, and the city gates were expansive. The large doors were wide open, welcoming visitors.
This was Molbessa, the city where the imperial palace of the Pheraira Empire was situated. It was bright, and it was Rensley’s first impression of the imperial capital. Unlike other fortresses that locked their gates in preparation for potential invasions, Molbessa’s central gate was not closed. It seemed to signify openness to all visitors and displayed a prideful attitude that no one would dare to intrude.
“Enter!”
As the verification process concluded, the frontmost guard shouted loud enough for everyone to hear. The wheels of the halted carriages started turning, and the long procession began entering the imperial capital. Among the escorting cavalry, Rensley observed the scenery of the imperial capital as they moved forward.
“Amazing….”
Rensley unintentionally murmured to himself. His violet eyes sparkled like beads, reflecting the surroundings.
On the journey toward the imperial capital, leaving Aldrant temporarily in the care of Princess Frida, the diplomatic envoy had traveled through various countries for about ten days. Unfortunately, Gezell’s prediction that it would be boring and arduous turned out to be accurate. The journey with a large group was not leisurely, and despite the rare opportunity for an outward journey, everyone was more focused on managing their fatigue day by day than enjoying the expedition.
Even Rensley, who had not worried about using teleportation devices frequently within the fortress, felt a slight sense of lethargy around the fourth day. The short movements inside the building and magical transportation across the continent imposed different levels of physical strain.
While Gezell and mages naturally had no difficulties, ordinary people who didn’t regularly use magical powers quickly became exhausted. Even when given free time, instead of exploring or sightseeing, most concentrated on resting. After all, the ultimate destination was not the countries they passed but Pheraira.
Despite the lingering regret for the path they had traveled, Rensley felt relieved upon entering the imperial capital. Of course, every country had its attractions, cuisine, and unique charms, but nowhere else could compare to this scenery.
“Stan, have you been here before?”
“First time for me too.”
After exchanging a few words with his companion riding beside him, Rensley took a deep breath. Stan seemed equally tense.
Despite the ongoing procession, the wide road allowed people and carriages to move freely. The pavement was smoothly paved with various colored stones, adorned with patterns, and it sparkled silver in the sunlight.
Fruit and flower trees were planted along the roadside, and people walking the streets all looked tidy. The shops lining the main street were also clean, and the expressions of children playing in front of the shops were bright.
As befitting a large city, outsiders were noticeable everywhere. The streets branching off from the main road were neatly paved and seemed lively in their own ways. The central square featured a tall clock tower, an unprecedented sight for Rensley. As someone who enjoyed bustling city life, he couldn’t help but feel excited.
The procession of Duke Aldrant continued advancing through the captivating scenery that kept drawing Rensley’s gaze in every direction. As they progressed, the imperial palace, situated far away, gradually revealed itself on the horizon, much like a large mountain visible even from a distance. The imperial castle, with its pointed roofs reaching for the sky like the tip of a spear, stood imposingly, giving it a substantial presence.
Rensley stared blankly at the castle, reminiscent of a castle rather than a mere building. While accompanying the escort, uncertain whether he would be able to see the emperor up close, Rensley felt his heart pound as the castle drew nearer. The dazzling sunlight illuminated the flags fluttering on the roofs.
“Since today is the arrival day, His Grace will only exchange brief greetings. You can wait outside,” announced Anton, the leader of the escort, as they finally entered the imperial castle. Only a few high-ranking knights, including Anton, were accompanying them.
Although they had entered Molbessa early in the morning, by the time they reached the imperial castle, the sun had risen to its zenith in the afternoon. Entering the imperial castle also took some time due to various procedures.
Inside the imperial castle, there were picturesque scenes everywhere, but their tasks were not yet finished. The knights remained vigilant, not relaxing or diverting their gazes carelessly.
The door of the largest and most luxurious carriage in the middle of the procession creaked open. Gezell Jivendad, dressed in formal attire, descended first and extended his hand. A gloved hand emerged gracefully from the carriage, and Ivet, adorned in a green dress with a small crown on her head, stepped out. Apart from the small crown, she wore no veil, revealing her face.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Not at all.”
The knightly assembly fell into a hushed silence, touched by the affectionate appearance of the ideal couple. Stan, who had been quiet until then, whispered with a tone full of emotion, “I never thought I would see the day I’d meet Her Grace the Grand Duchess.”
Instead of offering a fitting response, Rensley just chuckled. Although they were a fake couple meant to deceive onlookers, Gezell and Ivet were a pair that looked well-matched to anyone’s eyes. It was a pointless thought, but Rensley found himself imagining what if. What if Ivet had willingly followed the king’s orders to go to Aldrant, accepted the position of the Grand Duchess, and lived in the north? Would the two have fallen in love with each other?
It’s a problem with no answer, anyway. You can’t be certain that it would have happened or not.
Lost in his own thoughts for a moment, Rensley suddenly burst into laughter. Perhaps the originally planned meeting of the two people and their becoming a couple would have brought about a natural and better outcome in every aspect. However, despite that, there was a feeling that no matter who played Rensley’s role, they couldn’t be as happy as they are now.
Why is that? There’s no evidence. It’s an almost arrogant, baseless confidence, yet it gives rise to a bubbling sense of belief.
Gezell, who had been about to enter the imperial palace with Ivet, turned his head with an indifferent expression. Rensley’s gaze met his directly.
Rensley smiled broadly, and Gezell’s eyes slightly, almost imperceptibly, lowered, different from others who didn’t notice. Raising his hand and gesturing as if offering a greeting, Gezell turned away.
Although they couldn’t exchange handshakes, the moment was heartwarming. The precious and tender affection of the powerful northern king was a treasure known only to Rensley.
With their cloaks flowing, the two, along with the attendants, began ascending the stairs. The members of the escort looked up at the stairs, and once their figures completely disappeared, they somewhat relaxed and began quietly chatting. Naturally, the topic now revolved around the Grand Duchess, whose face was finally revealed.
“I thought she would look quite severe, but I’m relieved to see she looks healthy.”
“She’s more beautiful than I imagined. Doesn’t she suit His Grace the Grand Duke really well?”
“I never believed those rumors that said the two of them didn’t get along from the start.”
The murmurs reached Rensley’s ears clearly. However, standing next to him, Stan was just staring blankly at the spot where the Grand Duke and Duchess had disappeared, surprisingly saying nothing. Rensley nudged his side with his elbow.
“Why are you so out of it? It’s not even free time yet; you need to stay alert.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Right.”
Then, Stan looked directly at Rensley. Rensley shrugged.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“You seem somewhat similar. Did someone bring you here from the same family?” Despite always appearing nonchalant, Stan unexpectedly had a sharp eye. Feeling a prickling sensation, Rensley placed his hand on Stan’s shoulder.
“It’s probably that people from this side see some resemblance. But, is the imperial palace really this huge? It seems excessive.”
“Yeah. It’s probably to display the emperor’s authority, but….”
The end of Stan’s sentence was accompanied by a somewhat uncomfortable expression. The practical and minimalistic preferences of the people of Aldrant, who liked efficiency and disliked extravagance, clashed with the excessive adornments of the imperial palace.
On the other hand, the people of Cornia enjoyed extravagant things. To Rensley, who appreciated such splendor, even the scale of the imperial palace seemed astonishing. More intrigued than repulsed, Rensley looked around with an approving glance.
“By the way, did you hear that story? Pheraira supposedly has an enormous outdoor public bath.”
“A bath? Do they really need it to be that huge?”
“It’s nonsense. It’s not a bath; it’s a place for swimming rather than bathing. With this weather, it seems like you can swim outside during the day. I really hope we can go this time.”
“Swimming outdoors, even when it’s not a hot spring?”
Stan, who had lived in a cold country, spoke with disbelief at the thought of being in cold water outside. While the two were discussing this, another attendant who had been standing behind them hurriedly joined the conversation.
“You might be able to go. We’ll be staying here for at least a week. After greeting the emperor, us attendants will have a rotational schedule, so we’ll have plenty of time to explore outside. I’ve heard it’s worth seeing. I really want to go there.”
During the winter, Gezell had mentioned to Rensley several times that when spring came, they should go to the hot springs. However, this year, with the long journey to meet the emperor and the expected busy schedule, it seemed difficult. Aldrant’s spring and summer were short, making them even more precious.
Still, Rensley didn’t want to give up on water activities. During his time in Cornia, except for winter, he spent his leisure hours swimming every day. Therefore, for Rensley, who was looking forward to the opportunity, it was something he couldn’t ignore.
Even as the chatter became tiresome, when the officers reappeared on the high stairs, the attendants immediately tensed up, adjusting their postures and looking up at them. As they descended the stairs with determined steps, they gestured to signal the disbandment.
“You can go to the lodgings now. The palace attendants will guide you, so follow them.”
“Yes!”
Gezell and Ivet didn’t return, and Anton was nowhere to be seen. Rensley glanced briefly up the stairs before moving on with the other attendants.
The place they arrived at, following the palace attendants, was an annex for external guests. The guest annex was just as luxurious, with decorations matching the main buildings, spacious windows, and an expansive interior.
“The rooms are assigned for each of you to use individually.”
As the leaders instructed, the palace attendants guided them to their rooms. While each person was organizing their belongings, one of the attendants subtly asked a question, and the conversation reached Rensley’s ears.
“I heard there’s an outdoor bath in Pheraira. How far is it?”
“Not far. If you ride a horse, you’ll get there quickly.”
The conversation Rensley overheard certainly didn’t escape the palace attendants’ ears. However, the attendants, now seemingly relaxed, only chuckled, mixing playful teasing into their banter.
“Do you only think about having fun already? Well, since it’s probably the first time for these guys to come to Pheraira, we can’t help it. The two Graces and the commander will stay in the main palace. We’ll take turns providing security. Today, we officially greeted Her Grace, and in a few days, we plan to hold a proper celebration banquet to congratulate her visit and marriage. At that time, the entire unit will have to be on guard.”
“Yes!”
“Since it’s the first day today, tidy up your things. We’ll be in charge of the security, so feel free to enjoy until mealtime. But come back on time. Remember, this is not a vacation spot. Keep in mind that any misconduct as the royal guards here will be severely punished. Understood?”
“I understand!”
The attendants replied in unison. The leaders, with stern expressions, scrutinized the attendants before also heading to their respective rooms. Each attendant quickly stood by their assigned beds, organizing their belongings. Stan asked Rensley.
“Where are you going first? Are you going to that large bath?”
“Yeah. How about you? Unless you have specific plans, let’s go together. Ino, Gunner! You guys too, let’s go together. It’ll be more fun with a group. You don’t get to swim outside in Aldrant. Once you try it, you’ll never forget. How refreshing and cool it is. The weather is clear today, and after playing in the water, coming out to bask in the sun with a cool drink is like being in paradise. I’m not sure if we can drink there, though.”
“Listening to you talk, it sounds tempting… should I?”
The young attendants, still in their youth, loosened their cloaks, talking excitedly. Although it wasn’t a vacation spot, the thrill of exploring a new place for the first time and the permitted time for leisure couldn’t be helped.
Rensley and his colleagues found the horses they had left in the stable and mounted them. Unlike marching with a carriage on the side, they quickly gained speed, reaching the road outside the castle in no time.
As they relaxed and came outside, Molbessa’s scenery seemed even more lively than in the morning. Children were playing, splashing water at a large fountain. Rensley, riding proudly on Marilyn, circled a square, shouting “Long live the country boy Rensley Maelrosen!”
“Stop it! Just because of you, if we look like country folks, what are we going to do?”
“What are you talking about? Stiffening your expression with tension looks more rustic. We’re in the country. Enjoy it to the fullest!”
While Rensley and the others exchanged jokes, pointing and teasing each other, Stan, who had been looking at the map, pointed to one side.
“It looks like the bath is over here.”
As they ran along the path, the bathhouse building came into view. Even though it was an outdoor bath, the entrance looked like that of a regular building. Like many large buildings they encountered in the capital, its size was impressive. A man standing by the door guided them.
“For adult males, it’s 70 solis.”
“Wow, that’s expensive…”
The attendants, who had come excitedly, hesitated when faced with the prospect of paying. For Rensley, who had always swam freely in the Cornian River or the sea, the idea of paying to swim felt awkward. Moreover, Pheraira was known for its high cost of living. Most of the knights were well-off individuals, but the situation of spending money equivalent to several meals on a single water activity was surprising for all of them. However, the voices that were initially hesitant soon united.
“No! Let’s not think about it. When will we ever come here again?”
“Yeah, yeah! Here’s the money.”
The resolute young men’s momentary hesitation didn’t last long. Rensley and his colleagues, with a burst of determination, took out money and handed it to the cashier before entering.
From the entrance onwards, the interior was adorned with beautiful tiles of various colors. Drenched and barefooted individuals roamed around with light robes covering only the essentials. As they exited, the breathtaking view of the bathhouse quickly caught their eyes.
“This is amazing,” one of the attendants exclaimed. Rensley’s eyes widened in amazement. Expecting a simple outdoor pool since it wasn’t a natural valley or lake, the scale far exceeded his imagination.
Next to the clear and expansive bath where people were swimming, marble walls and columns were arranged. On the tall two-story walls, balconies were built for those who wanted to enjoy food or relax with a massage. There was no roof, offering a clear view of the sky, and the refreshing air was palpable. Waterfalls cascaded from various points, and fountains sprayed water into the air. Some people were seen diving off smoothly polished sloped rocks, and others were sliding down.
On one side, a stage was set up, with musicians playing music. “Let’s go in quickly!” Rensley urged.
True to its name, the grand bathhouse had separate spaces for men and women, featuring not only cold water but also pools filled with hot and lukewarm water. The men in the bathhouse were all enjoying the water without hesitation.
Feeling eager to play, Rensley hurriedly placed his hand on his shirt buttons. Other colleagues also began hastily undressing. The attendants, dressed only in their robes, stored their clothes in the provided lockers and looked at Rensley.
“Rensi, what are you doing?”
Rensley frowned heavily. His posture remained the same, with his fingers on the buttons. Rensley exerted force to unbutton his shirt, but his hand didn’t budge, almost as if it were paralyzed, much like someone under the influence of anesthesia.
When performing other actions that involved removing the hand from the buttons, there was no issue. However, when attempting to undress, the movement would suddenly freeze.
Considering past experiences, only magic could explain such a phenomenon. Was there some magical device in a place like this? Suspicious, Rensley glanced around and muttered quietly.
“I can’t… take off my clothes.”
“What? What are you talking about? Should I help you undress?”
One of the attendants approached Rensley and reached out, but like before, he retreated after placing his hand on Rensley’s robe. “Why is this happening? Something’s strange.”
His words were accurate. Despite multiple attempts by colleagues to undress one after another, all ended in failure. Clothing that even a squad of sergeants couldn’t remove? The clothes Rensley wore were the standard uniform given to regular attendants by the Knights. There had never been any explanation or mention of enchantments or curses.
Trying to lift it over his head or tearing it apart by pulling the shirt from the sides, Rensley attempted various methods. However, the bizarre situation persisted: whenever he tried to undress, his hands stiffened inexplicably. After several attempts, Rensley sighed and shrugged.
“I don’t know, but it’s over now. Put on your clothes and be surprised. You can still swim with your clothes on.”
“Guests, according to our water quality management policy, you cannot enter if you don’t remove your clothes.”
The attendant who had been silently observing the small commotion caused by Rensley’s group quietly intervened. Rensley, wearing a troubled expression, explained, “Our clothes won’t come off, and besides, we’ve already paid.”
“I’ve confirmed that you haven’t entered yet. If you wish, I can refund your money; just let the ticket booth know.”
Though the tone was polite, the gaze resembled that of someone dealing with a drunk or a nervous patient. Large men gathered together, making a fuss about their clothes not coming off; regardless of the reason, it was natural not to want such guests.
Rensley, after a moment of contemplation, looked back at his colleagues, who were still standing with their clothes half off, unable to immerse themselves in the water. With a forced smile directed at their awkward faces, he said, “Go ahead and enjoy without me! I’ll join you shortly.”
“Rens, you were the most excited about this. But just us? Let’s all get a refund and go somewhere else.”
“No, we can’t. I can’t let you waste your precious free time because of me. Go ahead and swim, and don’t worry about me. I’ll find a solution. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go back to the castle, change my clothes, and come back. Probably…”
A brief hint of suspicion crossed Rensley’s face as he stretched out the end of his sentence.
“The problem seems to be there, not here.”
“Rens…”
“Don’t make that face. Go in quickly! Even if I can’t get in, you should be thankful that I brought you here today. I’ve had a lot of experience with swimming, so go and have fun. Opportunities like this are rare in Aldrant.”
Rensley laughed and clapped his hands. The hesitant young men eventually shook hands with Rensley and, one by one, jumped into the water. The sensation of basking in the sun and dipping into the cool water was undoubtedly special for those living in the cold regions all year round, and their faces quickly brightened.
Once, Rensley, who never tired of going back and forth in the water all year round, could generously anticipate the first joy his colleagues were feeling. He wanted to share that joy with them.
“As we discussed, please refund me.”
Speaking with a firm voice, Rensley caused the attendant to nod and lead the way. Perhaps because the place was doing well, or maybe due to the ongoing success, after a brief conversation between the attendant and the ticket booth, they returned the entrance fee without much hassle.
Rensley found Marilyn in the stable, mounted her, and walked without hurrying. Although he regretted not dipping a toe into the anticipated swimming pool, his frustration and suspicion about the absurd situation were growing more intense than that disappointment.
As he was returning to the castle, he heard laughter. It was the sound of children playing with water drums at the large fountain they had seen on the way here. Rensley pulled on the reins, stopping Marilyn, and descended with quick steps.
As the afternoon progressed, the weather became quite warm, and there was a considerable crowd enjoying water play at the fountain. However, almost all the people playing inside the fountain were children. Adults, who seemed to be parents or spectators, were either watching from the outside or washing their hands in the flowing water.
During a warm and peaceful moment in the Molbessa Square of Hwangdo, Rensley, wearing a solitary and stern expression, seamlessly blended into the crowd. As an obviously grown man ascended the fountain’s railing without hesitation, the gazes of the people instantly focused on him. Rensley threw himself into the fountain.
Splash! Unlike small and light children, the considerably weighted adult created a large and brief water storm upon entering. Oh my, the surprised exclamations of onlookers echoed. People, although taken aback, remained fixated on the sudden spectacle.
While not an actual swimming pool, the water that children were playing in was refreshingly cool and clear. Plop, bubbles rising as he submerged and briefly settled, Rensley, having reached the bottom of the shallow fountain, lifted himself up.
“Puha!” With the sound of splashing water, he turned his head, still sitting in the fountain. For some reason, the curious stares of the gathered crowd converged on him. Rensley chuckled before shrugging his shoulders.
“I’ve been on the road for quite a while, and the weather got too hot. Being a country boy, used to cooling off with water, I misjudged the atmosphere. My apologies for showing such an uncouth display.”
“If you follow that road, there’s a grand bathhouse where you can swim. It’s a famous spot in Molbessa.”
A young lady who seemed like a noble’s daughter responded with a hint of embarrassment still visible. Rensley made a wry smile.
“I’m aware. Unfortunately, as a poor traveler, I don’t have the money.”
“Oh, dear…”
“Oh, my…”
People standing near the fountain, especially the women, let out sympathetic sighs one after another.
Rensley stood up, water dripping from him. His wet blonde hair sparkled in the sunlight even more than usual. The wet white shirt, clinging tightly to his firm and slender physique, revealed the outlines of muscles and the contours beyond the translucent fabric. Water droplets fell gracefully from various places, including the tips of his hair and the well-defined jawline. A blue stone-studded bracelet shone on his wrist, visible beyond the wet sleeve.
With a charming smile, Rensley left the fountain and greeted the lady, who covered herself with a white parasol, with a slow bow.
“It seems I’ve embarrassed myself in the place where children are playing. I apologize.”
“When you’re tired on a long journey, such things can happen. Since you’re traveling, how about coming to our house to change your clothes? Welcoming travelers and hearing their stories is a joy for our family.”
“Is it okay to cause you so much trouble?”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
The lady’s gloved fingertips lightly brushed over Rensley’s wet shirt. Her voice lowered discreetly.
“Welcoming guests from distant places is also the duty of nobility.”
“If you put it that way, it’s embarrassing, but would you mind if I…?” …give it a try?
The words he intended to say were cut off right there. Several people on horseback approached near the fountain, halting his words. Rensley looked up at them.
“Leader.”
“What’s going on? Why is everyone soaking wet?”
“There was a minor incident.”
The leader’s expression showed discomfort, but he seemed reluctant to press Rensley further, perhaps conscious of the gazes around. He quietly pointed at Marilyn with his chin.
“It seems you encountered her as you went to the bathhouse. The Duchess wants to talk to you. Sorry to interrupt your free time, but you should go meet her.”
“Ah, the ‘Duchess’ you say?”
Rensley, feigning surprise, emphasized the term ‘Duchess’ while asking, but the leader, unaware of the context, simply nodded.
“It seems that since you’ve come from afar, she’s concerned and wants to have a conversation with you. Let’s go back for a moment.”
“Understood.”
Rensley, still dripping water, looked back at the lady with a sorrowful expression. The appearance of the knights on horseback seemed to startle her, and he lifted her hand, gently kissing it above the glove.
“I won’t forget the kindness you’ve shown to a humble person like me. I have to go now because of some urgent matters.”
“Oh dear. You weren’t an ordinary traveler after all.”
“I apologize.”
“It was fun for a moment, so it’s fine.”
The lady chuckled, adjusting her parasol, while Rensley approached the people gathered near the fountain, shaking hands with them and addressing them.
Rensley’s dripping appearance caught the leader’s attention once again, and he clicked his tongue.
“How did you end up like a drowned dog? As the Duke’s knight, you should maintain your dignity.”
“I wanted to, but I couldn’t take off my clothes. Still, I untied my cloak before coming out, so no one around here should recognize me.”
“How couldn’t you take it off?”
“Well, it just didn’t. Maybe a magician?”
“What are you talking about…”
Without answering further, Rensley, accompanied by the knights who came to fetch him, hurriedly made his way back to the royal castle.
Thank you!
Gezell nice trick xd
He is way too mych jealous.. poor rensley.. 😂