In the morning, the travelers left the friendly hamlet behind. The children rode on a small grey donkey that Cassia had bought for three silver Roman denarii. Grey sat behind his sister, holding her waist tightly so he wouldn’t fall.

  Grace held the reins with confidence, guiding the donkey behind their mother. She waved a stick she had picked up nearby, full of energy.

  In her mind, she was a general leading a royal prince through storms. She swung her stick skillfully, blocking attacks from imaginary enemies at every turn.

  Their path took them through wild lands, full of challenges. Around one bend, they met a fearsome dragon—or actually, just a lizard. General Anna stood her ground and even managed to tame it. From then on, the little lizard sat on her shoulder, helping her fight off many imaginary enemies.

  The royal mission continued.

  Two days later, their small group reached the city.

  Danmur greeted the travelers with a tall stone wall. The city was modest, more like a way station than a major center. Caravans, immigrants, and small merchants crowded near the wall, making up a busy outer district.

  Stalls and carts lined both sides of the road, piled with goods from rusty horseshoes to sparkling vials of unknown potions. In the distance, a line of wagons moved slowly toward the gates. Guards checked each one carefully, looking for contraband.

  Nearby, the agricultural market was full of noise. Village women talked over each other, praising their geese, piglets, and onions with the same excitement.

  The outer city’s buildings were a mix of styles. Stone houses in Roman style stood next to crooked wooden cottages, as if from a storybook, but together they made a surprising harmony.

  Above the jumble of roofs and beams, the straight walls of the inner city stood tall and strong. Behind them, a single magical tower rose high, both a guardian and a sign of authority. It pointed sharply into the sky, showing the city’s loyalty to the Magical Empire.

  As they approached the fortress gates, the family was met by tall men in full armor.

  “Full name, occupation, purpose of visit, length of stay in the city, and any goods requiring declaration,” the bearded man intoned without lifting his head. He was in charge of registering everyone entering the city.

  “Uh, uh… Cassius and Luvia Ashfort, with us are the children, Alex and Anna. I am a trading agent for Neco International Products. We are merely passing through, heading to the port of Stormdale to board a ship to the continent of Nightingale. From there, we will travel to the capital of the werewolves, Samar. I must deliver an urgent assignment from the company’s head. However, our caravan was attacked by werewolf wolves in the Nightmare Forest, and we found ourselves in a difficult situation,” Cassia replied in a low voice, playing her role perfectly.

  The officer raised his head to inspect the unusual party. When his gaze fell on Catherine, his eyes lit up. He made no attempt to hide the lust he felt for this stunning lady, who looked thoroughly exhausted from the long journey.

  “Mm, mm, I see. I’m sure everything is as you say. Still, you all need to be inspected. One can never be too careful; maybe someone is hiding contraband. I will take care of Luvia. Come along for a ‘thorough inspection.’”

  Mister Cassius, I trust you won’t mind waiting? It won’t take long. Afterward, we’ll be happy to let you into the city,” said the bearded man, his lewd grin met with approving chuckles from his comrades.

  The poor soul had no idea to whom he was making such a proposition. Had he known that this “fragile and defenseless” miss, just two weeks ago, had threatened the governor of the Province of Light with the complete destruction of his capital and the hunting down of every single inhabitant, he would now be trembling for his life.

  But he didn’t know. And so he stood there, eager and oblivious, until he suddenly felt a dagger pressed against his neck—held by a young neko. The chilling intent to kill seemed to seep straight into his soul. Cassia’s violet eyes made him want to drop to his knees.

  “What did you say, worm?!” Cassia hissed into his ear, her voice husky with rage.

  The border knights drew their weapons immediately, though a moment too late. Someone shouted for reinforcements. Knights patrolling the walls noticed the commotion below and trained their crossbows on the young male neko.

  “Darling, we’re at the border—don’t be impulsive, I’m scared… There are children here, please stop,” Catherine begged her husband. Her face had gone pale with fear as she hurried to cover the children’s eyes. Yet in truth, she watched every movement around them with sharp attention.

  One wrong move from the guards, and she would annihilate the entire city to prevent any leak of their location. She was on edge, her hands itching from the fury she had been restraining for so long.

  She was a kind soul, but even the kind have their limits! She was a Sky-born. She would not hesitate to get her hands covered with the blood of innocents if it meant ensuring her family’s safety.

  The guards glared aggressively at the young, insolent neko, ready to act. They didn’t know that a Damoclean sword, in the form of an angry Sky-born, was already hanging over their heads, waiting for them to make a move.

  Before anyone could point a blade at the woman and children, a loud shout rang out: “What is going on here?!”

  The man who spoke was refined, in his forties, with thick sideburns. He stepped forward and roughly pushed the guards aside.

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  He was the head of security, the one in charge of keeping order in the city. His black robe and staff made it clear he was a mage—a high-ranking one.

  After hearing a report of what had happened, he turned his gaze to the violator of public order and spoke:

  “Young man, do you realize where you are?!”

  “Precisely because I realize where I am, this bastard is still able to breathe,” Cassia replied in a male voice.

  “Mister… um… Cassius. While his manner of addressing your wife was indeed rude, this is the Magical Empire, and the law applies here. Any conflicts are resolved through the courts. An attack on an official is a crime. Are you prepared to face the consequences?” the head of security said, attempting to reason with the man.

  Cassia frowned, keeping the dagger raised.

  “And what exactly do you propose now?!” she said, her voice sharp. She understood the mage’s reasoning but was still waiting for an answer.

  “Um… Mister…?” Catherine’s voice was timid, even a little shy.

  “Underwood. Dave Underwood,” the head of security introduced himself.

  “Mr. Underwood!” she brightened immediately, raising her voice slightly. “You see, this guard… His words were far too vulgar. But we have no desire to escalate the conflict. I believe an apology will suffice. Of course, we will do our best to be mindful of the rules in the future.”

  She gave a slight bow and lowered her voice.

  “I have a letter… from Clyde’s mother. I was supposed to deliver it, but all this… distraction. Can we settle this peacefully? There are children here…”

  “Clyde? You mean my assistant?” Underwood said, surprised, his tone softening. “Show me the letter.”

  Catherine handed over the parcel, as if the matter were already resolved. She looked like a desperate woman clinging to any straw, clearly unaware that she and her family could be taken hostage, her husband threatened, her children in danger.

  But in truth, she couldn’t have cared less. She had already scanned the surroundings and found no one capable of threatening her or the children.

  Glancing briefly at the letter and confirming its authenticity, the head of security nodded with satisfaction.

  “Why didn’t you say earlier that you know Clyde? Don’t worry, we’re all family here. Someone, fetch Clyde.”

  “Jack,” he said, turning to a guard, “apologize immediately to Mrs… Mrs. Ashfort.”

  “And you, Mr. Ashfort,” he added, addressing Cassius, “would you kindly put away your dagger and hear his apology?”

  He quickly took the chance to end the situation. Unlike his subordinate, he knew that “Mr. Ashfort” was not an ordinary man and didn’t want to provoke him. Still, he had a reputation to keep.

  Fortunately, Clyde’s involvement allowed the matter to be resolved without anyone losing face.

  And what of justice and the law? Who cared for such abstract notions? In this world, only the strong could demand justice from the law.

  With that, the issue was settled. The guard apologized to Catherine. Cassius, in turn, received an official warning and paid a fine. He made no protest—it was already clear that the incident was best left behind.

  At last, Clyde approached—a man of about twenty-five, fit, with an open, slightly naive face. He was the son of the same “Lyuda” from the village and also served as the assistant to the head of security.

  “Clyde, register our guests and escort them into the city. You’re off duty for the rest of the day. Make sure they are comfortable. And this”—he handed over the letter—“is from your mother.” With that, Underwood gave a brief nod and withdrew.

  Clyde glanced at the envelope, recognized the handwriting, and allowed himself the faintest smile. Then he turned to the travelers.

  “Please, follow me. I’ll take you through.”

  They entered the border city.

  All cities in the Magical Empire followed the same plan. Each had four main districts: the noble quarter to the north, the commoners’ quarter to the south, the military barracks to the west, and the trade district to the east, where the group was headed.

  The district names were clear. Only noble families, like those from old bloodlines, important households, and the elite, lived in the noble quarter. The trade district was the busiest, with all roads meeting there, noisy fairs, and goods of all kinds for sale. Travelers, caravans, and adventurers came here. The barracks district was strictly guarded and closed to regular people; only soldiers, knights, and battle mages could enter. Commoners filled the southern part of the city, where shops, workshops, inns, and homes were found.

  At the center, above all other buildings, stood the magical tower. It was the heart of the city and a symbol of stability. Every city had one, and it was home to the mages who were the elite of the magical world. Anyone who wanted fame, wealth, power, or respect hoped to reach it.

  Catherine held Grey and Grace firmly by the hands as their group, led by Clyde, passed through the eastern arch and entered the trade district.

  The cobblestone streets were neatly paved. On the left was a lane for carts, and on the right, a path for people walking. Most buildings were made of wood and concrete. Stalls, shops, and tents were everywhere, and the air was always full of voices.

  “Fresh bear meat for five bronze lire!”

  “Wolf pelts for ten bronze lire!”

  “Slime hearts for two coppers—don’t miss your chance!”

  “Mana stones for one silver! Straight from the Roman mines!”

  Street vendors shouted their prices over one another, their voices clashing in a chaotic chorus. They waved their wares, luring passersby into their shops. The air was laden with the scents of roasted meat, spices, and dust.

  Grace’s eyes sparkled with fascination. She kept trying to wriggle free from her mother’s grip whenever she spotted a shiny trinket, a comical little creature, or a brightly colored dress.

  Grey stayed obedient, walking close behind his mother, though his gaze roamed the surroundings with quiet curiosity.

  Catherine took her time. Watching her children absorb the world around them with such wonder, she decided not to interfere. It was better to let everything unfold naturally, avoiding unnecessary haste that might draw attention.

  “Clyde, how long have you held such a high position?” Catherine broke the prolonged silence, casting an interested glance at him. “Back in the village, I don’t think anyone even realizes you’re… an important person here.”

  “I haven’t told them,” he replied calmly, keeping his eyes on the road. “Why worry family? I can’t yet afford to move them to the city. And there’s no need. This isn’t the right place to raise a child. Let him stay in the village for another year or two, and then… I’ll bring him and my wife here.”

  “Just don’t stay away from them too long. Try to visit as often as you can. It’s hard—raising a child without a father’s presence,” Catherine said, her voice colored by melancholy.

  Clyde cast a peculiar, sympathetic glance at Cassia, sending shivers down the maid’s spine. The boy clearly believed he had uncovered some dark secret of this mysterious trader-neko.

  “I’ll try to take your words to heart,” he said quietly, returning his focus to the road ahead.

  “By the way, we haven’t caused you any extra trouble, have we? The villagers took very good care of us, and we don’t want to create problems for you.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Ashfort. Don’t worry; the head of security is a decent man. He understood the whole situation. And…” His look lingered on her. “With your appearance, I suspect this isn’t the first time you’ve dealt with misunderstandings like this.”

  The compliment was subtle, almost casual, but his eyes betrayed far more than his words. Even Clyde, a practical, family-minded man, couldn’t help a brief trace of admiration. Catherine merely smirked at the corner of her lips, pretending not to notice.

  “Fufufu, you have no idea,” she replied, sending Cassia a meaningful smile.