Evo's journey toward the capital was peaceful. None of those cliché things happened — no random bandit attacks, no monsters destroying villages, no important people getting kidnapped.
Nothing like that. Just a calm, uneventful trip. They stopped in towns to rest at inns, sometimes crossing into the territories of other nobles.
During this time, Evo often fed his little gluttonous serpent with his mana. Seriously! That tiny thing was a bottomless pit.
There were moments when Evo had to drink bottles of mana potions just to replenish himself — otherwise, he'd end up like a dried-up mummy, just skin and bones. It might've been funny for others, but not for him.
– You little glutton, if you keep this up, I'll dry out completely. Are you sure you're not a vampire instead of a snake? – He scratched her snout. She yawned softly, coiling back around his wrist before falling asleep again.
– By the way... do vampires even exist in this world? Never heard of them before. – he muttered, wiping a drop of blood where the little creature had been sipping his mana like a straw.
He leaned against the window, watching the scenery rush by as guards rode beside and behind the carriage.
Evo opened the window and called out to one of them.
– Hey, you! – he said, resting his arm on the frame.
– Yes, Young Master Evo. How may I assist you? – the guard replied, riding closer.
– How much longer until we reach the capital, Celathor?
– If we keep this pace, young master, we should arrive by noon tomorrow.
Evo nodded in thanks and withdrew his arm.
– I'll take a nap until the next town, then.
It was late afternoon, and they would reach the next city by nightfall.
Continuing on, they arrived in Corina, the closest city to the capital. They stopped to rest before resuming their journey.
– Young Master Evo, we've arrived at the inn. – said a guard, approaching the carriage window.
– The City of Art and Casinos... – Evo muttered as he stepped down, looking around.
People crowded the streets — most of them pompous nobles covered in jewels, flaunting their wealth. Casinos and theaters glittered with bright lights, filling the air with sound and energy. Beside the inn, an alley overflowed with brothels. His smile faltered at the sight of so many mature, alluring women... but he quickly shook his head.
– No, no, no, no! – He shook his head violently. – I'm still underage! A bit longer until I'm of age. If my mother finds out I was visiting a place like that, she'll kill me and scatter my remains! And I can't trust the guards to keep quiet either... – He looked at them, searching for one who might keep a secret, but found none. – And besides... I don't want anyone discovering my weakness... my burning passion for older women.
Yes, Evo liked older women — a taste that had followed him even from his past life as Daniel Roberts. He had always kept it secret. His mother sometimes asked what kind of girls he liked, but he always remained silent.
– Forget it... for now. – he whispered to himself while climbing to his room.
The next morning, after breakfast, Evo walked toward the door to leave. Just as he reached it, someone brushed lightly against him. The person wore a pitch-black cloak with a hood concealing their face.
– My apologies, I wasn't paying attention and bumped into you. Are you alright? – Evo asked politely.
– Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry. – replied a woman's voice from under the hood.
Daniel glanced at her... or rather, at the generous shape beneath the cloak. He quickly shook his head and bowed slightly.
– Forgive me again, but I must go now. Excuse me, miss. – he said respectfully.
The woman nodded and walked toward the counter. Evo couldn't resist one last glance — his eyes widened as he caught sight of her curvy hips swaying away.
– Huge... and beautiful. – he murmured.
Then slap! — he smacked his own face, the sound echoing through the inn. Everyone turned to look at him... except the mysterious woman.
– Heh-heh... right, then. See you! – he muttered awkwardly, turning away quickly and heading to his carriage.
Inside the inn
– Hoho... so that's Noeli's son, hm? Hihihi... interesting. – the woman whispered under her veil, biting her finger with a satisfied smile.
The receptionist bowed deeply toward her.
– Welcome back, madam. It's an honor to have you here again this year.
Leaning against the counter, the woman's gaze lingered on the door through which Evo had left.
– We'll meet soon, Evo Eylam... or perhaps you prefer "Ev," like Noeli calls you. – she said softly, smiling as she turned to head upstairs.
Evo's perspective
Still a little embarrassed from the earlier scene, Evo settled into the carriage.
– Brrrrr! What was that? – he shivered as a sudden chill ran down his spine.
– Is there a problem, young master? – asked the knight.
– Nothing. Let's just go. I don't want to be late. – he replied, sinking into his seat as he petted the little serpent.
And so, they continued on toward the capital.
Four hours later...
– Knock, knock. – A guard tapped on the window.
– Young Master Evo, we've arrived! – he announced.
Evo, half-asleep, slowly opened his eyes and drew back the curtain.
What he saw before him was pure fantasy.
A colossal capital stretched as far as the eye could see, every surface gleaming in immaculate white. In the distance, high above the city, stood a gigantic castle made of marble and gold. The roads spiraled upward in elegant curves, unlike anything he had ever seen.
Crowds filled the streets, merchants called out from shops of every kind, and carriages moved endlessly through the bustling avenues.
– Wow... this is incredible. Everything here just oozes nobility. – he murmured, eyes wide with wonder.
– Better calm down. Don't wanna look like some country bumpkin who's never seen anything beyond a farm. – he muttered, straightening his posture. – My family is one of the most important in the Empire... if not the most important. I can't tarnish their name — not for anything. For their sake... and for those two. – he whispered, his expression turning stoic again.
After a few minutes, they came upon a massive structure surrounded by high walls of some unknown material. In the distance rose a great building crowned with a huge clock tower. Countless spires stretched skyward across the grounds.
Passing through the gates felt like entering another world.
Students of all ages walked everywhere in elegant, refined uniforms. Shops, libraries, theaters, restaurants — even casinos — filled the academy grounds. It was a city within a city.
– Wow... didn't expect this. – he said, resting his chin on his hand.
Soon, they reached a majestic white castle supported by massive pillars. In front of it stretched a beautiful garden with a grand fountain, and a circular path where carriages came and went, dropping off new students.
Evo's carriage stopped at the gate. A knight opened the door and bowed respectfully.
– Young master, shall we?
– Arrf! – he sighed softly. – Alright, let's go. – he said, stepping down and looking around.
– So this is the Imperial Academy of the Golden Pact, huh? It's truly incredible... Guess I'm allowed to be a little excited, right? Right? – he thought mischievously, though outwardly he wore a calm, composed smile.
He took his luggage, bid farewell to the knights, and watched them leave with the carriage.
– Well then, here we go. – he scratched his head. – Whatever awaits me here... bring it on.
As he took his first step forward, a sudden chill ran through him.
It felt like someone was watching. He scanned the surroundings — and then spotted a woman in one of the high windows.
Dark purple hair, almost black, and a curious smile... before she vanished from sight.
– Who was that woman...? – he wondered.
– Hmph. – he shrugged. – Whoever she is, I'll find out soon enough. No need to rush.
Evo crossed through the great gates, a sly grin curling on his lips — one that promised fun, and perhaps... a little chaos.
But well... we'll see how that unfolds as the story goes on.