Meal times and moments of rest are often when people are most vulnerable to ambush, Rhode knew this well.
So during meals and the ensuing drowsiness, he became even more vigilant.
He instructed the River Crab to patrol the canal diligently, occasionally poking out its antennae for a clearer view of the shore.
Amidst such tension, they reached their destination.
The boatman uncle docked the boat: "Ahead is Kulokas, my boat doesn't have the authorization to travel freely within the Royal Capital, please disembark here."
"Thank you for your effort."
"Thank you."
One expressed gratitude for the effort, the other gave thanks, the boatman watched as Rhode lifted the suitcase up and helped Mira ashore.
The oar pushed against the shore, and then he rowed vigorously, swiftly distancing himself from these two dangerous individuals.
That was exhilarating; these two were carrying items dangerous enough to destroy a small village!
Yesterday, when reserving the boat, he found the young lady quite pretty, but today he dared not even take a second glance!
It's good to be alive.
Next time encountering a Fairy Tail Mage, be cautious.
Rhode puzzledly watched the small boat depart quickly: "Is he not taking any passengers or cargo back for the return trip? It seems like quite a loss."
Mirajane adjusted her sunhat with one hand and pinched the small crystal ball in her bag with the other, looking at Rhode with a smile: "Yes, why could that be?"
...
Compared to Magnolia, Kulokas has a more grandiose city vibe.
The entire city is built on relatively flat high ground, surrounded by thick city walls.
A river winds in from the southwest entrance of the wall, reaching the inner city, which is the moat outside the Imperial Palace's walls.
Then it flows out to the southeast drain, rushing down the high ground, forming a small waterfall.
Rhode and Mira came from the east of the city and could see the waterfall enveloped by the refracted colorful light of the mist.
"It's beautiful," Mira couldn't help but stop and gaze.
"Yes, though it doesn't quite match the city walls." Rhode wanted to say the outfall looks like a sewage outlet, but it felt like it would ruin the atmosphere.
He sent the two waiting River Crabs back to Summoner's Rift: "The Swift Crab can't sneak in easily; we'll have to resummon once we're inside the city."
Mira stopped Rhode from continuing his high-intensity reconnaissance:
"Summoning creatures in the city is too conspicuous. We're in the Royal Capital; you don't have to worry about public order here, just relax."
"... Alright." Rhode didn't insist further, now mainly worried about his pack of dangerous items being intercepted at the city gate.
But in fact, he was overthinking it.
The guards at the gate just asked for a simple identification and the purpose of their visit.
After Rhode showed his emblem and Mira presented the invitation, they were immediately granted passage.
This rough 'security check' made it hard for Rhode to believe the public order here would be good.
But on second thought, the Fiore Kingdom has been a neutral country for over a hundred and sixty years without internal uprisings, so maybe they're not too crisis-aware.
The streets of the Royal Capital have flower beds everywhere, and windows of residences are filled with flowerpots, with carefully tended small gardens at the doorways.
This is probably why it's called the City of Flowers, with floral scents permeating the air—absolutely a blessing for those allergic to pollen.
Of course, in a world of magic, there might be solutions.
Rhode carefully observed the surrounding environment: "What should we do next? Mira~ Jane~senior~?"
"Hehe, according to the experience of a senior, we should go to the hotel first." Mira shook the invitation that was just used as a pass, "The magazine has already arranged it."
Perhaps because of Rhode's intimidating gaze, they didn't encounter anyone looking for trouble or trying to chat on the way.
Kurokas Garden Hotel, one of the best hotels in the Royal Capital.
This is the venue for the Sosala Magazine's celebration, and where Mira and Rhode are going to stay.
Rhode looked at the exquisite fountain and the tall building, the scale almost rivaling Magnolia's landmark cathedral.
"So grand, is the magazine this rich?"
Mira replied: "Of course, Sosala is the most popular magazine in recent years."
The two walked side by side into the lobby, warmly welcomed by the staff.
A good-looking male attendant, while guiding them, politely offered to help with the luggage.
Rhode politely declined, worried the guy might accidentally cause the hotel's demise.
"Here's your room, please keep your key safe. If you encounter any problems during your stay, don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your stay."
The attendant gently opened the door, handed the key to Mira, and politely excused himself.
Rhode blinked: "One room?"
"Ah, the magazine didn't know I would bring a companion, so they only prepared one room, what should we do?"
Mira showed a troubled expression, placing a hand on her collar, speaking in a pitiful voice,
"Rhode wouldn't do anything excessive, would he? Like... a nighttime raid or something."
Troublesome, dramatic.
Luo the Righteous Gentleman swiftly put down Mira's suitcase: "I'll go get another room."
"Just kidding, it's a suite, each of us can have one room."
"Yes, I was joking too; this hotel isn't something I can afford to stay in right now."
Mira sighed with a smile: "It's all Kana's fault; Rhode isn't as fun as before."
"How much do you want to see people embarrassed, really?" Rhode said, "So should I thank Kana?"
To be fair, Kana never treats her brothers as outsiders, especially when she's drunk and puts her arm around your shoulder without a second thought.
Initially, Rhode was uncomfortable, but over time, they became buddies.
Embarrassed? Only if she directly hugged him—in armor, that doesn't count.
"Rhode? What are you doing?"
Mira, having put her suitcase in the room she chose, came out to find Rhode inspecting the bathroom, kitchen, and sitting rooms.
Rhode said: "Just checking for any magic crystals for surveillance, you never know if there's some perverted journalist trying to get your firsthand scoop."
"Well..." It could happen, Mira found Rhode's awareness as a guard really top-notch.
The two checked thoroughly and found nothing unusual.
Mira asked, "The celebration starts in the evening; would you like to rest a bit first?"
Rhode glanced at Mira's bag around her waist and the sunhat in her hand, apparently wanting to go out.
He stretched his arms: "I've been sitting on the boat this whole time, wanted to stretch a bit, how about you?"
Mira, not surprisingly, smiled: "It's rare to come to the Royal Capital; I want to take a walk, care to join?"
Rhode replied, "Of course, I'm the escort, totally at the client's disposal."