The two soldiers stood in silence for a long moment, exchanging uneasy glances. Fear and curiosity warred within them, yet the pressure emanating from Kazien's sharp gaze left little room for refusal. Finally, they nodded almost simultaneously.
"We understand," one of them said, his voice stiff. "We swear we will remain silent."
Kazien studied them carefully, as if carving their faces into his memory. Only after he seemed satisfied did he step closer to the carriage wall and press his palm against a narrow, almost invisible seam. With a faint mechanical sound, a hidden door slid open, revealing what lay beyond.
"Follow me," Kazien ordered.
Taking a deep breath, the two soldiers stepped inside behind him. The moment their boots crossed the threshold, both of them froze.
Instead of the cramped storage space they had mentally prepared themselves for, the interior opened into something entirely different. Before them stretched a spacious, beautifully furnished living area. Soft carpets lined the floor, fine wooden furniture stood polished and orderly, and warm magical lights illuminated the room with a gentle glow. Everything inside looked refined, elegant, and impossibly luxurious for an ordinary carriage.
Their mouths fell slightly open.
"This… this is impossible," one of the soldiers whispered, his voice trembling. "This looks more like a noble's mansion."
The second soldier could only stare in stunned silence, his eyes darting around as if afraid the space might vanish if he blinked too much.
Their surprise deepened when they saw a handsome high elf sitting calmly on a sofa in the living room. His posture was relaxed yet elegant, his beautiful golden hair, and his sharp yet calm features exuded an undeniable aura of nobility. His mint-green eyes briefly lifted to acknowledge their presence, but he remained silent, calm, and alert.
The atmosphere instantly grew heavier.
"What kind of carriage is this?" one soldier finally stammered, his voice barely audible. "And… why is there an elf here?"
Kazien turned sharply toward him.
"I already told you!" Kazien snapped, his voice cold and commanding. "Never speak about anything you see inside this carriage."
The soldier flinched.
"As for the High Elf," Kazien continued, his tone carrying absolute authority, "he is my fiancé. His Majesty the King himself, as well as several high-ranking officials of this kingdom, are already aware of his existence and our arrangement."
The words struck the soldiers like thunder. A High Elf… the fiancé of him?
Their knees nearly gave out. Any lingering curiosity evaporated instantly, replaced by pure dread. The implications were far beyond what ordinary gate soldiers should ever be involved in. Their role was to stand guard, not to glimpse secrets that could cost them their lives.
They nodded repeatedly, unable to form any proper reply.
Their minds raced with anxious thoughts.
There has been no information about a High Elf circulating within the capital, one of them thought. If even the public knows nothing, then this secrecy must come directly from His Majesty himself. I truly regret stepping inside this carriage. Knowing this much is dangerous.
Kazien's piercing gaze swept over them one last time.
"Remember your promise." he said firmly. "You saw nothing out of the ordinary here. Return to your duties."
"Yes, young master!" the soldiers answered in unison.
Just a few seconds, a soldier returned to ask Kazien about the whereabouts of Alvin, a high elf.
"But… if both of you become students at the academy," he asked nervously, "won't his identity be discovered eventually?"
Kazien responded without delay, his voice calm but firm.
"What you say is indeed true," he replied. "And it is far better for him to show himself openly rather than allowing rumors to spread beforehand. Because those rumors—those half-truths—are what will obstruct our journey the most."
Kazien's eyes narrowed, releasing an intimidating pressure that made both soldiers stiffen instinctively.
"But what I want from you," he continued sternly, "is not secrecy about the High Elf himself. What you must keep secret is this carriage."
Only then did understanding dawn upon the soldiers. They bowed their heads deeply. "We understand completely." they said.
Soon after, everyone except Alvin stepped outside the carriage. The soldiers, now returned to their official roles, provided directions with practiced efficiency.
"Where is the Adventurer's Guild located?" Kazien asked. "We need to report our arrival in the capital immediately."
"From here, proceed straight toward the central district." one soldier answered. "After passing the main intersection, turn right. A few meters from the intersection, the Adventurers' Guild will be on the left side of the road."
"Thank you for the information." Kazien said. "Then we'll take our leave."
With that, Kazien returned to the driver's seat and steered the carriage forward again. It moved slowly toward the center of the capital, passing through the lively and bustling crowds.
The footsteps of the horse golem continued to echo. And the carriage sped forward, its wheels rattling on the roads of the magnificent capital city.
Inside, Alvin stood by the window, gazing outward.
The capital city spread before his eyes like a living tapestry. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, adventurers adorned in armor passed through the streets, nobles traveled in decorated carriages, and civilians hurried about their daily routines. Everything felt overwhelmingly alive.
Alvin exhaled quietly. My presence here will surely cause an uproar. My dear… I hope you can restrain yourself when that time comes.
The carriage eventually came to a halt in front of a massive building constructed from stone and reinforced timber. Numerous adventurers entered and exited through its wide doors, some laughing loudly, others wearing expressions hardened by battle.
Kazien stepped down and approached Alvin, who remained seated in the living area.
"Alvin," Kazien said gently, extending his hand. "We've arrived at the guild. Come down with me."
Alvin looked up, a faint smile forming on his lips. He lifted his hand, placing it into Kazien's without hesitation.
Together, they stepped out of the carriage.
Once outside, Kazien raised his hand and activated his dimensional storage. In a blink, the carriage and its horses vanished soundlessly into the air, leaving only empty space behind.
Gasps erupted nearby.
Pedestrians halted in their tracks as they noticed Alvin standing beside Kazien. Their eyes widened at the sight of a striking elf within the capital's walls—something unseen for many years.
Whispers spread instantly.
"An elf?"
"Why there a elf in the capital?"
However, before anyone could approach or ask questions, Kazien and Alvin walked swiftly into the Adventurer's Guild, the massive doors closing behind them.
Just like that, they disappeared from public view, leaving the audience shocked and sparking rumors that would slowly spread throughout the capital city.