Fastest Route to the Capital

The sun was almost dipping into the horizon, and so the light was still enough to let her see it. Even from the castle of the duchy, Artie could see the rather blackened edges of the place. Seeing that it was a walled duchy, Artie figured that it was the result of a wildfire.

"Ah, I'm sorry for the unsightly scenery." Duchess Lumen chuckled as she tried to block the view from Artie's eyes. "You see, we're comparable to an oasis city so a lot of bandits would come and try to get ravage the marketplace to steal goods. That was from last night, and yet the charring never disappeared. Worry not, it should be okay. The bandits won't be able to get inside again."

"I see." Artie only nodded and proceeded with Duchess Lumen as the duchess ushered everyone inside.