A Taste of Sylvaris

"Ahh, so many cities we've been through," Kaide sighed, his gaze sweeping across the beautiful Plainfield outside the carriage window.

"And so many tears you've lost," Rethrus responded, his tone laced with a hint of teasing.

Kaide snorted, "Hey, they're my fellow citizens, you know? Have some sympathy."

"Fine, fine, it's just a joke," Rethrus chuckled, trying to appease his friend.

"Yeah, not funny," Kaide grumbled, but his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. But seriously, I never thought dwarves would be living with them."

Takashi, seated across from Rethrus, raised a brow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, it's just… I thought they'd live in a separate kingdom or something like that," Rethrus confessed.

"Uhm, Rethrus," Takashi spoke up, his tone patient. "Dwarves and humans have always lived together for a long time."

"Eh?" Rethrus squinted at him, "Then how about elves? Why haven't I seen any elves around?"

"Elves?" Kaide looked at Rethrus with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement.

"You know, beautiful people, look like humans but with long, sharp ears. They're mostly archers, and they live for a thousand years. " Rethrus's explanation was delivered with a mixture of confidence.

Kaide and Taiju burst into laughter.

"There's no such thing as that creature, Rethrus," Takashi said, his voice tinged with amusement. "I mean, goblins have long, pointy ears, but that elf you're talking about is kinda hard to imagine."

"What book are you reading?" Kaide asked, his laughter echoing through the chariot.

"We're here!" Maester Dorian Blackwood announced, his voice carrying a quiet authority. He was one of the most revered sorcerers in Sylvaris, and his reputation preceded him.

Unlike the previous cities they had passed through, the atmosphere in Sylvaris was different—calm, welcoming, and almost too peaceful.

"The people seem... polite," Kaide muttered, his eyes scanning the cheerful faces of the townsfolk.

"Wow," he added with a grin, "we don't have to worry about someone throwing rotten fruit at us for once."

"Of course not," Dorian said, his tone filled with pride. "Sylvaris is one of the few cities that rejects animal cruelty, slavery, and even dungeon hunting."

"Eh?" Some of the other student mages exchanged puzzled looks.

"Then..." one of the students from Starglade hesitated, "who fights the dungeons around here?"

"There are no dungeons in Sylvaris," Merlin, a practiced water sage, chimed in smoothly. "It's one of the safest city in the country."

"The gods favor us for our purity," Dorian added, his chest swelling with pride.

As they passed through the vibrant streets, Rethrus took it all in. The city was stunning—lush greenery intertwined with cobblestone pathways, flowers blooming in every direction, yet everything was immaculately clean and orderly.

'It's so green…' Rethrus marveled silently. 'So many trees and flowers, but everything looks so... civilized.'

But something else caught his attention.

Wait... His gaze shifted to the robed figures walking around, their presence serene yet powerful. Most of them... sages, wizards, and sorcerers...

'I wonder... what's the real difference between them?' Rethrus's mind churned with curiosity.

Before they arrived at the mansion, a strikingly handsome man with flawless skin sprinted toward them, his energy almost infectious.

"Hello, my friends!" he greeted cheerfully, bowing his head respectfully toward Takashi.

"Good day to you, Mr. Alistair Whitmoor," Takashi responded with a polite nod, his tone calm but respectful.

"Ah, and good day to you all, my fellow citizens," Alistair said, his eyes twinkling as he turned to the Avalorians. "And to you too, Avalorians!"

His gaze shifted to the Avalorian entourage, and his eyes immediately caught the intricate designs of their garments.

"Wow! What kind of silk is this?" he asked, leaning in closer, his fingers gently brushing over the fabric with fascination.

"Uhm... it's just normal silk, Lord Alistair," one of the Avalorian girls murmured shyly, her cheeks reddening as his attention lingered.

"Father, you're being embarrassing," a soft voice chided gently.

Rethrus's eyes were drawn to the speaker—a breathtakingly beautiful girl standing beside Alistair. Her complexion was so fair and soft that it seemed if you pinched her skin, it would feel like touching slime—smooth, yet not sticky, just incredibly soft. Her cheeks had a natural pink hue, accentuated by her flawless whiteness. Her eyes, deep and black, held a certain warmth, and her pinkish lips only added to her ethereal charm.

"Apologies for my father's behavior," she said softly, her voice melodic and full of grace. "He's just... excited to meet you all."

"It's fine," one of the Avalorian men murmured, bowing slightly. In fact, all the boys and men from Avaloria and Starglade followed suit, bowing with respect. The only exception was Takashi, who stood firm—after all, he was far too seasoned for such formalities.

"Oh!" Alistair exclaimed suddenly, his face lighting up. "By the way, this is my beautiful daughter, Creska. And as you can see," he added with a teasing grin, "she's open for marriage!"

"Father!" Creska's face flushed crimson as she shot him a mortified look.

Amused chuckles echoed softly, but the moment was interrupted when Alistair's gaze fell upon Rethrus.

"And you must be Rethrus," he said, his tone shifting slightly, now carrying a hint of curiosity.

Rethrus bowed respectfully, introducing himself properly. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Alistair."

Alistair's sharp eyes scanned him briefly before he spoke again. "From what I've heard... you had a scar on your face?"

"Yeah," Rethrus replied with a faint smile. "But thanks to the kindness of General Chan, he healed it."

"Hmm..." Alistair murmured, his expression neutral, but Rethrus caught the subtle flicker of doubt in his eyes.

"Anyway," Alistair's tone shifted back to warmth as he gestured toward the grand mansion ahead.

"I know you're all tired. Let's head inside."

"As far as you know," Alistair began, his tone calm but firm as he addressed the group, "there isn't a single Avalorian slave here. There are a few Avalorians who have chosen to live in Sylvaris, but let me assure you—they live here with the same rights and respect as everyone else."

As the food was being served, Takashi leaned back slightly, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Hahaha, yes, Lord Alistair. I've heard much about you and your city. And let me just say—" he paused for emphasis, "Sylvaris is one of the most unique and well-governed cities in all of Avaloria and Starglade combined."

"Is that true?" Rethrus whispered to Kaide, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah," Kaide replied quietly, leaning closer. "There's no city like this in Avaloria. I mean, there are unique cities, sure, but nothing quite like this."

"Ah, okay," Rethrus murmured, filing that information away.

"Now, as you know, we don't eat meat here," he announced. "But don't worry. My scholars have developed a new kind of food that will satisfy your appetites."

Rethrus's eyes widened slightly as an array of dishes was placed before them—grilled fish, vegetables that looked oddly like meat, and other delicacies that filled the air with a rich aroma.

"Let's eat!" Alistair encouraged with enthusiasm.

Rethrus took a cautious bite, his taste buds immediately intrigued.

'Oh... it tastes like meat... but kind of different,' he thought, savoring the unfamiliar yet satisfying flavor.

"So, are these just... vegetables?" Takashi asked, his brow raised in curiosity.

"Yes," Alistair nodded with pride. "They look and taste like meat, but they're completely plant-based. I hope you enjoy them."

"Ohm... it's delicious," Takashi said, his surprise evident as he took another bite. "I hope it's not rude of me to ask... but would it be too much to request some for the road?"

"Of course not!" Alistair laughed heartily. "I'll have a full chariot loaded with these when you depart."

'Ah... a marketing strategy, huh?' Rethrus thought, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. 'Smart.'

"It's actually really good... even though it's not meat," Kaide murmured to Rethrus, his mouth half-full.

"Yeah," Rethrus replied with a nod, savoring another bite. "It really is."

As the team enjoyed their time in Sylvaris, Takashi and Lord Alistair remained in a private meeting, discussing matters only they were privy to.

Meanwhile, the students from Avaloria and Starglade took the rare opportunity to bond, wandering the city together. It was a refreshing change from the usual tension between their nations.

As expected, Rethrus drew plenty of attention.

Being the "boy wonder" of Starglade, nobles eagerly invited him to their homes. Some even challenged him to duels, which he politely declined. Lord Alistair ensured that their stay was nothing short of luxurious, especially for Rethrus, treating them as honored guests before their departure to the next city.

Departure Day

"I hope you enjoyed your stay here!" Alistair called out, smiling warmly as he bid them farewell.

Takashi stepped forward and bowed deeply. "I'm forever grateful for your hospitality, Lord Alistair. And I hope Starglade and Avaloria will continue to stand together in peace."

"Oh, don't be so formal!" Alistair chuckled, blushing slightly.

"Anyway, you're all welcome in Sylvaris anytime. And may this war come to an end peacefully."

Then, with a sly grin, he turned to Rethrus. "And Rethrus, my daughter is still open for marriage, you kno—"

"Dad, stop!" Creska gasped, her face turning bright red as she covered her father's mouth.

The group laughed as the people of Sylvaris waved and cheered. "Safe travels!" they called out.

With their chariots loaded with organic food from Sylvaris, Takashi's group set off once more, their journey continuing toward the last city on their route.