Despite their bold proclamations, Lucius's party still had quite a bit of time before the Order's leave. Mili suggested that they explore the city now that the players could freely come and go; and thus, they put on their best outfits the next morning and made their way toward the main gate.

A line had already begun forming once they arrived. The other players were just as curious and eager to leave the castle, but first they were subjected to a search by the stationed guards and then lectured on general etiquette. They were not allowed to leave the capital's boundaries; however, free reign was given to wander through most of the territory—as long as they returned by midnight. The guards even recommended a few attractions to visit, such as the city square, the Venerated Sanctum which operated similarly to a library while also serving as the priests' main headquarters, and some local monuments that showcased the Franks' long history.

Francia was the name of the nation as a whole. This region, in particular, was called the divine haven: Aix-la-Chapelle. The players thought it a bit lengthy though so they just referred to it as the capital.

The only section forbidden to them was the Eastern Ward, where the affluent members of the faith called home. It was also where Ruggiero was currently confined. No one, whether they be otherworlder or native, was allowed to approach his homestead.

After the guards finished lecturing Lucius's companions, each one of them was handed a small sack filled with a wide variety of colorful marbles. They were apparently called Star Ore and acted as the main currency.

Each color denoted a different monetary value. One gray ore was worth a piece of bread; green could buy you a typical meal; blue was used for more expensive purchases like jewelry; purple could afford a month's worth of stay in the taverns; and a piece of the most valuable ore, orange, could purchase you a nice one-room cottage. At least, that was how the guards explained it.

As an allowance, the players were distributed twenty green ores daily, which was roughly worth the same as two blue ones. Lucius supposed it wasn't all that different from American currency. Gray was one dollar, green was ten, and so on. By his estimations, that meant the players had a budget of two hundred per day—how very generous!

"I'm not gonna complain about free money," Harper said, fiddling with the marbles in her hands. "Where do you folks want to visit first?"

"Hm…" Mili mumbled to herself and poked her forehead with her fingers, deep in thought, before eventually perking up. "How about the square? I saw some tasty looking food stalls when we passed by on the parade yesterday."

"I could use some grub myself," Marco said, rubbing his belly. "Shame they don't have meat here, but it's probably for the best. Can't eat oily foods at my age—damn arteries ain't what they used to be."

With that, they walked into the busy streets. Compared to the stiff and formal decorum in the castle, the people here were much more casual. They wore charming garments of cotton and plant-based material, but the most noticeable decoration was their hats. It wasn't the typical top hat with a crown; rather, the design was thinner and resembled a brimless cap. Both men and women alike wore them with pride, and unique patterns were etched onto the sides: some more floral in nature while others carried images of familial importance.

Lucius's party stood out quite clearly among them, and yet the native citizens were actually quite friendly. They recognized them as otherworlders and made some casual small talk while the four moseyed toward the city square. Some asked innocent questions about their stay and whether or not they were comfortable, while others were more blunt in their curiosity and demanded to know some more personal tidbits.

Fortunately, Lucius knew how best to handle such people, and he protected his companions from being thrust into an awkward situation by redirecting the flow of the conversation to satisfy his own inquiries. He asked them about their interests and hobbies, what they liked about living in Francia, and if they had any major complaints about how the castle's wards were treating them.

For the most part, the Franks were satisfied with their lives: they didn't worry too much about food and money. The prior emperor, his late Holiness Pepin the Loathsome Wretch of All That Is Heinous, had brought much wealth to the nation after his conquests of the surrounding nations, and so the people had little need for want.

They were much more concerned about the demons, especially now with their guardian Peer dead. The parade did convince them that the paladins were still strong, and yet it was inevitable that some doubt remained.

What was interesting, however, was that they did not know how exactly Ogier had perished.

People's lips often loosened whilst in public. It was when Lucius and his fellows finally entered the square and began to look for a suitable stall that the gentleman just so happened to hear some very interesting talks taking place.

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"Who would've ever thought that a Peer like Sir Ogier would fall to the demons?" Lucius heard one bystander say. "And for it to happen just after the Lord's heroes were summoned…"

Their companion scoffed. "Don't tell me you actually believe in those ridiculous rumors? Sir Roland and Ganelon already made a clear statement of their innocence. It's unfortunate, but the man was getting on in age. He protected us for ten long years; it was inevitable that he'd fall in battle, eventually. Spreading these baseless things will only sully his honorable sacrifice. Besides, if we can't trust the Holy Order, then who can we?"

"I guess you're right. The otherworlders didn't seem that monstrous in the parade. Dressed strangely, sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me they just plucked some random people off the streets and proclaimed them 'holy warriors'. Well, except for their faces. Did you see them up close?"

"I did. Hard to put it exactly, but you can tell they aren't from around here. Their cheeks are… wider, maybe? A bit rounder in the ears."

One of them turned around and pointed at Lucius's party. "Isn't that a couple of them over there?"

"Hey, careful! Are you trying to get us in trouble?"

"They're not looking at us—it's fine. Besides, when will we ever get a chance to see one of their kind up close?"

"One of their kind…? It's not like they're beasts. Don't you think that's a bit rude?"

"Sorry, sorry, I just find them interesting. They speak words, yet their lips don't match the sound. It's fascinating to see in person."

There were many other similar discussions floating about, and Lucius eagerly listened to every one of them. There was no need for complex investigation when you could get all the information you wished simply by mingling with the common folk.

"Hey, Lucius, which stick do you want?" Mili said. Their turn in line was just about ready, and in front of them was a stall roasting a variety of giant skewered vegetables over an open flame.

"Oh-hoh, a difficult choice. They all look delectably scrumptious, but I shall have a go at that one." Lucius pointed to what appeared to be a variant of corn, only the kernels were much bigger and orange in color.

Once they stepped up to the counter, the stall owner's face lit up in mischief. Lucius knew that expression well: it was the look of a hunter eyeing a flock of naive prey.

"That'll be two green ores per skewer," they said.

Mili was just about to reach into her sack and pay, when Lucius stopped her with an outstretched hand.

"Now, now, my good fellow," the gentleman said, chuckling all the while. "Surely we can come to an arrangement? My friends and I here may be foreigners of this land, but even we know that cost to be just a tad bit too high."

The stall owner narrowed his eyes and turned away. "If you don't like it, then go try your luck at another place."

This fellow was a tricky one; but Lucius wasn't the type to turn down a challenge. Haggling was also an art form, in a way.

"Ah, but you see, the food here is simply too irresistible to resist. I could tell at first glance that they were prepared by a master: the succulent aroma, the sweet, glistening glaze you've slathered over the vegetables, and that delightful sizzling charcoal… I cannot imagine just how many years you've spent perfecting your craft. Truly, I would be a fool to pass up this opportunity."

The stall owner blushed and rubbed their head in embarrassment. "Oh, well, it's nothing that impressive…"

"I say otherwise, my charming friend. Be proud of yourself. You've even managed to entice the appetite of an otherworlder!"

"Yeah… yeah, that's right. I have, haven't I?" The stall owner let out a boisterous laugh and began to pile a plate high full of skewers. "Tell you what—I'll give you a special discount. Only three gray ores per skewer, and I'll even throw in a couple more on the house. How about that?"

Lucius grinned and bowed his head. "You have a deal."

With that, Lucius triumphantly returned to his companions with more food than they could handle.

"Wow," Marco said, astonished by Lucius's impeccable business acumen. "Ya could probably haggle the devil out of a contract with that kinda tongue."

"I merely do what I can," the gentleman replied.

From then on, the four of them continued to jaunt through the city to their hearts' content. They stared at a giant marble statue of the Holy Trinity in the west, visited the local parks and gardens to the south, and gradually explored every nook and cranny until the sky began to turn dark and the streets emptied of people.

They would have to return to the castle soon, but there was one last location they wanted to visit.

Lucius took a step, and was met with a massive barred gate. This had to be the Eastern Ward they were told about; mansions and large sprawling abodes laid far off in the distance. No one without permission was allowed through, for the walls were guarded by a patrol of vigilant paladins.

"Dang, looks a bit like Hollywood," Mili said, peeking through the walls. "Guess rich people are all the same no matter where you go."

Marco hung his head in shame.

"Not you, big guy. You're alright."

They had expected as much, but there really was no getting through. They had hoped to sneak in and see how Ruggiero was doing, but it appeared they would have to think of another plan sometime later.

But just as they turned around to leave, the party saw a familiar face.

"Hm…? What're you lot doing here?"

It was Lady Bradamante in the flesh, returning after a hard day's work.

Lucius rubbed his hands in glee. Perhaps they wouldn't need to withdraw after all.

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