"Casualties in the northern reaches continue to mount. Marsun only held thanks to the influx of refugees all across Ingramar that allowed it to conscript a large defensive army. Scouts and recon troopers have been deployed to safeguard supply convoys but the noose is getting tighter. Requesting additional forces to augment depleting numbers."

- Kapitan Piotr Sokol, Volksgradian Volunteer Relief Division, "Petition For Support"

Elite reiters of Carrador kept a close eye on the approaching convoy. Gleaming mounted scaled armed warriors carrying royal purple had ridden out from Neun Carad to meet with them. The thunder of their hooves had sent everyone into a small panic at first. Only when Eva informed them that Prince Frederick had subtly informed the crown of her arrival did they get a chance to relax. Though wary at first, the various parties eventually allowed the reiters to take up the flanks, creating a strange mixture of silver templars and steel grey knights traveling alongside the convoy.

The plains of Carrador themselves were a stunningly different sight to those of Arteria. Where green grassy fields were occasionally cut through by the odd but colorful meadow or two such as Brightfields. Here, each patch of grass was interspersed by thousands of alpine and mountain flowers. Fields of yellow and green paved through the main landscape, a rustling sea of serenity against the backdrop of pinks and purples that clung to the side of the mountains themselves.

Gentle copses of trees also stood vigilant here and there, little windbreaks and pockets that broke up the sight lines on the surrounding landscape. Their triangular tops poking towards the sky in a vain attempt to tower like the mountains around them. Crystal blue rivers also bisected the mountainside, a few streams even passing through the plains themselves to end up near their destination, the Great Carradorian Basin. An inland lake that holds the water flowing down from glaciers and snowmelt of the Highwall. And a lake large enough to support the ever growing populace of Neun Carad.

The city itself was an unmissable sight on the plains. Though they were still an hour or so away, its grand walls and castles still cut through the landscape. Like a vigilant, unmoving sentinel, its weathered limestone walls and impressive battlements spoke of a guardian that had protected Carrador since its inception. For Sophie, it was both a nostalgic sight and a little melancholic. So often had she needed to be hidden that she hadn't had much chance to take in the view of the royal palace in its entirety. Yet it was still a part of her home, in its own way.

The greater city was only barely visible from here. Most obscured by a secondary wall that had been erected with more modernised construction methods. Still, against the alpine backdrop, the endless fields and trees, there was a sense of grandeur to it that stood different from Arteria's. While Arteria was like a behemoth stretching every which way, the bustling economic heart of the continent. Neun Carad was a majestic, serene shield, the bulwark that formed the base of the Carradorian basin, the fortress city that the nation paid homage to.

It was not richer than its neighbors, nor was it situated with any advantages beyond defensive, cut off from most larger bodies of waters. Its cities beyond the capital only ever straddling the borderline of being modest places in comparison to centers like Sturmbreaker, Ostia, or Arteria. But it was in this strange amalgamation of harsh, gentle, mountains, forested, and isolated basin between those mountains that the Carradorian disziplin spirit took root. A spirit based on adaptable, protecting onself, and standing firm for one's beliefs. How ironic.

Much like its fortress cities, of which Eichafen had once been amongst their number. The people were hardy, dedicated, and fiercely territorial. Ironically, despite their spirit, they had never come under any prolonged periods of war like their neighbors. Only recently was their courage tested by a devastating war against Traxia that has since settled into a stalemate and tense ceasefire. And Carrador held firm.

More importantly, it was the land from which Eva hailed from. Where she had then found Sophie. And for Sophie, at least in Cyndralia, this was her home.

Sophie, heads up. Her sister's quiet words pierced her reflections.

Eh? Sophie shot back.

Evaline's coming.

Ah.

Sophie turned and gently shifted Ary so that the girl was comfortable resting on a pillow instead of her arm. The others shot her a few curious glances but she just waved it away nonchalantly as she clambered to the front of the wagon. Sophia barely acknowledged her arrival, the only sign of any shifts in behaviour was a simple half hearted grunt. As Sophie settled next to the driver, the wagon jolted a little if only for a moment.

Sophia tilted her head and pointed down the convoy. A familiar looking rider slowly trotted down the line on her mount towards them. Upon catching their gazes, Eva produced an enthusiastic wave to which Sophie responded. Though Sophia opted for a gent but exaggerated bob of her head.

"Hey, ho. Sophie! Sophia!" Eva called out care-freely.

In this matter, the two united in their response, both waving and grunting in unison as their secondary greeting.

For the briefest second, Eva seemed to falter a little. The older frowning as she tried to reconcile the sight of both Sophie and Sophia in such close proximity to each other. Sophie tried to hide an amused smirk at Eva's momentary struggle, only to look to her side and find Sophia doing much the same if a bit more muted. The two quickly wiped the expression from their faces, almost caught off guard by their shared amusement at the situation.

Eva eventually nodded sagely to herself, as if having come to some esoteric level of understanding that the others wouldn't comprehend. Curious, Sophie cocked her head towards the girl.

"What's on your mind?" Sophie queried.

Eva pursed her lips before giggling, "It's just a little weird seeing the two of you sitting so close to each other. Makes it a little hard to tell who's who."

"Oh? Really?" Sophie playfully pouted and leaned against her counterpart, earning herself a firm shove and a growl from Sophia.

"Some of us are actually doing something important." Sophia grunted.

Sophie rolled her eyes but didn't disagree. Directing a wagon or just any animal was something that was beyond her. Her void bound body was anathema to most living things, provoking responses of terror the closer she got to animals. Making even the simplest of directions or commanding them to be a pain. Only through sheer luck and brute force did she even manage to control a steed back in Eichafen and Melton. Even then, it was only in the face of a horde of undead and other monsters that lurked in the Mistveil that the horse eventually obeyed her, perhaps realizing that it stood a better chance of surviving with an equally desperate rider trying to survive.

"So what is it? Figured something out about us?" Sophia's voice pulled her back, her twin not addressing her but Eva instead, "Sophie wears her hair in a ponytail, mine in a bun. Either she or myself have told you this before, Lady Eva." Sophia sighed and explained.

Sophie nodded along, wondering just what Eva had seemed so proud about.

Eva just met her gaze and smirked, "A trick, you see."

"Yeah?" Sophie queried.

"Every time your wagon jolts or moves a little wonky…" Eva started, pulling her horse alongside them and matching their pace, "She always flicks her attention back to Aryana, even if only for a second."

"I… I do?"

Sophia made an exaggerated lean away from Sophie before raising her eyebrows.

"What?" Sophie shot her a glance.

"Yeah, I can see it. Gross." Her sister snickered.

"Oi, oi." Sophie pouted.

"Right? It's true! But it's also really sweet!" Eva reassured her.

Sophia stuck out her tongue.

Sophie smiled and peered into the wagon, Hanabi trying to hold back a small giggle as the outlander's eyes challenged between her and the sleeping girl. Aleta was debating on whether or not to scramble forward to welcome Eva whilst not simply abandoning Lucinia. The Traxian meanwhile, just looked a tad bit bored from sitting the whole time.

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"So what's the matter?" Sophie pulled back to ask Eva.

"Aww, can't I come say hi." Eva chuckled.

"Heh. Come on, Eva. You might know how to tell Sophia and I apart, but I also know when you've got something on your mind. Something proper, that is."

The two shared a soft giggle before Eva's face shifted into a more tired but serious expression. Her brows knit together with signs of frustration from a previous conversation. Sophie felt a small pang of worry fill her own mind. She wondered what could have bothered Eva so, but judging by the more casual nature in which she was riding and body language in spite of her frown, it couldn't be too bad.

"Ah, you got me." Eva sighed, "The blackhats and I were talking about how the introductions might turn out. In theory, I have the church's support and Frederick should've softened some of the more sympathetic nobles. So I should be fine."

"But…?"

"But you. In theory, most of the nobles wouldn't care much about reintroducing you to Carradorian society. You are my aide and trusted friend, that much they know. However, a small but vocal faction still stands highly… displeased by your Meltonian association."

"So?"

"Mila and I worry that they'll kick up a helluva stink about you. Especially given that Carrador isn't exactly at peace despite the ceasefire."

"Makes sense. No one believes the Empire will simply stop its expansion."

"Mmhmm, worse. The only thing they really remember of you is that blasted king's introduction of you as 'Melton's champion'."

"All because you kept her a secret." Sophia chimed in dryly.

"Because I knew that drawing all the attention would bring trouble to her." Eva frowned.

"It was bound to happen anyways. It might've been better if it was you instead of them, huh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Guys, enough." Sophie let out an exasperated groan, "So what exactly is the problem? I'm not exactly too surprised about the reaction of the nobles. Hells, even in Arteria they looked at me… at us with suspicion. Not exactly something I'm too fussed about… not anymore." She muttered the last few words.

"I doubt they'd do it. But I worry that they'd try to detain you. A mock trial of sorts."

"Ah."

"Mmm. And Mila is trying to come up with a plan. Of course, that's easier said than done. You have my vote of support, whatever the case. And the saints all think you're quite swell." Eva offered a cheeky grin.

"Heh." Sophie smiled. It felt nice to be liked.

"The church's problem is that they are only here as an extension of the saints and myself. According to Janos, although they back you as well given Orator Vitellus's consistent support of you behind the scenes. It's just that they want to still be behind the scenes. That apparently, 'I'll already tip the scales' a bit too much. Bah." Eva spat out the words in distaste.

"Even after the whole clusterfuck when the demons attacked? And the trials?" Sophie growled.

"Even after that."

The convoy continued moving forwards. The faint chattering of people ahead and behind them filled the air amidst the clattering of horse hooves and creaking of wheels as they rolled ever onwards.

"Bastards." Sophie grimaced, "So… what now? What have you guys concocted for me?"

Eva's eyes twinkled with a certain mischievousness at the question. One that Sophie recognised whenever the girl had a particularly startling idea that she was proud of. Sophie braced herself.

"Right, straight to the point." Eva smirked. Oh dear.

"Nothing dangerous, I'm hoping?" Sophie quickly asked.

"Huh? No, no. Nothing like that. More like..." Eva pursed her lips before clicking her tongue with too much delight, "... a bit of courtroom theater, if we can put it like that."

Sophie paled. Eva always had a penchant for being a little dramatic. And if she understood Eva's spiel from earlier, she wasn't likely to be as involved this time. Which means that the principal actor is going to be me… great. She sighed and settled in, I fear this will be a long day.

The capital of Carrador gleamed a brilliant ocean blue and marble white against the verdant green landscape. Its thick fortress towers punched above the trees, casting a teeth-like shadow on the fields of crops that surrounded it. Low lying buildings cropped up here and there, little farmsteads, warehouses, and small houses built by those not fortunate enough to be protected by the walls.

Weathered stonebricks greeted their approach. The city's outer wall was manned by a legion of sentries and guardsmen who warily monitored their approach. Only the presence of the reiters meant that they could advance unmolested by the guards.

With a wave of their hand and some hushed words, the reiters and the inquisitors gained the convoy passage into the city without a fuss. Just like that, the carriages and wagons rolled into Neun Carad as if they were simply visitors to the city.

As the gates swung open and Sophie could see the city, she found herself almost a little melancholic. Unlike Eva, she never really had the chance to appreciate the architecture or location in its full glory. Shunted between only the Rosengart and the palace, she had only ever heard the city around them. The hushed conversations and market bells, the bustling crowds and lively arguments. It's kind of like Arteria, huh?

Heavy thickset townhouses lined the streets. Most wore a pale yellowish facade, standing only two or three floors tall before ending with striking red roof tiles that added a gentle hum to the city under the sun's enveloping glow. A few stockier and shorter buildings even had green walls and roofs, relics of Carrador built from an earlier time with copper and metals, now rusted beyond recognition to be a part of the kaleidoscope of the city.

Where it differed noticeably from some place like Arteria was the lack of diversity in the way the buildings were structured. Most of Neun Carad was a uniform mix of stonebrick, marble, or limestone based structures that formed the majority of townhouses and halls. There was little variation in color save for the different materials and their natural shades. Only the more thematic or poorer dwellings made of mixed timber and wattle and daub could truly distinguish themselves by simply being different.

The city center was also wholly different from Arteria or Ostia. Gone was the sea of merchants and stalls, goods piled higher than a person while hundreds milled about at any given time of day. Instead, only a few properly covered stalls stood around the central fountain and statue that depicted an ancient Carradorian hero. A few dozen people politely plied their wares or trade while a decent sized crowd stopped to barter or trade. Though many turned their eyes towards the convoy and riders headed for the royal palace.

Unlike the messy tangle of streets that opened up to an expansive circular promenade that surrounded the Chamber of Stalwart Justice. Here, the road itself flung open to create a wide highway of cobblestone that led straight to and from the palace to the city gates. A multitude of different arches and statues lined the main road, ending at another set of opened gates that separated the new town from the old.

While the new town was filled with uniform townhouses, behind the second set of gates were where the city's aristocrats and nobles resided. Opulent mansions and estates with countless decorative little corners and edges. Where urbanisation took root outside, covering the city streets with roads and houses, here, trees and gardens still became a part of the residences aplenty. Most large or important guilds were quartered here as well. Large blocky stone buildings that almost reminded Sophie of the dwarven dwellings she had seen in the deep. Save for the fact that there was a sort of rounded cuff around the edges in the deep as opposed to the bannisters from which sigils and heraldry hung.

Halfway through the old town, more royal purples and blues began being displayed under the street lamps. Now only the wealthiest or most renowned remained. Extensive manors and gardens, protected by their own little gates and walls. Colorful, vibrant, but still relatively dull compared to the Arteria mash-up of styles. Here the true nobles resided. Ones who stepped beyond the role of administrative courtiers and into the limelight as various council members that helped the kingdom function. The occasional barons, or dukes and grand dukes that controlled the various regions of Carrador. The council of war with Grand Duke Platts, the council of economy and Grand Duchess Falkenwrath, the council of the interior run by Grand Duke Walden, and the council of laws and justice administered by Grand Duke Allrick. To which Duke Rosengart's territory fell under the region of Grand Duke Walden.

A king, four grand duchies, dozens of smaller duchies, and a far more numerous amount of baronies and estates for the gentry. Such was the way Carrador was born, and so it was that it continued to survive. And they were to head to the heart of this beast, one that Sophie had barely ever gotten a chance to experience, much less her compatriots. I guess Lucinia would be most used to things like this, Mila too. I just hope the others are fine.

Then they were there. Past the guardsmen, the reiters, and even the occasional palace guard that monitored their movements. Ahead of them, one last set of gates. Behind, the Palace of Kings, the beating heart of Carrador. Battlements standing multiple stories high, heavily armored guards, and thick, almost excessively sturdy looking buildings decorated with columns and carvings aplenty loomed over the convoy. A spell of silence settled over them as they ground to a halt in front of it.

"Alright, dismount, let's move." Inquisitor Janos bellowed out his command, "The curia's forces will see them all moved to the cathedral and we can meet back there. Let's move it people!"

A flurry of controlled activity took place as everyone began shuffling about in order to leave their respective transports. Lucinia was busy helping Lady Aleta with her belongings as Hanabi single handedly carried anything else that they might immediately need off the wagon. Sophia hopped off the front to help Sophie move Ary and her wheelchair off the wagon. The sight of the twins helping her in unison made Ary giggle uncontrollably, much to everyone else's amusement.

Behind them, Raylani and the others hopped out of the supply wagon, having already handed the reins over to the orc warrior. The green giant gave what appeared to be a small nod of respect towards the dark elf and mermaid. Elaria led the trio towards Sophie's group and let out a half amused, half mocking whistle.

"Well, now. Nice castle." She gave Sophie a friendly poke.

Sophie just grunted, a little too anxious to muster up a proper reply.

Home, technically. We're back home in Carrador. She took a deep breath, and yet I barely recognise this place. She ignored her sister and turned her gaze towards Eva at the front of the convoy, currently organizing the saints. Come one, come all, Eva. We're in this together now. She chuckled to herself, political intrigue, first thing. Heh. What a shitty start to summer break.

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