A Degenerate's Tale

Artasia, the biggest city and also the heart of the Elven Kingdom. The capital city of Venroris is not the biggest city of the Elven Kingdom contrary to popular belief. This is due to the very simple reason of Venroris being hidden away. Venroris was a city exclusive to elves and special guests.

On the other hand, Artasia was a city open to all. It was bustling and open to all races. Compared to the tranquillity of Venroris, Artasia was a different beast.

"We welcome Her Majesty, Princess and her guests!" A voice announced followed by the clanking of metal against the floor.

The teleportation light faded away and the new environment was revealed. They were in an extravagant hall with a red carpet extending all the way through and back.

Knights in heavy armour were kneeling to welcome them. Earl has been to this a few times in the last couple of years but the shift in environment and attitude was always hard to get used to.

Because this was the place used by the Queen to publically meet her guests, the decoration and architecture were much more extravagant compared to the one in Venroris. This was not only limited to the palace but the soldiers and knights as well. They were much more flamboyant and loud compared to their Venroris counterpart.

"You may rise." Alea was the one to give the command.

As the official heir to the throne, small administrative tasks and power were already given to her.

"Yes, Your Highness!" The knights loudly responded and rose to their positions except for a single one. The one who remained had a much more elaborate design on their armour.

Clank.

The knight took his helmet off revealing a feminine face. This was Vier, one of the Spirit Knights.

"Preparations are ready, Your Majesty," Vier said.

"You may leave," Alea said in a stale voice. Her eyes were narrowed and her voice was nearly emotionless.

Earl felt goosebumps seeing this version of Alea. It was clear that she... hated the man.

To the Princess's command, the Spirit Knight smirked and replied, "Don't be mistaken, Princess. I report directly to Her Majesty, not you."

The atmosphere of the room grew increasingly tense and suffocating as Alea lost control of her mana.

"Watch the tone, Vier. I am royalty and you are a subject."

At this moment, Saryll lightly sighed. "You may leave, Vier."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Everyone else, leave too."

The tense hall was then left with the four of them who had just arrived. The two mother-child pairs of Earl and Ari, Alea and Saryll.

"Princess?" Earl inquired.

"Don't talk to me."

"Oh..."

"Fufu, we shall leave first then. Come on, Earl."

Ari began to walk away. Earl looked at Alea worriedly before following his mother. When he turned around, Saryll gave him a nudge on the shoulder and whispered, "Sorry about that!"

"No worries. Take care of her for me," Earl lightheartedly said.

"Will do," Saryll lightly smiled back. "Enjoy the city with your mother. We'll meet here again tomorrow."

"See you then."

"See you."

The palace they arrived at was situated in the middle of the city. Ari and Earl stepped out onto a balcony and a view of the entire city entered their eyes.

There were flying ships, monster-led carriages, and bridges connecting to various places. There were dungeon towers that pierced the sky and other buildings which were just as large. This city was the embodiment of the "fantasy city" Earl had in mind when he came to this world.

The sheer size and magnificence of this city was proof of the Elven Kingdom's status as the guardian of the Great Continent.

Earl took a refreshing breath of air as he stepped around the palace balcony. The sunlight felt comfortable as it fell onto his bare skin and there was just enough of a breeze to make his hair flutter.

"Do you know why Alea was like that earlier?" He took the chance to ask his mother.

Ari, who was leaning onto the balcony smirked, "You should ask her directly."

"It's that sort of thing?"

"That's right. If she likes you, she'll tell you."

"I see,"

He stood next to her by the balcony.

"That Spirit Knight is not the most intelligent though," She chuckled. "Once Alea ascends to the throne, he'll probably be the first to die."

"Scary!"

"Alea has always been a scary girl. You're her only friend, you know?"

Earl coughed dryly. "Somehow, I forgot what she was capable of."

"Well, she'll never hurt you anyway."

"You overestimate our bond,"

"Am I really? We'll find out in this joint training," Ari ruffled Earl's hair. "See that dungeon? That's your target for tomorrow."

In the distance, there was a dungeon that was as tall as the sky.