The two of them stepped into the array, focusing their thoughts on the Sue Forest. In the blink of an eye, the scenery around them changed. Caspian and Tessa found themselves standing in an unfamiliar place.
"This is… a cave, isn't it?" Tessa asked, looking around.
"Yes, it seems so. Let's head outside and—" Caspian began, but before he could finish, a sharp voice rang out.
"Who's in there?!"
Five soldiers—part of the ten guards assigned to protect the array—rushed into the cave. Their eyes widened in shock at the sight of the people inside.
"M–Mar… Marquis!" one soldier stammered.
"Oh, Sion, it's you," Caspian said, recognizing the young man. He remembered him well—Sion's father was one of his personal guards.
"Yes, Marquis, it's me," Sion replied with a bow. Then he added respectfully, "Please, allow me to escort you to the royal palace."
"Royal palace?" Caspian and Tessa exchanged puzzled glances.
"Yes, the royal palace," Sion confirmed, before gesturing for them to follow.
When they stepped out of the cave, the couple froze in shock—mouths slightly agape. All around them were houses and bustling streets filled with people. It felt like they had stepped into a city, not the depths of a forest.
They were led straight to the gates of a grand palace, where four people stood waiting—Lylia, Key, Frank, and Dyami.
"Welcome, Your Excellencies," the four greeted in unison.
"Your Excellencies?" Tessa repeated, confused.
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Lylia tilted her head. "Did His Majesty Brian not tell you anything?"
"No, nothing at all. Brian said you would explain everything to us," Tessa replied.
Honestly… His Majesty has such grand plans, yet he doesn't even tell his own parents, Lylia thought with an inward sigh.
"In that case, please, come inside. I'll explain everything to you," Lylia said politely.
"Very well, let's go in," Caspian agreed.
Once inside the palace's reception hall, Lylia began explaining Brian's plans—the founding of a new kingdom, the Seven Beast Guardians, and the Eight Divisions. By the end, Caspian and Tessa were left stunned, overwhelmed by the sheer ambition of their son's vision.
While Brian's parents were still speaking with Lylia and Key, Brian had already crossed the border between the Alge Kingdom and the Ruth Kingdom. The Ruth Kingdom itself was considered a second-tier kingdom.
He and his younger brother would have to stop in Ariva City—one of Ruth's cities—before continuing on toward the Rain Empire. The journey from Ariva to the Empire would take at least fifteen days.
"Young Master, in a few hours we'll be entering the Ruth Kingdom's territory and arriving at Ariva City," the driver said.
"Alright, but our horses look tired. We should rest by the river," Brian replied, glancing at the map.
"As you wish, Young Master," the driver said.
Upon reaching the river, the group stopped to let the horses rest.
Meanwhile, back in SevenBeast City, Brian's parents were strolling through the streets, noticing the many wild beasts and medicinal herbs being sold by the townsfolk.
SevenBeast City had its own merchant guild to manage the kingdom's finances. The guild often bought goods from residents, sold them to major cities in the Alge or Ruth kingdoms, and in return brought back daily necessities to sell to the townspeople.
"Darling, isn't this city surprisingly prosperous? And our son built all this in just one month," Tessa remarked.
"Mhm," Caspian merely nodded. His expression remained calm, but deep down, pride swelled in his chest.
They continued exploring the city and the southern valley, where Roselly and Melty flowers grew in abundance.
"It's time for us to head back. We've already been here for three days," Caspian said.
"You go ahead first. I still want to enjoy my time here. This place feels like home to me," Tessa replied.
"You should return. You haven't given any instructions to your subordinates—they might be confused. Besides, we can come here anytime using the teleportation array," Caspian reminded her.
After a moment of thought, Tessa sighed. "Alright, you're right. With teleportation, I can come back here in just seconds."
…
Brian's group finally arrived at the gates of Ariva City.
"This city is much larger than Snow City," Brian commented, admiring the grandeur of Ariva's gate.
"That's to be expected, Young Master. Ariva is the third-largest city in the Ruth Kingdom," the driver replied.
After paying the entrance fee, they entered the city.
"Let's find an inn first, then stock up on supplies before heading straight to the Rain Empire," Brian said.
Everyone agreed. Once they had checked into an inn and rested for a short while, Brian set out to buy provisions for the long journey ahead.
At the market, he spotted a fifteen-year-old girl and an elderly woman, perhaps around sixty, who looked unwell. They were selling vegetables and herbs that looked remarkably fresh.
"How much for these vegetables?" Brian asked as he approached.
"Five copper coins, sir," the girl replied, looking up at him.
"I'll buy them all," Brian said.
"Truly, sir?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes. These vegetables are very fresh. Did you grow them yourself?" Brian asked.
"I did, sir. My family used to own a large plot of land and a merchant business selling food supplies. But now, we have nothing… My father was framed into signing away our land," the girl said, her eyes reddening.
"Oh? And where do you and your family live now?" Brian asked.
"It's just the two of us, sir. The rest of my family went off to seek revenge… but they never returned."
Brian nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. How about becoming one of my people? I could use someone like you."
"What would I have to do if I followed you, sir?" she asked cautiously. Brian was still a stranger—trust didn't come easily.
"Since your family has deep knowledge of farming, I want you to lead, manage, and teach my people," Brian explained.
"Teach them?" the girl repeated, puzzled.
"Yes. All I want is for you to guide and train them. So, are you interested? Think about it. If you decide to accept, you can find me at the inn near the city gate—just ask for Brian," he said, turning to leave.