Side Story 4.5: Escapade
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Separate Pursuits
While August was engaged in his fateful meeting with Emperor Janus, the rest of the expedition found themselves with unexpected freedom. They had been given permission to explore the Imperial Palace itself, or at least those sections designated for guest access. Even with these restrictions, the available area was vast enough to occupy them for days.
For most of the group, the opportunity to wander through the heart of Imperial power was thrilling enough. But for Sibus Dino, their genius engineer and architect, this was something approaching paradise.
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The Genius Engineer
Sibus had joined this journey with a specific goal: to further his craft and deepen his understanding of engineering principles. Books could only convey so much. Written descriptions, even detailed technical drawings, lacked the visceral understanding that came from observing actual construction, from seeing how theory translated into practice on a monumental scale.
The Imperial Palace represented the pinnacle of architectural achievement. Every building, every hallway, every structural element had been designed by masters of their craft and constructed using techniques refined over millennia. Walking through these spaces allowed Sibus to analyze load-bearing principles, observe how magical enhancement integrated with physical structure, and study material choices that balanced aesthetics with functionality.
His escort, a junior palace administrator named Lucia who had been assigned to guide the visitors, quickly recognized Sibus's genuine expertise. Rather than providing the standard tourist explanations, she began pointing out specific architectural features and explaining their purposes.
"This hallway uses a compression arch system," she explained, gesturing to the ceiling. "See how the weight is distributed through these support columns? The magical reinforcement isn't doing the primary structural work. It's only providing additional stability against extraordinary events like earthquakes or magical attacks."
Sibus's eyes lit up with understanding. "So the enchantments are redundant systems rather than primary supports. That's brilliant. If the magic fails, the structure remains sound."
"Exactly," Lucia confirmed, pleased to have a visitor who actually understood what he was seeing. "The original architects believed that no building should depend entirely on magic for its integrity. Magic can be disrupted, but stone and steel endure."
For the first time since joining the expedition, Sibus appeared truly, deeply happy. This was his element, a realm of understanding that he alone among his companions could fully appreciate. While the others could discuss architecture in general terms, their knowledge was limited. They could not engage with the technical aspects that fascinated him most.
This was why Sibus typically spoke little about his work with the rest of the group. It was also not a secret that he was antisocial, but rather that he would rather have a meaningful conversation that required a shared knowledge base. He found more satisfaction discussing these topics with the builder families back in the village and the recently recruited craftsmen who understood the challenges of transforming vision into reality.
Now, walking through the Imperial Palace with someone who could explain the engineering marvels surrounding him, Sibus felt a sense of intellectual fulfillment that was rare and precious. He took extensive notes in the journal he always carried, sketching details and annotating them with observations about materials, stress points, and design principles he could adapt for projects back home.
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Fashion and Culture
The women of the group, primarily Angeline, Betty, Isabel, and Nina, had different interests. They were curious about how women dressed in the capital, particularly those in the outer districts where fashion would be more accessible and practical than the elaborate costumes worn by nobility.
They had also inquired about noble fashion preferences, current trends, and the social significance of different styles. These were interests that had been mostly forgotten as they grew older and forest life demanded practicality over aesthetics. But the aspirations they had held as children, dreams of beautiful clothes and elegant appearance, had not entirely disappeared.
Their guide was a woman named Celeste who served as a cultural liaison for the palace. She specialized in explaining Imperial customs to visitors from distant regions and was delighted to have guests so genuinely interested in fashion rather than merely tolerating it as part of their tour.
"Fashion in the capital is quite stratified," Celeste explained as they walked through a gallery displaying historical costumes. "What one wears immediately communicates social status, occupation, and even political affiliations to those who know how to read the signals."
She gestured to a display showing common working garments. "These are typical outer district clothes. Notice how they prioritize durability and ease of movement over some more impractical decoration. The colors are achieved using plant-based dyes that are affordable and readily available. Although do note that even if they wore such things this is of the highest quality available to everyone."
Betty leaned in to examine the stitching. "The construction is simpler than I expected, but look at the reinforcement points. Whoever designed this understood how fabric wears during physical labor."
"Precisely," Celeste confirmed. "The best fashion balances beauty with function. Even common clothing can be elegant if it's well-designed for its purpose."
They moved to displays showing noble attire, garments incorporating expensive materials and elaborate decoration. Angeline studied a formal gown with particular interest, noting how the design used structure and draping to create a specific silhouette.
"Could we purchase fabric here in the capital?" Isabel asked. "Even if we can't afford the finished garments, having access to quality materials would let us create our own designs."
Celeste smiled. "Absolutely. There are merchant districts specializing in textiles. I can provide you with directions and recommendations for reputable sellers who won't inflate prices for obvious foreigners."
The women spent hours in this section of the palace, absorbing information about current trends, seasonal color preferences, and the subtle ways that fashion communicated identity. Nina took particularly detailed notes, recognizing that understanding these social signals would be valuable for her role managing the group's finances and business relationships.
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The Way of the Warriors
The men of the group, Erik, Adam, Milo, and Bren, were far more interested in martial matters. Their escort, a Dragonguard veteran named Grimstrike who had been assigned to show them around, recognized kindred spirits immediately.
"You're warriors," Grimstrike stated matter-of-factly rather than asking. "I can tell by how you move, how you scan rooms automatically for threats and exits. Would you like to see where our soldiers train?"
The answer was an enthusiastic unanimous yes.
Grimstroke led them to the training halls used by the Dragonguard themselves. These facilities were not typically accessible to the public, but the Grand Advisor's instructions had been explicit: provide these guests with exceptional access to whatever interested them.
The training hall was enormous, easily capable of accommodating hundreds of warriors simultaneously. Different sections were designated for different training types: weapons practice, hand-to-hand combat, endurance conditioning, tactical simulations, and magical combat integration.
"This is where the First Cohort trains," Titus explained, gesturing to the vast space. "The Emperor's personal guard. Every warrior here has achieved at least Master Rank and can fight effectively against opponents of any size or power level."
He led them to an armory displaying weapons and armor of exceptional quality. "These are training weapons, not parade pieces. Everything here is designed for actual combat, though we use dulling enchantments to prevent fatal injuries during practice."
Adam picked up a training sword, testing its weight and balance. "This is heavier than it looks. The weight distribution is different from standard blades."
"It's designed to build strength, stamina and dexterity to the solfder" Grimstroke confirmed. "If you train with this for six months, then switch to a regular blade. You'll feel like you're wielding a feather."
Erik was examining armor sets, particularly interested in how protection was balanced against mobility. "These designs are different from what we use. More coverage on the torso, less on the limbs."
"Dragonguard philosophy emphasizes protecting vital organs above all else," Grimtstroke explained. "Limb injuries are survivable. A blade through the heart is not. We train extensively in mobility despite the heavier armor so the extra weight doesn't slow us down."
Milo and Bren were studying weapons they had never seen before: exotic polearms with unusual blade configurations, segmented whips that could be rigidified through magical activation, and projectile weapons that used compressed air rather than traditional bow mechanics.
"Can we observe training sessions?" Bren asked eagerly. "Actually watching how these techniques are applied would be incredibly valuable."
Grimstroke checked a schedule posted on the wall. "The Third Cohort has formation drills starting in an hour. They won't mind observers as long as you stay out of the practice area and remain silent during the exercises."
The men readily agreed. This was an opportunity to observe elite warriors in action, to see techniques and tactics that might take years to develop independently. Everything they learned here could be adapted and integrated into their own training back home.
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Business Minds
The remaining adults, Andy Shoor and Marcus Fernando, had professional interests entirely separate from combat or architecture. Andy, as manager of Maya's Travelling Mercantile and the group's various business ventures, wanted to understand the Imperial economy at a deeper level.
Their guide, a mid-level bureaucrat named Cornelius who worked in the Empire's Imperial Commerce Ministry, was surprised but pleased to field serious questions about economic policy.
"The capital's economy is the most sophisticated in the known world," Cornelius explained as they walked through administrative offices. "We regulate currency exchange not just in the Capital but throughout the empire and its allies to be exact we have now almost the entirety of the three subcontinents of Arkanus, we also set quality standards for trade goods, mediate commercial disputes, and maintain records of every significant transaction."
Andy was particularly interested in the practical aspects. "If we wanted to establish a permanent trading presence here, what would be required?"
"Several things," Cornelius replied, warming to the topic. "First, you'd need an Imperial merchant license, which requires demonstrating reliable capital reserves and providing references from established traders. Second, you'd need to lease or purchase commercial property in one of the designated merchant districts. Third, you'd need to register your primary trade goods and pay the appropriate taxes."
Marcus, whose role as chief accounting officer made him intimately familiar with financial details, asked pointed questions about tax rates, licensing fees, and the regulations governing foreign merchants. He was mentally calculating whether establishing a capital presence would be profitable given the initial investment required.
"The fees seem substantial," Marcus observed, reviewing numbers Cornelius had provided. "But I assume there are advantages that offset the costs?"
"Absolutely," Cornelius confirmed. "Merchants with Imperial licenses gain access to the entire Imperial trade network. You can conduct business in any Imperial city without additional permissions. You're also protected by Imperial commercial law, which means contract disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently rather than depending on local corruption."
Andy and Marcus exchanged glances, both recognizing the long-term value despite short-term costs. Establishing presence in the capital could transform their village's economic prospects, providing access to markets and resources currently beyond their reach.
"We'll need to discuss this with our leadership," Andy said carefully. "But I think we'd be very interested in pursuing this opportunity."
Cornelius nodded approvingly. "When you're ready to move forward, contact the Imperial Commerce Ministry directly. Mention that you were referred to by the palace administration. That should expedite your application process considerably."
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Unexpected Hospitality
What none of the visitors fully understood was that the treatment they were receiving far exceeded standard protocol for Imperial guests. Typically, foreign visitors received polite but distant hospitality, adequate accommodations and basic courtesy without any special effort to cater to their interests.
This group had been given VIP treatment that even minor nobility might not receive. Personal guides with genuine expertise in relevant fields. Access to restricted areas like the Dragonguard training halls. Direct introductions to ministry officials who could facilitate future business relationships. These were privileges normally reserved for important diplomatic delegations or individuals with significant political influence.
Even the palace servants assigned to attend them were surprised by the instructions they had received. The Grand Advisor, known for his cold calculation and efficient allocation of resources, had personally ordered that these guests be given exceptional access and support.
The servants speculated among themselves about who these visitors might be. They appeared to be frontier villagers based on their clothing and mannerisms, yet they were being treated like visiting dignitaries. The disconnect was puzzling and generated considerable gossip in the staff quarters.
What they did not know was that Grand Advisor Solomon had recognized something significant during his brief interaction with August and his companions. These were not ordinary frontier villagers but rather individuals with genuine potential, people who might one day wield considerable influence. Investing in positive relationships now could yield substantial benefits for the Empire in the future.
It was characteristic of Solomon's strategic thinking: identify promising individuals early and cultivate relationships before their importance became obvious to others. By the time competing powers recognized these villagers' significance, the Empire would already have established strong ties built on genuine hospitality rather than obvious political maneuvering.
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Days of Discovery
The expedition spent several days exploring the capital in this manner, each person pursuing their particular interests with the support of knowledgeable guides. They absorbed information, made contacts, and began forming a more sophisticated understanding of how the Empire functioned at its highest levels.
Sibus filled three notebooks with architectural observations and engineering principles he wanted to implement back home. The women purchased fabric samples and pattern books that would influence village fashion for years to come. The men acquired training manuals and weapon designs that would enhance their combat capabilities. Andy and Marcus established relationships with Imperial officials that could facilitate future business expansion.
When August finally emerged from his meeting with the Emperor, exhausted but fundamentally unchanged despite the momentous conversation and subsequent sparring match, his companions were eager to share what they had discovered.
That evening, they gathered in the luxurious common room of their guest quarters and compared experiences. The conversation lasted late into the night as each person described what they had learned and how it might benefit the village.
"This trip has been worth every hardship of the journey," Sibus, their most non-talkative member, declared, a sentiment echoed by everyone present. They had traveled to the capital uncertain of what to expect and somewhat anxious about August's meeting with the Emperor.
They were returning home with knowledge, contacts, and resources that would transform their frontier settlement in ways both large and small. The village that had been built through determination and hard work would now benefit from connections to the greatest civilization in the known world.
The escapade through the Imperial capital had given them far more than any of them had imagined possible, and the implications would unfold over months and years to come.