Two days later.
On the royal road outside Demacia's great capital, two carriages came into view.
Though they were still ten kilometers away, the outline of the majestic city was already visible to the drivers.
The larger carriage was pulled by an old horse, with golden-haired Lux and the cloaked Shyvana seated on the front bench. Both of them, however, were staring helplessly at the smaller carriage ahead.
That one resembled a rickshaw, except the one pulling it was not a man but a two-headed husky named Ang. The folding canopy wasn't raised, and inside the comfortable cabin were soft cushions and warm air blowing from vents on both sides.
Duke lounged in the back with his legs crossed, letting Ang do all the work.
Raising a husky without letting it pull something is far too much of a waste, Duke had reasoned.
So he had purchased materials in Edesa and crafted this little carriage on the spot, complete with heated air, a massage function, and even a small refrigerator.
The one pulling it, of course, was Ang the two-headed husky. Standing at 1.7 meters at the shoulder, Ang was both powerful and tireless—pulling a rickshaw was child's play to him.
And true to his sled-dog nature, it had taken him less than ten minutes to learn the ropes and master it.
"Duke-nii!"
At Lux's voice, Duke gave a light cough. Ang instantly slowed down, responding to Duke's mental signal. Duke had imprinted his magic onto Ang's spirit through direct contact—risky, since if a creature harbored ill intent, one's spirit could be trapped.
Fortunately, Ang was no human. Marking an animal was far easier.
And once the imprint took hold, Ang's affection for him skyrocketed.
Just like with Pride and the others, Ang now regarded Duke with the adoration of a child for a father.
"What is it, my lovely Lux?"
"Duke-nii, are you really planning to enter the capital like this, with Ang pulling your cart?"
Shyvana tightened the reins while Lux glanced at Duke's husky-drawn carriage, looking a little embarrassed. "Isn't this… a bit too conspicuous?"
"What then? Should I ride Pride? Or maybe drive Gluttony into the city?"
Duke winked. Lux frantically shook her head. "No, no, absolutely not! If you did that, you'd block the entire city gate!"
"Then this is the only way."
Duke spread his hands and turned to Ang. "Besides, Ang rather enjoys it, don't you?"
"Woof!"
Both heads barked in unison, clearly agreeing. Far from resisting the task, they seemed to relish it.
"Fine…" Lux sighed, while Shyvana's gaze drifted to the distant city. She had last come here with Jarvan IV, presenting her mother's head to Jarvan III in exchange for recognition as a Demacian.
But as a half-dragon, she had never been welcomed. Distrust and disdain followed her everywhere.
The closer she came to the capital, the more unease stirred within her.
"By the way, Shyvana, will you be coming with us into the city?"
"No, I have my own place," Shyvana said, shaking her head. Lux added, "My aunt has already arranged lodging for us. Before we set out, Father sent word to the capital. We just need to head straight to the Marshal's residence."
"The Grand Marshal, huh?"
Duke leaned back with his hands behind his head, murmuring, "I wonder what kind of person they are."
"My aunt is a good woman… just strict," Lux said defensively.
Duke only shrugged. "Anyway, the Grand Tournament of Glory should be starting soon, right?"
"Yes. Garen is participating too."
"Then I'd better sign up as well. Good chance to advertise myself."
"Advertise?" Lux tilted her head. She knew what advertising was, but—was Duke planning to sponsor the royal tournament? How on earth would he manage that?
Her thoughts tangled with confusion, but Duke only chuckled. "Let's pick up the pace. If we dawdle any longer, we'll miss dinner."
"Ang!"
"Woof!"
The husky barked and surged forward, the rickshaw speeding up and leaving Lux and Shyvana's carriage behind.
"Duke-nii!" Lux pouted. Shyvana snapped her whip in the air, the crack echoing as their horse quickened its pace.
Before long, the capital loomed close.
Its white walls gleamed spotless, sunlight glinting off the stone in a dazzling haze that testified to their strength and solidity.
From their higher vantage on the road, they had a sweeping view of Demacia. Duke stood in his cart, gazing past the walls, over the streets, and down to the mighty Castle of Dawn at the city's heart—King Jarvan III's royal palace.
Behind the palace stretched the Grand Plaza, where each new monarch had, for generations, been crowned before the cheering masses.
The mansions of Demacia's noble houses sprawled in a great ring around the square, scattered like chess pieces.
"A fine city indeed."
Duke sat back down as Lux and Shyvana finally caught up. Lux stroked the old horse's mane, scolding, "Duke-nii, why did you have to run so fast?"
"Not my fault—Ang was eager."
Duke spread his hands innocently. Both of Ang's heads swiveled to glare at him. You old fox… it was clearly your idea.
"Come on, let's head in."
They began their descent along the winding road, the path snaking down like a serpent to ease the way for travelers.
"I'll slow down this time and wait for you," Duke promised.
Lux and Shyvana exchanged glances, then urged their horse forward, trailing behind.
Half an hour later, they reached the Glittering Silver Gate on the northern side of the city. Duke slowed Ang's pace, but the unusual sight of a two-headed beast pulling a cart drew wary stares.
A squad of guards in silver armor stepped forward, halberds crossed to block the way. Their captain spoke in a low voice:
"Apologies, sir. I'm afraid you cannot enter the city."
He gestured at Ang. "The beast you're using to pull your cart… appears to be a dangerous shadow-wolf."
The guard looked uncertain. True shadow-wolves were gray, not this stark mix of black and white. But the sight of two heads was enough to raise alarm.
"Lux," Duke said, nodding toward the captain. This one's yours.
For the Crownguard family, status alone was often enough to open doors in Demacia.
Lux climbed down, producing her family crest. She looked sheepish—this was her first time using her name like this.
"I am Luxanna Crownguard. As you said, this beast is a shadow-wolf. But he belongs to my teacher, a guest from afar who has come to participate in the Grand Tournament. If you could make an exception, I would be most grateful."
The captain peered closer, eyes widening in recognition.
He knew Lux.
As Garen often said, once you've seen Lux, you never forget her.
"My deepest apologies, honored Crownguard!"
He straightened at once, fist to chestplate. "It was my oversight. Please, enter at once. As for your teacher, however, he will need a special permit. Shadow-wolves are dangerous creatures, and without authorization, his presence may alarm the citizens."
He gestured toward the crowd—indeed, many passersby were staring at Ang with open fear.
"I truly beg your pardon."
"It's fine. May you stay safe," Lux replied with courtesy.
"Thank you!"
She hesitated, then slipped the crest from its chain and looped it around one of Ang's necks.
"This may earn me a scolding from Auntie… but there's no other way."
The golden emblem of House Crownguard gleamed against Ang's chest, instantly recognizable to every Demacian. At times, it was more effective than any permit.
The guards stepped aside, and Ang trotted forward again, the horse-drawn carriage following through the Glittering Silver Gate.
Duke didn't bother with the exchange, instead observing the bustling street. Demacians walked neatly dressed, heads held high, radiating pride for their city and nation.
Blue banners hung along the clean avenues. Soldiers and warriors mingled with commoners. Just then, a swordsman with an Ionian-style blade passed by, cold-eyed and aloof.
Duke also listened in on the chatter around him. Often, the quickest way to learn was simply to walk among the people.
"Still no word on the Lawrence family issue?"
"Apparently that weirdo is still squatting on their bridge."
"Who does he think he is, so brazen?"
"No idea. But they say the freak already beat ten challengers… using nothing but a lamppost."
End of chapter....
IRONBOUND PATRON
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