Unlike the Golden Valley Kingdom, which established its Royal Capital in the center of its territory, the capital of the River Domain was built by the sea, creating the unique atmosphere of a coastal metropolis.

As the Black Shell Trading Company’s ship slowly sailed into the harbor, the towering lighthouse and bustling docks announced that they had arrived within the domain of the River Domain Royal Capital.

In contrast to the rugged terrain of the Black Water Territory, which was encircled by mountains and covered in dense forests, the River Domain presented a completely different vista.

Here, the land was open and flat, with a network of crisscrossing rivers like silver ribbons, weaving the entire region into a vibrant aquatic metropolis.

Roland stood on the deck, the salty, damp sea breeze brushing past his robes.

In the distance, clusters of white buildings belonging to the River Domain Royal Capital stretched along the coastline, gleaming with a pearly luster under the sun.

A towering lighthouse and a domed palace gazed at each other from a distance, while the port district spread out like a spiderweb, packed with countless docked ships whose masts resembled a forest.

Canals wound through the city, linked by ribbon-like bridges. The hawking of merchants, the shouts of sailors, and the cries of seagulls all mingled in the humid air.

"It’s a bit like..."

Before Roland could finish his muttered observation, the sound of light footsteps echoed across the deck.

Immediately after, a somewhat flamboyant voice spoke up right beside his ear.

"Like a metropolis floating on the water, right?"

Galvis had appeared beside him at some point, and was now gazing into the distance.

Before Roland could respond, he spread his arms dramatically and exclaimed in an aria-like tone of wonder.

"Ah! Look at this network of rivers, this bustling harbor! It’s practically a pearl left behind by the gods on earth!"

His long fingers idly plucked at his strings, as if he weren’t on the deck of a merchant ship, but standing at a concert in some noble’s salon. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

In the past, Roland would have certainly frowned, embarrassed by Galvis’s over-the-top performance.

But after spending so much time together, he’d learned that a person’s ability to adapt was truly astonishing.

At least now, faced with the Minstrel’s sudden "artistic moments," he could continue to admire the sea view without batting an eye.

The humid sea breeze brushed against his face as Roland looked toward the harbor and spoke.

"Mr. Galvis... aren’t you getting ready to disembark?"

"I was waiting for you, of course."

After spending this time together at sea, Galvis’s attitude had become increasingly casual.

He not only dropped the honorifics, but now he even stood on his tiptoes and threw an arm around Roland’s shoulders.

"Hey, now! You’re not trying to get out of paying your debt, are you? You still owe me an adventure story!"

As he spoke, the Minstrel produced a pen and paper from his hip pouch as if by magic, his eyes shining brightly.

"With such a fine view of the sea and sky, why not tell me what happened after you went to Songmu Town to hone your Combat Skills?"

Roland couldn’t help but rub his temples.

During the voyage, in addition to gathering information about the Giant Dragon, he had also learned some secrets about the Elf Race from Galvis.

According to the unreliable Minstrel, the Elf Race was very likely the first to sense the resurgence of Magic Power, and some of their people were already able to cast Low Tier Spells.

This made him once again marvel at the innate magical talent of the Elf Race.

And for that very reason, he had been forced to rack up a debt of several more adventure stories...

Just as the two were talking, a voice called out from behind them.

Turning his head, Roland saw that the Shadow Veil member named Jia Xiu had appeared at some point and was now standing silently beside the door to the central cabin, bowing slightly.

Following him, a tall figure surrounded by an entourage of attendants stepped out slowly.

It was a golden-haired Elf.

Pointed ears, delicate features, and an air of elegance and detachment that flowed naturally from every movement—all of it spoke to an innate noble bearing.

But to Roland’s surprise, this High Elf, who hailed from the most ancient of bloodlines, was dressed in surprisingly simple attire.

He wore only a well-tailored, plain-colored long robe, with no other adornments.

The only eye-catching part of his attire was a circlet that looked like a casually woven crown of branches.

Roland’s gaze unconsciously followed the circlet, his pupils constricting slightly.

Even from a distance, he could clearly sense a startlingly potent Life Energy surging within the seemingly ordinary wooden circlet.

The path to the harbor was quickly cleared by Guards.

Only after the High Elf’s figure had completely disappeared from sight did the tense atmosphere gradually ease.

"Roland!"

Bronson walked over, pushing a handcart piled high with books and panting for breath.

"My luggage is all packed. Let’s get off the ship now."

"Alright, Mr. Bronson."

Facing this erudite old scholar, Roland gave a gentle smile. Seeing his face flushed from the effort, he couldn’t help but ask.

"Why don’t you have one of the stewards help you?"

"There’s water everywhere..."

Bronson stared intently at the slippery wooden planks under his feet, pushing the cart cautiously.

"To them... I just can’t trust them with it..."

Roland glanced back at the steward leading Black Wind and shrugged helplessly.

The group proceeded slowly along the makeshift wooden planks of the gangway.

When his feet touched solid ground, the long-absent sense of stability made Roland let out an involuntary sigh of relief.

Just then, a crisp voice called out.

"Roland! Over here! Over here!"

Looking up, he saw a brown-haired girl standing not far away, waving her arms enthusiastically. Her hair shimmered with flecks of light in the sun.

"Roland! It’s been so long..."

Avril ran cheerfully toward Roland, her brown hair tracing a bright arc in the wind.

But just as she was about to reach him, her gaze suddenly caught the familiar figure behind Roland.

Her voice died abruptly.

The girl’s bright smile froze on her face.

And Galvis, who had been praising the city’s scenery in an exaggerated aria-like tone, also suddenly stopped plucking his strings.

The moment their eyes met, the air seemed to freeze.

Galvis studied the vibrant, brown-haired girl before him, his expression growing complicated.

The stillness in the air lasted for only a brief moment.

Before Roland could react, Avril had already grabbed his wrist and started pulling him forward.

"Mr. Colin sent me specially to come get you! Let’s go see the residence he’s prepared for you. I guarantee you’ll love it!"

"There’s no rush for that..."

Roland gently pulled free from the girl’s slender hand.

"I’m more curious about when I can report to the Knight Academy."

"Ah! The Knight Academy!"

Galvis suddenly strummed his strings and interjected in his aria-like tone.

"The perfect starting point for a hero’s journey! What a poetic choice!"

Avril’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, a flicker of disgust flashing in her eyes, but she quickly restored her bright smile.

"Mr. Colin has arranged everything! If you’re in a hurry, you can report to the academy today."

She took a step closer and lowered her voice.

"All the paperwork has been taken care of. Even your mentor is..."

Under Avril’s guidance, the group soon arrived at the residence.

Colin, truly living up to his reputation as the most renowned Merchant in the River Domain, was exceptionally generous.

The mansion prepared for Roland was not only spacious and well-equipped, but also in an excellent location.

The moment they entered, Bronson dove into the study to continue his academic research, while Galvis unceremoniously claimed the guest room with the best natural light.

After briefly settling in, Roland went to the Knight Academy accompanied by Avril.

The mode of transportation in the River Domain Royal Capital was unique.

Because of the dense network of waterways, the most convenient means of transport here was not horses, but exquisite little flat-bottomed boats.

After traveling by skiff through the sprawling network of canals, it wasn’t long before the magnificent gates of the Knight Academy came into view.

A towering archway of greyish-white stone stood tall, with a relief sculpture of a sword-wielding Knight carved on the lintel.

Through the wrought-iron fence, one could see a wide training ground dotted with practice posts. In the distance, a complex of Gothic-style spired buildings gleamed with a cold, metallic light under the sun.

The most striking feature was the flag atop the main building, embroidered with an emblem of waves and a sword, which snapped in the sea breeze.

"So this is... the Knight Academy?"

Roland murmured in awe as he stepped through the gates with Avril.

Yet, they had not taken more than a few steps when a thunderous roar exploded from the direction of the training grounds.

"Failure!"

"Useless lot! You dare show up for the assessment with such pathetic skills? You might as well run home to mommy’s teat!"

The coarse voice was so loud it made the treetops tremble, startling a few resting seagulls into flight.