Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 60: Strolling the streets

The sheer scale of Luxia became more apparent as they drew closer.

Towering white walls, taller than any Lila had seen, stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by numerous watchtowers flying the royal banner – a golden lion on a field of blue.

The main road leading to the city gates was wide and paved with smooth, grey flagstones, already bustling with a steady stream of traffic: merchant caravans laden with goods, nobles in ornate carriages, farmers with carts piled high with produce, and travelers on foot.

"Wow," Lila breathed, her eyes wide with awe. "Elowen could fit into just one of these gatehouses."

Elara, despite her weariness and the crimson marks still visible on her skin, looked around with a mixture of apprehension and familiarity. "Well, it is the capital of the kingdom. Papa and I only ever stayed in the outer merchant districts. The inner districts are even more luxurious."

As they joined the queue of arrivals inching towards the massive, iron-banded city gates, Riku noticed the guards were numerous and heavily armed, their expressions stern and watchful. Every cart and individual was being scrutinized.

"They’re being thorough," Riku observed. "Probably because of the Crimson Creep." Lila whispered, "What do we do if they question Elara about her marks?"

Before Riku could answer, Elara spoke up, her voice surprisingly steady. "Let me talk to them. I know this city a little. And... maybe my sickness will help us."

When their turn came, a grizzled guard captain with a scar across his cheek peered into their modest carriage. "Name and purpose of visit?" he barked.

Elara leaned forward, her small face pale but her eyes direct. "Elara, daughter of Marden, traveling merchant, sir. My father... he fell ill on the road. We seek aid from the healers at the Church of Light. I... I fear I might be catching what he had." She coughed weakly, a genuine tremor in her voice, and gestured to the crimson patches on her arm, which were clearly visible.

The captain’s stern expression softened almost imperceptibly. He’d seen the Crimson Creep firsthand in the city’s poorer quarters. "Another one," he muttered under his breath, then sighed. "The Temple is overwhelmed, girl. But they’re the only ones with any hope of treating this blight." He looked at Riku and Lila. "Are you people with her?"

"Yes, sir," Riku said respectfully. "We’re trying to get her to safety and find a cure."

The captain grunted. "Alright. Pass through. Head straight for the Temple district. Don’t cause any trouble." He waved them on, his gaze already shifting to the next arrival.

"Thank you, Elara," Lila said as they rolled through the towering gates. "That was brave." Elara managed a small smile. "Well, it takes one troubled person to understand the troubles of another. Most guards posted on the outside have humble origins."

Soon, the trio passed through the gates. Slowly, the sounds and smells of Luxia began to wash over them.

The streets were a vibrant, chaotic showcase of life. Cobblestone avenues, wider than any in Elowen or Vintross, were thronged with people of all descriptions. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, street performers juggled and sang, and the air was filled with a cacophony of voices, hammering from smithies, and the distant tolling of bells.

Lila looked around, her eyes wide with wonder as she observed the various people on the streets.

"Riku, look! Those men... they’re so short and stout! Are they...?"

"Dwarves," Riku confirmed, nodding towards a group of heavily bearded individuals hauling massive crates onto a wagon. Their expressions were as solid and unyielding as the stone they often worked. "Master craftsmen and miners, mostly. They tend to keep to themselves."

A moment later, Lila pointed again. "And them? With the greenish skin and those... tusks?" She pointed at a few hulking individuals with short tusks who were lifting heavy beams for a new construction, their powerful muscles rippling.

"Half-Orcs," Elara spoke gently from beside Lila. "Papa said they’re strong, but... people here don’t trust them much. They mostly do the hard labor no one else wants."

Riku nodded. "In fact, they are often misunderstood. Strong and with a voracious appetite, yes, but also fiercely loyal if you earned their respect. As expected, it isn’t easy for anyone who isn’t human, or at least, not rich."

"Well, let us continue towards our destination. Where did the guard say the Church was again?"

This time, Elara, more familiar with Luxia, took the lead. "The outer branch of the Church of Light is in the center of this marketplace. We should head that way. There are usually apothecaries and healers’ nearby. Weren’t you looking for your friend? She should most likely be there as well."

"Lysaria. She is a Vestal of the Church of Light."

"Wow, you actually know big shots. She might not be here then. She would probably be in the inner district."

"Haha, do not worry. I am sure you will hit it off with her instantly."

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As they navigated a particularly crowded market square, Riku noticed a large, well-organized stall under the banner of the Royal Almoner. Here, city officials were distributing rations of clean water from large barrels to a long queue of citizens and travelers. ƒreewebɳovel.com

"Look," Lila pointed. "They’re rationing water. Even in the capital, the drought’s effects are felt."

"The black famine affected everyone. Now, although we have some sporadic rains, water and food are still in short supply. So the king has a free ration system where everyone could receive some water and grains for free."

"Harus III is actually a very good king. It is a pity that not everyone shares his ideals."

"The Great King Harus III? Hush, Riku. You cannot speak of his lordship so casually." Elara said as she frantically looked around to see if anybody heard them.

Lila’s attention was suddenly caught by a small, glittering display at a jeweler’s stall. A delicate silver necklace with a tiny, sky-blue gemstone lay nestled on a velvet cushion. "Oh, Riku, look! Isn’t that beautiful?"

Riku followed her gaze. It was a simple, elegant piece. "It is," he agreed. He saw the wistful look in Lila’s eyes. "Would you like it?" He reached for the coin pouch at his belt.

Just as his fingers were reaching for his satchel, a small, hooded figure darted out from the crowd.

In a movement too quick to follow, the figure bumped against Riku, and in the next instant, the coin pouch was gone from his belt. The hooded figure, no taller than a child but moving with incredible agility, was already weaving through the throng, disappearing down a narrow alleyway.

"Hey!" Riku exclaimed, more surprised than angry. "My pouch!"

Lila gasped, "A thief!"

Ding!

[New Quest Issued: The Swift Shadow]

[Objective: Identify and apprehend the pickpocket. Recover stolen property (coin pouch).]

[Time Limit: 1 Hour]

[Reward: +100 Goodwill Points]

[Failure Penalty: Loss of current currency.]

"A timed mission for my own wallet?" Riku muttered, then a grin spread across his face. "Alright, System, challenge accepted." He looked at Lila and Elara. "Looks like our plans just took a detour."

"You’re going after them?" Lila asked, her eyes wide.

"Of course," Riku said. "That was all our travel money. And besides," he added, his eyes twinkling, "a little chase might be fun."

He closed his eyes for a second, focusing. "Skill activate: Tracker’s Scent." A faint, silvery trail, visible only to him, now led from where he stood directly into the crowded alleyway the thief had taken.

"The thief went that way," Riku said, pointing. "Come on! Let us catch our little thief."

With that, the trio plunged into the alleys of Luxia.