The avenue leading to the castle gates had walls running along both sides. Beyond the towering walls lay sprawling estates, giving the road a quiet, tree-lined serenity. This tranquil atmosphere seemed to embody the noble district’s peaceful charm.

"Let’s take a shared carriage back on the way home."

"Yay!"

At my suggestion, Rio responded cheerfully, her gaze fixed on the carriage stand near the castle gates.

While the road leading to the castle had been silent, the area in front of the gates was bustling. Neatly arranged market stalls lined the square, interspersed with tourists and carriages waiting to enter the castle. Unlike the disorder of typical markets, everything here had an air of refined elegance befitting the noble district.

Approaching the castle, an unshakable feeling arose—an urge to go inside. It wasn’t exactly unwelcome, given that our goal was to gather information.

"If we want to enter the castle, do you think we need to join that line?"

The castle wall, about five meters tall, was fronted by a small moat with a gentle flow of water. Beyond the wall, a high spire loomed—likely part of the castle itself.

A bridge spanned the moat, leading to the gate with four entryways: two wide lanes for carriages and two smaller gates for pedestrians. One lane and one pedestrian gate were practically empty, but no one seemed inclined to use them.

"Maybe. What’s the deal with the empty side?"

As we watched, a carriage approached. Instead of joining the queue, it took the empty lane. After a brief exchange with the guards, it proceeded through without issue.

"Maybe it’s for nobles?"

"Could be. That was one fancy carriage. I guess we should stick to the regular line."

Not being nobles—or B-rank adventurers who receive noble-like treatment—it seemed inevitable that we’d have to wait in line.

"Do you think showing the brooch would let us in?"

"Hard to say. They might stop us instead."

"Ugh, what do we do if that happens?"

"We’ll figure it out. I mean, if we’ve made it to the castle gates, they probably already know we’re here. Worst case, we run for it."

"Geez…"

Despite my nonchalant attitude, Rio laced her arm through mine, a gesture that softened the moment.

Looking around, it was clear that most of the people heading to the castle were well-dressed. Unlike the main city, there were no ragged or shabby individuals in sight—it was the royal castle, after all.

Unaware of the subtle oddity of carrying the brooch here, we joined the end of the line.

"State your business."

When our turn came, the guard at the gate spoke brusquely.

"We were wondering if we could tour the castle."

I kept my explanation simple, but the guard’s furrowed brows suggested skepticism.

"A tour? You’re here for a tour?"

"Yes, do you not offer general tours?"

It seemed like a missed opportunity for tourism, but perhaps such services weren’t common in this world.

"Uh… let me see some identification first."

"Sure, here you go."

At least he didn’t send us away outright. I handed over my guild card, which he scrutinized, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Do you have a letter of introduction or something similar?"

Apparently, an E-rank guild card wasn’t cutting it. Time for the brooch. Feeling a twinge of unease, I retrieved it from my pocket and held it up.

"How about this?"

The guard’s eyes widened as soon as he saw it.

"This… this is…!"

His reaction was immediate and intense. Clearly, he recognized it—or at least its significance. That was a relief; better to deal with someone who understood than to be turned away.

"Please wait here. I’ll fetch someone from above!"

Without waiting for our response, he ran off.

"Ugh, are we going to be stuck waiting for half an hour again?"

I muttered, massaging my temples, while Rio sighed deeply. The other guard remained to keep the line moving, but the situation was undeniably awkward.

To my surprise, the first guard returned much sooner than expected.

"Apologies for the wait. Please follow me to a private room."

He was slightly out of breath but polite. While I briefly entertained the idea of a trap, his demeanor seemed reasonable for the situation.

"At least we didn’t have to wait too long," Rio murmured, a teasing smile on her lips.

With a wry chuckle, I followed the guard through the gate. He led us along the inner side of the castle wall, passing various doors before stopping at the farthest one. Inside, a man in slightly more elaborate attire than the gate guards sat behind a desk. He was a ruggedly handsome older gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard, the kind of figure I couldn’t help but admire.

"I’ve brought them."

"Thank you. You may return to your post."

With a sharp salute, the guard left, leaving us alone with the man.

"Please, have a seat."

"Ah, thank you."

We took the offered chairs, the tension in the air palpable.

"I am Tobil, the captain overseeing this gate’s security."

"I’m Shu, an E-rank adventurer."

"And I’m Rio, same rank."

His polite introduction prompted us to do the same. The formal atmosphere was a bit unnerving, though it seemed fitting for someone who dealt with nobility regularly.

"I’d like to get straight to the point. Could you show me that brooch again?"

"Of course."

I retrieved the brooch once more, placing it on the desk where Tobil could inspect it closely. Its peculiar allure still tugged at me, though it remained just a brooch to the eye.

"May I handle it?"

"Go ahead."

His measured courtesy was disarming, making the situation simultaneously easier and more awkward.