After several hours of being jostled in the carriage, our destination turned out to be the Arestel Mountain Range, just as His Highness had mentioned. Even though I had only traveled this route a handful of times, it had already become familiar.

───No, if I count the first time, I suppose it was familiar even back then…

Leaving the royal capital, we passed through the vast Dinzel Plains. As the surrounding scenery gradually turned rocky and barren, the entrance to the Arestel Mountain Range came into view.

Within the mountain range, multiple branching paths led to various peaks, and deep within these secluded highlands lay the Chronostaria Academy of Magic and Swords. If one were heading to the academy, they would have to traverse treacherous mountain trails. However, the road our carriage took was relatively gentle and flat. Unlike the steeper paths, we didn’t have to navigate perilous cliffs or narrow ledges where a single misstep could send us plummeting. The relatively even ground made for a smoother ride, and even from inside the carriage, I could tell that the horses were trotting along in high spirits.

"…"

After our earlier conversation, the carriage fell into silence. It wasn’t an uncomfortable or awkward stillness, but rather a quiet meant to conserve energy, ensuring that we were as well-rested as possible for what lay ahead.

"Suu… haa────"

…No, to be precise, the air inside the carriage was tense. Before me, the prince took deep breaths at steady intervals. He clasped his hands together, then released them, only to repeat the motion, unable to sit still.

The reason for his nervousness was obvious, even without asking. After all, we were about to meet one of the transcendental beings of this world. Even a prince could not help but feel tense. From what he had told me earlier, even those who served the dragon rarely caught a glimpse of its true form. And considering that it had served his family for generations, it was only natural for him to be extra cautious, lest he make any misstep.

───Dragons, without exception, are nothing but a nuisance to those around them…

Truly, they are insufferable creatures.

Though I kept these thoughts to myself, I could see that His Highness was growing visibly paler as we neared our destination. In his current state, it didn’t feel appropriate to start a conversation. Besides, I wasn’t in the mood for talking either.

We would arrive in less than half an hour. At this point, I no longer needed to feign sleep out of concern for His Highness. As I gazed idly out the window, lost in thought, the scenery began to change dramatically. The thick forests that had lined our path suddenly gave way to an open area, and ahead of us, towering city walls came into view.

His Highness had referred to our destination simply as the "Arestel Mountain Range," but to be precise, we were heading to a city located within it.

───The Labyrinth City Aresgant…

That was the name of the city beyond the walls now looming before us.

Although I had known of its existence in my previous life, I had never set foot here. Now, at last, I was visiting the famed Labyrinth City, and even from outside its walls, I could see that it was teeming with people.

───This is incredible.

I couldn't help but be impressed. Even outside the walls, street vendors and market stalls lined the roads, with merchants energetically calling out to potential customers. The crowd was so large that the area had the feel of a bustling marketplace.

At the checkpoint where carriages and people lined up to enter the city, the queue stretched far longer than any ordinary market. It was obvious that getting inside would take quite some time. However, as expected of royalty, our carriage bypassed the long line entirely and passed through the checkpoint without issue.

"So this is the power of the upper class…"

As we passed, I caught sight of the expressions of those still waiting in line. Their sharp gazes made it clear that they were not pleased. Though I felt a twinge of guilt for skipping ahead, there was nothing I could do about it. Our carriage continued into the city and soon came to a stop.

"We have arrived, Lord Chronos, Lord Claym. Thank you for enduring the long journey."

From the driver’s seat, the coachman offered us words of gratitude.

"Ah, you’ve been a great help. I’ll be counting on you for the return trip as well."

"Of course, I shall be waiting. Have a safe visit."

"Thank you."

With that, His Highness descended from the carriage, and I followed suit. After being confined inside for so long, stepping out into the open air was incredibly refreshing. I stretched lightly to ease the stiffness in my joints. At the same time, I couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation at the sight before me.

"Heh…"

The city was just as grand and lively as the royal capital. As expected of a place known as Chronostaria’s second capital, the Labyrinth City Aresgant was bustling with activity.

However, there was one stark difference from the royal capital—nearly everyone passing by was clad in sturdy armor or light, flexible clothing suited for mobility. Many carried weapons of varying sizes, as though prepared for battle. There was only one name for such individuals.

───Adventurers.

They were warriors who traversed the world by the strength of their arms, hunting monsters, guarding merchants, and accepting commissions from various clients. But most notably, they were the pioneers who braved the mysterious labyrinths that appeared across the land. Here, the term "adventurer" specifically referred to those who challenged labyrinths, and in this city, their presence was anything but unusual.

"Shall we go, Clay?"

"…Yes."

As I watched our carriage pull away, I turned my gaze away from the passing adventurers. Following His Highness’s voice, I looked toward the towering building ahead.

It was one of the largest buildings in the city, having stood here since the city’s founding. Though signs of multiple renovations were evident, its structure remained solid, exuding an air of history. The reason it did not seem outdated was likely due to its significance as a symbol of the city.

At present, countless adventurers were coming and going through its doors. It was only natural—this was the first place any adventurer visiting the city would go, and it was a place they would frequent even more than taverns, forges, or inns.

Its name was───

"The Adventurers' Guild…"

The Adventurers’ Guild.

It was the very heart of this Labyrinth City, an institution that managed the often unruly adventurers, a hub where merchants, citizens, and travelers could submit requests.

And just like everyone else, the reason we had come to this city was to visit the Adventurers’ Guild. However, unlike most, I would be entering this place—a haven for rogues and warriors—not just as an adventurer, but alongside the very royalty of this nation.