While the distance between Filmer and Wessex wasn’t particularly vast, the challenging part about traveling between the two countries was the necessity to pass through several nations, whether by land or sea, to avoid lengthy detours.
By land, it meant crossing three countries, and by sea, two. Although sea routes were commonly preferred, they still required stops at the border cities of each nation.
Wessex, having limited open borders, required explicit permissions to traverse the territorial waters of other countries.
Thus, a well-planned schedule was essential…
“You only need to pay the transit fee.”
On the fifth day of her sea voyage, Laila was taken aback by the words of an official at the coastal city’s administration office.
‘Really effective, isn’t it?’
In a coastal city roughly midway between Filmer and Wessex, Laila realized the power of the continental pass she held. After a simple check for forgery, she was granted passage without much fuss.
Laila was surprised that not only was she allowed to pass without even being asked for her name, but her entourage, including her maid, was also permitted. The faces of Laila and her maid, as they left the city’s administration building, were equally stunned.
This confirmed that the pass given by Millei was authentic.
Her maid, glancing at the two knights accompanying them, whispered to Laila, “What kind of person is Duke Millei, Your Highness?”
“I wonder?”
Laila, having nothing definite to say, just fiddled with the pass. She couldn’t even guess where or how Millei had acquired such a precious item. She had speculated that he might be a prince of some country, and given the existence of this pass, it seemed increasingly plausible.
‘But more importantly…’
Now that it was proven Millei hadn’t lied to her, her anxiety lessened, leading to other thoughts. Millei had promised to reveal his identity on the day of departure but didn’t show up. Lillburn didn’t elaborate, but it must have been serious.
‘Is he recovering well?’
However, her curiosity couldn’t be satisfied right away.
Sighing deeply, Laila exited the administration building and blended into the busy streets of the coastal city with her maid, knights, and mercenaries. They had a couple of hours to rest before returning to the ship due to some crew members suffering from seasickness.
Wanting to experience the city’s vibrancy, Laila began wandering freely. During her time in Wessex, she had been confined mostly to her room in the palace, occasionally walking in the palace garden reserved for princes and princesses.
That’s why, despite the dread of an arranged engagement with someone she hadn’t even met, she was excited to see new sceneries on her journey to Filmer.
Walking through a market formed along the coast, Laila and her maid admired various interesting items. Being a coastal area, there were many things like flutes made of conch shells and necklaces of seashells.
The port city, bustling with foreign trade, also showcased fascinating items unrelated to the sea.
What caught Laila’s attention was a shop selling affordable artifacts. She peered at artifacts fashioned into common accessories like bracelets, rings, and necklaces, set up under a small tent.
While not exclusive to the Damvernunt continent, its diverse and numerous ability users heightened the interest in such artifacts. Especially since the high-ranking leaders of each nation often possessed powerful unique abilities, this inclination was more pronounced.
Artifacts were items that supported ability users, and in the case of the highest-grade artifacts, they either had their own unique powers or drastically enhanced the efficiency of an ability.
However, such top-tier artifacts were rare. To imbue an artifact with such power, a sacrifice was often needed.
The most famous existing artifact was in the possession of the Emperor of Hankin, named ‘Tristan.’ It was an artifact created by the previous emperor, Tristan, who poured all his power into it before his death. It was known to drastically amplify psychokinetic abilities to the extent that it could destroy an entire city.
‘Using something like that could cost one’s life…’
Even though ability users were undeniably powerful, they too had their limits.
Laila browsed the shop and picked up a bracelet with a blue gemstone, an artifact.
Noticing this, the drowsy shopkeeper suddenly perked up. He seemed to realize Laila had unwittingly picked it up and spoke curtly, “That’s an artifact specifically for ability users, young noble lady.”
Laila, however, seemed unwilling to put the artifact down and inquired while fiddling with it, “What does this one do?”
“Tuning function. It came from Wessex.”
Hearing the word ‘Wessex’ brought a smile to Laila’s face.
Tuning function meant it was indeed useless for her, as she was neither an ability user nor a tuner.
‘If only I had the power of tuning, it could have been helpful.’
Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.
Synopsis:
Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.
Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.
Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.
Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.
There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.
