Picked Up a Beast, Turns Out He's an Emperor (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 23

The capital of the Helterd Empire was beyond imagination. Even the satellite cities near the capital, encountered long before arriving, were incomparable to any village the traveler had seen before.

The population, traffic, bustling streets, and opulent architecture were on an entirely different level from the villages of Kender’s domain and neighboring regions where she had grown up.

Everything felt astonishing, as if encountering a new civilization. When the massive gates of the capital’s walls opened, a whole new world—unimaginable even in her mind—unfolded before her wide eyes.

Artiner, the imperial capital and largest city of Helterd, was hailed as the continent’s center of economy, philosophy, education, culture, and fashion, and now enjoyed its golden age under the rule of Maxwell, the 27th Emperor.

Nobles from across the continent showcased their presence through the latest trends; scholars and inventors through knowledge and ideas; and merchants through exotic novelties they brought in.

Even the imperial banners hanging from ordinary buildings fluttered in perfect alignment, as if measured by a ruler. Every alley in the market was meticulously planned to live up to the capital’s name.

Few knew that beneath the immaculately cleaned streets—where not a speck of trash could be found—lay countless secret passages, each guarded by soldiers and weapons always ready for combat.

This subterranean military facility, designed to confront enemies both inside and outside the capital, was, of course, Emperor Maxwell’s own idea.

Though primarily intended to repel attackers storming the capital, it also proved highly useful for swiftly and unexpectedly eliminating traitorous factions plotting rebellion within the empire.

The underground network connected directly to the Emperor’s private chambers in the palace, and he often used it to slip away incognito.

Arabella, gazing out the window, tilted her head slightly in puzzlement. Strangely, although the imperial procession had entered the capital, she saw no one bowing or offering greetings to the Emperor. In fact, the citizens seemed entirely absorbed in their own tasks, paying him no attention whatsoever.

This was a stark contrast to the scene back in Kender’s domain or other territories, where villagers would halt their work in the fields and bow respectfully whenever their lord returned.

“It’s because I’ve forbidden it. Except on special occasions like festivals, there’s a law forbidding citizens from showing attention to any member of the imperial family or nobility.”

The Emperor, who had just entered the carriage to accompany her through the capital, spoke.

“I loathe wasting time on pointless formalities. It’s far more beneficial for the empire if that time is spent on productive work. The same applies within the palace.”

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