Isabel was the Kingdom’s most prestigious noble surname—and also the name of the capital itself. The royal capital, Isabel, boasted the largest population and workforce in the entire Kingdom. Despite its rapid modernization, it remained steeped in ancient civilization. If you ever visit Isabel, don’t miss its local seafood specialties—every bit as exquisite as any coastal city’s...
Aerin drove the carriage while reading the *Isabel Travel Guide*.
"Hey!! Put that down! Reading while driving is dangerous!!!"
I snatched the booklet from her hands.
"No fair!! What’s the big deal? The horse knows the way!!!"
I couldn’t argue with that...
"Seafood!! Seafood!!!!"
Phyllis grabbed the guide from me and flipped straight to the seafood section.
"Wait!! Hold on!! Why’s this ‘travel guide’ 90% food pages?!"
"Isn’t travel *for* eating?!"
Phyllis drooled over the food illustrations.
"What nonsense!! Travel’s about scenery and culture! Why’s your brain stuck on food?!"
"Onii-chan, what ‘scenery’? Every tourist spot’s the same except the food!"
"You’re talking about *my* world! This is another dimension!!!"
"I don’t care! I’m eating Isabel’s seafood!!!"
"Phyllis, stop fussing. After your brother-in-law and I visit the palace, I’ll take you."
Tia patted Phyllis’s head.
"I love you most, Tia-nee!!!!"
Phyllis lunged into Tia’s arms.
*Hey!! You’re a Darkblade!! Have some dignity...*
"Sister-in-law???"
Aerin whipped around to stare at Tia, who wore a triumphant smile.
*Is this Tia’s ‘win over the little sister-in-law’ strategy? I smell gunpowder...*
After a brief security check, we entered the capital. Following the guide, we found a bustling downtown inn.
"Ahhh~~~ Time to unwind~~ This bumpy ride killed me!!!"
Aerin collapsed onto the soft bed the moment we entered.
"Get up!! The King wanted to see you urgently! It’s still early—let’s get this over with!!"
I yanked her upright.
"My husband’s right. Let’s cancel my engagement."
"Yeah! Yeah!! After that, we’re hitting Waltz Seaside Restaurant for top-tier seafood!!"
Phyllis’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Three to one. Palace. Now."
I dragged the reluctant Aerin out.
---
"State your names, visitors."
Palace guards blocked our path at the gates.
"Greetings. Here’s our Azurewing Knights invitation and adventurer IDs. I’m Tia Isabella. This is my fiancé, Master Pupil, his sister Phyllis, and the lady Aerin."
After checking the documents, the guard’s eyes widened.
"Ladies Aerin and Tia—the Dragon Slaying Assistants! My apologies! I’ll fetch the Royal Steward immediately."
"Thank you," Tia replied politely.
An elderly man in formal attire soon hurried out.
"An honor to meet the Dragon Slaying Assistants! His Majesty has awaited you eagerly. Please, come in."
He ushered us inside, then glanced curiously at Phyllis and me.
"My fiancé, Master Pupil, and his sister Phyllis."
"Fiancé?" His brow furrowed, but he pressed no further.
"Announcing the Dragon Slaying Assistants, Ladies Aerin and Tia!"
The steward’s voice echoed as he gestured us into the throne room.
Rows of armored soldiers lined the hall, flanked by ministers and knights.
"Uh... this formal just to meet *us*??"
"I-I don’t know... I’m nervous," Aerin whispered, trembling.
"Onii-chan’s so weak! Look how composed Tia-nee is."
Ahead, Tia walked with effortless grace.
"Hail the King."
Tia knelt. We followed suit.
"Ah! The Isabella girl! I remember you from childhood. Rise, rise!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Why summon us so urgently, Your Majesty?" Tia asked respectfully.
"Not urgent at all! I simply wished to meet the legendary dragon slayers and grant rewards."
*Strange. The letter said ‘come immediately’...*
"Before rewards—I must ask. Any word of the Black Knight?"
The King’s eyes gleamed with hope.
"None, Your Majesty," Tia replied firmly.
"I see... I expected as much. Name your rewards."
Tia glanced back at me. I gave a small nod.
"With respect, Your Majesty—my father recently arranged a political marriage between me and the Empire. I beg you to annul it."
"Absolutely not!!"
A man—Tia’s uncle—stepped forward. "Your Majesty! Such agreements aren’t trifles! We cannot renege!"
"Hold your tongue, Dauger!" The King silenced him. "Tia is a national treasure now. Losing her to the Empire would be catastrophic."
*Hope flickered. The King wasn’t as stubborn as her father.*
"But we’ve already pledged to the Empire..."
"Then let us postpone this decision. Revisit it later."
"Your Majesty, I implore you—"
"I have a fiancé!" Tia’s voice cut through the hall. "Master Pupil, behind me. I will *never* accept the Empire’s betrothal!"
Murmurs erupted among the ministers.
"A fiancé? Who is he?"
"Some noble heir?"
"Make way for the Imperial delegation!!!"
The King raised a hand. "Enough. You may retire to the city. Enjoy Isabel’s hospitality."
"As you command."
Tia seized my hand and pulled me toward the exit. Aerin, scowling, grabbed my other arm.
As we passed the Imperial delegation, I recognized the rude travelers from the forest ambush—but their aura had transformed. Gone were the weaklings; now stood a tall, black-haired man radiating power. *He wasn’t there before. With him, they’d never have been ambushed by monsters.*
> **Name:** Akado
> **Level:** 90
> **Race:** Upper Demon
> **Class:** Evil Mage
> **Equipment:** Dark Demon Formalwear
