The sleep came to Baston sooner than he expected.
The conversation about Luke's father and uncle lingered in his mind for a while, circling like a stubborn insect that was refusing to leave. Yet, the exhaustion eventually swallowed those thoughts. The long journey and the constant tension had drained his energy.
The night passed quietly in the wilderness.
There was no inns and no warm beds. There was only the silent road and the distant whispers of wind through the trees.
When the dawn finally arrived, a pale light slowly spilled across the horizon. The mist clung low to the ground, turning the empty road into something that felt strangely unreal.
Baston was the first to wake up.
He stepped down from the carriage and stretched his stiff arms. Sleeping inside the carriage had never been comfortable but after several hours of travel, his body had already grown used to it.
The world around them remained quiet with no travelers and no merchants. There was only the occasional cry of distant birds that were breaking the morning silence.
Baston opened the small supply box that was attached to the carriage and took out a simple meal. It was a handful of dry bread with one slice of salted meat. There was nothing more which was quite different from his recent lifestyle.
Even though so, he ate without complaint. After all, the food was merely a fuel. As long as it kept the body functioning, the luxury was unnecessary.
Inside the carriage, Luke had already awakened as well.
The noble boy pushed the door open slightly and watched Baston eating outside. His gaze lingered on the modest meal for a moment but he said nothing.
Instead, he simply leaned against the carriage frame and quietly drank from a small cup of tea that he had prepared earlier.
Strangely, Luke found a strange satisfaction in it. The minimal consumption meant minimal dependency.
If he ate less, he would need fewer supplies. If he needed fewer supplies, he would not have to visit the towns or the villages frequently. The fewer places he appeared, the fewer traces he left behind. For someone who carried the burden, that was a good habit.
"Are you ready?" Luke finally asked.
Baston nodded and wiped his hands. The two soon departed.
Their carriage resumed its journey through the long countryside road. Several hours turned into days and the villages passed behind them like the fading shadows, replaced by the forests, rivers, and winding paths.
During that time, Baston thought repeatedly about Luke's situation. It was more toward the boy's uncle which was the real problem.
Both Luke and his uncle belonged to the same noble family, yet their positions were drastically different. Luke was weak. He was not weak in his character but weak in influence. On the other hand, his uncle possessed the wealth, connections, and authority.
It was like comparing a wandering branch to the trunk of the tree.
Luke had already accepted the punishment if his accusations proved wrong. The boy seemed prepared to face the consequences. Still, Baston doubted his uncle would be so obedient.
A man with power always had always few alternatives.
Even if the guilt was proven, he could delay the punishment with bribing the officials, influencing the witnesses, and shifting the blame onto others.
After all, the money could erase many sins.
Between the poorer Luke and his powerful uncle, the outcome was obvious. The stronger one usually won and that was the rule of the world.
Baston sighed softly. Unfortunately, the old book had given him almost no information about the man. The quest remained vague like a shadow that was hiding behind a curtain. Eventually, he had no choice and he would need to investigate personally.
When they finally approached their destination several days later, he understood why Luke had insisted on coming here.
The city was enormous.
Even from a distance, the towering walls looked imposing. The stone towers rose beside the gates, the banners fluttered in the wind, and the road ahead was crowded with travelers that were waiting to enter.
Several carriages lined up one after another and several armed guards patrolled the entrance. Unlike the small towns that Baston had visited before, this city clearly operated under the strict rules.
"Luminos City…" Luke murmured.
His voice carried neither the excitement nor the admiration. There was only one purpose for coming here. The carriage slowly joined the line. When their turn arrived, several guards stepped forward.
"Please step outside…" one of them said calmly, "This is a routine inspection."
Luke opened the carriage door and descended first while Baston followed behind him.
While one guard inspected the vehicle using a magical scanning instrument, another approached Luke.
"Good morning, please state your identity and your purpose for entering Luminos City?"
Luke opened his mouth to answer but Baston suddenly stepped forward, "Allow me..."
Luke paused then he quietly folded his arms, letting his new servant to speak. The officer's gaze shifted toward the fat boy and Baston soon bowed slightly.
"My master is Lord Luke Anderson," he said respectfully, "A noble traveler who is seeking temporary staying within the city."
The officer nodded slowly, "And the purpose?"
Baston smiled faintly, "Rest and leisure… My master has traveled far and intends to spend several days enjoying Luminos City."
Luke remained silent beside him, maintaining the composure expected of a noble who did not waste time explaining the trivial matters. The guard examined Luke's noble insignia and the recognition soon flashed in his eyes.
"I see… Welcome to Luminos City, Lord Anderson…" he saluted, "Your carriage is clean. You may enter."
Baston bowed again, "Much appreciated..."
Luke nodded slightly but he did not immediately return to the carriage. Instead, he looked at the guard as if he was remembering something.
"Officer…" Luke said casually, "This is my first visit to Luminos City."
The man straightened a little. The nobles rarely spoke directly to the guard like him unless something was needed.
"Yes, Lord Anderson?"
"I have traveled for several days without proper rest," Luke continued, "Do you know any quiet inn where I may stay for a few nights?"
The guard's expression brightened almost instantly.
"Of course, my lord. There are many inns within the city but if you prefer comfort and privacy, I would recommend the Golden Laurel Inn near the central district."
Luke tilted his head slightly, "Golden Laurel?"
"It is one of the finest establishments in Luminos City," the guard replied quickly, "Their noble rooms are very comfortable and the service is excellent. Many distinguished guests choose to stay there."
Luke nodded as if he was considering the suggestion, "That sounds incredible."
The guard reached into his uniform and produced a small bronze emblem, "If you present this to the innkeeper, they will know I recommended the place."
Luke accepted the emblem with a faint smile, "Very well… Thank you for your assistance."
Only after that, he returned to the carriage. The guard watched them leave with a satisfied expression. The carriage soon rolled through the gates.
Inside the city, the scenery changed dramatically.
The wide streets stretched between several elegant buildings. The marble statues decorated the squares and the crystal lamps floated above the roads, glowing faintly even during the daytime.
The wealth filled every corner but Baston noticed something else as well which were the people.
Every person they passed carried themselves with a certain confidence. Their clothing was refined and their posture dignified. There were no beggars and no street vendors who were shouting for the customers. The city felt curated.
"It's such a strange place…" he muttered.
Luke glanced at him, "Why?"
Baston leaned slightly closer so no one could not hear, "Because everyone here looks rich…"
Luke chuckled softly, "That's because they are..."
He raised an eyebrow and Luke continued, "To enter Luminos City, a person must either hold a merchant status or higher."
"The commoners are forbidden here?"
"Not exactly…" Luke replied, "Anyway, there is another requirement. How much wealth do you think is needed to pass the gate inspection?"
Baston shrugged and Luke raised one finger, "You need ten thousand pounds at minimum."
Baston blinked, "That's absurd."
Luke smiled faintly, "Exactly…"
Baston leaned back in his seat, thinking that ten thousand pounds was a massive amount of money. Even many minor nobles would hesitate to spend that casually. That meant almost no poor and ordinary people could enter the city.
"But if only the merchants and the nobles are allowed here…" Baston said slowly, "Who does the labor?"
Luke pointed toward the distant streets, "The servants..."
Baston followed his gaze. Many well-dressed servants walked between the buildings while carrying the packages or guiding the guests.
"They belong to the governor," Luke explained, "Poor citizens may live here only if they work under official contracts."
"What if they refuse?"
"They must leave then..."
Baston nodded thoughtfully. A city that only accepted the wealthy and a city where even the existence required money. It was quite interesting.
"But, you didn't need to show your bank account earlier," Baston said.
Luke smirked, "That's because the nobles are trusted more."
Ten thousand pounds was considered a small amount for most noble families. The merchants had to prove their wealth yet the nobles merely had to prove their identity.
Baston leaned forward slightly, "There's something else I noticed. It was about the guard earlier."
"What about him?"
"You asked him to recommend an inn."
Luke smiled, "You think that was unnecessary?"
Baston crossed his arms, "Yes... At least, for a noble like you."
Luke said nothing. For a few seconds, the carriage filled with silence. By then, Baston spoke again.
"You must do that deliberately..."
Luke laughed quietly, "So, you noticed..."
Baston continued calmly, "When we stay at that inn, the guard surely receives a commission, right?"
Luke nodded, "It's correct but that's not the real reason."
Baston raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
He tapped the carriage window, thinking what else that Luke meant by doing such a hassle action.
"Perhaps, you wanted to create a reputation about a rich noble who spends freely. If people believe that…" Baston continued, "They will approach you."
Luke leaned back comfortably, "Exactly..."
Baston nodded slowly since Luminos City ran on money. And where the money flowed, the opportunities followed. Soon enough, someone would attempt to profit from Luke. That someone might possess the information they needed.
The carriage finally stopped in front of an impressive building. The inn was magnificent.
The large glass windows reflected the sunlight. The crystal chandeliers hung inside the lobby and the elegant paintings decorated the walls. Even the air felt cooler due to temperature-control magic.
They stepped inside and the innkeeper immediately approached with a welcoming smile.
"Lord Anderson, welcome…"
Luke looked mildly surprised, "You already know me even though I just visit here?"
The innkeeper bowed politely, "It is our duty to prepare for distinguished guests."
Clearly, the guard had already sent a word ahead. The man soon gestured toward the reception desk.
"Which room would you prefer?"
Luke looked toward Baston and the fat boy stepped forward again.
"What are the available options?" Baston asked.
The innkeeper listed them carefully, "Standard room is one thousand pounds… Superior is two thousand… Deluxe is three thousand... Suite is five thousand… And our finest accommodation, the Noble room which is ten thousand pounds…"
Baston did not hesitate, "My master will take the Noble room."
The innkeeper's eyes sparkled, "I would love to know for how many nights?"
"One week..."
The innkeeper nearly choked on his excitement, "Of course! We will prepare it immediately."
The payment was processed quickly and several staff members rushed forward to carry their belongings. Baston noticed something amusing.
As the supposed servant, he should have been the one who was handling the luggage but because Luke had just paid seventy thousand pounds without hesitation, the staff practically competed to serve them.
Two attendants carried the bags upstairs while Baston simply followed. When they reached the room, he understood why it cost so much.
The suite was enormous.
The large windows opened onto a balcony that was overlooking the city. The magical runes embedded in the walls with regulated temperature, soundproofing, and lighting.
It was truly a luxury beyond the reason. The attendants bowed deeply before leaving.
"If Lord Anderson requires anything, you only need to simply call us..."
Luke casually handed each of them fifty pounds and their gratitude nearly exploded.
After they left, Baston locked the door then he activated the soundproofing spell. The silence filled the room and he turned toward Luke.
"Now, we can talk freely..."
Luke stretched lazily, "About what?"
"Our next move…"
Luke walked toward the balcony. The golden lights of Luminos City stretched endlessly below.
"We just need to rest for today," he said.
"That's it?" Baston frowned, "You spent seventy thousand pounds just to sleep?"
Luke laughed, "Not exactly..."
Baston folded his arms, "I wonder what is your plan then?"
Luke glanced back at him, "Think carefully..."
Baston closed his eyes for a moment then he understood, "Is this about the innkeeper?"
Luke nodded, "He'll surely talk about us…"
The news might spread about the most expensive guest in weeks and a noble who spent money without hesitation. The people like that attracted much attention. Soon, someone would approach them.
Perhaps, it would be the guides, information brokers, dealers, or spies. Everyone who wanted a share of that wealth would surely come.
Baston slowly smiled, "Apparently, we wait for the fish to bite."
Luke raised a glass of wine, "Exactly…"
The city below glittered like a sea of gold but Baston knew better. Such places filled with money also hid the darkest secrets.
Luke raised his glass slightly, "Welcome to Luminos City, Baston."
Baston looked down at the streets.
A faint unease crept into his chest. This city was beautiful, too beautiful to miss every section and corner. Such spots like that surely always hid something beneath the surface.
"In this city…" Luke said quietly, "Money can turn you into a king."
Baston nodded slowly, "And what happen if you don't have money?"
Luke smiled faintly, "Then the city will remind you that you were never meant to be here."
Outside the window, Luminos City glittered. It was a paradise of gold and somewhere within it, Luke's uncle was waiting.
Whether as prey or hunter, neither of them knew yet.