Dilia walked at the very front with His Majesty Qiao'an, chatting and laughing. Her words were witty and clever, drawing hearty laughter from His Majesty again and again.
His Majesty Qiao'an, Dilia, Master Longers, Kenion, and Lanke led the way, followed closely by palace attendants, handmaidens, and a large contingent of powerful knights.
Most of the nobles trailed along at a distance.
"What a beautiful woman." A group of young nobles had gathered together in the imperial capital. These young men held extremely high status — among them were princes and scions of great families. They had grown up without a care in the world, and having banded together, they were untouchable in the capital.
The one who spoke was Marquis Jifu, son of Prince Yulin.
"Her name seems to be Dilia," said a noble youth beside him — none other than the empire's eighth prince, Scott. "So beautiful, so poised — you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone like her in the whole capital."
Marquis Jifu, Prince Scott, and their whole crew of capital playboys openly sized her up from afar.
And indeed, Dilia possessed a charm that drew them in.
Her every gesture carried the bearing of an ancient noble bloodline. As a seventh-level mage, even her walk had an effortless grace — and then there was her lovely face, and those golden locks flowing and silken, radiant as the sun itself.
Scott sighed. "Dilia hails from the Lane family. She was once a student at Ernst Academy, and now she's the disciple of Master Longers, a Wind System Saint Grand Mage. In the capital of the Yulan Empire, she's one of the most sought-after noblewomen — countless young nobles have tried to win her heart."
Marquis Jifu's eyes gleamed as he gazed at Dilia's graceful figure in the distance. "If I could win her over, I'd be willing to never look at another woman again."
"That's quite the resolve, Cousin Jifu," Scott said with a grin.
"You bet!" Jifu confirmed without hesitation.
His Majesty Qiao'an was fiercely protective of his own. His only younger brother, Prince Yulin, was the object of his deepest concern — he had even granted him stewardship over one of the seven great provinces, the Southeast Province.
By extension, Marquis Jifu enjoyed the Emperor's favor as well. His standing in the capital was extraordinary. That whole circle of noble rascals took their lead from him and Scott.
"If you're that determined, cousin, I won't fall behind," Scott said with a confident smile. "Let's see which one of us two can win over Miss Dilia."
"Deal." Jifu nodded, a sly smile crossing his face. "If either of us succeeds, it'll be a triumph for the men of the O'Brien Empire. After all, even the young nobles of the Yulan Empire couldn't manage it."
"Surely Miss Dilia and Master Longers must be weary from your journey. In that case, I'll arrange for you to rest first. In the evening, there will be a welcoming banquet in your honor. How does that sound?" His Majesty Qiao'an paused as they reached Fushi Road and addressed Dilia.
The mansions along Fushi Road were all built by the royal family.
The crown granted these mansions to certain nobles or used them to accommodate distinguished guests. They were not the sort of property that money alone could buy.
"Then we shall follow Your Majesty's arrangements," Dilia replied with a smile.
Just then, Scott and Marquis Jifu hurried forward from behind. They both knew that the Emperor was about to part ways with Miss Dilia, and they had to seize the moment.
Given their status, the guards did not obstruct them.
"Miss Dilia, Master Longers is surely not too familiar with the capital. Allow me to arrange a guide for you," His Majesty Qiao'an offered with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Dilia said gratefully.
"Father." "Your Majesty." At that instant, Scott and Marquis Jifu's eyes lit up, and they called out in unison without the slightest hesitation.
His Majesty Qiao'an turned to find his son and his nephew standing there.
"Scott, Jifu — what is it?" The Emperor was in particularly fine spirits today.
Marquis Jifu spoke first, respectfully. "Your Majesty mentioned arranging a guide. Scott and I know the capital as well as we know our own homes. We were thinking — if we served as guides, we're certain Miss Dilia would be satisfied."
His Majesty Qiao'an listened, then glanced between Jifu and Scott. How could he fail to see through their intentions?
Still, the Emperor thought Dilia was quite the catch. If his nephew or son could win her over, all the better.
"I should ask Miss Dilia's opinion, however." His Majesty Qiao'an turned to her. "Miss Dilia, what do you think?"
Dilia looked at Scott and Marquis Jifu. The two of them immediately straightened up, putting on the air of refined gentlemen. A glimmer of amusement passed through Dilia's eyes.
"Then I'll have to trouble you both," Dilia said with a slight bow.
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all," Scott and Marquis Jifu said in quick succession.
Beside Dilia, the corner of Master Longers' mouth curved into a faint smile. How could he not know his own disciple? Back in the Yulan Empire's capital, who knew how many men had pursued Dilia — with her skills, she could play them all like puppets in the palm of her hand.
"Envoy, this is where you'll be staying during your time in the capital," a palace attendant said, gesturing toward a mansion up ahead.
Marquis Jifu was quick to chime in. "Miss Dilia, Fushi Road is one of the most famous streets in our O'Brien Empire's capital. Several Saint-level powerhouses live here. Our empire's Sword Saint prodigy Olivia and her brother, for instance — they reside on Fushi Road as well. And the even more remarkable Master Lin Lei and his brother also make their home here."
Marquis Jifu continued talking as he followed the group into the mansion.
"Indeed — those two prodigies are remarkable by any measure across the entire Yulan Continent," Scott added, not to be outdone.
When Dilia heard their words, a complicated look flickered in her eyes — though she quickly reassumed her warm smile.
"That's not necessarily so," came a deep, resonant voice from the big bear beside them.