In the capital’s territory, even the post stations meant for temporary resting and changing clothes were exquisitely furnished and magnificent.
It was a completely different world from where Joen used to live, resembling a fragile dream woven from gold and velvet.
Joen had just washed away the dust of the journey.
With Liya, who looked like a soft Christmas hat, perched on his head, he looked around the room.
He felt curious about every piece of unfamiliar furniture, poking the touch-controlled Magic Guide Lamp on the wall repeatedly and fiddling with the temperature control box that automatically blew warm air.
Suddenly, Leopold, the court steward sent by the Emperor to arrange the reception, walked in solemnly.
He led two attendants who were pushing a small cart carrying heavy armor.
“Hero, this is the exclusive armor His Majesty the King has commissioned from all the master craftsmen in the Empire Capital. They have spent a vast amount of rare materials and poured their hearts into creating this for you. It is also a small token of gratitude from the King to a hero.”
The red silk covering the display case was gently pulled back.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Joen felt as if he saw a cold yet brilliant starlight that instantly illuminated the entire room and his suddenly widened brown pupils.
It was a set of full-plate armor forged from Star Vibranium.
The surface was not a gaudy silver, but a deep ink blue, as if the craftsmen had directly cut out the clearest piece of the winter night sky.
Countless tiny specks of stardust were embedded in the metal’s texture, flickering with a charming and brilliant shimmer that seemed to breathe as the light shifted.
The pauldrons were cast in the shape of roaring wolf heads, with lines that were smooth yet firm.
On the breastplate, an extremely complex high-level magic defense array was inscribed, with flowing Magic Power plating the surface of the armor with a faint, ethereal barrier.
Next to the helmet stood a small card with gold stamping, containing only a single line of elegant writing:
“To the sword of the Empire — Hero Joen. With this armor, protect my immortal hero.”
Joen stared blankly at the set of armor, his breathing becoming cautious.
To a warrior, armor, swords, and mounts were often the most valuable things they possessed.
They were the items they were most willing to spend money on, almost like a second life.
What man wouldn’t like such a majestic set of armor?
The set the Imperial Princess had tried to bribe him with last time was already tempting enough, but compared to this one, it was even more precious and imposing.
It was simply a work of art, a divine object that should only exist in the songs of bards.
He reached out his hand, his fingertips gently touching the cold surface.
The smooth sensation, like stroking flowing water, made his heart tremble.
*Sss…*
A sharp sting came from his fingertips, and Joen suddenly retracted his hand as if he had been shocked by electricity.
Catching a glimpse of the water mark he had just left, he quickly grabbed a precious silk scarf from the wall and wiped it carefully, afraid of affecting the armor’s maintenance.
“It’s too precious…”
Joen murmured to himself.
Then, as if he had thought of something, he looked up at Liya, who was fast asleep on his head.
“Lord Steward,” Joen scratched the back of his ear, feeling a bit embarrassed, “could I trouble you… to also prepare a new set of clothes for my ‘friend’? I want her to join me and look beautiful for this ceremony.”
Steward Leopold was slightly stunned.
His gaze swept over the Pupu before he immediately displayed the astounding professional standard and efficiency of the Imperial court.
“As you wish, Lord Duke.”
Only fifteen minutes later, a beautiful, miniature formal dress sewn from light blue velvet was delivered, even coming with a tiny gemstone crown.
When Joen was fully dressed and stood before the floor-length mirror, he could hardly recognize the majestic knight in the reflection.
His original greenness and simple honesty were entirely hidden, replaced by a suffocating sense of bravery and lethal intent.
His tall shadow was projected on the wall, stretching into the shape of a towering mountain peak.
The deep blue battle armor hugged his burly frame, making his aura even more imposing.
He walked out of the room.
In the lobby of the post station, three ladies in full dress had already been waiting for a long time.
Yuna wore a pure white Saintess robe embroidered with gold, making her look even more holy and ethereal.
When she saw Joen walking down the stairs, her deep blue eyes instantly lit up.
She opened her mouth, then paused for a few seconds, seemingly embarrassed to speak.
However, she eventually broke the awkwardness herself.
“Joen… your new armor is very beautiful. Right now… you look like a divine knight stepped right out of the murals of Valhalla…”
“Is it really that exaggerated?”
Margaret gave a soft laugh.
She wore a crimson dragon-pattern gown representing the Royal Family, her chin tilted up proudly.
Her gaze lingered on Joen for a long time before she pretended to look away nonchalantly.
“It’s passable, barely presentable. Compared to when my King was young and dominated the battlefield, you’re still far off,” she said with a slightly awkward tone.
Even the usually eccentric Ailita had changed into a solemn emerald-green gown.
She rested her chin on one hand, squinting at Joen with a smile as if reminiscing.
“How nostalgic… seeing you so full of energy reminds me of my younger days…”
The air suddenly went silent for a few seconds.
Yuna and Margaret both looked strangely at the slender Elf.
Ailita shrugged innocently and retorted righteously, “What? Does the Imperial Law state that a female Elf cannot wear heavy plate armor and go on a rampage? Back in the day, I was a Berserker for a few years. I slashed my way with two blades from the North Realm all the way to Lingnan, hey-ho…”
“Ahem.”
Steward Leopold coughed twice at the right moment, reminding them that time was short.
“My Lords and Ladies, the auspicious hour has arrived. Please follow me to get used to your new mounts.”
Outside the post station, four tall and powerful strange creatures were snorting.
Those were not ordinary mounts, but pure-blooded Holy Spirit Dragons.
Because they also possessed the bloodline of the Dragon race and had a very celestial appearance, the Empire regarded them as an Auspicious Omen.
They were only brought out for major festivals or ceremonies.
The Holy Spirit Dragon was shaped like a horse but was much more robust.
Its body was covered in soft, snow-white scales, and it had one long, crystal-clear horn on its forehead.
As its four hooves hit the ground, a faint light shimmered.
Joen flipped himself onto the mount, and Liya clung tightly to Joen’s new armor.
She had to admit that the inner lining of the armor was well-designed; it was much more comfortable to sit on than the old “Gundam.”
The wind blew against her soft, pink face.
She looked around, sincerely admiring the splendor of this grand ceremony.
Although she had come to the Empire Capital in the past while hiding her identity, participating in such a grand event was a first for her.
Her biggest impression was that there were so many people in the capital, and their style was truly extravagant.
She couldn’t help but compare it to her own “coronation ceremony” — the simplicity and chaos of the latter, looking back, could almost make her laugh in frustration.
‘This should be the most glorious and unforgettable day of Joen’s life, right?’
Liya thought secretly.
Joen’s face was covered by the helmet, so his expression was hidden, but Liya could feel the heat in the Hero’s chest.
This was her unique advantage as a Pupu.
It made sense.
‘The spring breeze carries my joy as my horse gallops fast; in a single day, I have seen all the flowers of Chang’an.’
Since ancient times, what young person wouldn’t dream of such a moment of triumph?
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