POV: 3rd person
As the morning sun bathed the city streets in a warm glow, Rinne led the way out of the secret tunnel, with Caius following closely behind. They emerged into the bustling heart of the city, their dark robes blending seamlessly with the crowd.
"We need to keep a low profile," Rinne murmured to Caius as they weaved through the busy streets. "Stay close and avoid drawing attention."
Caius nodded absentmindedly, his gaze wandering to the colorful sights and sounds of the city. He seemed fascinated by the hustle and bustle of the streets, his curiosity was piqued by the diverse array of people.
Rinne kept a watchful eye on this brother of his, gently nudging him back into focus whenever Caius veered off course. Despite his best efforts, Caius's wandering attention continued to pose a challenge as they made their way toward the western district.
After navigating through the streets, they reached their destination—a nondescript building tucked away from prying eyes. Rinne unlocked the door with a set of keys from his spatial ring, and they slipped inside, finding refuge in the quiet house.
"We made it," Rinne said, a sense of relief in his voice, as they stepped into the safety of the hideout.
This hideout was a small two story house in the corner of the city. In the inside, the ground floor comprised a cozy living space, illuminated by the warm glow of a crackling hearth. A sturdy oak table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs.
A narrow staircase led to the upper floor, its steps worn smooth by years of use. On the upper floor was a simple bedroom with straw mattresses spread upon the wooden bed frame, covered by threadbare blankets woven from coarse wool. A solitary window with a glimpse of the bustling city below
"This entire building belongs to me. I always assumed that there would come a day when I had to run away for sometime, that's why the last time I slipped away from the castle I prepared this hideout, just in case." Rinne said as he sat on a chair beside the bed.
Caius nodded, his gaze still lingering on the bustling city beyond the window. His curiosity about the city and its people seemed insatiable, often leading him to lose focus on their actual goal.
"Rinne, the city is amazing! There's so many people, even the aroma coming from those stalls… They're so amazing! I never smelled anything like that!" said Caius as he excitedly peeked through the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the city, not even sparing Rinne a glance.
"Of Course it is. Afterall, this city is directly governed by the Strongheart family."
Indeed, this city is the capital of Aionvasileia, the country ruled by the Strongheart family, Del Ares.
Aionvasileia is one of the biggest kingdoms on the Palaiotera continent, which in turn is the biggest of the eight continents in the world of Alonea.
Aionvasileia is one of the oldest kingdoms, established in the second era by the ancestor and founder of the Strongheart family, Ares von Strongheart.
Though all information regarding who Ares von Strongheart and his feats along with most of the information regarding the second era have been lost, it is undeniable that Ares von Braveheart was a great man for he had once conquered five continents in the world of Alonea.
Perhaps because of how great of a man he was, he still continues to be worshiped by the masses of the Aionvasileia and the descendants of the Strongheart family. In Aionvasileia, people worship Ares von Strongheart more than the gods of the old, and with the Stronghearts being the clan established by Ares von Braveheart they continue to have the utmost trust of the citizens.
But make no mistake, the faith of the citizens is not the result of just one legend. For generations untold, the world has seen the rise and fall of many legends from the Strongheart family.
Other than having the presence of many unbelievable figures, the Stronghearts rule not only increased the living quality of the citizens but also gave a chance for the betterment of the lower class. An academy, famous for receiving students throughout the world, for both the commoners and nobles, tax exemption to farmers, abolishment of slavery, better roads and drainage system, a system of law that is just, an orphanage run directly by the Strongheart family which willingly finds and takes in abandoned children, children who lost their parents and any orphan, position for commoners in the royal court and, the most significant, The Kingsmen, the most revered order in the empire.
The Kingsmen represent an elite order comprising the twelve most powerful individuals in the empire. Any citizen, regardless of their background as a peasant, commoner can challenge a Kingsmen to a duel and, if victorious, can claim their seat. The sole requirement is undying loyalty to the empire and its people.
The Kingsmen are highly regarded and respected throughout the empire for their extraordinary skills and capabilities. Their status is not derived from lineage or noble birth, but through raw talent and relentless effort.
Beyond their prestigious standing, the authority of a Kingsmen is second only to that of the emperor himself. They answer only to him; not even the heir apparent has the authority to command a Kingsmen.
The Kingsmen are even allowed to raise a future their own personal army. Some choose to work alone and some choose to fight alongside their order.
As of the current generation Kingsmen, only 3 of them decided to established their knight order, each in a distant corner of the empire, upholding their duties.
Despite there being only 3 knight orders of the Kingsmen in the current generation, it is said that each order is so overwhelming powerful that if a day came where they could stand united together on the same battlefield then even kingdoms and empires combined they would not be able to withstand their force and would be forced to fold.