I was third in line to enter the royal capital, Goldcrest.
After a few moments of hustle and bustle, I was called forward by the guard for inspection. I walked ahead and stopped before him. He looked at my face and flipped through the sketches in his hand.
While he did that, I looked around.
Suddenly, I heard, "Give your bag."
I picked up my bag and handed it to the guard. He took the bag and said,"You've got a nice tattoo. What's the meaning of this broken rope circle?"
"It's just a design," I replied.
While the guard went through my bag, I let my eyes wander and met the gaze of the royal knights standing behind him. I felt the hostility in their eyes after the tattoo was revealed. One of them grinned.
I looked back at the guard.
He closed the bag, handed it to me, and said, "Welcome to the royal capital."
"Thank you," I replied.
I moved past the guard and entered the massive capital gate. It was so large that a dragon could walk through it without touching the walls.
I walked beside the other travelers and finally took in the city of Goldcrest.
The streets were alive with noise. People who had entered with me searched for horse carts to reach their destinations.
I planned to stay for a few days, earn some money, and leave the capital as soon as possible for Silvercross.
Suddenly, my stomach growled.
I noticed an inn ahead of me and decided I would have my lunch there.