The morning sun of the Valderian Empire gleamed down upon the middle wall district, casting golden light across the bustling cobbled streets. Merchant stalls lined the avenue like a chaotic mosaic of color—fruits in pyramid displays, bolts of fine silk fluttering like banners, and hawkers shouting the merits of their wares in rhythmic chants. Horses trotted past, their hooves clacking against stone, and the general hum of daily life echoed through the alleys and plazas.
But suddenly, the commotion faltered. Heads turned, and voices dropped into hushed awe. From around the corner rolled a luxurious, obsidian-black carriage, carved with silver accents that shimmered like moonlight. Its wheels bore the stylized crest of a scorpion—sharp and intricate. The symbol of House Obrechtz.
"That's... the Obrechtz crest, isn't it?"
"Yeah, yeah! Look at those guards!"
"Heavily armored... those are A-rank knights, no doubt. What's a duchal house like that doing here in the middle wall?"
