78: Great Alasin City

Chapter 78: The Great Alasin City

On the tenth day of their journey, the pioneering group led by Arthur finally arrived at the largest city of the Calimshan remnants—the Great Alasin City.

The architecture of this city exuded a strong Calimshan style.

Tall and majestic city walls surrounded it, exquisite palaces dotted the landscape, and magnificent domed temples formed its unique appearance.

Inside the city, streets crisscrossed, and markets bustled.

People wearing headscarves traded goods from various places—local livestock products, handicrafts, and spices and silks from distant lands.

However, Arthur and his group had not yet had the chance to fully appreciate the city's charm.

A squad of soldiers surrounded them.

The leading captain was a middle-aged, strong man with light brown skin, riding an Ax-Beaked Bird, with a magnificent Bending Blade at his waist.

“Who is Jessica Hus?”

He asked loudly in standard Common Tongue.

Arthur rode forward and retorted, “Who is asking?”

The captain scrutinized the noble-looking, extraordinary young man before him.

His tone carried a hint of uncertainty: “Are you Lord Arthur Glamorgan?”

Arthur did not answer, merely observing the other party silently.

Seeing this, the captain reported his name, “I am Majid, Captain of the Esteemed Emir’s Guard.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur slowly stated his name.

“Sir Arthur, the Esteemed Emir has ordered me to arrest the wanted criminal Jessica Hus,” Majid said sternly.

Emir was the Calimshan people's honorific for the highest ruler in the region, also meaning king or chieftain.

Arthur calmly explained, “He is no longer a wanted criminal; as Baron of Qingfeng Valley, I have already pardoned him.”

“And with Evil Wolf Earl as a witness, my attendant can bring you the relevant documents for confirmation.”

“I apologize, Sir Arthur. I only obey the Emir’s orders.”

“As for the pardon document, you can personally present it to the Emir for confirmation.”

At this moment, Godwin came to Arthur’s side and whispered, “My Lord, this is likely another trick by Henry.”

“Otherwise, how could the Emir of this place immediately send someone to arrest Jessica as soon as we entered the city?”

Arthur turned to look at Jessica, who had already stepped forward.

Before he could speak, Jessica took the initiative and said, “My Lord, let them take me.”

“Alright, you go with them first. I will go and explain everything clearly to Rahman II right away; things should be resolved quickly.”

Jessica nodded, dismounted, and walked towards the captain, “I am Jessica Hus.”

The guard captain took out the wanted poster for comparison, and after confirming it was correct, he gestured to his subordinates.

Two strong guards immediately stepped forward and put restraints on Jessica.

“Sir Arthur, thank you for your cooperation. I will take the person now.”

“If you have any questions, you can go to the Great Summer Palace to find the Esteemed Emir.”

After speaking, the captain left with his subordinates, escorting Jessica.

Airo, who had come to meet them, emerged from a small alley and quickly approached Arthur, asking, “Do you want me to rescue him tonight?”

Arthur shook his head: “Just explain things clearly, don't cause more trouble. Have you found a place to stay?”

The reconnaissance team led by Airo was about half a day ahead of the convoy.

Therefore, whenever they reached a town, she would scout ahead to find suitable accommodation for the convoy.

Airo nodded, “The location is a bit remote, but the space is quite ample.”

Arthur called Catherine and instructed, “You and Airo take the convoy to settle down first.”

“Reassure everyone, especially the soldiers; tell them to wait patiently and by no means cause trouble.”

“Then, according to the list I gave you, arrange for people to procure the necessary supplies.”

“I understand,” Catherine replied respectfully.

“Alright, Godwin, you will accompany me to pay a visit to this Esteemed Emir,” Arthur said.

The majestic palace stood like a giant draped in splendid robes, towering in the center of the city.

From afar, the spires of the Great Summer Palace seemed like silver shuttles, piercing straight into the sky.

Twelve domes were arranged in sequence, their blue and green glazed tiles shimmering with strange colors in the sunlight.

Arthur and Godwin dismounted in front of the palace’s main gate.

The horseshoe-shaped archway was over ten meters high, made of heavy bronze, and intricately carved with complex and exquisite patterns.

After stating their purpose, the guards at the gate collected their horses and weapons and sent someone inside to announce their arrival.

After waiting for a while, the two were finally allowed to enter.

Passing through the archway, a huge rectangular courtyard appeared before them.

In the courtyard, marble floor tiles gleamed like mirrors, fountains of various designs flowed gently, and exquisite sculptures were arranged artfully.

Roses, jasmine, lavender, and other exotic flowers competed for beauty, winding paths weaved through them, and tall trees along the main path were lush and green.

Following the main path into the inner court, they entered a spacious and bright hall, where many people were waiting to be summoned by the Emir.

Soon after Arthur entered, a servant came forward and said, “Sir Arthur, the Emir invites you to the Audience Hall for a discussion.”

Arthur and Godwin followed the servant further in.

After walking through a long corridor, the servant added, “The Emir has only invited you alone.”

Arthur took the documents from Godwin’s hand and followed the servant into the hall alone.

The Audience Hall was quite spacious, large enough to accommodate over a hundred people.

Abd al-Rahman II was seated on the throne directly opposite the entrance.

He was not tall, and due to long-term handling of state affairs, his figure had become somewhat stout.

Below the throne stood two nobles in splendid robes and several attendants.

The guards responsible for security stood neatly on both sides.

“No need to bow, Son of the Wolf.” As Arthur approached, Rahman II spoke, “You have come a long way, and I have not fulfilled my duty as a host, instead doing something impolite.”

“I presume you have come to see me so urgently because of that wanted criminal?”

Arthur nodded, “Please forgive me for not having had time to change into suitable clothes, Esteemed Emir.”

“It’s fine,” Rahman II waved his hand, “I see hundreds of people every day.”

“Wealthy merchants, exiled nobles, fawning subjects, and even swineherds, shepherds, and so on.”

“You are not the most impolite one; let us quickly settle this matter.”

Arthur handed the documents in his hand to an attendant nearby, who then passed them to a noble.

Arthur judged that he must be the Vizier, equivalent to Rahman II’s cabinet minister.

After carefully examining the documents, the noble reported to Rahman II, “Esteemed Emir, there is no problem.”

“Since that is the case, then release him,” Rahman II ordered.

This result greatly exceeded Arthur’s expectations.

According to today’s intelligence, he already knew that Henry would make things difficult for him through the local Emir.

He had already prepared countermeasures but did not expect things to proceed so smoothly.

Rahman II smiled and said, “It seems it was just a misunderstanding. Don’t take it to heart, Son of the Wolf.”

“You also know that we Calimshan people find it difficult to move forward under the Amn regime, with limited information, and we have no choice but to act cautiously.”

Arthur quickly responded, “It should be me thanking you for your understanding.”

“Alright, as compensation for this misunderstanding, how about you attend tonight’s banquet?” Rahman II invited.

“It would be my honor,” Arthur bowed in thanks.

Although the misunderstanding was resolved, Arthur began to worry again.

He was unsure what this Emir intended by being so courteous to him.