Chapter 3 “The tryrant and villainess ” part 3
Finally, the carriage came to a slow stop.
A long line of carriages stretched across the bridge, one after another, waiting patiently.
Guards moved in an orderly manner, checking each vehicle before allowing entry into Aqualis.
Nexas stepped down first.
Ai followed closely behind him.
Their carriage was taken away by armored guards for inspection.
The wheels rolled off toward a secured area, leaving the two of them standing near the gate.
Ai looked around, eyes wide.
“So many people…are in line”
Merchants, nobles, travelers—everyone stood in lines that barely seemed to move.
Boxes, crates, and sealed wagons were everywhere.
The air buzzed with quiet chatter and impatience.
Ai leaned closer to Nexas. “Why is the line so long? Aren't they allowed to enter inside”
Nexas folded his arms. “Inspection”
He glanced at the massive gate ahead. Blue crystal pillars glowed faintly, forming a protective barrier above the bridge.
“This city doesn’t take risks,” he continued. “Every carriage is checked for monsters, illegal goods, and cursed items”
Ai nodded slowly. “That sounds troublesome.”
“For merchants, yes,” Nexas replied. “For the city, it’s survival because of the barrier protection for the outside not inside and people are not easy to trust”
A man in polished blue armor approached them.
His cape bore the crest of Aqualis—a trident wrapped in waves.
“I am the Gate Captain,it's nice to meet you sir Nexas el dreadbrone” the man said formally.
“Please follow me to the waiting area”
Ai straightened at once.
Nexas simply nodded.
They were guided past several groups into a quieter space near the inner gate. From there, they could see the city clearly—canals glimmering under the sun, ships moving slowly at the docks.
Ai whispered, impressed, “So this is Aqualis up close…”
Nexas looked ahead, expression calm. “This is only the entrance.”
He paused, then added, “The real chaos starts inside.”
Ai smiled. “Sounds fun.”
Nexas sighed.
Nexas glanced at the gate captain.
At least this one wasn’t shaking in fear because he was a knight. That alone was rare.
Still, the moment the guards noticed the red wolf crest on his cloak, everything sped up. Papers were taken.
Boxes were opened. Spells were scanned.
“So fast…” Nexas muttered.
<It really does feel like an airport security from my past life.>
He turned his head—and froze.
Ai was standing to the side, happily chewing on something.
Munch. Munch.???
“…Ai,” Nexas said slowly.
Munch.MUNCH!!??
“What are you eating?”
Ai kept chewing, eyes bright.
nexas look at his face say
“…Sea bread?”
She nodded seriously.
“They sell it near the inspection tents.”nexas continue
MUNCHING!!!!.
“Warm. Slightly salty. Very soft.”
She paused, then added honestly, “yes.”
Nexas stared at her. “You were already hungry?”
Ai swallowed. “I got hungry while waiting.”
He sighed. “At least finish eating before talking.”
Somehow, he understood her words perfectly—even through the nonstop munching.
Ai finally gulped the bread down.
“This is so good.”
Her eyes sparkled dangerously. “Master, I want to run and find more food.”
“No,” Nexas replied instantly.
“But Aqualis smells amazing,” she insisted. “Fish. Soup. Grilled things.”
Nexas hesitated, then spoke calmly, “your sense is too sharp okay If you behave…”Ai leaned closer.
“…we can go to the Aqualis port later there is a lot of fresh seafood”
Her eyes lit up like stars. “Seafood?”
“Yes. Real seafood,” Nexas said. “Things we don’t get in our land.”
Ai clenched her fists. “I will behave perfectly.”
Nexas looked away. “That’s the scariest promise you’ve made today.”
Ai smiled brightly.
The inspection was finally over, and the carriage rolled smoothly through the streets of Aqualis.
From the window, Nexas could see the city bathed in shades of blue and teal—the sea, fountains, and ocean reflections mixing with the busy streets.
As they moved further from the gate, Ai chatted lightly with the coachman.
“Take a short rest,” she said. “After that, we head to the port.”
Nexas nodded. He lifted his magic sword and draped his cape to hide his clothes for a few minutes.
<At least this gives me a little breathing room, >
he thought.
Ai also pulled her cape tighter around herself, and they stepped out into the bustling market.
“Master,” Ai asked, eyes scanning the crowd, “is it okay not to go to the Duke’s house first?”
Nexas shook his head. “It’s fine. I don’t think they’re dying to see me, and we arrived on time anyway. Let’s take a short break.”
He glanced at Ai. “By the way, which color do you think looks good?”
They wandered through the market, taking in the clothes of Aqualis.
The air was slightly cold because near the water, and everyone wore long sleeves.
For men, the traditional attire was blue tunics with wave embroidery, white trousers, silver sashes, and optional short cloaks.
For women, it was flowing silk robes, layered aqua chiffon, bell sleeves, pearl or coral accessories, and half-up braids or buns decorated with ribbons and Same for kids
Nexas noticed Ai had vanished from his side, lost in the shop again
She held up a pair of seashell earrings and whispered, “Master, I think Mistress would like these.”
Nexas raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think that?”
She smirked slightly. “Intuition. Just a hunch.”
Nexas sighed.“ Of course it’s a hunch…”
They continued to explore the market, the salt air from the port mixing with the scent of fabric and spices, while Nexas silently wondered if Ai’s intuition was ever wrong.
The Aqualis Port stretched across the bay, floating docks at its center, glowing canal streets winding between them.
To the east, the market district and warehouses buzzed with trade, while the noble quarters rose on polished terraces, each with private docks.
A mage tower pier jutted into the bay, and bridges of stone and crystal connected the districts.
Fountain squares shimmered under lantern light.
The harbor watchtower loomed over every ship, and the festival plaza waited silently for the next lantern celebration.
Ai’s eyes widened as she spotted a ship on the horizon. “Master… are those pirates?”
Nexas groaned. “Shut up. Do you really think pirates could get past that barrier easily?”
Ai tilted her head, unimpressed. “You’re boring.”
Nexas sighed. “Just eat your food.”
They were sitting outside a small restaurant, its terrace offering a perfect view of the port.
For Ai, eating outside was a novelty, and she marveled at the experience.
She took a bite of the grilled fish. “Wow… this is so good, Master!”
“Of course,” Nexas said, glancing toward the kitchen where an old lady carefully cooked each fish.
“ Fresh stock every day… that’s why the port is famous, ”he said.
He returned his gaze to the port, noting the movement of ships and the hum of activity.
Suddenly, Ai froze mid-bite. “Master… this energy… it’s coming from outside the barrier!”
Nexas’s eyes narrowed. “Where?”
They turned just in time to see an incoming ship under attack by an aquatic monster, water churning violently around it.
Ai’s fork clattered to the table. “Master… what is that?!”
Nexas stood instantly, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. “Stay calm. Don’t act… let's go to check”
The peaceful port, once so serene under lantern light, suddenly felt alive with danger.
The Coral Maw—a crab-like beast with jagged coral spikes circling its massive jaw—clung to the ship.
Medium-sized but vicious, it had six powerful claws, swinging at the sailors scrambling across the deck.
Another Coral Maw was moving toward the ship’s edge, coming dangerously close to the part of the deck outside the barrier.
Nexas and Ai arrived on the deck, their presence immediately drawing attention.
Ai’s eyes widened, her hands tightening into fists. “Why aren’t they moving outside yet? At this rate, the monster will destroy everything!”
Nexas glanced at her calmly. “It’s because of the barrier. ”
“If they step outside, the monsters will get into the city.”
Ai huffed, frustration and anger burning in her chest. She gritted her teeth. “But if we just—just attack now, maybe we can save them!”
Nexas put a hand on her shoulder, keeping his voice steady. “Ai, calm down. This isn’t our place to take action yet. ”
“If we intervene recklessly, we could make things worse.”
Ai’s jaw tightened. Her eyes were fixed on the Coral Maw, a killing intent simmering just beneath the surface.
Nexas sighed, watching the sailors struggle.
< If the guards don’t act soon, the ship won’t survive long… >
he thought.
He turned his gaze back to Ai, who was still tense. “I know you want to act,”
he said softly, “but sometimes patience is the deadliest weapon.”
Ai let out a quiet growl, her eyes never leaving the Coral Maw.
The sea churned violently around the struggling ship, and the stakes were clear: every second counted.
