By the time Doombringer arrived at the eastern regions, the sky was beginning to get dark, only softly illuminated by the crimson-shaped moon.
As they passed over the towns in this region, Nyx couldn't help but notice the size, buildings, and overall appearance of the walled towns.
Each and every one of them was thrice the size of the town back in the western region. The walls were much higher, and the buildings seemed to be made out of solid stone, adorned with intricate carvings and gleaming silver accents. The town's architecture was fortified and looked pleasing to the eye.
...unlike the crudely built ones found in the western region. Even their clothing seemed very luxurious, made out of the finest cotton. The only town that came close to these towns was the Armstrong duchy.
Nyx had learned from her grandpa that the reason this place looked more developed was that the Royal capital was located in this region. Most of the powerful noble households also resided here. It was the main hub and strength of the Vermilion kingdom. All the kingdom's armory and the headquarters of the Adventure Guild were located here.
"Take the east, and the red crown is yours," Nathan chuckled, recalling an old phrase the enemies liked to use.
Nyx's gaze lingered on a bustling market square, grand fountains, and ornate temples dedicated to the various pantheon gods. Down below, some devoted Awakened were praying.
There was this belief among citizens of Eos that if they prayed diligently to their patron gods, they could grant them a level increase and even awaken rare abilities.
Of course, Nyx didn't know if this worked or not, as she had not tried it herself.
One devotee, a young girl with piercing blue eyes, caught Nox's attention. She wore an elegant white robe embroidered with silver thread, and her silvery-white hair was adorned with a delicate crescent moon clip. The girl seemed to be the same age as Nyx.
Her lips moved in silent supplication, and Nyx sensed a faint glow emanating from her. Suddenly, the girl's eyes snapped open, and she gazed upward, as if sensing Nyx's presence.
The two girls' eyes met before they passed each other, not knowing that fate had something grander in store for both of them.
The grandpa and granddaughter duo soon flew past the town and approached an imposing city wall in the heart of the eastern region... however, the wall was short compared to the towers that could be seen from the outside, piercing the skies.
As they approached the walls, the soldiers who were patrolling there became tense. It was the first time most of them were seeing a wyvern. They thought the flying creature wanted to attack the capital, so they hurriedly reported to the captain in charge of protecting the walls.
"How long has it been since I visited this place? Don't they recognize me?" Nathan's eyes flashed with displeasure as Doombringer's speed decreased greatly. The old man pulled out a golden-plated symbol and flashed it at the guard.
"He's a baron of the kingdom." The soldier there nodded to his friend; still, they didn't allow Nathan to enter the capital freely with his powerful-looking wyvern.
At that moment, a booming voice filled with disappointment pierced the ears of the two guards, startling them. The two guards gulped nervously, staring at their captain and wondering what they'd done wrong.
"You fools, don't you recognize who he is?" The captain, a tall, broad-chested old man, bellowed as he strode forward to the front. He wore a navy blue military uniform with a couple of stars on it. The two guards there received a glare filled with disappointment from him.
"This man there is Nathan Aegis Cromwell, the mad dog!" The captain pointed out, his voice filled with reverence as he added, in a voice filled with raw emotion, "If not for him, most of us would have lost our lives in the war."
"It's the legendary mad dog?"
"It's the first time I'm seeing him!"
Attracted by the commotion, the other guards who were patrolling the walls rushed over and started whispering in hushed voices. These guards were relatively new; they hadn't participated in the war but had heard tales about it from the veterans.
And in all of those tales, this man's name and his son had been mentioned repeatedly. The veterans always talked about them with admiration and reverence.
Now witnessing this living legend riding atop a powerful creature, the guards' whispers grew louder, their eyes sparkling with fascination.
"The mad dog of the west!"
"Nathan Cromwell, the hero of the great war."
"His son was a legend too, but he disappeared. There is a whisper that he died either in the war or after something like that."
Ignoring the whispers of his subordinates, the captain stepped forward.
"Welcome, Lord Cromwell!" The captain bowed deeply, his voice filled with respect.
"Captain Ortega. It's been a long time." Nathan nodded, a smile on his bony face. He was very familiar with this man because he had been a guard for a long time and also participated in the war.
Ortega's eyes widened. "We didn't expect your return, Lord Cromwell. What brings you to the capital?"
"I've come to discuss urgent matters with the king. Prepare an escort," Nathan spoke in a serious voice.
Nyx watched the interaction with a lost expression on her face. Why were these guards being so respectful to her grandpa? It didn't make sense. Yes, she knew he was a baron, but that didn't warrant this level of respect.
Unable to shake off her curiosity, she asked in a low voice, "Grandpa, you're famous?"
Nathan chuckled. "Infamous, perhaps."
She wanted to ask more, but she noticed her grandfather's focus on the front. She looked ahead and saw that they had entered the capital.
Thanks to all those who support *Supreme BeastTamer* with golden tickets and power stones. I really appreciate it... it keeps me motivated to write more chapters.