By the time their prep time was up, Raiden had already changed twice, checked his reflection in the mirror, and packed his pouch three separate times — once for "necessities," once for "adventure," and finally for "emergency snack coins."

Kent found him in the main hall, pacing in front of the double doors with uncontained energy. "You're going to wear the floor out before we even leave."

Raiden turned, eyes shining. "You're late!"

Kent lifted a brow. "It's barely been thirty minutes since Captain Baren said we should get ready."

"Exactly!" Raiden said, as if that explained everything.

Behind them, Captain Baren approached, strapping his sword belt into place. "If you two are done arguing about the time, we should get going. I'd like to return before the sun disappears."

Raiden saluted dramatically. "Aye, Captain! Lead the way!"

Kent groaned softly. "You're not in the army, Raiden."

"I could be," Raiden said, already walking. "If they let kings join."

Baren chuckled. "Here we go."

The trio stepped out of the estate gates and into their carriage.

Lord Cedric watched them as the trio departed from the estate, his last words being, "I hope nothing goes wrong."

The city stretched out in a sea of rooftops and marble towers, all glittering under the morning light.

Guards in polished armor stood watch along the wide streets. Servants bustled about with parcels. The scent of roasted nuts and fresh bread floated through the air.

Raiden inhaled deeply, grinning from ear to ear. "Ah, the smell of freedom!"

Kent adjusted his gloves. "Smells like bread."

"That too," Raiden said cheerfully.

The people of city knew the Goldheart crest well, tooq well, and many paused to bow or offer respectful greetings as the carriage carrying the young heirs passed.

Raiden, of course, waved enthusiastically at every single one. "Good morning! Morning to you too! Oh, hey— nice hat!"

Kent tugged his arm. "Stop pointing at people, Raiden."

"I'm being friendly!"

"You're being strange."

Baren snorted behind them. "He's fine. Nobles could use a little more of that."

Raiden gave the man a satisfied nod. "See? Even our Captain agrees with me."

"Baren agrees with everyone until they start trouble," Kent muttered.

Raiden placed a hand dramatically on his chest. "Then today, I shall bring him only peace."

The captain shot him a look that said he didn't believe that for a second.

The streets gradually shifted from simple stone to polished cobblestone, lined with shop banners that shimmered in the sunlight.

Here, merchants sold fabrics, rare trinkets, spellbooks, and enchanted jewelry — the ShaltearDistrict, where the wealthiest nobles shopped and trained.

Raiden's eyes widened as soon as he saw the glittering displays. "We're here! Look at this place! It's beautiful!"

They soon got off their carriage deciding that the rest of the journey would be on their legs.

Baren folded his arms. "Remember, your father said no dragons, no cursed items, and no fireworks."

"Right, right," Raiden said absently, already running ahead to the first storefront.

Kent followed, resigned. "Why do I feel like you're about to ignore all of those rules?"

"I'm not!" Raiden said quickly. "Probably."

The first boutique was a dream of color and enchantment. Mannequins wore cloaks that shifted hues in the light, boots that glowed faintly, and hats with runic stitching.

Raiden's gasp echoed across the entire shop. "Look at that one! It changes color when you blink!"

"Please don't touch anything," Kent said automatically.

Baren stood by the door, chuckling. "He's like a cat in a jewelry box."

Raiden darted from one display to another, finally stopping in front of a glass case lined with polished ornaments.

Nestled inside was a small golden crown — simple but radiant, its thin band traced with tiny runes.

Raiden's reflection gleamed back at him.

The shopkeeper, an elderly man with a gentle smile, stepped forward. "Ah, young masters of the Goldheart line. A fine eye, you have. That piece is purely ceremonial, meant for—"

"I'll take it," Raiden said immediately.

Kent blinked. "What?"

Raiden grinned. "Every king needs a crown."

"Raiden—"

But it was too late. Coins clinked across the counter before Kent could finish protesting.

The old shopkeeper carefully handed him the crown. "It's enchanted with a mild charm to keep it clean and untarnished. Wear it proudly."

Raiden slipped it on, turned toward the mirror, and struck a dramatic pose. "Perfect! How do I look?"

Kent covered his face. "Like trouble."

Baren laughed so hard he had to clear his throat to hide it. "You look… royal enough, I suppose."

"Then it's settled," Raiden said, straightening his back. "From this day forth, I am Raiden Goldheart, King of Humans."

A few customers turned to look. Someone actually clapped.

Kent groaned softly. "We're never coming back here again."

After that, Raiden was unstoppable. He bought trinkets, belts, enchanted gloves that hummed faintly with stored mana, and a pair of glass spheres that glowed when tossed.

Baren made sure to check every item for safety, muttering, "Your father's going to think I lost my mind letting you near all this."

Kent bought nothing, keeping his hands clasped behind his back as he watched his brother flit from shop to shop like an excited bird.

But Raiden wasn't having that.

"Come on, Kent," he said, tugging his brother toward a jewelry stall. "You've got to get something too."

"I don't need—"

"Just one thing," Raiden insisted.

"Something cool. Something that says, 'I'm the quiet but secretly awesome brother of the king.'"

Baren grinned. "That description's surprisingly accurate."

Kent gave up with a sigh. "Fine. One thing."

He eventually settled on a sleek black bracelet inlaid with a small sapphire gem — simple, refined, elegant.

Raiden's grin was radiant. "Yes! It suits you perfectly. You look all serious and mysterious now."

Kent rolled his eyes, but couldn't hide a small smile. "You're impossible."

"Impossible," Raiden said proudly, "is my middle name."

They continued wandering through the market, Raiden still wearing his new golden crown.

Everywhere they went, people stared — not rudely, but in amused curiosity.

"Good day, citizens!" Raiden called cheerfully to a group of merchants. "Your king greets you!"

Kent muttered through his teeth, "Stop that."

Baren just chuckled. "He's got spirit. You've got to give him that."

At one point, a small child tugged on his mother's skirt, pointing at Raiden. "Mama, is that a real king?"

Raiden who could be considered a child, bent down slightly and whispered to the boy, "Almost."

The child's eyes widened with wonder as Raiden winked and continued walking.

Kent shook his head. "You're incorrigible."

"I'm memorable," Raiden corrected.

Baren laughed. "He's not wrong either."

Further down the street lay the open-air shooting plaza — an area where noble heirs trained under their family banners.

The sound of mana bolts striking targets echoed through the square. Young nobles in fine training attire practiced their aim, some bowing slightly as they noticed the Goldheart insignia.

Raiden stopped to watch, eyes gleaming. "Look at them! We should've brought our training gear."

Kent crossed his arms. "We came to rest, not spar."

"I could still take a few of them," Raiden said confidently.

"You couldn't," Kent replied dryly.

"I could if I tried really hard."

Baren chuckled. "Save it for when your father's not watching. He'd have my head if you start a duel in public."

Raiden sighed theatrically. "Fine. I'll spare them today."

"Merciful king," Kent murmured.

"Exactly!" Raiden said, missing the sarcasm entirely.

As the day grew brighter, they entered a quieter section filled with jewelry shops and silversmiths.

Raiden slowed his pace here, more thoughtful now, scanning every storefront like he was searching for something specific.

Kent noticed. "Looking for another crown already?"

Raiden laughed softly. "No. I just… like seeing what people make. Every piece tells a story, right?"

Baren looked at him, slightly surprised at the rare moment of calm. "That's a mature thought for you."

Raiden shrugged. "Even kings appreciate art."

Kent actually smiled. "There might be hope for you yet."

Raiden pretended to glare. "I'll take that as a compliment."

They were about to turn back when the aroma hit them — rich, savory, and laced with spice.

Raiden froze mid-step. His head turned slowly toward the source like a hound catching a scent.

Baren and Kent followed his gaze to the building at the end of the lane: tall, elegant, with crystal windows and golden lanterns hanging from carved pillars.

The sign read...

The Golden Scoop Garden — Fine Dining for Nobles.

Outside, carriages waited as elegantly dressed families entered and exited. Laughter drifted through the open doors, mingling with the scent of roasted meat and honeyed bread.

Raiden's eyes went huge. "We're eating there!"

Kent blinked. "Raiden, that place costs more than our pocket money."

"Then it must be worth it!" Raiden said, already stepping forward.

Baren raised a brow. "You sure your father wanted you spending his coin like this?"

Raiden grinned. "He said, 'Buy whatever you want.' Those were his exact words!"

Kent sighed. "I'm certain he didn't mean 'a restaurant fit for kings.'"

He was even more certain their father hadn't said anything about buying whatever they wanted.

"Exactly why it's perfect," Raiden said, tapping his crown with a smug smile. "Because a king deserves a royal meal."

Baren muttered, "This is going to end badly…"

Raiden didn't even slow down. "Come on, you two! You're walking with royalty! Pick up the pace!"

Kent exchanged a look with Baren — the kind of look that said, we're doomed — before following their self-declared king toward the glowing doors of the Moonlight Garden.

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