The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 156 - 155. The Capital of Rosefall Kingdom

Chapter 156: 155. The Capital of Rosefall Kingdom

The flying boat soared gracefully through the sky, cutting through the clouds as it travelled across the vast countryside. Its sleek, streamlined design gleamed under the sun, crafted from a blend of lightweight metals and enchanted wood, allowing it to move swiftly and silently. The hull was etched with intricate arrays that not only enhanced its speed but also created a shimmering aura around it, masking its presence from prying eyes. Its sails, made from enchanted fabric, caught the wind effortlessly, guiding the boat with a steady purpose.

Inside the flying boat, Tyler, Lily, and Isadora were nestled in a cozy, well-furnished cabin. The interior was as refined as the exterior, with plush seats and a small table in the center where Tyler and Isadora were engaged in a game of poker. Meanwhile, Lily, disguised like the others, was at the helm, her hands steady on the controls as she piloted the vessel with practiced ease.

Tyler glanced at his cards and sighed. "It’s kind of boring," he remarked, his tone flat.

"Is it because you’re losing?" Isadora teased, raising an eyebrow.

"tsk tsk... No, it’s because it’s boring," Tyler replied, shaking his head.

Isadora rolled her eyes and threw her cards down in frustration. "What does that even mean? Even your boring monologue makes me lose interest."

Tyler grinned, leaning back in his seat. "So, why are you called Manhunter?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Isadora smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Because I suck men dry," she answered with a casual shrug.

"Oh... And can you suck me dry too?" Tyler asked, his tone playful yet completely deadpan.

"What?" Isadora was taken back.

"What?" Tyler echoed.

Before the banter could continue, Lily interrupted them, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "Enough flirting. We’re about to leave the island and head to the Rosefall capital. It looks like the capital is going to be lively."

Tyler and Isadora exchanged a glance before turning their attention to the window. Outside, the vast sea stretched out below them, dotted with ships of all sizes. Most of them were unmistakably pirate ships, their black sails billowing in the wind as they made their way toward the capital.

"Huh... Looks like everyone’s expecting the Labyrinth to open," Tyler mused aloud. The rumours of Astrid’s capture and the King’s illness had spread quickly, and now there was a chance that the fabled Labyrinth might be unlocked-a treasure trove that had drawn pirates and adventurers alike.

Lily’s gaze remained focused on the horizon, "They will probably seal the borders to prevent pirates causing havoc."

Tyler sat back, his mind whirring with curiosity about the Labyrinth. He had heard whispers and rumors, but the specifics eluded him. Yet, with Isadora sitting across from him, he couldn’t simply ask outright—he is acting like he already knows everything about the Labyrinth.

"So," Tyler began, shuffling the deck of cards absentmindedly. "The capital’s going to be a madhouse with all these pirates sniffing around. They must be desperate for whatever’s inside that Labyrinth."

Isadora glanced up, her sharp eyes catching the slight hesitation in his voice. "Desperate is an understatement. Some of these pirates would sell their own mothers for a chance to get inside."

"Can’t blame them," Tyler said, leaning forward as if in deep thought. "Not every day you get a shot at something that ancient. Imagine the kind of relics or lost techniques that could be hidden in there. It’s almost... predictable."

Isadora tilted her head, intrigued. "Predictable? What do you mean?"

Tyler shrugged casually, as though it were common knowledge. "Well, the Labyrinth’s been around for ages, right? A place like that... it’s bound to attract attention. But it’s not just the treasure, is it? There’s got to be more. I mean, anyone who knows anything about history would know what’s really important there."

Isadora’s gaze narrowed, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "You’re not wrong, but you make it sound like you’ve got it all figured out. Care to enlighten me?"

Tyler feigned a nonchalant smile, but inside, he knew he had to play this carefully. "Oh, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise for you. But let’s just say, when you’ve been around as long as I have, you start to notice patterns. Ancient places like the Labyrinth... they tend to have something more than just gold and artefacts. Something... essential."

He watched Isadora closely, gauging her reaction. He needed her to fill in the blanks, to give him the answers without realizing she was doing it.

Isadora chuckled, clearly entertained by his cryptic approach. "Essential, huh? Well, if you’re referring to the clues about that ancient treasure, you’re on the right track. But I doubt even you know what’s at the heart of it."

Tyler leaned back, playing along. "Oh? And what might that be?"

She leaned in, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "The Immortal Spark. They say it’s hidden deep within the Labyrinth, guarded by ancient mechanisms and trials. Whoever finds it... well, you know what an Immortal spark, right?"

Tyler nodded, satisfied with the direction the conversation had taken. Isadora had unknowingly revealed exactly what he needed to know, and all without him asking directly. The Labyrinth was more than just a maze of trials—it has an Immortal Spark. Tyler knew that even with a lot of money it’s not easy to buy it.

---

The Capital of Rosefall Kingdom

As the flying boat glided through the air, the majestic capital of the Rosefall Kingdom came into view. The city was a breathtaking sight, nestled on a small island entirely devoted to the grandeur of the capital. At its heart, a towering castle rose high above the surrounding buildings, its spires reaching toward the heavens like a beacon of power and authority. The castle, with its gleaming white stone and intricate architecture, was the crown jewel of the island, visible from miles away.

The city sprawled outward from the castle in concentric circles, each ring of buildings reflecting a different era and style, blending seamlessly into a cohesive whole. Tall, elegant towers and grand estates lined the streets closest to the castle, while farther out, the architecture became more modest, with smaller homes and bustling markets filling the spaces between.

Encircling the entire island was a massive stone wall, its height and thickness a testament to the kingdom’s desire for security and protection. The wall was dotted with watchtowers, and from their vantage points, guards kept a vigilant eye on the horizon and the sea beyond. The only way into the capital was through a single, heavily fortified gate, where all who sought entry had to pass through a thorough inspection by the kingdom’s guards.

As the flying boat descended, Tyler, Lily, and Isadora could see the bustling activity below. The capital was alive with movement—merchants peddling their wares, travelers making their way toward the gate, and citizens going about their daily lives. The island might have been small, but it was a hive of energy and purpose.

The flying boat hovered just outside the capital’s airspace, where it was forced to stop. "No flying boats allowed within the city limits," Lily reminded them as they prepared to disembark. Tyler nodded, and the three of them leaped gracefully from the boat, landing lightly on the cobblestone path below.

The atmosphere near the gate was charged with anticipation. A long line of people—merchants, adventurers, and travelers from all walks of life—snaked its way toward the entrance, each person waiting to be checked by the guards before they could enter the city. The guards were thorough, inspecting papers, belongings, and even casting spells to detect any signs of deception or danger.

Tyler, Lily, and Isadora joined the line, moving steadily forward with the crowd. As they approached the gate, Tyler glanced around, noting the tension in the air. Everyone here was eager to enter the capital, especially with the Labyrinth’s rumoured opening drawing near. But the process was slow, and the guards showed no signs of hurrying.

When it was finally Tyler’s turn to be checked, the guard stepped forward, his expression stern as he prepared to question them. But before he could say a word, Isadora moved ahead, her dark eyes locking onto the guard’s. She leaned in close, whispering something too soft for Tyler or Lily to hear. The guard’s stern expression faltered, his eyes glazing over slightly as Isadora’s words took hold.

Without another word, the guard nodded absently and stepped aside, allowing them to pass through the gate without further scrutiny. Tyler glanced at Isadora, who walked past the guard with a faint, knowing smile on her lips.

Once they were inside, Tyler couldn’t help but chuckle softly. "That was impressive," he said, glancing over at Isadora. "Your hypnosis is as effective as it is terrifying."

Isadora chuckled and she moved closer to Tyler’s ear, "Well, I have even more impressive tricks in bed. Wanna try?"

Phantom Blackwood, Temptress and the Manhunter entered the capital.