That was not even considering the fact that this was only one road. The next few blocks all had a similar number of shops, if not more, making for hundreds or thousands of these establishments all over.

The competition had to be crazy, but with such a high population, these shops might not be struggling all that much looking at how much was imported, as well as the daily patronage.

The next band was the residential areas, with neatly arranged homes that were similar to suburban homes on Earth. Yet, these buildings were considered high-class.

It was impossible for a city to be this… shiny, but Ando City was different. By law, one was prohibited from living inside unless one had a certain amount of wealth stored in the Bank of Andrato.

Every resident was obligated by law to open an account with the bank and store their capital wealth as a person. It was basically a savings account where the money could not be withdrawn unless there was a just cause.

There was no need for premium payments into it from a salary or monthly upkeep, but the balance of the account could not go below a certain amount lest the offender would be evicted from the city.

Naturally, one's stored money would be returned, and space would be freed up for a new chipper resident with wealth and confidence in themselves that they could make something of their existence in the capital city.

Darius had learned a lot about Andrato Kingdom's capital because it had unsurprisingly had the most books dedicated to it. Coupled with the fact that he had already received an up to date map of the city which he was referring to mentally, he led Gunner to the center of the city, where the Royal Castle lay.

After the residential band was the industrial one, and finally, the classy band. Here, a smaller wall separated the 'outer city' from the 'inner city', where the noble residences and the royal castle were stationed.

Of course, the official reason was that this was for defensive purposes, but Darius knew keenly that this was just an excuse to create a sense of exclusion and distance from the 'peasants'.

Every town and city was doing something like this, even Listo. However, Ando City was the most direct in cutting the world off from the high society nobles. An interesting consequence of this action was that they were stuck with each other within their inner city.

As such, the competition and battle between noble houses here were far more intense and brutal than anywhere else. For Darius to get the same kind of acceptance and pampering in the capital as was the case in Listo, would be a pipe dream.

In fact, if he were to experience something like this, it would be surrounded by many hidden traps and conditions that would render him no better than a slave.

Taking handouts or benevolence from any noble in the capital was basically tying yourself up and putting yourself in a box, then mailing yourself to their doorstep with a nicely laminated deed as well.

There were always strings attached.

Fortunately, Darius' visit this time had nothing to do with political battles... hopefully. As such, the duo entered the inner city, they made a beeline straight for the castle.

Unlike Listo, where the nobles with high statues were allowed to construct mini-castles according to their preference, the nobles in the capital were limited to huge estates at best. Building a castle was seen as encroaching upon the rights of the royal family and would be severely punished.

Darius found this law quite clever. It reminded him of the rule prevalent in schools up to Junior High where students were meant to maintain their hair at a stable level, and especially were not allowed to have facial hair.

The given explanation for this was to instill discipline in the students. Of course, the real reason was to suppress them beneath the rules. By differentiating between teachers who could have any hairstyle, clothing, or facial hair, it drew a line of supposed privilege between teachers and students.

A similar psychology was used here.

Darius and Gunner reached the gates of the royal castle, which was quite impressive. Not only was there a moat, but there were also some strange crocodile-like monsters swimming within.

The drawbridge leading into the walled castle was lowered, allowing not only Darius, but a line of various people to enter the castle. Of course, the queue was quite long, and many couldn't help but nervously avoid the edges of the drawbridge for fear of falling to their demise.

Darius and Gunner won many strange looks as they bypassed the queue altogether, confidently walking into the castle. The guards there didn't stop them as they took the duo for a noble scion and his servant.

Of course, in matters like this, nobles had the privilege of cutting lines. A servant rushed to meet Darius near the entrance, his face a mask of servility as he bowed.

"Greetings, My Lord. How may I address you?"

"Darius Stone. I'm here by summons of the Crown Princess." Darius replied slowly.

The servant was stunned when he heard that it was a matter concerning the Crown Princess, for her general situation this past month had been hectic. She had received many a potential suitor, since most noble families were hoping to marry into royalty.

As such, he couldn't help but size Darius up. The fellow definitely looked the part and was quite handsome, but the same had been true for many of the various Prince Candidates.

The servant was unsure if Darius was actually expected or merely someone trying to cook up a story to see the Crown Princess. He certainly would not be the first handsome fellow to attempt such a thing.

The servant could only cough with a red face and apologize. "I'm sorry, Lord Stone, but I must first check-in with the princess…"

Darius waved his hand magnanimously. "Sure, sure. Attend to your duties, good man."

With a positive impression of Darius for not blowing up, insulting him, or forcing his way through using his status, the servant ran into the castle to check with the Crown Princess.

As for Darius, he began counting down. If the Crown Princess did not give him any response within the next 10 minutes, he would return with Gunner and forget about this matter.

After all, he had already made his appearance as soon as she had requested him. If she was too busy for him, oh well...