We reached the city of Toragan without incident. I'd love to say that it was a pleasant journey, but since Helena was mad the whole time and just refused to accept any apology, it was actually quite hellish. I tried my best to explain to her why we didn't go back for her sooner, but she really didn't want to listen. It's like all she wants is to punish me for my decisions at the pass. Well, I stand by my decisions and I think it's high time that Helena accepted that.

Toragan was quite an impressive and beautiful city. Compared to the capital of Meridia that seemed to favor a more solemn aesthetic, trying to project power, Toragan really projected its condition as a merchant city. The gnome merchants seem to really favor more extravagant displays of wealth, which is actually kind of weird, considering they seem to have a more... utilitarian view of the world. When I asked about it to Milina, she asked that it's just a good way to demonstrate one's power and influence here. I suppose she's not wrong.

It's actually kind of strange being in a place where most of the people you see are gnomes instead of humans. I wonder if Kardenon also kind of felt this way when he crossed into Meridia. Gnomes might be the majority here, but unlike in Meridia, we could see plenty of different people from just Gnomes.

Orcs, not the dignified knights that one might sometimes see in Meridia, but instead the more barbaric ones, probably hired as guards or mercenaries, were a reasonably common sight, always with a beast of some kind next to them. Some humans and dwarves here and there, most of whom looked like merchants. We even saw a group of ogres, which was actually kind of scary. I ask Milina who are they.

“Oh, they are probably the delegation from king Tarkeran, a minotaur lord who rules the city of Tarkatore, our greatest partner in Asren. Some of them are quite the impressive warriors it seems. From the rumors, a few of them fought in bouts in the arena, but never lost.”

That's actually really interesting. I think I should keep these names in mind. If possible, I'd prefer never having to fight against an ogre ever again, but if they are such great warriors, then I suppose I wouldn't mind watching them fight.

It really drives home that Milina definitely is related to a powerful person in this city. At the gate, we were able to enter the city without even being inspected after she vouched for us. We were provided an escort and would be guided directly to the council president's residence. Then, as we advance through the city's streets, I can clearly see people giving berth to the carriage and its escort, but it's clear that it's not out of fear, but respect. I feel like we really were fortunate to meet and save her.

We eventually arrived at the council president's residence, an extremely ornate mansion, full of statues and carvings in many different places. I must say that I think it might be a bit too much, but then again, I suppose it probably goes back to the gnome custom of being a bit too blunt with their demonstrations of status. The council president greeted us with a fanfare that included quite an impressive guard. There were some armored gnomes, which I really tried my best to not find ridiculous, but I probably shouldn't underestimate them. The orc guards were mercenaries I would assume, from their simple attire.

“My daughter! Oh, my daughter, you came back to me! When the head guard's Linkstone was destroyed, I thought you were lost. By the time I was able to assemble a force that might be able to rescue you, I heard of your safe arrival in the city.”

Oh, the orcs were probably hired for a rescue mission.

“Father, then I would have been lost, for the ones who had captured me were from the Broken Wheel and they intended to sacrifice me as soon as we arrived at Nemiria!”

When she spoke of the Broken Wheel, a collective gasp could be heard.

“The Broken Wheel? What madness is this? I thought you had been kidnapped by one of our many rivals as a bargain chip. I thought that I might at least try and rescue you after you emerged from the pass and before you were taken to another city... So you are telling me that if these people did not rescue you, you would be dead by now?”

She nodded.

“I owe them my life, I hope that you will treat them as most honored guests!”

He burst in a cordial smile in our direction.

“My greatest of gratitude, if there is anything I can do in return for saving my daughter's life... Oh, where are my manners! I am Verssen Gardesine, president of Toragan's council. Milina, please, tell me the name of your saviors.”

She gestured to us as she gave each of our names.

“This is Alexius Magnar a knight and noble from Meridia. This is Helena Gracie his fiancee, also from Meridia. This is Kardenon Therynia, a craftsman, warrior and noble from Tharaz Eron.”

Council President Gardesine nodded at each of our names.

“Hmm, hmm, Magnar! I know this name. Yes, it makes sense that you would save my daughter. And a Therynia! What an honor to have my daughter saved by holders of such illustrious names! Once again, if you want anything... Oh, right! Such talks are best reserved for the dinner table. Surely, you wouldn't deny me the honor of dinning and staying at my residence while you are in this city?”

I briefly look at Kardenon and Helena, nobody seems opposed to it. We went so far as to give our actual names after all, it would be a waste and rude to not accept his hospitality. I bow and respectfully accept his offer.

“It would be our honor to stay at your residence.”

Milina's face lit up as if she remembered something.

“Father! Why don't you also invite Professor Garesade for dinner? The three of them are traveling the world and I'm sure he would be interested in talking to them. He did say he wanted to see the world, maybe he could join them?”

Council President Gardesine made an awkward expression, like someone not quite sure how to deal with their child who just asked too much.

“Milina, my daughter... You shouldn't start inviting someone to to someone else's group, especially since they are your saviors...”

Actually, I was starting to think that it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have more people in our group... From what she told us, this Garesade could be a great addition.

“I don't mind, council president, from what I hear, this professor is quite the competent man. I'm sure there will be no harm is us meeting him.”