What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?

The horse-drawn carriage gradually came to a stop in front of the city gate, and the guard accompanying them appeared to be engaged in a conversation with the gatekeeper.

"It seems our guards are conversing with the gatekeeper of Arkham City," Arthur remarked, his gaze tender as he looked at Vivian.

Vivian nodded, offering a smile, and then rested her head on Arthur's shoulder as if she were dozing off.

Soon, the carriage guard concluded his discussion and knocked on the carriage door, calling Arthur over respectfully.

"Young Master Arthur and Lady Vivian, we have arrived at the city gates... Would you prefer to head directly to the Palace, or would you like to rest at the inn first?" The guard inquired with the utmost respect.

Arthur understood the reason behind the question: it was late, and arriving at the palace during the nighttime could be considered impolite.

This was a matter of basic etiquette when visiting a noble house or even the palace itself.

Despite his exceptionally high social status, such etiquette was usually not required of Arthur.

Contemplating for a moment, Arthur refrained from answering the guard's question immediately and instead turned to Vivian, who rested on his shoulder.

"Mother, would you prefer us to head straight to the palace or go to the inn first?" Arthur asked softly.

It wasn't that he couldn't decide; rather, he wanted to hear Vivian's opinion before making a choice.

Upon hearing this, Vivian opened her eyes and pondered for a moment.

"I am more inclined to go to the inn first because I honestly feel unprepared to face my brother right away," Vivian admitted, shaking her head before settling back into her original position.

Arthur nodded in understanding and concurred with Vivian's sentiment.

With their decision made, Arthur conveyed their choice to the guards waiting outside the carriage. 𝑏𝘦𝘥𝑛𝘰𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Take us to the inn first, and tomorrow morning, we will proceed to the palace," Arthur replied casually to the guard outside.

Hearing Arthur's response, the guard didn't dare ask any more questions and respectfully acknowledged his command.

"Understood, as ordered!" He replied and then directed their caravan to enter the gate.

The horse-drawn carriage, bearing the blazing fire emblem and accompanied by equestrian guards, smoothly made its way into the city of Arkham through a designated lane.

...

Meanwhile

"Whoosh!" A shadowy figure flickered towards Arkham City at astonishing speed.

Soon, the cloaked form halted in front of a colossal gate that loomed above, leaving a profound impression.

"Arkham City truly lives up to its reputation as the center of all cities in the four regions!" The cloaked figure expressed admiration for the city.

The guards stationed around the gate remained oblivious to the figure's presence, as if they were merely shadows blending with the darkness of the night.

The cloaked figure then pulled back the hood, revealing the face of none other than Rian!

"I wonder if the person young Master Arthur spoke of is still waiting for my arrival, considering I didn't arrive at the agreed time," Rian muttered with a tinge of guilt, hastily closing his hood once more.

A sudden, overpowering sensation coursed through Rian's body, as if a formidable beast had fixed its attention on him, leaving him momentarily immobilized and his movements restricted by an unseen and powerful force.

"What terrifying power!" Rian's face visibly paled at the intensity of the experience.

"Thankfully, that individual didn't mean to attack me; otherwise, just the thought of harming me would have turned me into a lifeless corpse in an instant!" He exclaimed, his heart pounding from the encounter.

Without wasting any time, he swiftly chanted his wind elemental art, and in a blink, he vanished into the city.

...

Imperial Palace

"Oh, have my sister and Arthur arrived yet, Butler?" Emperor Alex reclined lazily on his throne, casually inquiring with the butler standing beside him.

Upon hearing the question, the butler nodded in confirmation.

"Indeed, Your Highness. The gatekeeper reported the arrival of a white horse-drawn carriage bearing the blazing flames emblem, which undoubtedly represents the coat of arms of the Asvold family," the butler replied, bowing his head respectfully.

"Furthermore, it appears they have chosen to forego an immediate visit to the palace and instead opt to stay at an inn for the night before proceeding to the palace tomorrow morning," the butler added.

Emperor Alex nodded lightly and inquired further: "Does that boy, Arthur Asvold, know about the betrothal I arranged with Lucia?"

The butler paused for a moment, carefully considering his response, before answering, "Young Lord Arthur Asvold should already be aware of the betrothal, as the news has likely spread widely."

The butler's confidence in his answer stemmed from his own assessment of the situation.

Emperor Alex acknowledged the butler's response, as it aligned with the widespread nature of the news.

"By the way, the state of the border remains tense, correct?" Emperor Alex asked, opening his eyes, which he had closed earlier.

"That is correct, Your Majesty. Duke David is maintaining a strong and vigilant defense, making it challenging for the troops of the Savaran Empire to breach the border," the butler replied respectfully.

Emperor Alex pondered for a moment before inquiring further, "Has our capital's army been fully mobilized?"

The butler nodded confidently as he replied, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Considering that this war is meant to be the ultimate clash between the two empires, our forces will be deployed as extensively as you desire."

Emperor Alex's face broke into a smile, reassuring him that everything was proceeding according to his meticulously laid plans.

He could now await the unfolding events, ready to set his long-anticipated dozen-year plan into motion.

"Finally..." A cold smile played on Emperor Alex's lips, but suddenly, his expression shifted subtly, and he glanced towards the end of the palace as if eyeing someone in particular.

After a few seconds, Emperor Alex withdrew his gaze and shook his head, prompting the butler to cautiously inquire, "Is there a problem, Your Majesty?"

However, Emperor Alex merely smiled faintly and waved off the concern.

"It's nothing, just a small, insignificant matter," he said dismissively, then swiftly rose from his throne and looked at the butler.

"Prepare a welcoming banquet for the arrival of my sister and Arthur Asvold," Emperor Alex ordered before vanishing from his position like a fleeting light.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The butler responded respectfully before also vanishing to fulfill his duty.

...

Meanwhile, Arthur calmly observed the magnificent, twinkling cityscape of Arkham, taking in the view at a leisurely pace.

He rested his chin on his palm while leaning against the window, deeply impressed by the city's grandeur.

"No wonder this city is known as the center of the Balka Empire; it truly lives up to the title," Arthur silently praised himself, admiring the nighttime scenery of Arkham City.

He couldn't help but acknowledge that even the cities of Celestria and Rozen, where he has visited, couldn't match the grandeur and solidity of Arkham City.

It was evident that Arkham held the heart of the Balka Empire, regardless of the divisions among its four major regions.

However, his thoughts took a somber turn as he considered the potential impact of the impending war on this remarkable city.

"I wonder if this city can still retain its peaceful charm in the midst of the impending conflict," he pondered, feeling a sense of sorrow.

A war would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences across all four major regions, including a significant city like Arkham.

Although it might not be directly affected, subtle changes would inevitably take place within its boundaries.

"This is a flow that is bound to happen, and I alone cannot even change it." Arthur sighed, taking a deep breath as he gazed at the immense wall encircling Arkham City.

The wall itself was a defining feature of Arkham City, far surpassing the walls of Celestria in both strength and size.

"It's only a matter of time, and everything will follow the unpredictable shifts of this world," Arthur contemplated with an indifferent gaze fixed on the scenery outside.

With a heavy heart, he closed the open window and slowly turned away, returning his attention to the room.

The impending events weighed on his mind, and he knew that he had to brace himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

...

At the same time, disguised as an ordinary person, Rian wandered through the bustling streets, marveling at the splendor of the legendary Arkham City.

He leisurely explored various shops and sampled a variety of foods, quickly adapting to the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

"Even Rozen couldn't create an atmosphere quite like this." Rian praised himself inwardly, truly impressed by the grandeur of Arkham City.

His attention then shifted to the colossal wall that stood protectively around the city, and he couldn't help but contemplate its power.

"This wall is so formidable that not even a peak-level Elemental Saint could destroy it, unless... the legendary Supreme Elemental were to wield such power," Rian mused, making informed speculations about the wall's strength.

As thoughts of the impending war crossed his mind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow and regret.

"I hope the impact of the war won't be as devastating as I fear," he whispered, shaking his head.

He continued to blend into the crowd, eventually vanishing from sight.

Above, the three bright moons illuminated the peaceful and beautiful city of Arkham, seemingly blessing it with the goddess's grace.

Yet, unbeknownst to the city's inhabitants, wars and other grave challenges lay in wait for them in the future...