As Lilith, Era, and El stood in line with the merchants at the gate of Everwood, the bustling capital of the human city, they found themselves amidst the controlled chaos of travelers and guards. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread from nearby stalls, mingling with the scent of horses and the murmur of impatient merchants awaiting entry.

  Amidst this organized commotion, a young nobleman's voice cut through the din, drawing all eyes towards him. "Hey you! Yes, you!" he excimed, pointing directly at Era. "Are you a Maid-Knight?" His words echoed with an air of fascination and awe.

  Era, caught off guard by the unexpected attention, nodded slowly. "Yes, I am a Maid-Knight," she replied with a polite smile, though a faint blush colored her cheeks at being singled out in such a manner.

  "Great!" the young nobleman, identified as Garret of House Falstone, excimed with exuberance. "Come serve under me. I am the second son of my house."

  Era's expression softened as she regarded Garret, understanding his enthusiasm but also feeling a sense of duty to her current path. "I appreciate your offer," she began respectfully, "but I already serve another master." She gestured towards Lilith, who stood beside her with a quiet strength.

  Before Garret could respond with disappointment or insistence, one of his followers hurriedly approached him, a note of urgency in his voice. "Young Master Garret, please be reasonable. We have urgent matters to attend to in the capital, and we are already te."

  Garret gnced back and forth between Era and his follower, his expression conflicted. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "Very well," he conceded, though disappointment lingered in his tone. "But remember, Maid-Knight, my offer stands should you ever reconsider."

  Era inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you, Young Master Garret. I will keep that in mind."

  With that, Garret and his entourage moved ahead in line, their presence attracting curious gnces from nearby travelers and guards alike. Era turned back to Lilith and El, a bemused smile pying on her lips.

  "That was unexpected," Lilith remarked, amusement dancing in her eyes.

  Era chuckled softly. "Indeed, it was. I suppose being a Maid-Knight still draws fascination from some."

  El fluttered around them, her curiosity evident. "What's a Maid-Knight?" she asked innocently.

  Era crouched down to El's level, expining patiently, "Maid-Knights are legendary figures from old tales. They are knights who serve with loyalty and valor, often choosing whom they serve. It's said they have long lifespans and are sworn to protect their chosen masters."

  El nodded, absorbing the information with wide-eyed wonder. "That sounds amazing!"

  As they approached the gate to Everwood, the guards scrutinized their papers with a practiced eye, their expressions stern and professional. One of the guards, a burly man with a grizzled beard, looked up from the documents and fixed his gaze on Era.

  "What brings a Maid-Knight to the capital?" he inquired, curiosity etched in his voice.

  Era stood tall and composed, gesturing towards the merchant and his den wagons behind her. "We are adventurers on a guard duty quest," she expined calmly. "We've been hired to escort these merchants from Oakvilge."

  The merchant, Santos, stepped forward, reinforcing Era's statement. "Yes, that's correct," he affirmed, nodding to the guards. "These adventurers have been contracted to ensure our safe passage to Everwood."

  The guard furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled by the mention of Oakvilge. Sensing the need for crification, he called over his captain, a dignified woman with a no-nonsense air about her. The captain approached with measured steps, her uniform bearing the insignia of House Stern.

  "Oakvilge?" she mused aloud, scanning the documents before her. "Ah, yes. There's a slight discrepancy with that name." She gnced up, meeting Era's gaze directly. "Oakvilge has recently been elevated to the status of a town. Such changes occur when the popution exceeds two hundred residents. Currently, Oakvilge boasts a popution of around four hundred."

  Era nodded, acknowledging the correction. "I see. Thank you for crifying, Captain."

  The captain, Lady Lyra of House Stern, inclined her head gracefully. "I am Lady Lyra," she introduced herself with a warm smile. "I serve as the gate captain here in Everwood."

  Santos bowed respectfully. "I am Santos, representing the Santos Merchant Group," he replied courteously.

  Era stepped forward, offering her own introduction. "I am Era, an adventurer tasked with guarding Mr. Santos and his goods on this journey."

  Lady Lyra's smile widened. "Very well. Your papers are in order," she affirmed, gesturing for the guards to allow them passage. "Safe travels to you all."

  As they entered Everwood, the city enveloped them in a whirlwind of activity. Market stalls brimmed with colorful wares, merchants called out their wares, and bustling crowds flowed through the cobbled streets. The air was thick with the scents of spices, the sound of music, and the energy of a city teeming with life.

  Era turned to Santos with a grateful smile. "Now that we've entered the city, our quest is complete," she remarked, her voice carrying over the lively ambiance around them.

  Santos nodded, his face lit with appreciation. "Ah, yes indeed," he replied warmly. "Thank you all for your assistance. Here," he said, handing Era a small token engraved with the symbol of the Santos Merchant Group. "This token signifies that the job is done. Present it to the guild receptionist, and you'll receive your payment."

  Era took the token, examining it briefly before nodding in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Santos. We appreciate your trust."

  With a courteous nod, Santos bid them farewell and ventured off into the bustling streets, his goods in tow. Era turned to Lilith and El, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Now that our duty is fulfilled, we should find a suitable inn for our stay in Everwood."

  Lilith scanned the bustling surroundings, her eyes searching for signs of an inn or tavern. "Do you think Santos might know of a good pce?" she asked, gncing back towards where Santos had disappeared into the crowd.

  Era considered for a moment before shaking her head. "He's likely busy with his own affairs now. Let's ask around. There should be plenty of options here in Everwood."

  They strolled through the crowded streets, occasionally stopping to inquire about accommodations. Eventually, they came across a cheerful inn nestled between two shops, its sign swinging gently in the breeze. The Golden Acorn Inn, it procimed in elegant script.

  "This looks promising," Era remarked, nodding towards the inviting entrance. "Shall we check it out?"

  Lilith and El both agreed enthusiastically, and they made their way inside. The interior of the inn was cozy and welcoming, with a crackling fire warming the common room and the aroma of freshly cooked meals drifting from the kitchen.

  Approaching the innkeeper, a jovial man with a graying beard, Era inquired about rooms for their stay. "Good day," she greeted him with a smile. "Do you have accommodations avaible for three weary travelers?"

  The innkeeper beamed back at them. "Of course, my friends! We have a few rooms left. How long will you be staying?"

  Era exchanged a quick gnce with Lilith before replying, "We're not sure yet. Perhaps a few days, depending on what we discover in the city."

  The innkeeper nodded understandingly. "Very well. I have a comfortable room upstairs with three beds. It's quiet and away from the noise of the streets."

  "That sounds perfect," Era said gratefully. She reached into her pouch and withdrew a handful of coins, sliding them across the counter. "Here's payment for the room in advance."

  The innkeeper counted the coins with a practiced eye, then nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you kindly," he said, handing Era a key with a warm smile. "Your room is upstairs, second door on the left."

  "Thank you," Era replied, taking the key. She turned to Lilith and El with a smile. "Shall we settle in and then explore the city and find the adventures guild?"

  After settling into their room, which proved to be a charming haven with its cozy ambiance and comfortable furnishings, Era, Lilith, and El gathered by the window to admire the view of Everwood as dusk settled over the city.

  "This is a hidden gem indeed," Era remarked, a contented smile on her face as she looked around the room.

  Lilith nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the bustling streets below. "It's quiet up here, away from the noise of the city," she observed. "But we shouldn't dally too long. It's getting te, and we still need to find the adventurers' guild and deliver the token."

  Era gnced at the fading light outside. "You're right," she agreed with a nod. "Let's head downstairs, fill our bellies, and then retire for the night. We can start fresh in the morning."

  Descending the stairs of the inn, they found the innkeeper waiting at a small, cozy table near the hearth. He greeted them warmly and guided them to their seats.

  "Good evening, travelers," the innkeeper greeted them with a friendly smile. "I trust your room is to your liking?"

  Era nodded gratefully. "Yes, thank you. It's quite comfortable."

  The innkeeper's eyes twinkled as he expined the evening's offerings. "Tonight, we have a hearty stew made with locally sourced vegetables and tender cuts of meat, seasoned with herbs from our garden. It's served with fresh-baked bread and a side of roasted root vegetables."

  Lilith's stomach rumbled in response, and she couldn't help but excim a bit louder than intended, "That sounds absolutely delicious! We'll take three servings, please."

  The innkeeper chuckled warmly at her enthusiasm. "Excellent choice," he said approvingly. "You won't be disappointed. My wife takes great pride in her cooking, and she has quite the talent for making food that warms the heart and soul."

  As they waited for their meal, the innkeeper engaged them in friendly conversation, sharing stories of the city and its history. He told them about Everwood's renowned craftsmen, its bustling markets, and the diverse array of people who called the city home.

  The aroma of the stew soon filled the air, accompanied by the tantalizing scent of freshly baked bread. When the innkeeper returned with their meals, they dug in eagerly, savoring each bite as fvors danced on their tongues.

  "This is amazing," Era said between bites, her expression one of genuine pleasure.

  Lilith nodded enthusiastically, her earlier hunger now fully satisfied. "Truly," she agreed. "Your wife is indeed talented."

  After finishing their meal and bidding the innkeeper goodnight, they retired to their room upstairs. The day's journey had been long and eventful, but as they settled into their beds, thoughts of the adventures that awaited them in Everwood filled their minds with excitement and anticipation. Tomorrow promised new discoveries, perhaps even answers to the mysteries that had brought them to the capital city.