The carriage slowed as it passed through the outer road, the fields giving way to wider stone paths and cleaner-built houses.
Highglade didn't feel like Winterford.
It was quieter—but not in the same way.
Aric stepped down once the carriage stopped, adjusting his sleeve as his eyes moved across the street. Merchants setting up, a few well-dressed figures passing by, guards posted at intervals.
Different place.
[Not bad.]
"It'll do."
He didn't head anywhere specific at first. Just walked.
Past shops. Through the main street. Listening more than looking.
People talked, they always did.
"…heard she passed again—top marks this time."
"…academy's been sending names to the capital this year…"
"…Veylin girl, what was it—Selisse?"
Aric slowed slightly, but didn't stop.
"…gifted, they're saying. Not just house pride—actual talent."
"…makes sense they'd push her forward…"
"…capital's where it matters anyway…"
He turned down another street, quieter this time, but the conversation followed in pieces.
"…heard talks are already happening…"
"…marriage, probably…"
"…Veylins have been reaching out more these days…"
"…nobles from Valemont…"
Aric exhaled slowly.
[Convenient.]
"Expected."
He paused near a stall, picking up a small item just to give himself a reason to stand there. The merchant barely looked at him.
More voices nearby.
"…academy term ends soon…"
"…if she gets selected, she'll be sent to the capital…"
"…that's where the real matches happen…"
Aric set the item back down and moved on.
"So," the System said, "gifted, academy-trained, and possibly heading to the capital."
"Looks like it."
[And you came here why?]
"To see."
[That's it?]
"For now."
He reached a wider part of the street where the view opened slightly. In the distance, past the inner buildings, the estate grounds were just barely visible.
Veylin territory.
Aric didn't move toward it.
He turned away from the view and continued walking, blending back into the movement of the town.
There was no need to announce himself.
Not when he could learn more like this.
"Academy," he muttered.
[That's your next stop.]
Aric didn't answer, but his direction shifted slightly as he moved through the streets.