Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra - Chapter 167

Chapter 167: Andelheim
The city of Andelheim buzzed with life as the sun rose over the towering spires that marked its skyline. People from all corners of the Arcanis Empire flooded the streets, a colorful mix of warriors, merchants, and spectators eager to witness the grand Martial Tournament.

The cobblestone streets were lined with countless stalls, selling everything from shimmering blades to exotic elixirs. The air was thick with the scent of spiced meats grilling over open fires, mingling with the sweet fragrance of rare flowers being sold by traders who had traveled far to be here.

Everywhere you looked, there were warriors. Some carried long, gleaming swords at their hips, their blades catching the light as they walked with purpose.

Others shouldered massive axes, their hulking forms standing out even among the crowd, while others held spears, their polished tips glinting ominously in the morning sun.

These were men and women who had come to Andelheim to carve their names into legend, and their presence alone brought an air of palpable tension.

The tournament, hosted by Marquis Aldrich Ventor, drew not only the strongest from the empire but also those looking to prove themselves.

Whispers of Ventor’s prowess as a leader and martial artist spread like wildfire through the crowds. His reputation alone had gathered the elite of the empire and beyond to this grand event.

Merchants shouted over the din, advertising their wares. One stand featured rare beast hides fashioned into protective armor, and another offered mana-infused weapons, promising an edge in the coming battles. Even the alchemists had taken advantage of the opportunity, peddling potions said to enhance strength or speed in combat.

Despite the festive air, the mood was electric with anticipation. Men and women sparred in alleys, their weapons clashing in preparation for the main event.

The streets echoed with the clang of steel, the low hum of mana, and the occasional roar of a warrior testing their strength.

Flags bearing the crest of the Ventor family fluttered atop the highest towers, a reminder of who governed this mighty city. Andelheim, though normally a bustling trade hub, had transformed into a battleground for the ambitious and the strong, with each corner of the city teeming with challengers eager to fight for glory.

Valeria approached the city gates of Andelheim, her heart set on entering quietly and unnoticed. She had not originally intended to draw attention to her status, but the sight before her made her reconsider.

The main entrance was a chaos of bodies and noise, a mass of people crowding the line that stretched far beyond the gate. Commoners, merchants, and even some minor warriors stood impatiently, shuffling forward as the guards meticulously checked each person’s identity card. The din of frustration could be heard from the distance, voices raised in complaint as the line moved at a snail’s pace.

Valeria’s gaze swept over the scene, noting the tired looks on travelers’ faces, the slow progress, and the heat of the rising sun already bearing down on the crowd. She sighed inwardly, realizing that waiting here could cost her hours she didn’t have.

To the side of the main entrance, a smaller, far less crowded gate stood open, guarded by soldiers wearing the Ventor family crest. This was the noble’s entrance, reserved for those of higher standing. A couple of finely dressed individuals rode through, their carriages or horses passing with ease as the guards gave them a cursory glance before waving them forward.

Valeria hesitated for a moment. She had never been one to flaunt her family’s name, and she preferred to avoid standing out. But practicality won out over pride. With a subtle tug of her reins, she guided her horse toward the noble gate.

As Valeria approached the noble gate, the guards shifted, their eyes narrowing suspiciously. Traveling alone with her hood drawn over her face made her appear more like a commoner trying to sneak past than a noble.

“Halt,” one of the guards called out, stepping forward to block her path. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he eyed her cautiously. “This gate is for nobles and their retinues. You’ll need to go to the main entrance.”

Valeria frowned beneath her hood but remained calm. She understood the situation—traveling without her knights and with her face hidden, it was no surprise they’d mistaken her for someone trying to bypass the lines. With a graceful movement, she dismounted her horse and reached into her cloak.

“I believe there’s been a misunderstanding,” she said in a measured tone.

The guards remained vigilant as Valeria withdrew a small, silver-embossed ID card. She held it up, allowing the crest of the Olarion family to catch the morning light. The guard’s eyes widened as he quickly recognized the name etched into the card—Valeria Olarion. His expression shifted from suspicion to immediate regret.

“My lady,” he stammered, taking a step back and bowing. “Forgive us, we did not recognize you. It was a mistake.”

The other guards quickly followed suit, bowing their heads in apology. Valeria, ever composed, simply waved her hand dismissively.

“No harm done,” she said, her voice steady and without a hint of irritation. “You’re only doing your duty.”

The guard straightened, clearly relieved by her understanding. “Thank you, my lady. Please, proceed.”

Valeria nodded and remounted her horse, the tension between them dissipating as she entered the city. She glanced back briefly, watching the guards return to their posts. While they had made an error, she appreciated their diligence.

As Valeria entered the city, the bustling streets of Andelheim opened up before her. The sights and sounds were a stark contrast to the quiet roads she had traveled over the past week. Merchants called out to passersby, colorful stalls lined the streets, and the smell of spiced food lingered in the air. Normally, she might have taken a moment to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, but fatigue weighed heavily on her.

She had been traveling for days, camping in forests and stopping at small villages along the way. While those brief rests had helped, the aches in her body reminded her just how much a proper bath was needed.

‘A bath,’ she thought with a sense of longing, ‘is exactly what I need right now.’

Her thoughts wandered to the tournament. She had been so focused on getting here that the thought of rest had barely crossed her mind until now. But now that she was in the city, the weight of the journey hit her all at once.

‘There’s no rush,’ she told herself. ‘I can register tomorrow. One day of rest won’t make a difference.’

Valeria guided her horse through the lively streets, her gaze seeking a suitable inn where she could relax and gather her strength. The tournament could wait until tomorrow.

Now, all she needed was a quiet room, a warm bath, and a moment of peace.

********

‘How refreshing….’

The warm bathwater had worked wonders, easing the tension from her muscles and washing away the grime of travel. Valeria sighed contentedly as she stepped out of the tub, wrapping herself in a thick towel. Her skin tingled pleasantly from the heat, and for the first time in days, she felt truly relaxed.

‘This is exactly what I needed,’ she thought as she dried herself off, her gaze drifting to the quiet room she had rented in the inn. It wasn’t the most luxurious place, but after so many days on the road, it felt like a palace.

After changing into more comfortable clothes—a simple tunic and trousers—she ran her fingers through her damp hair, feeling the heaviness of her earlier worries melt away, if only for a moment.

Her decision to take the tournament on alone still weighed on her, but now, with her body rejuvenated, she felt more grounded. She could face whatever lay ahead.

For now, though, she needed something else: food.

Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that it had been far too long since she had eaten a proper meal. The small rations she had consumed during her journey had kept her going, but now, the thought of a warm, hearty meal was all she could think about.

Valeria left her room, pulling on a light cloak as she made her way down the inn’s hallway and out into the bustling streets of Andelheim.

The city was alive with activity, the tournament drawing in people from all walks of life. Stalls and shops lined the streets, their vendors calling out to passersby, offering everything from roasted meats to exotic fruits.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of spices and freshly baked bread, making her mouth water. She let herself wander, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

It was a vibrant place, filled with energy and excitement, and Valeria found herself enjoying the atmosphere despite the weight of the tournament looming in the back of her mind.

The tantalizing smells of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, making her stomach rumble in protest. She hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days, and the hunger gnawing at her was impossible to ignore. Yet, despite the enticing aromas, she found herself hesitating.

This was unfamiliar territory for her. Normally, when she was out on the road, her right-hand knight, Elthen, would handle all the logistics, including meals.

She had never been the one to decide where to eat or how to spend money. It wasn’t that she didn’t know how to take care of herself—she’d been trained in every discipline a knight needed—but it was the simple, mundane tasks like this that left her unsure.

Her father’s words echoed in her mind. “A knight does not indulge in worldly pleasures. Discipline is the foundation of knighthood. Spend wisely, act with honor, and avoid frivolous pursuits.”

Valeria frowned, her steps slowing as she glanced around at the bustling food stalls. Was this considered indulgence? Was she betraying the discipline instilled in her by even contemplating spending money on something as simple as food from a market vendor?

Her stomach growled again, more insistently this time, as if answering her question. She couldn’t exactly starve, could she? Yet, the thought lingered. Knights were supposed to be above such earthly desires. They lived for duty, not for comfort.

But then, was finding a meal after days of travel truly indulgence? She wasn’t seeking pleasure; she was seeking sustenance.

‘It’s just food,’ she thought to herself, trying to silence the doubts swirling in her mind. ‘I’m not being wasteful. I need this.’

Yet, while she thought of this, for some reason, that infuriating guy’s face popped up.