Kylian's life in the capital was a stark contrast to his previous experiences. Each day began early, with the sun barely rising over the horizon. As a knight of House Arlyn, Kylian had specific duties to attend to, which kept him occupied from dawn until dusk.

  Kylian's mornings started with a training session in the courtyard. He and the other knights practiced combat skills, honing their abilities to perfection. After training, Kylian would join the patrol, inspecting the estate's perimeter and keeping an eye out for any potential threats.

  His primary responsibilities included patrolling the estate, ensuring the safety of the Arlyn family. His duties also included, sometimes, guarding the Arlyn family members when they went out, ensuring their safety in the bustling city.

  The members of House Arlyn included Lord Lehard Arlyn, the head of the family, who spent most of his time at the border protecting the Kingdom. Unlike most border lords who rarely visited their territory for upkeep, he spent most of his time on the border, occasionally visiting his family. His family, however, remained in the capital estate in the safety and opulance of the Capital city. His primary family included his 2 children, Celeste and Roland, and his wife, Lady Elara. Celeste, the elder daughter, is known for her sharp intellect and political acumen. While Roland, her younger brother, showed promise in his combat training.

  Lastly, Lady Elara Arlyn, Lord Lehard's wife, is the heart of the family. Her compassion and wisdom made her beloved by the household. She managed the estate with grace, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She handled all the political and domestic matters in the capital. She had an innate ability to navigate the complex web of court politics, ensuring that House Arlyn remained influential and respected.

  Lady Elara was also responsible for managing the household staff, overseeing the logistics of the estate, and organizing social events. Her attention to detail and strategic thinking were unparalleled, making her an indispensable asset to House Arlyn.

  ...

  Three days had passed since Kylian had joined his duties in the capital. As he sat with Alden in the dining hall, pushing his dinner around his plate, a wave of loneliness washed over him. He missed his friends, Eamon and the other recruits, his instructors like Sergeant Brant, and even the familiar confines of Fort Arkhaven. The bustling capital, with its grandeur and opulence, felt alien and overwhelming.

  Kylian's mind wandered back to the camaraderie of his training days. The shared struggles, the victories, and even the losses had forged bonds that felt like family. Now, in this vast estate filled with people, he felt strangely isolated. His heart ached for the simplicity of the fort, where life, though harsh, was straightforward and filled with purpose.

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  His thoughts were interrupted by a young knight who joined him and Alden at their table. "Mind if I join you?" the newcomer asked, his voice breaking through Kylian's solitude.

  "Not at all," Alden replied, smiling warmly. "I'm Alden, and this is Sir Kylian."

  The young knight nodded, taking a seat. "I'm Sir Loras, son of Greaves."

  The introduction jolted Kylian from his thoughts. Greaves is the former knight captain and the general who led the last war for Lord Arlyn. "Your father is a respected man," he said, trying to shake off his melancholy. "It's an honor to meet you."

  The conversation flowed naturally, with Alden and Loras sharing stories of their training and experiences.

  "So, Sir Loras," Alden asked, "what brings you to the capital?"

  Loras smiled. "Duty, of course. My father always said there's no better place to learn than the heart of the kingdom. Plus, the capital has its own allure, don't you think?"

  Kylian nodded. "It's impressive, that's for sure. But it's a bit overwhelming."

  Loras laughed. "I felt the same way when I first arrived. The city can be daunting, but you get used to it. And there's so much to learn here."

  "Like what?" Kylian asked, curious.

  "Well, for starters," Loras said, leaning in, "you get to see how the politics play out up close. It's like a chess game but with real consequences. And the people you meet, nobles, merchants, soldiers, they all have their own stories and agendas."

  "Sounds complicated," Kylian remarked.

  "It is," Loras agreed. "But that's what makes it fascinating. Take the markets, for example. You can find anything there, from exotic spices to rare books. And the culture, hmm... have you seen the grand library yet?"

  "No, not yet," Kylian admitted.

  "You should," Loras said enthusiastically. "It's a marvel. And the temple district is beautiful, too. Each temple is dedicated to a different deity, each with its own unique design."

  Alden chimed in, "And don't forget the food. The capital has the best cuisine in the kingdom. You haven't lived until you've tried the pastries from Madame Lissette's bakery."

  Kylian smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll have to check it out."

  "You should," Loras said. "There's so much to explore here. And as knights, we have access to places most people can only dream of."

  As the night wore on, the conversation took a more serious turn. Loras shared his thoughts on the political situation in the capital. "The power struggles here are intense," he said, lowering his voice. "Even within noble houses, alliances shift, and loyalties are tested."

  Kylian listened intently, absorbing the information. "Why are we discussing this? It sounds dangerous," he remarked.

  "It is," Loras agreed. "But it's also fascinating. The way power dynamics play out, the strategies employed... It's like a game of chess, only with higher stakes."

  Alden chimed in, "And we, as knights, must navigate this landscape carefully. Our duty is to protect and serve, but understanding the political undercurrents can make a significant difference."

  "Hey," Loras interrupted. "When is your day off?" he asked.

  "The day after tomorrow," Kylian responded. "But why?"

  "Great, then join me in the morning. I will show you around," Loras offered.

  Kylian said hesitantly, "I will think about it."

  The conversation continued, with Loras and Alden sharing more of their experiences and tips for navigating life in the capital.