"Daddy, are I dressed neatly?" Gabi asked, fiddling nervously with it. She rode on the back of a stag and rode it with as much ease as standing on solid ground, which made her appear high, her wheat-colored hair glistening in the sun like a lamp hanging above their heads. And if that wasn't enough, her wolf Ash is right next to her. She was an incredible sight, brand new in all its glory, and she was worried about her clothes. At least Poppy was smart enough to ignore her fidgety, stupid beast.

"Yes, just like Mommy told you, like Deanna told you before. You look perfect. Andlocks said. The more you play, the less straight it becomes. ”

They are already being watched by every farmer within walking distance, as well as their entire families. If she's going to make a fuss about her clothes, it's too late. It's been too late since stopping by Kramayos three days ago to buy supplements and fresh clothes.

Not only that, but they stopped at the Garros Well this morning to bathe the whole train and give plenty of time to those who spread rumors. Now, every mile there are people standing on the side of the road, waiting for them to walk through.

"Is that the last hill?" Wolf sca

He asked, pointing to his shoulder. "Should I go and see?"

"Yes, that's right, no, you shouldn't." "We'll see it together."

Chopper asked from the other shoulder, "Can I go?" I can go. I can take a look and come back again. ”

"No, let's all go and see it together." He repeated. Then, to make sure nothing was wrong, he glanced back at Pepper, who was still there, walking with Flower, and their stories were intertwined. He'll sneak in.

Everyone has clean clothes, and the women also have some jewelry. Even slaves had clean coats. It's not okay to dress dirty and inconspicuous, and stumble into the city. Not this time.

Androcles even had to buy a new shield, because a warrior would not return to Dikaya without it; It doesn't matter, he sold the old one before he left. No matter how many times he changed the harness, this stupid thing would only make his back hurt.

He wanted to walk naked, as his ancestor Agapetus did in the age of the gods, and let his children hold his armor. The weather in early summer was warm enough that every Decayan would immediately recognize the story, and his fame would triple. They would see his scars and be surprised that he survived. But Aguna refused, saying she wouldn't go anywhere with a naked man. Neither boy could carry the shield that far.

If he was honest with himself, he wouldn't be the center of attention for anyone, no matter what he was wearing. There were twenty demons following him, not to mention his family.

The Nightmen separated along the ranks of slaves, each with a few weapons in hand, and looked at everyone they walked by with an icy gaze. Their brand-new fur shirts and leather trousers stood out more than their dull skin and black horns, as no one in the army wore trousers, shirts, or leather clothes.

It's almost time. After walking another hundred steps, they reached the top of the mountain. "Alright, line up." He said, waving for Agn and the others to move forward.

Arguna waited until he could see before rolling her eyes, but it only made him grin. She thought she had seen big cities before, and this time it wouldn't be any different. This is what she thinks.

Deanna rode to Agun, who was dressed in a new dress, and Gabi walked to the flanks. The boys stepped forward and tried to finish the line. He could easily see their excitement. The children showed their emotions so clearly that they might as well wave banners for them.

The closer they got to the top of the mountain, the more excitement and nervousness intensified, and even spread to the slaves who followed, who also let out anxious whispers.

The carts and porters coming up the hill from the other direction saw Androx's procession and stood aside, staring at them without shame. Androcles politely nodded to everyone who looked like a citizen, for these were his fellow citizens; Most of them wisely gave it back to me.

After a few more steps, they reached the top of the mountain. Andlos watched their reactions and slowly understood what they were looking at. He had been waiting for this moment for weeks.

Decaya's fields unfolded before them, and two miles of meadows were carefully tended. The fields were full of people, mostly gathered near the road so that they could see better. Thousands of pairs of eyes stared at Androcles and his family, all of them turning their heads.

On one side of the field were strong and beautiful walls, with clean edges and steep surfaces, high and thick. Incomprehensible. Beyond the walls is Dikaya herself, great and glorious. The city is covered with a hill and the number of buildings is incredible. Painted wood and marble, paved streets. Energetic. Exquisite. The patterns of light and shadow on many of the buildings make the city look as sparkling as the ocean behind it.

His family stopped moving forward, staring at him with wide eyes and surprise, and they were so stunned that they couldn't even speak. Except for Agern, who nodded appreciatively, but acted indifferent.

"Have you ever seen something this big?" A

d

Okles asked.

"No," Hana said calmly. His eyes glazed over, as if the sight itself was too much, and he had to retreat into his imagination.

"It's just a big city," Agunn said. However, when he looked at her closely, she clutched the reins so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

A

d

Okles grinned. "Are you alright, Arguna?" Do you need some water?"

She glared at him, and it was all worth it.

"That's a lot of people!" Gabbie said, unconsciously straightening her skirt again.

"That's a lot of water," Pepper said.

Hana gasped and said, "I didn't even see it!" I didn't even notice the water. Dad, is that the ocean?"

Deanna replied first. "It is. I wonder if I'll ever see it again. My tribe used to say that the whole world was surrounded by oceans, but everywhere I went, I found more land. I missed it. Can you smell it?" She took a deep breath, a satisfied look on her face, and then a smile.

Then everybody has to try to smell the water. Andlos couldn't do it, even if he was more cunning in making the attempt. The wind was not blowing, and it was miles away. Deanna was wrong.

Gabby asked, "How can I remember everyone's name?"

A

d

"You just have to remember the names of important people," Okles said. But don't worry. They will adore you. They will adore all of you. There is no doubt about it. ”

His family was happy with his impression, and he spent a little time focusing on his drinking. How many times did he walk over this hill at the end of the war? Be at least twenty-five years old. Each time it has a different meaning. He used to be 25 different people. One is a heartbroken young man with fresh memories of his cowardice. The other was exhausted, barefoot, with cracked heels. Elated winners. A helpless surgical victim. An alcoholic. A sober and angry man. A sad husband. A man with a broken heart holds the shield of a dead friend. Too many times, the last one.

His city was his spiritual solace. It brings clarity and peace to his mind. As far as the eye can see, its glory, its fields, its walls, and its houses, its ports, its people and navy, and all this, wash away the thorns in the road. Gone is the man who was in danger everywhere and had enemies behind every stone and every tree. He's the good-natured Dicaine again.

It's like that every time he comes back. This has always been the city of his fathers, where their graves are, where their shadows may still be guarded. his home. This place made him and gave him everything.

But now it's the city of his children. The city is where the lovely little Gabby gets married, and where the flowers and peppers grow up. If the goddesses were willing, Aguna might use his body to bear him a son after his death to preserve his bloodline.

Dikaya called out to him and hugged him home with her arms outstretched. She has more to give. How he loved her!

"That's my city," he said reverently. He reached out and held Argn and Pepper's hands tightly as they both stood right next to him. "Now it's yours."

His heart was overflowing. Hot tears ran down his cheeks and hid in his beard, but he didn't hide or stop them. Let everyone see. Let them know how Anders sees his city and never forget it.

He squeezed their hands again, then let go of them and began to walk.