As the carriage rumbled along the well-paved road, Zach leaned against the window, eyes widening at the sheer scale of the city coming into view. Frosthold name he had heard several times before was now right in front of him, and it was nothing short of breathtaking.
"Whoa..." Zach muttered under his breath, staring at the massive walls looming ahead. They were at least three times taller than the walls of Ravennest, built from thick stone reinforced with iron plating at strategic points. The grand gates stood open, revealing a bustling city beyond, but what truly caught his attention was the long line of people, carriages, and merchants waiting for entry.
"As expected of Frosthold, the gates are always crowded," Sebastian commented, noticing Zach's awe.
Zach frowned, watching as merchants argued with guards over tariffs and some travelers showed stacks of paperwork just to gain entry. The line stretched as far as he could see.
"If we had to wait in that, I'd probably go crazy," Zach muttered.
Sebastian let out a rare chuckle before tapping on the carriage's crest the emblem of Ravennest. The guards, upon noticing it, immediately signaled for them to bypass the long queue. As their carriage passed through the gates without trouble, Zach could hear the groans and grumbles of those still stuck waiting.
"That's unfair!" a merchant protested.
"That's nobility for you..." another grumbled.
Zach coughed awkwardly. I didn't even do anything, but I feel like I should apologize.
Once inside, Frosthold's sheer scale hit him like a wave. If Ravennest was a town, then this was a metropolis.
"Welcome to Frosthold, young master," Sebastian said with a slight smile. "The beating heart of trade in this region."
Zach could see why. The streets were wide and paved with smooth stone, ensuring carriages and wagons could move with ease. Unlike Ravennest, where different businesses shared buildings, here each guild had its own massive headquarters.
"That's the Alchemist Guild," Sebastian pointed to a five-story building with a distinct cauldron emblem. It had an open market outside, where apothecaries and herbalists loudly advertised their potions and remedies.
"And over there is the Blacksmiths' Association," he continued, nodding toward a massive forge-like structure with an anvil crest, smoke billowing from its many chimneys.
Further down, Zach noticed the Mercenary Guild, an imposing structure with warriors clad in different armor sets loitering around, some discussing contracts, others drinking from street vendors nearby. There was even a Tailors' Guild, boasting luxurious fabrics and high-end fashion displays.
Unlike Ravennest, where all these departments were squeezed into one large administrative building, here they flourished independently.
"This place really deserves its title as the Merchant City," Zach murmured, watching traders from different regions setting up stalls in an open market plaza larger than anything he had seen before. The sheer variety was overwhelming spices, silk, exotic fruits, enchanted trinkets, and other items he didn't even recognize.
Even the people seemed different. There were nobles, commoners, travelers, and foreign merchants all mingling in a lively, chaotic harmony. Some spoke in different dialects, bargaining and haggling over rare goods. The smell of freshly baked bread mixed with the scent of sizzling skewers being sold by street vendors, making Zach's stomach grumble.
"Are those street performers?" Zach pointed at a group playing lively music near a fountain. A young girl danced to the beat, flipping a hat to collect coins from entertained passersby.
"Frosthold is also known for its entertainment industry. You'll find many performers and playwrights here," Sebastian explained.
Zach exhaled in amazement. This was nothing like his past life.
"Young master, shall we head to the Frost Estate now?" Sebastian asked, glancing at him.
Zach shook himself out of his daze and nodded. He had come here for a reason, after all. But one thing was for sure his trip to Frosthold was going to be far more interesting than he had expected.
As the carriage rolled to a stop before the grand entrance of the Frosthold estate, Zach let out a low whistle. Even in the dim glow of the lanterns lining the courtyard, the sheer size and intricate craftsmanship of the mansion left him in awe. It was at least twice the size of his own home in Ravennest, with tall spires reaching into the night sky and a grand stairway leading up to an entrance lined with frost-coated statues.
Before he could fully take in the sight, the large wooden doors swung open, revealing a familiar face.
"Zach! You're finally here!" Elias grinned widely as he hurried down the steps, his arms spread dramatically as if about to embrace him.
Zach, sensing trouble, took a quick step back. "No hugs."
"Aw, come on, don't be so stiff! We're friends!" Elias pouted before grabbing Zach's arm anyway, pulling him toward the entrance. "You've been to my house before during those noble parties, but this is the first time you're actually staying here! Let me give you the grand tour!"
Sebastian, ever composed, bowed slightly. "Young master, I will oversee the unloading of your luggage. Please enjoy your time."
Zach gave him a knowing look. "You just want to escape the tour, don't you?"
Sebastian merely smiled. "I would never."
Elias pulled Zach into the grand hall, his excitement making it clear that he had been waiting all day for this moment. "This is the entrance hall, obviously. The main staircase leads to the family's quarters, and to the right" He gestured dramatically. "The dining hall, where we will feast shortly!"
Zach noted the luxurious interior. Unlike Ravennest's warm wooden aesthetics, Frosthold's mansion had a sleek elegance—white marble floors, silver-lined pillars, and massive crystal chandeliers that reflected the flickering candlelight. The house truly embodied the Frost family name.
"I have to admit, your house is way fancier than I remember," Zach said, running a hand along the polished banister.
"Of course! The merchant city's leading family must uphold its prestige!" Elias puffed out his chest. "Now, let's go"
Before they could continue, a steward appeared at the hall's entrance. "Young masters, the Lord and Lady Frost are expecting you at the dining hall."
Elias groaned. "Already? I wanted to show you my room first."
"You can show me after we eat," Zach said, patting his rumbling stomach. "Let's go before I start eating the furniture."
The dining hall was as grand as expected, with a long, ornately carved table stretching nearly the entire room. At the head sat Lord Leo Frost, a man with sharp features and an imposing air, yet his smile was warm and welcoming. Beside him sat his wife, Lady Elizabeth, an elegant woman with gentle eyes and a regal posture.
"Welcome to Frosthold, young Zach," Leo greeted, his deep voice carrying authority. "I trust the journey was not too taxing?"
"Thank you for having me, Lord Frost. The trip was smooth, though I do wish it was faster." Zach bowed respectfully, then turned to Elizabeth. "It is an honor to be welcomed into your home, Lady Elizabeth."
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Such polite manners. You must have inherited them from your mother."
Zach scratched his cheek. "I try."
Dinner was soon served, and Zach immediately noted the difference in cuisine. Frosthold's dishes had a variety of exotic spices and fresh seafood, a contrast to the hearty, meat-heavy meals of Ravennest. Zach and Elias wasted no time digging in, with Elias enthusiastically recommending his favorite dishes.
"Try this one! It's a Frosthold specialty." Elias placed a grilled fish fillet on Zach's plate. "Oh, and don't forget to taste the honey-glazed bread!"
Zach grinned. "At this rate, I'll be rolling out of here instead of walking."
Leo watched the boys with amusement before addressing Zach. "I hope you'll enjoy your stay here. Frosthold has much to offer, and I trust Elias will keep you well entertained."
"I'll make sure he doesn't get bored!" Elias promised, stuffing another piece of food into his mouth.
Zach, already suspecting he was in for some mischief, merely sighed. "I have a feeling I should be worried."
The room erupted in laughter, the warmth of the Frost family making Zach feel surprisingly at ease. Despite the unfamiliar environment, he had a feeling this visit would be an interesting one.
Late at night
Sebastian stood before the grand doors of Lord Leo's study. The flickering candlelight within cast shadows against the polished wood, and the faint scent of ink and parchment filled the air. A guard gave him a nod before opening the doors, allowing him inside.
Leo Frost sat behind his desk, fingers steepled as he gazed at the numerous documents spread before him. He looked up as Sebastian entered and gestured toward the seat across from him.
"Sebastian, I trust your journey was smooth?" Leo inquired.
Sebastian gave a small bow before taking his seat. "It was, my lord. I come bearing updates, though little news has arrived regarding Lord Vincent. As of today, we expect he has just set foot in the royal capital. The journey there is long and perilous, but with his expertise, I doubt there will be any issue."
Leo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "That's good to hear. I assume you have also handled the spy within your estate?"
Sebastian's expression darkened slightly. "Yes, the infiltrator among the mansion staff has been taken care of. We confirmed he had been feeding information to an unknown party, but he didn't have access to anything crucial. Nevertheless, the matter required swift resolution."
Leo nodded, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk. "The same situation has unfolded here in Frosthold. I have been slowly uncovering these hidden threats, but they are deeply rooted. It is frustrating, knowing that they exist within my city, yet I cannot simply uproot them all at once."
Sebastian remained composed. "This is not a battle won with brute force, but through patience and precision. My lord, I have no doubt you will handle it accordingly."
Leo let out a small chuckle. "I suppose so. Regardless, I've compiled what we have learned thus far." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a sealed parchment, sliding it across the table toward Sebastian. "Deliver this to Vincent when you return. It contains everything we have gathered about these spies and their potential affiliations."
Sebastian took the parchment carefully, nodding. "Understood. This will reach my lord without fail."
Leo exhaled deeply, rubbing his temple. "It never ends, does it? There's always another problem waiting to surface."
Sebastian allowed himself a small, knowing smile. "That is the burden of leadership, my lord."
Leo smirked, shaking his head. "You and Vincent really are alike in that regard. Very well, you are dismissed. Get some rest, Sebastian."
Sebastian bowed once more before taking his leave, the parchment secured within his coat. The weight of duty never faded, but he carried it with the unwavering resolve expected of him.