From the moment I was chosen by the holy relic

Two men led their horses slowly through the crowd. A child trotted past carrying a basket of fragrant bread. Rough singing drifted from outside the tavern, and several drunken men, still clutching their glasses, emerged, supporting each other. A street performer played a cheerful accordion tune, attracting a large crowd. Some women sat at their stalls weaving, chatting with customers and laughing heartily as their needles darted across the fabric.

As they strolled along, observing the city's vibrancy and energy, Eileen marveled at its grandeur. Her gaze lingered on the crowds and streets, as if searching for some hidden clue. Eric, on the other hand, was filled with pride, frequently introducing Eileen to the history of the palace and the traditions of Nosteria: "Look at that tower; it's said to have been built by the first king himself. All our glory originates from here..."

The two continued walking along the busy street toward the palace. The hustle and bustle of the street gradually became orderly. Before they knew it, they came to a square. The crowds around them were surging, but it was unusually quiet.

Eileen's gaze shifted, and she saw a group of people kneeling on the ground, hands clasped together, praying softly. Most of the worshippers were simply dressed, and some wore weary, travel-worn expressions, clearly having come from afar. Despite this, their expressions were incredibly devout, their eyes fixed intently on a towering building in front of them.

"Look, that's the Church of St. Sol. One of the holiest places in Nostria," Eric said, his voice filled with awe.

Eileen looked up and saw the church standing at the end of the square, like a silent guardian. The church's exterior walls were built of milky white stone, which shone with a warm luster in the sunlight. The spires soared into the sky, and each flying buttress was carved with lifelike angels and demons, as if telling the story of the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. The rose window was embedded in the main facade, made of colorful stained glass. Sunlight shone through the windows, casting dappled light and shadow, as if one were in a dream.

"St. Sol Church?" Eileen repeated softly, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Eric nodded slightly, then said solemnly, "This church was built more than three hundred years ago, and legend has it that it was built under the guidance of an angel for the then King of Nostria. It is not only our religious center, but also the spiritual symbol of the kingdom." He paused, his voice becoming lower and more emotional, "Whether in war or disaster, St. Sol Church has never collapsed; it has always been a beacon in the hearts of the Nostria people."

Eileen listened silently, her gaze still wandering over the church. Her eyes swept over the religious images on the stained glass windows: saints, monsters, flames and radiance, complex and magnificent, yet they stirred a faint sense of disdain in her heart.

Seeing her silence, Eric smiled and added, "You know, every year tens of thousands of people travel from all over Northoria to this place on pilgrimage. They firmly believe that by praying in St. Sol Church, they can purify their souls and gain new hope."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Eileen, a hint of expectation in his eyes: "Since we're passing by, why don't we go in and take a look? Perhaps you'll find peace of mind."

Eileen paused for a moment, then smiled and said calmly, "No need, I'm more concerned about the important business we're on."

She spoke with neither arrogance nor servility, a polite smile on her face, but inwardly she thought coldly: Purify the soul? Only those with filthy souls need such hypocritical rituals.

Eric, oblivious to her inner thoughts, simply nodded: "Alright, business is business, but if you have the chance, you should go in and take a look. This is the pride of Nostria, and even travelers from afar are often captivated by its grandeur and beauty."

Eileen smiled slightly, offering a perfunctory response. They bypassed the crowd of people praying and continued walking forward, gradually moving away from the imposing projection of the church.

As the church receded into the distance, the hustle and bustle of the capital was gradually replaced by the low murmur of the wind, and the view opened up. Eric couldn't help but exclaim, "This is the most beautiful place in Orion City. When you stand before the palace gates, you can feel a profound sense of awe."

Before her eyes stood a magnificent castle, far more grand than Eileen had imagined. Built against the mountainside, its massive towers pierced the clouds, their spires adorned with the banners of Nostroya, fluttering in the wind. Sunlight streamed onto the intricately carved stone walls, their complex and exquisite patterns seemingly narrating the nation's glorious centuries-long history. Outside the castle, a winding stone bridge led to a babbling brook, with a small waterfall faintly visible in the distance. At the bridge's end lay the tightly closed city gate, its heavy iron doors heavily guarded. Soldiers stood ramrod straight on either side, spears in hand, their sharp eyes exuding an aura of authority.

Behind the castle, the majestic snow-capped mountains rise one after another, like a giant dragon sleeping on the earth. The white snow peaks shimmer with a faint light under the sun, cold and lofty. Several eagles circle on the mountaintops, emitting clear and melodious cries, blending into this solemn scene.

"This is the heart of Nosteria." Eric stopped and looked at the castle with reverence, a proud expression on his face.

Eileen looked up at the magnificent building before her, but her gaze showed neither shock nor admiration. She stood there quietly, her face as calm as ever, as if it were all irrelevant to her. After a moment, she spoke calmly, "Let's stop here, Eric. We agreed before that I wouldn't go to see the king."

Eric paused, then turned to look at her: "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The King wants to see you, why are you..."

"Stop talking," Eileen interrupted him, her tone not sharp, but undeniably firm. "I don't belong here. Just give me half of the king's reward, that's all."

Eric opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he sighed helplessly: "Alright, you're a person with your own opinions, I won't force you."

Eileen smiled slightly and nodded: "I'll wait for you at the biggest hotel in town. Come find me after you've finished your business."

Eric watched her turn and leave. Her figure appeared exceptionally small in front of the castle, yet she possessed an undeniable resilience. The wind billowed her cloak, which danced in the sunlight in an elegant arc. Eric was mesmerized by her sight until Eileen's figure disappeared from his view.

Eileen walked alone through the bustling streets toward the Silver Cup Hotel, the largest hotel in Orion City. Located in the heart of the city center, its street-facing sign featured a hand holding aloft a silver cup, exquisitely hand-carved and decorated with vine patterns. The hotel was always bustling with people. Eileen raised her hood to cover half her face, pushed open the heavy wooden door, and went inside.

The inn's lobby was extremely spacious, with unique yet luxurious decor. The stone walls were covered with various weapons and the skulls of prey, and a huge crystal chandelier hung above it, emitting a soft light. In the center of the lobby was a long wooden table, around which many adventurers sat talking and laughing loudly. The table was covered with beer mugs, roast meat, and bread, and the air was filled with the aroma of roast beef and stew, mixed with the rich smell of malt liquor. The noise was incessant.

Eileen didn't rush into negotiations but instead looked around. Her gaze swept over the diverse crowd in the hall; some were simply dressed, ordinary travelers; others were fully armed, clearly adventurers or mercenaries. A dwarf was gesturing with his thick fingers, seemingly recounting a fierce battle in a mine; not far away, a young elf sat by the wall, holding an ancient harp, softly playing a melodious tune, occasionally drawing passersby to stop and listen.

Most striking was a recruitment poster for an adventure team tucked away in a corner of the hall. The yellowed parchment read: "Recruiting Explorers! Danger and fortune coexist! Fearless ones, come forth!" Several burly warriors sat at a table selecting applicants; a map and a few bottles of wine lay on the table. Occasionally, young adventurers would approach; among them were elven archers, dwarven warriors, and even a massive orc.

Eileen watched all this quietly, feeling a subtle sense of relaxation. The chaotic yet lively environment felt strangely familiar. She finally walked to the counter and asked the hotel owner in a slightly hushed voice for the quietest room.

The room was located on the top floor of the hotel. Looking out the window, one could see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. In Eileen's eyes, the capital of Nostria seemed to have lost its hustle and bustle, leaving only a picturesque tranquility and solemnity. The room was simply furnished, with spotless wooden beds and chairs, and an old oil lamp in the corner, casting a dim yellow light.

Eileen sat at the table, opening the book she had retrieved from the ruins, and quietly began to read. She had spent a great deal of time trying to decipher the obscure and difficult symbols, but progress was slow. However, she was not impatient; instead, she patiently examined each detail one by one.

Time slipped away quietly in this monotonous yet peaceful environment. During the day, she would occasionally go downstairs for meals, and as the Silver Cup Hotel grew quieter late at night, Eileen liked to sit by the window, gazing at the distant snow-capped mountains, pondering her next plans. The faint sound of the wind in the distance brought her a sense of inexplicable tranquility.

The lobby of the Silver Cup Hotel is always bustling with activity. Every morning, the aroma of freshly baked bread and soup fills the entire hotel, and servants move about, serving breakfast to each guest.

Erin always wore a hood and chose the quietest seat in the corner, ordering a simple meal, usually a piece of hard bread and a glass of honey osmanthus wine, a specialty of Nostria, slightly sweet with a faint floral aroma, which is very popular with travelers.