A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1661: Three First-Class Tickets

Archer was standing on the roomʼs balcony, staring at a city known as Easthome, the port city Draconia set up after taking part of Orientia. The people wanted to rename it to get rid of the previous kingdomʼs presence, thanks to them loving the way the empire treated everyone. He was happy as the place was lit up.

A lighthouse guided the DTS White Storm into port, where the vessel docked at one of the companyʼs private docks. He was confused when Ella started buying them, but he didnʼt question the Half-Elf; he was surprised they were being used to hold the massive ships that transported thousands of people across the sea.

ʼʼShould we wait until everyone gets off, my love?ʼʼ Meredith asked from behind.

ʼʼYes, we have to return the key, then start exploring Easthome,ʼʼ he replied, scanning the building that was built from brownstone, decorated with Eastern themes.

ʼʼThis place is different compared to Avidia and Pluoria,ʼʼ Malakia said, blue eyes glinting with excitement at exploring new lands.

Archer chuckled at the womenʼs reactions as he explained. ʼʼDifferent continent, different cultures. Itʼs the reason I donʼt want to change anything and let people keep their customs. They love it.ʼʼ

ʼʼMakes sense,ʼʼ the lioness instantly agreed. ʼʼIf they feel like youʼre not trying to impose on their lives, their loyalty will skyrocket even if theyʼre newly conquered.ʼʼ

ʼʼThat was the idea that Aisha suggested,ʼʼ he revealed. ʼʼIt has made getting new land easier, especially when the people are jealous of their neighbour who lives in the Draconian Empire.ʼʼ

ʼʼMinimal tax, barely any government oversight, and a trust-based empire? Itʼs unheard of, but you created it, husband,ʼʼ Meredith added.

Archer couldnʼt keep the grin off his face as he hugged both women before the trio waited until most of the passengers left the White Storm. Once that was done, they left the ship only to drop the keys off at the ticket booth as they stepped into Easthome. Now, up close, the place impressed him.

Shops lined every street with apartment blocks dotting the landscape. Everything a city needed was built within the first set of walls, and more homes were being constructed alongside a second wall. Aisha had told him everything when he asked the Dragonkin, who was happy to hear from him.

While standing at the port entrance, Malakia turned to him, questioning. ʼʼWhat are we going to do now?ʼʼ

He shrugged, letting out a laugh. ʼʼHonestly? No, I just want to see my new lands and take a break from all the fighting.ʼʼ

ʼʼHow about we head to Ashkari, which sits on the western part of Draconiaʼs part of Orientia?ʼʼ Meredith suggested. ʼʼThen make our way east until reaching Westreach, where we can take a ship to Avidia.ʼʼ

Archer glanced at his maid wife with surprise in his eyes as he nodded. ʼʼSounds good to me, we can get a train to Ashkari, thereʼs a sign over there,ʼʼ he said, pointing at a white board announcing the Draconia Express is now running on Orientia.

Following that, the trio wove through the bustling streets of Easthome City, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished cobblestones covered in snow, as they approached the train station. The structure loomed before them, sweeping arches and detailed jade decorations.

Its tiled roof curls upward like the wings of a phoenix. Golden mana wlanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm, flickering glow across the facade. Guarding the entrance stood his reliable Homeguard. Unbeknownst to the soldiers, the emperor himself passed right by them.

As they stepped into the station, a wave of awe washed over the two women at his side. The inside was a marvel of architecture. Vibrant silk banners, embroidered with the Draconiaʼs soaring dragon sigil, hung from the ceiling, their colors shimmering in the light of ornate chandeliers.

The air hummed with the energy of hurried travelers, merchants clutching satchels, families herding children, and scholars poring over timetables. The clatter of footsteps mingled alongside the distant whistle of engines, while the faint scent of incense lingered, a nod to the cityʼs previous traditions.

Archerʼs eyes darted through the throng, settling on the ticket booth at the far end of the concourse. Carved from dark mahogany and stood as a beacon amid the chaos. When spotting this, he led the duo over to it. While walking, the women marveled at the stationʼs details, the polished marble floors etched with lotus patterns.

Bronze statues of mythical beasts lined the walls, and the announcements of incoming trains that people needed to get on. Archer smiled at the young woman who returned it with a professional one as she greeted them. ʼʼMorning travelers, what can I do for you today?ʼʼ

ʼʼCan I get three first-class tickets to Ashkari City, please?ʼʼ he asked.

ʼʼThat will be nine gold coins, please,ʼʼ the worker replied, stamping some paperwork.

Archer handed over the payment without an issue before the woman handed over the white tickets with a dragon picture in the background, with the name of the train, their destination, and other information. The group headed toward the first platform, where their ride to Ashkari would be arriving in an hour.

He led the way only to notice Meredith and Malakia looked amazed by the design of the station, with statues of local heroes decorating the place and shops off to one side. After ten minutes, the trio arrived at the platform where dozens of people mingled around, only for the lioness to sniff the air.

ʼʼI can smell delicious food, Arch,ʼʼ she suddenly revealed. ʼʼDo you want to get something to eat?ʼʼ

Archer agreed with a nod, and the three made their way toward the source as Malakia led the way, only to find a pastry store that was full of travelers. When the lioness saw this, her blue eyes narrowed. ʼʼLooks like we have to wait, is that okay?ʼʼ

ʼʼIt doesnʼt bother me, gorgeous,ʼʼ he reassured.

Meredith nodded, a smile crossing her face. ʼʼThatʼs fine with me.ʼʼ

Archer and the women joined the line behind a lively family, buzzing with excitement over the new pastries. Eavesdropping on nearby conversations, he learned the bakery had opened mere days ago and was already a sensation among Easthomeʼs residents. The warm, sugary aroma of freshly baked pastries drifted from the counter.

When they reached the front, an older man with a quick smile and a flour-dusted apron greeted them warmly. ʼʼWelcome to Spiced Haven Bakery! What can I get started for you folks?ʼʼ

Malakia stepped forward with confidence, her eyes gleaming as she scanned the display of golden pastries. ʼʼWeʼre stocking up for a few days,ʼʼ she said, smiling. ʼʼWeʼll take a dozen assorted pastries, six fruit tarts, four almond croissants, and two cinnamon rolls. Oh, and add a jar of that honeyed cream spread, enough for all of us.ʼʼ

The server nodded, his hands moving as he jotted down the order. ʼʼPlanning a feast, or just skipping the kitchen for a bit?ʼʼ he teased, carefully packing the pastries into a sturdy woven basket.

Meredith leaned against the counter, grinning. ʼʼA bit of both. Word around Easthome is this place is not to be missed, so weʼre loading up.ʼʼ

Archer remained silent, watching the exchange as he handed over a small stack of coins from his Item Box. The server tucked the jar of honeyed cream among the pastries, the sweet, buttery scent nearly overwhelming as he handed over the basket. ʼʼThisʼll keep you satisfied for days,ʼʼ he exclaimed. ʼʼCome back soon!ʼʼ

With food in hand, the group stepped out into the bustling first platform. He stored everything in the Item Box so it would stay fresh. They found a bench to sit on to wait for the train as the trio began eating the sweet treats. He picked a chocolate one, Malakia had a cream one, and Meredith had a fruit one.

They enjoyed the delicious flaky pastries, the sweet tang of fruit tarts, and the rich honeyed cream filling the hungry void in their stomachs. The tastes were so captivating that time slipped away, and none of them noticed the train pulling into the station until its low hum snapped them back to reality.

Archerʼs eyes widened at the sight of the machine before them. It resembled the steam locomotives from old Western tales, with its gleaming metal and billowing plumes, but there was an otherworldly shimmer to it, a faint glow that pulsed along its frame, hinting at magical engineering.

ʼʼThis thing is amazing,ʼʼ the lioness muttered. ʼʼLike straight from a story book.ʼʼ

Meredith eagerly nodded at the older womanʼs words as Archer smiled when the conductor ushered the passengers on board, checking tickets and assigning guides to groups to show them the way. Shortly after that, a young Asian girl appeared in front of them, dressed in a red and white uniform of the Draconia Express workers.

ʼʼHello, passengers. Iʼm Mila,ʼʼ she beamed. ʼʼIʼm a stewardess of the Draconia Express, can I see your tickets please?ʼʼ