The sound of steam furiously pouring from the funnels of a large train echoed as a large glossy metal locomotive started to slow down, nearing its destination. The windows of the train, barely visible through the bodies and heads of accompanying passengers, reflected a vast expanse of structures and buildings resembling a medium-sized city that resembled something out of Victorian London, with some images from the past, such as the large stone walls separating each sector of the city.
The sound of the mechanisms of the doors activating suddenly spurred movement from the passengers; this was the stop before the nobility district. Most, if not all, remaining passengers would be leaving this carriage meant for the less worthy or fortunate.
Many people left the carriage. Most were in formal attire—the men usually adorned with leather jackets or fine-tailored suits, with canes or top hats in tow. The females, usually accompanying their husbands, wore long dresses that reached to their ankles, much more suited for the paved roads and pathways of the inner district—a stark contrast to the outer districts' more muddy and disheveled roads—and brilliant makeup that accented their good features and hid the bad.
Just as the locomotive's steam alerted the passengers to their last chance to get off before the guards, wearing dark blue uniforms and waiting outside the train, were to check that everyone that remained on the train was allowed to do so, a young man, wearing dark worn-out trousers, a dark brown trench coat and a flat cap on top of messy raven-black hair, appeared.
So we're finally here, huh...
You'd think with the amount of money those officials and nobles make, they'd make more room in those for us commoners.
Suppressing a yawn, I stepped off the train and felt my shoes touch the smooth metallic ground, I stretch my sore muscles caused by the uncomfortably cramped train, feeling my muscles waking up.
I looked back to the train covered in metallic black, which was pouring steam from its smokestack. It was very large, around 6 to 8 grown men in height, and its sides were inlaid with covered piping. It was called the 'Illustrious Lady' with the serial number 1617 on its nose.
I can't help but find them intriguing, everything in this world is just so big, or maybe I'm just small.
Walking down the long, metallic steps of the train station, I was greeted by the bustling streets of the wealthiest section of the Outer District. Carriages of varying crossed through the stone-paved roads, and people walked across the sidewalks housing varying stores, the glare of the sun glinting off the signs of these shops.
Glancing towards the direction of the inner district, large stone walls greeted my eyes, a symbol of the lasting defense of the city and its long history.
And its other purpose, the barrier that separates the Nobility from the Lower Class.
I can't but find it revolting. But than again, I have a complete different set of morals. If only some of those stuck up Nobel's lived a day in the Outer Rim, maybe they'd be more compassionate.
With slight disgust, I shook my head at such a thought, I continue walking towards the large stone walls while i attempt to remember the entrance to the inner distinct.
"Ouch!"
I felt someone bump into me, and a yelp to my right.
"What?"
Stumbling forward a bit, i look behind me to see a young man no older than me on the ground rubbing his head painfully. He was also dressed in more lower class clothing, albeit a bit more ragged, and stood out like a sore thumb amongst all the passerby's.
"Ah! Sorry mister, I seemed to have bumped on to ya'. No hard feelings aye?"
Quickly getting up, the kid prepares to start walking off until I grab his arm and prevent him from leaving.
"Ouch!"
Well at least that yelp sounded real.
Rolling my eyes, I glare at the kid before reaching my hand into his pocket to bring out a sizable wallet.
"You think I'm stupid, huh? Your just a child, and a dumb one at that. Why the hell would you go for a kid like me? I'm barely older than you and definitely don't look as fancy as the adults roaming about."
"Ouch! If you let go of my arm I can tell ya'! Just let go otherwise you're gonna break my arm."
Letting go of his arm, the kid rubs it regrettably and glares at me.
"Did you have to grip it so hard?"
"Did you have to try and steal from me?"
"Whatever."
"Now answer the question."
Still slightly upset, the kid looks at me questionably.
"Ain't you General Arthur's kid? The one he's mentoring that is."
Furrowing my eyebrows, I ask questionably.
"How'd you know that? That's not something some little brat should know."
The kid looks at me like I'm stupid, and answers quickly.
"I ain't much younger than you. And how would we not know! Someone raised like us getting mentored by the General, of course we'd know."
Recalling the regent's favorable reputation with the lower class, I nod in understanding, but then got taken aback and questioned again.
"Wait, we?"
The kid looks questioningly again.
"Yeah? Everyone knows about you. The nuns at the orphanage use you as an example of god's redemption and the Lord Arthur's grace, or something."
"What?!"
What are those crazy fanatics doing after I left? I should really check up on them, considering they're on the city's payroll.
Seeing my annoyed face, the young man looked worried and asked if he could leave.
"Can I leave now?"
"You can leave now, or..."
I pull a gold coin from my stolen wallet. A sword on one side, and a masked man on the other. The boy's eyes gleam, transfixed. With eagerness and a bit of greed in his eyes, the boy quickly nods his head.
"I'll give you this for your help if you show me the entrance to the inner district. It's been a year or two so I've lost track"
Looking around me, I could also see the passerby's glare at us. The men looked down in contempt, and the woman held thinly veiled disdain in their eyes, as if they were looking at rabid dogs on street. I furrowed my eyebrows under their gaze and handed the boy his gold coin.
"Also, get some better clothes please. If you get some proper clothes, and change that boorish accent, maybe you'd actually be a successful thief."
With a wide smile, the boy quickly snatched the coin out of my hand and shoved in his pocket.
"Seems like I was right to rob you. But sure, follow me!"
.
.
.
.
"Here we are."
Turning around the corner, what greets my eyes is a tall stone wall, approximately 50 meters in height and spanning as far as the eye could see. It stood as a testament to this city's violent history, and if one looked closely, the battle scars of previous battles fought still remained on the stone slabs. Turning around to look, the scruffy young man stood in awe of its majestic stature, though of course its a common site, something of such scale could not be belittled, especially to the mind of a pubescent teenager.
Glancing to the bottom of the wall I saw the large wooden door, which lay down, allowing carriages in and out. Guards, rifles strapped to their backs, stood close to the edges, inspecting any carriages they deemed suspicious.
Starting my journey towards the gate, I glance one more time at the scruffy kid behind me, reach into my pocket and grab one more coin, flicking it towards him.
"If I need any help in the future, I'll let you know. One more thing, what's your name?"
With a surprised look, the kid caught the silver coin and pocketed it.
"The names Adrian, no last name. At your service anytime."
I nod. There's sharpness in his eyes—he's not as dumb as he looks. And considering I've been in pseudo seclusion for close to 2 years, I need to regain my bearings and need people I can trust, especially in the near future.
"I'm guessing I don't have to introduce myself?"
The boy smiled knowingly.
"No, Sir Lucien. Your reputation is well known as it is"
Adrian responds to my query with a toothy grin.
Well so far today has proved fruitful, let's hope it remains so without any hiccups, though knowing my luck, I'm asking for too much.
With a nod of acknowledgement, I start walking towards the inspectors, but with a slightly annoyed expression on my face.
I swear to god that kids face seems familiar, but for the life of me I can't seem to remember a single thing about him. Damn this shitty amnesia.
What Lucien failed to notice was Adrian's piercing gaze, which lingered on his back longer than he'd realized. With an small smile on his face, Adrian left without a second glance.