Paper! Paperboy!

After they had arrived,

The capital was everything Willem had imagined—and worse.

The streets were teeming with people: merchants shouting about their wares, noble carriages clattering over cobblestones, and children darting between the chaos like squirrels in a bread shop. Towering spires rose above the city, gleaming in the sunlight, while banners bearing the royal crest flapped in the breeze.

"Wow," Willem said, leaning out of the carriage window. "It's so... loud."

Elizabeth, sitting across from him, rolled her eyes. "What did you expect? A peaceful meadow?"

"Maybe just less yelling," Willem muttered.

As the carriage rumbled into the noble district, the chaos gave way to pristine streets and sprawling mansions. Willem straightened his borrowed clothes, feeling the weight of every curious glance from the passersby.

"So," he said, trying to sound casual, "what's the plan?"

Elizabeth smiled mischievously. "Simple. You stick by me, keep quiet, and try not to embarrass yourself."

"Great plan," Willem deadpanned. "Really inspires confidence."

The carriage came to a stop in front of an enormous estate with a grand iron gate. Guards stood on either side, their expressions stony.

Willem stared. "This is your house?"

"One of them," Elizabeth said with a shrug.

"One of them?" Willem repeated, shaking his head. "How many houses does one family need?"

Elizabeth smirked. "Enough to make you ask that question."