Chapter 12: Chapter 12: The Central Square

    The Next Morning in the King''s Chambers

    Arthur awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. Today marked the beginning of his mission to see and experience the real situation of Kelodoria.

    He called for his valet and spoke firmly, "I will be leaving the palace for the next three days. You are not to tell anyone about this. Simply bring my meals as usual—to the library or my chambers—and leave them there. Understood?"

    The valet hesitated but ultimately bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

    Arthur had no choice but to inform the valet of his plan. As the one responsible for managing the king''s daily tasks, the valet would inevitably notice his absence. This precaution would buy Arthur time before anyone became suspicious.

    Thanks to his past behavior, Arthur knew he could remain in his chambers without raising alarms. His reputation for indulging in excess and shirking responsibilities made it plausible for him to skip meetings without question.

    "Prepare some clothes suitable for a commoner," Arthur added. "Pack additional garments as well. I''ll need them for the journey." The valet nodded, his expression betraying no emotion, and left to fulfill the king''s order

    After everything was prepared, Arthur, wearing a wig, slipped out of the palace with the help of Klein. Dressed in plain, commoner attire and armed with a new identity, Arthur introduced himself as Sam, a modest merchant of commoner origin. According to the fabricated backstory Klein provided, Sam earned a modest income of 6 to10 gold coins per year—a lower-middle-class livelihood. The disguise was designed to avoid suspicion while allowing Arthur to blend in with the people.

    When Arthur arrived at the central square, he saw a bustling hive of activity. In the heart of the square stood a large fountain, its stone surface worn smooth by time. Clear water cascaded from its central spout, creating a steady, soothing rhythm amidst the bustling scene. The fountain served as a gathering point, its circular base surrounded by wooden benches where weary travelers and locals rested. Around it, blacksmiths with soot-streaked faces haggled over enchanted tools, farmers unloaded freshly harvested crops, and wandering mages showcased small bursts of magic to attract customers. Children played near the fountain''s edge, occasionally splashing water onto one another, their laughter brightening the square.

    Even though Keldoria was a small nation ruled by an incompetent king, the main capital appeared far from struggling—at least on the surface. The bustling streets, vibrant marketplace, and lively chatter painted a picture of prosperity and activity. Yet Arthur, observing more closely, saw a different story unfolding in the shadows. As the carriage moved past the busier parts of the city, the sights changed. In quieter, less fortunate corners, people sat huddled against the stone walls, their faces gaunt and weary. Beggars stretched out trembling hands, silently pleading for scraps of food or a few coins. Children with tattered clothes darted around, scavenging what they could. The stark contrast between the central square''s energy and the outskirts'' quiet despair weighed heavily on Arthur.

    However, Arthur knew he couldn''t act on his instincts to help—not now. If he stopped to aid one or two people, it would draw attention and risk a flood of others approaching him for charity. Worse, it could jeopardize his anonymity. Reluctantly, he steeled himself, suppressing the urge to intervene, and focused on the plan at hand. Once they reached their destination, Arthur and his guards made their way to a modest inn. The building, made of weathered stone with a wooden sign creaking in the breeze, blended seamlessly with its surroundings. After paying for two rooms, one for himself and another for the two guards, Arthur placed his few belongings inside.

    After settling his belongings in the inn, Arthur adjusted the wig that concealed his identity, the modest attire of a commoner helping to complete the disguise. He turned to his guards, Carl and Tom, issuing a quiet command.

    "Follow me, but keep your distance," he instructed. "I need to blend in."

    The wig and plain clothing served a dual purpose: not only did they obscure his royal features, but they also played on the public''s perception of their king. No one would ever expect the notoriously prideful and inept King Arthur Jr. to don the humble garments of a commoner or alter his appearance with a mere wig.

    Arthur made his way to the central square in search of a popular tavern. He knew taverns were often the best places to gather information, as loose tongues flowed freely alongside the drinks. Upon finding one that seemed lively, Arthur entered, selected a table, and ordered a light drink to keep himself sharp and focused. The table was shared, and when his two guards, Carl and Tom, attempted to sit with him, Arthur promptly waved them away. It would be more productive, he reasoned, to leave room for strangers to join him—ideal for casual conversations that might reveal the sentiments of the locals.

    During his time in the tavern, Arthur gleaned several valuable insights. It became clear that King Arthur Jr. was deeply unpopular among the commoners and even some barons. Another recurring topic was the overwhelming power held by the nobles. The laws of Keldoria demanded that commoners treat nobles with respect, with severe punishments for any perceived mistreatment. However, the nobles had twisted these rules, using them to justify punishment for even the most trivial or unintentional slights. Additionally, Arthur learned that nearly 20% of the population was homeless or struggling to find stable work. The influx of cheaper imported goods from other nations had driven many local tradespeople out of business, leaving them drowning in debt and despair.