Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

The salamander James rode was indeed large, easily accommodating the three of them with space to spare. William estimated it could comfortably carry at least five people.

Gwyneth proved to be an engaging travel companion. She, too, was a mage, though her focus lay in different magical disciplines.

"My father is renowned for his skill in smithing and enchanting," she explained. "I followed in his footsteps, learning his craft and enrolling in a magic academy. But then, this sudden news..." Her face clouded with worry.

She had been away when her father fell ill. "I journeyed to the countryside to visit family and gather ores for my father. I never imagined something like this would happen. It's baffling!"

Her father, a healthy man and a mage, had fallen ill unexpectedly. Gwyneth suspected foul play but had no proof.

"If I may ask," Gwyneth inquired, "what takes you two to Ignis?"

William started to answer, but James spoke first. "Academy business," he stated simply.

"Academy business?" she echoed.

"Indeed. We hail from Snowpeak Academy."

"Snowpeak!" Gwyneth exclaimed. "I've heard it's one of the finest, and notoriously difficult to enter."

William, though his chest swelled with pride at her words, remained silent.

Their journey continued. Initially, William harbored a flicker of suspicion towards Gwyneth. However, after conversing with her for a while, he felt reassured that she posed no threat. Furthermore, James, with his keen magical senses, had readily accepted her company. He clearly sensed no danger from her.

Gwyneth tried to learn more about William, James, Snowpeak, and their mission, but James remained tight-lipped. He made it clear that he wasn't willing to share that information with outsiders.

They talked about themselves, carefully avoiding anything related to Snowpeak Academy and their mission. William, seeing James's reticence, followed suit. It wouldn't be wise to anger one of his professors.

Time flew by as they journeyed across the kingdom.

"This is so much faster," Gwyneth remarked. "It would take me ages to return with a horse."

Whenever someone praised his salamander, James beamed with pride. "Right? This salamander is incredible! It's truly rare. And do you know where I found it? Well, I was on an island with a volcano, and then..."

James clearly loved recounting the tale of how he found and tamed the salamander. William, having heard it before, patiently listened.

Days passed, and finally, they reached the capital, Ignis.

Nestled amidst a forest and surrounded by mountains, Ignis was a naturally fortified city. Its towering walls, exceeding 40 meters in height, provided an imposing defense. Yet, even with such formidable walls, it was still possible to see the numerous buildings within the city and the palace situated on the highest point. That was where the royal family resided, the most guarded and secure location in the entire kingdom.

A river flowed through the city, a renowned waterway that stretched across a significant portion of the kingdom. Many other villages and cities had been built along its banks.

"This is incredible!" William exclaimed. "Look at the architecture of these buildings, and the powerful barrier surrounding the city..."

William was awestruck by Ignis. Not only were the buildings impressive, but the barrier encircling the city was far stronger than the one at Snowpeak Academy, which was already considered one of the best in the kingdom.

He couldn't imagine anyone possessing the power to conquer such a city, at least not easily.

James controlled the salamander as they descended. "We can enter the city with it, but we cannot fly within or above it."

They had to land before entering Ignis. A long queue stretched from the main gate, filled with people from all corners of the kingdom, and indeed, the world. Ignis might not have magic academies nearby, but it was renowned as a hub for mages to exchange knowledge and goods. Moreover, it was home to the finest smiths, enchanters, and alchemists.

Ignis was a haven for crafters, a center of research and innovation.

They joined the end of the queue. James frowned. "This might take us at least four hours to get inside..."

The looming threat of war had made entering the city far more difficult.

Gwyneth, however, had a solution. "I can enter through the VIP gate. Follow me, please."

William gaped at her. "VIP area? You can access that?" He was astonished that Gwyneth had such privileges.

"I told you my father is one of the best smiths in Ignis. I have a few perks. Follow me," Gwyneth said.

They walked towards a side gate, slightly to the right of the main entrance. The people queuing looked at them with envy.

"I wish I could enter the city so easily..." one murmured.

Gwyneth led the way. Two imposing guards stood in front of the VIP gate. When they saw Gwyneth, they were shocked. "P-Princess? Why are you here? We thought you were away studying."

Gwyneth, with a regal air, replied, "You know why I'm back. Please, let me enter. These two are my friends; grant them VIP access as well."

"Of course, princess," the guard said.

He retrieved a token and handed it to William and James. This token would allow them to enter through the VIP gate even without Gwyneth.

Once inside the city, James exclaimed, "Who are you? You said your father was a blacksmith, but he's the king!"

Gwyneth hushed him. "Don't shout, please. I wasn't lying. The king is one of the best blacksmiths in the kingdom. Just because he's the king doesn't mean he can't practice his craft."

William agreed with her logic. James tried to calm down, noticing the strange looks people on the streets were giving him.

"You still need to explain why you lied to us," James insisted.

Gwyneth sighed and explained everything, eager to appease them.

"Everything I said was true to a certain extent," she clarified. "My father is one of the best blacksmiths in the kingdom, and I was indeed away looking for ores, but also studying independently. I had to return after he fell ill, but I couldn't announce my identity as a princess. You know how bandits would react – kidnapping me and demanding a ransom..."

James and William listened, finding her explanation reasonable. She was far from the royal palace, so concealing her princess status made sense.

"But how can you leave so freely?" James asked. "I thought you had to stay in the palace most of the time."

"Well, my mother isn't the queen," she revealed. "Some people don't want me in the palace, so I have certain privileges."

When they heard this, they noticed the sadness etched on Gwyneth's face. They couldn't fathom how difficult her situation in the palace must be.

"But that's why I had to return," she said, her voice firm. "My father was the one who loved me most. I need to be here for him."

James offered a gentle smile. "We can accompany you to the palace if you wish."

"That would be wonderful!"

The three walked through the streets of Ignis together. Gwyneth pointed out significant landmarks.

"That's one of the most famous alchemy shops in the kingdom," she said, gesturing towards a grand building. "You can find anything you desire there, but it's quite expensive."

"And this is one of the many churches in the city," she added, indicating a tall, stone structure.

As William passed the church, he felt a strange sensation, a subtle discomfort.

'Could it be because of my demonic powers?' he wondered.

The city was vast and bustling. It took them a while to reach the palace. Security was tight; no one could approach without permission. However, when the guards saw the princess approaching, they bowed and granted her passage.

Gwyneth vouched for William and James, explaining their presence without any issues.

They stopped in front of the palace gate. The building was constructed from white stone, and the gardens were expansive, filled with flowers and lush green grass. Experience tales at empire

Numerous guards stood watch. William sensed their considerable strength, which made sense considering the palace was the most heavily guarded location in the kingdom.

"This is as far as I can go with you. I appreciate your help," Gwyneth said. "I'll seek you out if I need anything else. Thank you, William. Thank you, Professor James."

"It was our pleasure, princess," they replied.

As William and James turned to leave, the palace doors opened, and a man approached them. He wore fine clothing, with a neatly trimmed beard and spectacles perched on his nose.

"Excuse me," the man said. "I heard there's a professor from Snowpeak here? Is that you?" he asked, looking at James.

Professor James was taken aback. How had news of his arrival spread so quickly? It highlighted the royal family's extensive network and the speed at which information traveled.

"Yes, I am," James confirmed. "Is there something I can do for you?"

The man bowed slightly. "It's an honor to have someone of your stature here. Would you care to come inside? We may require your services. And is this your assistant?" he asked, glancing at William. "He looks quite young. He's welcome to join us as well."