Through a chain off event, the trio now found themself sitting neatly in a royal carriage. A typical fantasy situation where the main character save the princess from a group of thugs as Rudeus put it

The air inside the royal carriage was heavy with the scent of lavender, and the soft swish of the wheels against the road was the only sound that broke the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. Rudeus, Rimuru and Rory sat across from each other, the plush seats of the carriage comfortable but oddly out of place given the situation. They were no longer in danger, no longer surrounded by angry villagers or thieves. Instead, they were in the presence of someone far more important: Princess Aeliana of the Kingdom of Avenmar.

The princess sat gracefully across from them, her golden hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, her posture flawless. Her royal gown shimmered with intricate embroidery, and she wore a gentle smile as she regarded the trio of strangers who had unwittingly saved her from a band of thieves just hours earlier.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude toward the trio who have save her life. "If it weren't for you three, I... I don't know what would have happened. I'm truthly in your debt."

Nodded, it not hard for Rimuru or Rory to guess that Rudeus is trying to keep his usual composed demeanor and not being a prevert infront of the princess. "It was nothing, Your Highness. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time right guy?" said then turn to both side, Rudeus look his 2 companion who he right now sitting between them

"Huh? oh yeah..." Rory said in a bored voice as she rest her head onto the window of the carriage and looking to the view outside

Seeing that reaction, princess Aeliana feel a bit awkward since she thought this is bothering the people infront of her in someways.

Sensing the discomfort display on the princess face smile, Rimuru gently speak up "Don't worry about her princess, she just sulk that Rudeus steal all the moment"

"HEY!" Rudeus shout out, glancing back at Rimuru with a dramatic look "It not my fault that the thugs can handle a shot of my [Rock Bullet]!"

"Oh sure you didn't know, you and your spells" Mumbling, it clear that Rory is sulk from Rudeus stealing all the action

Watching how the trio interact with each other, Aeliana can't help it but gigle at this weird sense and relationships between the three of them.

And not long after that royal carriage pulled up to the gates of Avenmar's castle, the grand structure looming ahead with its towering stone walls and fortified battlements. The massive wooden doors creaked open as the guards recognized the arrival of Princess Aeliana, who had been safely escorted back to the castle by her unlikely rescuers.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Rimuru and Rudeus couldn't help but exchange a glance of slight disappointment.

Why you ask? Well it because of the the exterior of the castle

While imposing, it was far from the opulent palaces they had imagined upon hearing the word ROYALTY.

Instead of towering marble pillars, gilded walls, and glistening towers like those they had come to expect from their respective worlds, this castle was a product of a much more humble medieval era.

The stone was worn, the walls were thick and utilitarian, and the courtyard that had the unmistakable smell of age and history on it. No grand chandeliers, no sparkling gems embedded into the architecture-just thick stone walls and heavy wooden doors.

"This is... Isn't what I have in mind..." Rimuru muttered under his breath, clearly unimpressed. His shimmering skin blended right in with the shadows as his eyes flickered with a sense of mild surprise.

Rudeus, always quick to put his thoughts into words, nodded in agreement. "Agree...I was expected something a bit more... extravagant."

While the 2 boys still stunt by this new side of fantasy world, Rory who had been walking alongside them with her usual swagger, grinned as she caught their expressions. "What did you two expected a palace made of gold and jewels?" She ask, clearly this did make her a bit more entertain after the ride

She was, of course, not the least bit disappointed. This was the kind of environment she was used to-castles like these were nothing new to her. She'd grown up in a world where medieval architecture and simple stone walls were the norm, where castles were more about defense and function than beauty. In other words, Rory had been to and seen plenty of places like this back in her world and seeing the here didn't faze her in the slightest.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Rory," Rimuru replied, looking around with a slight frown and a bit akward. "It's just that I was hoping for something a little more... refined." He said truthly

Although giggle at Rimuru remarks, Rory didn't share his sentiment. She was already surveying the layout of the castle, her eyes narrowing as she took in the surroundings. She had a certain respect for this kind of architecture, having seen its function and purpose.

The walls were thick, designed to withstand attacks. The courtyard was wide and open, the perfect setting for training or combat. She almost felt at home here, even if it wasn't as glamorous as Rimuru or Rudeus would have preferred. It was like Rory haven't left her world yet or atlest just another version of her world

Princess Aeliana, ever the gracious host, noticed the expressions of her guests and couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I understand it may not be as grand as you were expecting," she said with a smile. "But the castle of Avenmar has a long history. It's been here for centuries, built to withstand both time and conflict. The walls are thick for a reason."

Rudeus raised an eyebrow. "It's definitely... practical. But I was expecting something a bit more... elegant."

Rory smirked, her voice light as she teased, "Well not everyone can appreciate the subtle elegance of a solid stone wall." She waved a hand dismissively like she taunting Rudeus for his lack of knowledge of this place. "I think it looks fine."

Rimuru was still scanning the surroundings, not entirely convinced. "I just expected it would be more magic," he mumbled, though he knew that expectations could sometimes lead to disappointment. There wasn't much in this world that could match his previous experiences with the high-tech, magic-infused environments of his former world provide.

"Well, as much as I love hearing you two complain which I'm not," Rory said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "let's just follow the princess. We're guests, after all. We might as well see what kind of fun they have here."

Nodding and agree to Rory words, the trio follow Princess Aeliana, who led them through the castle gates and up to the entrance, where the large wooden doors creaked open to reveal the grand hall.

When in they can feel the difference between the in and outside of the castle.

The air inside was cool and upward are massive wooden beams use to supported the high ceilings. Instead of a crystal chandeliers or elaborate tapestries adorning the walls, the space was simple, with stone floors and wooden furniture that looked well-worn but sturdy.

"This is where we hold feasts and court," the princess explained as they walked into the hall. "I must admit, we are not a kingdom of excess. We've faced hardship in recent years, so most of our resources are put toward defense and rebuilding our lands. The wealthier nobles may have more luxurious homes, but this castle-our home-is functional above all else."

Rory nodded, impressed in her own way. "Practical. I can respect that." Her voice seemed to be soften a bit, as if understanding the reasoning behind the design of the place.

While Rimuru gave a small shrug. "I suppose."

"Still it feels a little... lacking in warmth." Rudeus added while looking the 4 stone wall surround them this verry moment

Princess Aeliana smiled warmly at them. "Perhaps," she said in a gentle voice agreeing with Rudeus statement then continue "But warmth is something that comes from within. We may not have the wealth of other kingdoms, but we share a strong sense of unity. Our strength comes from our people, not our riches."

Rudeus paused for a moment before speaking, his voice thoughtful. "yeah that... One way to look at it."

They were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching quickly. A tall, burly man wearing armor entered the hall, his expression stern but respectful. "Your Highness, we've prepared a banquet for your return," he said with a bow.

Aeliana gave a graceful nod. "Ah! Thank you, Commander." She said then turned back to Rimuru, Rudeus, and Rory. "Please, allow me to treat you to dinner. I hope you'll enjoy it. It's the least I can do for saving my life."

Hearing that Rory's stomach rumbled at the mention of food as she raised an eyebrow all excited up. "Now, that's something I can get behind."

As they followed the princess to the banquet hall, Rimuru and Rudeus exchanged a look of mutual understanding. The castle may not have been what they had expected, but they were still guests in a foreign land. And if nothing else, at least there would be food and drink.

Rory, walking ahead of them with a small smirk on her face, didn't mind the lack of luxury. She was used to this kind of environment, where function trumped form. And, if nothing else, she'd already started to feel a strange sense of belonging in this simple, stone-walled castle. After all, it wasn't the grandeur of a place that mattered-it was what you made of it.