23rd September 303 Paign Era.
In the past few months, Bideford experienced an unprecedented surge in its population density.
The city became even more crowded as the flood of refugees sought safety from the war.
The avenues and squares were filled to the brim with people who had fled the ravages of conflict.
However, as peace slowly settled upon the kingdom, a gradual transformation began to unfold. The refugees, relieved by the end of hostilities, started to return to their original dwellings.
While some chose to remain in Bideford, finding a sense of belonging and a fresh start, many opted to journey back to the regions where they were born and had grown up.
Nevertheless, the regions to which they returned had all come under the rule of Ryntum, thanks to the success of its army achieved during the war.
This alignment of circumstances spared Riz and his administration from additional complications.
With the refugees returning voluntarily, Riz found himself relieved and grateful as he didn't have to somehow force them to move.
For Riz, he believed in the necessity of spreading the population across various provinces to ensure equitable development.
He recognized that a concentrated populace would strain city services, hampering the growth and well-being of both the city and its inhabitants.
With the tide of returnees flowing back to their roots, the equilibrium of life within Bideford was gradually restored, as the city's rhythm harmonized once more with the ebb and flow of daily existence.
Bideford's streets no longer felt as tightly packed as before and the markets regained a sense of spaciousness.
Although one group returned to their homes, another set arrived in Bideford in great numbers.
This time, their ranks were not defined by their sheer volume, but rather by their influential status.
These were no ordinary visitors.
They were the esteemed guests specially invited to the grand event of the king's wedding.
Among them were nobles and dignitaries hailing from various kingdoms and distant lands. Their presence lent an air of grandeur and sophistication to Bideford's streets.
For the past several weeks, Bideford had witnessed the steady influx of these illustrious visitors.
Their grand carriages, adorned with intricate designs and symbols of their respective realms, paraded through the city streets, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of the city's denizens.
Crowds gathered along the streets, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the noble guests and the rich tapestries their carriages told.
Whispers of awe and admiration swept through the onlookers, intermingled with hushed discussions about the significance of each symbol and crest.
The influence of these distinguished guests was palpable, not only in the crowded streets but also within the walls of the city's high-end inns.
The luxurious establishments in Bideford now found themselves accommodating an unprecedented surge of patrons.
These nobles had arrived well ahead of the scheduled wedding festivities.
Their early presence was not solely due to their eagerness to celebrate the royal union.
It was their keen interest in Bideford itself. The city's reputation for technological advancement, innovation, knowledge, and aesthetic beauty had piqued their curiosity.
Intrigued by the tales of Bideford's marvels, these noble guests saw an opportunity beyond the wedding celebration.
They saw a chance to explore a city that had carved a name for itself as a hub of progress and knowledge.
"I must say, Bideford lives up to its reputation," remarked Lady Vivienne, her eyes tracing the intricate details of the clock tower that loomed before her.
The clock tower stood as a masterpiece of both engineering and aesthetics. Its grand structure soared into the sky.
Each cog and gear, meticulously crafted, meshed in perfect harmony, bringing life to the intricate clockwork mechanisms that lay within.
"Indeed," replied Lord Alistair, his gaze fixed upon the clock's face. "So this is the clock I've heard so much about. To think they would create something that tracks time with such precision."
Vivienne turned to the side, her gaze falling upon Lord Alistair. "I see you've arrived here as well, Lord Alistair. I thought you would arrive later."
"It's an important event, Lady Vivienne," Alistair responded with a courteous nod. "I'm here to foster a relationship with its esteemed monarch."
"Same with me," replied Vivienne. "We, in Lesparia keep hearing about the name of this fledgeling kingdom over and over again. The invitation was an opportunity to approach them. However, Lesparia wishes to tread this cautiously."
"You're right. It's the same reason they sent me to attend the ceremony instead of a member of the royals," said Alistair.
Their conversation paused as they continued to take in the grandeur of the clock tower.
The gentle hum of the city around them served as a backdrop to their contemplative thoughts.
Elsewhere, Lady Isabella found herself in the heart of Bideford's biggest public library, surrounded by towering shelves of meticulously organized tomes.
Her fingers traced the spines of books, each containing a wealth of knowledge preserved for generations.
"The amount of knowledge here is astounding. Not to mention it was open to the public," she commented, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
The librarian nodded with a smile. "Indeed, our city takes great pride in collecting, preserving and sharing knowledge."
Isabella, her head inclined in agreement, absorbed the librarian's words.
She was truly impressed by the accessibility of knowledge in Bideford, a testament to the city's commitment to education.
However, a shadow of sadness crossed her face, a momentary shift in her expression. "It would be a wonderful thing if nobles in Ignynes shared the same sentiment," she mused softly. "But alas, that remains a distant dream for now. Many of the nobility are plagued by fear and scepticism towards educated commoners."
"I can understand their reluctance, milady." said the librarian, her tone empathetic. "With what happened in neighbouring Cerdeauxia years ago, they don't want to increase the chance of revolution happening in their border."
"They have many things to worry about," Isabella responded with a sigh, her gaze fixed on the ancient tomes before her. "Thankfully, a minor noble like me has less to lose."
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