The party hesitated at the old lady's invitation, a sense of uncertainty anchoring their feet. Their pause was dismissed by her warm insistence. In response, they each selected a brown block, which upon tasting, sparked a look of surprised delight in their eyes. The old woman's laughter echoed around them, filling the air with contagious joy. "Quite an experience, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice filled with pride, "Considered one of the finest luxuries around."

They all hummed their agreement, taking the time to appreciate the indulgence that melted into a velvety texture on their tongues. It was Astrid who first found her voice, expressing her sentiment, "Truly divine." Kenji concurred, reflecting, "It makes everything else seem so mundane."

With a soft smile, Captain Oriana shared a piece of local knowledge, "Such a delicacy is hard to come by." The old woman nodded, confirming, "Indeed, my stall is the only source in these parts. Best of luck with your training."

Bidding the merchant farewell, the group resumed their journey, passing through an arched stone entrance that separated the bustling market from the expansive training fields. Their eyes took in the sweeping panorama, marvelling at the sheer scale of it.

"The grounds seem endless," observed Keanu, whistling in awe. Oriana glanced over the terrain, nodding her agreement, "Thousands of trainees hone their skills here annually, hence the necessity of such a vast expanse. We accommodate everyone from first-year recruits to senior trainees."

Pausing by a wooden fence that demarcated the training area, the captain gestured to the scene of active practice before them, "Observe. Today they're honing their unarmed combat skills. Tomorrow will be dedicated to archery."

As they watched, a few trainees approached an unfamiliar device. It expelled water when manipulated, which caused expressions of astonishment to blossom on the trainees' faces. However, they refrained from voicing their curiosity, adhering to the captain's command of refraining from asking questions until the appropriate time.

Resuming their journey, the party navigated a gravel path that led to a gentle incline. Cresting the rise, they found themselves amidst a vast open space, dotted with the occasional tree. Oriana led them to one of the trees, explaining, "This space is reserved for the trainees. You may use it during breaks or on your days off." 

Surveying the area, Kenna voiced her approval, "It's quite serene here." As they rested against the tree, the captain pointed towards a grand structure perched on a distant hill, "That's the emperor's palace."

Their collective gaze followed her gesture, absorbing the sight of the stone edifice that dominated the landscape. Its strategic location offered an unparalleled view of the training grounds, marketplace, and surrounding farmland. "It must be breath-taking on the inside," mused Astrid, squinting at the distant palace.

With an eye roll, Oriana retorted, "You'd be surprised at the lavishness and opulence it contains." Storm responded with a dry comment about the stark contrast between the luxurious palace and the surrounding poverty-stricken land.

Refocusing their attention to a few residences located at the bottom of the hill, Oriana revealed, "Those are the homes of the affluent. Only they can afford to reside that close to the palace."  

Having shared these insights, the captain announced, "It's time for your questions."

Adara immediately inquired about the intriguing contraption they had witnessed on the training grounds. She described the sight of the trainees, twisting something that caused water to flow out. Oriana, with her gaze fixed on a distant point, elucidated, "It's what we call a tap. The capital, in keeping with advancements in other lands, has adopted a pipeline and sewerage system to provide water."

At her explanation, Storm, Kenji, and Kenna chorused, their voices betraying their wonder, "A pipeline and sewerage system?" The captain affirmed with a nod. "Essentially, it's about the use and distribution of water. The network of underground pipes connects every building in the capital, all leading to a water storage unit, or tank. This water is sourced from rivers, lakes, or rainfall. The system provides a continuous supply of water without any human effort."

"It seems incredibly complex," Keanu chimed in, his mind grappling with the image of a network of hidden pipes. Oriana responded with a hint of a smile, "The intricacy is a small price for the convenience it brings. Bathing no longer requires the tedious task of fetching water. Just step under a tap and turn it open."

Astrid's eyes shone with anticipation at the prospect. "I'm eager to experience it," she admitted. Atlas rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the implications, "It certainly seems to be a more efficient use of time."

Oriana met his gaze, saying, "Efficiency is the need of the hour. Gathering water by hand is wasted time." She switched the topic then, providing a tidbit about the emperor's recent visit to one of their allies. "There are whispers of possible industrialisation," she disclosed. At Storm's befuddled expression and his question of "Industria- what?" she prepared to elucidate yet another new concept.

© Crimson B