The trip had been a dour one, but that did little to dampen the high spirits John was currently in. Looking through the carriage window, he could see increasingly closer Geltreis, bringing a bright grin to the man's face. Despite what he had been advised, and despite what would be considered the best course of action, John had given the order for the carriage to go through the town. He had wanted to stop in the market, and check around, but most of all he wanted to be seen. Either through the House of Affairs, or the rumors of those who had been to Geltreis, he had heard the disgusting things that occur in the streets of the distressed town, especially to those that tout the support of the Empire. John, however, believed that if he was to make himself seen and even browse the shops to buy, and visit with the townspeople, it'd be seen as an act of goodwill. John detested the secrecy recommended to him for this mission, as it would only cause further mistrust and damage to the relations between Geltreis and Arcartus. John knew, though, he the gesture could possibly be lost on the townspeople, as he would be arriving in two carriages, of rather good quality. John had learned long ago that the common people could always find time to hate those that were better off, consumed in their own hatred and jealously. He would have to overcome this if he was to make the right impression on the people. Shutting the carriage window, John sank back in his seat, closing his eyes for a moment of relaxed meditation before they entered the marketplace.

Jacob eyed the town of Geltreis from atop of his trotting mare, sizing the town up in a few grim glances. Even though they were only a short distance from their destination, Jacob felt more distress than enjoyment. They were to enter the town, along with their small Royal Arcarti Scout detail, on the demands of John, whom was more worried about his appearance than he was his safety. Jacob had no doubt the small gesture made by John would go unappreciated, and possibly could even be turned against him to demonize him. Jacob had refused to speak out against this order, though. He was simply a bodyguard, and John was the charge. As the two carriages, entered the town, Jacob could already feel the eyes of Geltreis upon him. Confusion, fear, and hatred. Jacob could see all three in the faces as they entered the town. Eventually, the carriages found a lot to pull into, to allow John his tour of the town. It appeared as if they weren't from far the marketplace, which would make sense as Geltreis was famous for the fact that it was a trade highway. Jacob slowly slumped off his mare, tying it to the rear of one of the carriages, and awaited his cousin to exit the carriage and carry on with his charade.