"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YgGSO7uE8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMov2tp7cH
The coachman bowed before us. He was kind and polite, so I felt a little wrong about what I was about to say.
"Thank you. Can I make a report on the man who rode with us? He attacked me and my friend."
The coachman released an exhausted sigh. I lightly chuckled.
"I apologize, sir, but I'm currently unable to do anything about it."
"...I don't mean to be rude, but he attacked us. No, 'attacked' isn't right, he assaulted us. I can't just stand by and let someone like that walk away scott-free."
"As we are in the realm of His Majesty, we cannot reprimand him. However, after the ride back, we will gladly put him under arrest."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70ATOg3m7b
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I felt a vein bulge in my head.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzRxiq92sv
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"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycTRUzeQQc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6gRhVBW5y
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRwCdBjKpO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqM1mZgvFQ
"Listen, we're perfectly aware. But that man is a special person, and we are in very special times. I promise that you won't go unheard, okay? Just avoid making a scene."
"...Fine. Flinty, let's go."
Figuring that arguing wouldn't get me anywhere, I turned back to motion Flinty. She had her face pointed to the sky. After I called her, she awkwardly shrunk.
"R-Right. Sorry, it's just that this place looks way bigger up close."
"Wait until you see the inside."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ787XavMCwA
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"I-Inside...?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y7BAzwxeo
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She repeated my last word with an astonished breath. When we made it to the guard, I handed him my card. After a short inspection of our bodies, he gently bowed to us and led us through one of the three doors. Flinty covered her face for a moment before taking in the view.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzuOI0W00O
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"It's so... shiny."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAIu1YdvRy
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The interior of the building was clad in marble and avant-garde designs scribbled throughout the floor and ceiling. No one column holding the interior had the same design; they each possessed an exaggerated illustration of an animal, some I didn't recognize.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp4DIDcPH6
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"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ3r9H9p8W
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"The Garden?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiOT759c5r
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"That's where the plants are," I replied, "It's a lot smaller than you'd expect, and it's all indoors, but they have some wonderful specimens in there."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28LLe6vy3a
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBT6Rnd9ba
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6Zf9Pa12e
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35kCJAVzRP
We traveled up a set of stairs. Even the steps were polished and spotless, which made me feel slightly guilty about stepping on them. Once we arrived at the second floor, we traveled down a lengthy hallway.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro4TzdrRHd
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"Hey, Kenny."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwPWcPiE7E
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"What's the matter?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1dX331YYa
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwg4JAPIEA
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdasbVuVl8W
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwehwPejBO
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfhNIhlwpQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXjAdBsuY6
"The chandelier? What about it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPOcOcGK8b
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUbyxtjRk3
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDz44vYLf9
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"It's pretty, but I can't help but think it's overkill. And just look at that lone little chain keeping it hanging; it looks like it's gonna break any second."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mpFGD3IMK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuymbhMYHK
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxoapqfvAG
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"Ah, that makes sense."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T5X1J8dg0
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaRQHHrCLX
I wouldn't put it past royal mages to know mana suspension of that degree. It was likely an earth infusion, or maybe the mage just had dense mana. Either way, it made me wonder how many more appliances in this building had mana in them. I immediately thought of the doors, but considering how many we've passed in this hallway alone, that seemed unlikely.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISCfCKUOLe
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf3BADlDFb
"...Then again, this building is quite old, isn't it– oop!"
I broke out of ruminating when I ran into the back of the guard. He stopped moving. and I could tell by the side of his face that he was surprised. I peered around his body to see what it was that he was seeing.
"...Oh no."
White hair, green eyes, crossed arms; these features were exhibited by a young boy in an exquisite outfit. The boy had two guards behind him.
His eyes met mine. His smirk turned from childish to demonic. I took a few steps back and bumped into Flinty.
"Kenny? What's wrong? What are you two looking at?"
She peeked over the guard and saw him. Unlike me, however, her face lit up with an excited gasp.
"It's the prince!"
I already began turning, but before my legs could locomote, Flinty's fingers wrapped around my wrist.
"Kenny, it's the prince!"
"I know! Why do you think I'm trying to–"
"Mister Chambers!"
His squeaky screech echoed through the hallway, reverberating my name.
"I order you all to have dinner with me!"
I looked over my shoulder. Flinty's face was as bright as the sun.
Sighing, I resigned myself to the situation, following Prince Orice's unreasonable order.
–
–
–
Maybe I shouldn't have been so distraught upon meeting the prince. Thinking about it with a calmer mind, it was bound to happen eventually. I was frankly surprised it took over ten visits here for me to meet him.
"I finally had a chance to sneak out this time!"
That was his response when I inquired him, spoken as if he was shamelessly proud of himself. He was shamelessly proud of himself, actually. It only made my impression of him worse.
The two guards who were tailgating him were the same two goons I made total fools out of all those weeks ago. They were also inadvertently the reason why I got my decrepit nickname, but I knew better not to blame them.
If anything, it was me. Though I wanted to berate the prince, it was me.
"So, why have you called us to this room?"
"I already told you. It's so that we can eat together!"
Flinty and I were sitting by each other on different couches. The prince was sitting across from us on one of his own, but I could tell that his was much more comfortable than ours.
"You say it's so we can eat, but I'm not seeing any food on the table."
"Just be patient. It'll come in a jiffy."
"In a jiffy..."
I repeated his peculiar phrase under my breath. It looked like waiting was an inevitability.
"I just wanted to see the plants, man..."
"You'll see them after our dinner, I promise! I just need to discuss things with you. First, some important business, and then some other business."
"Important business? That's hard to believe."
"Then get ready to be surprised."
We sat in silence, intently gazing at each other.
"Aren't you going to tell me?"
"I'll do it over food. I read somewhere that talking over food helps build bonds the best."
"Fine. I'll wait. Yell at me when the food is here."
My body sank into the couch. I closed my eyes and leaned back. The couch put me in a tranquil state, and despite my intentions, I could feel myself lulled to sleep. My senses were being severed from the outside world.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bO84Fk7vk
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcIteVcElp
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"I-I think he did."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebwHGEvhRC
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The prince's and Flinty's voices dragged me back to consciousness. However, noting that they thought I was unconscious, I decided to play the part and see what would happen. I had a bubbly feeling in my chest. I was becoming giddy. I was convinced I had devised the most meticulous scheme ever.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpANoEW2vCi
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"That's rude of him."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZqJnU7S90
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"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAUjBe5YYQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe1W0Qz29P
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmCJk27RnX
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"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh2nj50fRZ
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"Of course I do, I'm just pulling your leg! You're the girl who was kidnapped by those two corrupt knights. What was your name again?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL793K3bmE
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"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucKsSjCjva
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatGdELcvwb
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1FkLXl0x0
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Flinty let out a weird noise.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVZUzmurbw
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"Mhm!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvswHbhneuN
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIDsIbOOz5
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJciywk78T
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg4xo4J3nm
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXwgJN6tsU
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNOnZxLiel
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsr0asxsZl
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuTwGXmEB0
The prince was bemoaning over something.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvbXBk8fF4
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"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZfdZD3eHv
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1khotj42ya
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4qR8EXqg1
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwwkP88AU3
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"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEmoafHPPY
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHII9rmGaqi
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6kM6toB8z
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"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ajKW6j1hR
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp2lTJ69Cz
"I've never seen anyone as brave as him; just think about it, he saw two adults ganging up on one kid, and he beat them up! He was much smaller and younger. By all means, he should've turned his tail and ran, but he didn't! I've only ever seen Skylark act like that. Everyone else is too big of a wuss, but not Mister Chambers– and even better, he's just a little older than me! He's not some adult who scolds me for everything I do or watches me like a hawk. He's a little boy, just like me!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeDXs9S04Q
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApmKAKiLxo
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ054eelHV62
"I'm trying to get in his good graces, but for some reason, nothing I do seems to work. I'm starting to think that he just doesn't like me."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgWJG9ml0R
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIadp1Fkoj7
"O-Oh, I'm sure it's not that. It's just, well, from what I've heard of him, you always seem to meet him at the wrong times."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmODMw6UFc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTFUI2qkr2
"...Really?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYodQXaK8m
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBVy8JlUmQ
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"GAH!?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxp3mbm5yW
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"Huh!?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vwSWaWwVp
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I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseSQBuCMfN
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqH3Fz2T8O
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJi9cpLNVS
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnn1PPVqwZ
"Nevermind that. What Flinty said was right, but what you said was even more right. I don't like you very much, I'm sorry– ack!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UkMpiQbsF
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrOxkr9pzR
I felt something blunt hit my shoulder. Flinty was looking at me with beady eyes with her fist against me. I looked back at the prince, who had a perturbed expression. He quickly looked down at the table and pinched his chin, whispering something to himself.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM92jyLlctM
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"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmRPAabOeZ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShRJt9VDbR
"I-Is he really being so nice? He barged in and forced us to eat with him, and he still hasn't apologized for chasing me last time!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXpbntZD1L
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"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdVhYVWLcf
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"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG02ZaU4wfl
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"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv85lzhHour
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The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZtfnxunGH
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"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjqnH6rJJf
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"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GpwCtOiO7
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Flinty stuck her tongue out. Something about this felt strange; why was I being painted as the enemy here? I looked at the prince, who was still bowing. He kept lowering his body. His hands were balled into fists. They were quaking.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe7Qe9UzCF
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"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRg2iS26Er
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ynrF89E7J
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcH6mUIS3V
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG1LV1asqB
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU43gPDPGDS
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZcyUgYNuP
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"No."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd3MfUZzbI
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He sank into his couch with a deep frown. I looked at Flinty to gauge her thoughts and she just lightly shrugged at me with a sigh. The situation was satisfactory, then.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21wXhO1TDn
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"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufimLijkpm
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"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblJxuzV6w9
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA766nph4rU
He looked at me. I was expecting him to stick his tongue out at me as well, but he just looked deeply sad. Somehow his frown grew even more profound, it almost looked inhuman.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimjj9SLw4P
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkfJwH7B6I
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"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9xjxfJJ74
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5O8RlVH4C
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJUWTM4VGl
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"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DXh0tAVZx
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7dMY2uZ7C
The prince shook his head in a satisfied manner, the frown entirely departed from his face. I was beginning to wonder why he was acting the way he was, but recalling what he said earlier, I had a clue as to why.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUkY3q0FS9
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2DMqSIWUi
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"--Hrk!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFH7wDZLdf
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I hit a sour spot. I nodded while making an 'ahhh' sound. Of course, it was the only explanation. I was also insufferable when I stopped talking to people, after all.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdmXgDrKKm
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp9SRzny4b
The prince looked down at the table again. I didn't have a chance to press him further, however, because a group of people carrying plates and glasses barged into the room.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVIeta0GtZ
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB7FIjAhhJ
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–
–
–
I struggled to comprehend the thing that was before me. Calling it food felt disingenuous because what I was looking at was more like gold painted as if it was food. I was convinced the moment that I took a bite out of the piece of meat before me, my teeth would shatter like glass. My fork would likely bend and bust before that, though. But these were just expectations; I had to confirm them. Therefore, I poked the meat. It wasn't hard, it wasn't heavy; the surface recessed inward as my finger pushed against it. It wasn't a precious metal in the shape of a meal. It was a meal.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm0JvR08dS
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"I can't eat this."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTXV2FLsRO
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"I can't eat this."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yie9Osned
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVo2mPwLJe
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvga0fdug7
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Flinty nodded and motioned for her fork but I didn't move. I was comfortable calling myself starstruck. Time seemed to slow down the longer I gazed at the meat. Before I knew it–221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnlY89hAW0
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdMne47DK1
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFq5EmJK2Y
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"Mister Chambers?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q3dksqPVe
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"What?"
"Let's talk about the business I mentioned earlier. But first, at least try what was cooked for you. I promise it won't disappoint."
"I feel bad even thinking about eating it, but if you insist."
I grabbed a fork and stuck it in the meat. The chunk came off with little resistance. Blood trickled from the inside onto the plate. I put it in my mouth and slowly began chewing.
"Well?"
"...It's incredible, but, what type of meat is this?"
"Aviartidae. They're quite common in the badlands. They're like vultures, but–"
"But they're monsters, yes. So, what's this business about?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FY2DSLkhI
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"Right..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0mstUtse2
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ5irRg2RR
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"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuweu9WadZS
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"I see. And what are the details?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DwskzHhKe
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"I was just getting to that! Well, never mind, it's more or less an escort mission, except you aren't escorting anybody in particular, you're escorting a letter to be sent."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmMh9TCZqG
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"A letter?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppbQusDHgt
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"Yep. There's a town a few days away on horseback called Kommunikatsiya. It's one of the central hubs for communication here in the Southern Country, overseen by The Zariel Kingdom. Your goal is to deliver a letter to the foreign communications center, and that's about it. All the other details will be covered by the letter itself."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5GU2TTUhZ
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTz0lg9w42
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr7DepHdv5
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I widened my eyes a little.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnrOmMLEpg
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"Really? Who's working with me?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y2t5mCv6D
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjLimoHCAz
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"I dunno. My mom and sister are the ones operating this whole ordeal. Whoever they'll be though, they'll be on your strength level."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSMerYdHTV
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"That's relieving."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRsbF958d8
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsZ3kz2qw2
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I didn't have any plans for the next week, but I already knew the Tea Mage was going to be angry hearing this news. It was likely to take well over a week, maybe even two or three if we ran into problems.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNmy7I4VPC
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"How far did you say the village was again?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLPQ6PtALu
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"It'll take five days on carriage if everything goes smoothly. Don't worry about travel expenses, by the way, we've got that covered."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMHvGTqEcm
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKspOKUcGD5
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I picked my fork back up but paused before I stuck it into the meat. I had a sudden epiphany about what the prince was saying.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmQy4eyzG8
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wM3bL8ndI
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"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBgfwQKDiR
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The prince's expression turned pensive. It was clear to me that he wasn't well informed about this information. If I had to guess, the princess was the one who was supposed to relay this to me.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDUN73cvNf
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsKstsKnCC
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"I see."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsJRtzCdNP
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Recalling what the princess told me a few months ago, it suddenly put the operation into perspective. I already began making guesses as to what the letter was about. It could've been a call to arms of some sort, or maybe a letter to get a negotiation with the Eastern Country started.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrT4kVnMyu
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"Since the Eastern Country is an empire, they're a pretty aggressive nation. This whole mission is vital, but it's also imperative that it's concealed."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkTHjodcka
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I nodded along to his words, taking another bite from the ambrosia before me. I didn't have any strong feelings about the situation, to my surprise. Something like this coming up was always in the back of my mind; I was frankly confused as to why it took this long to happen.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoY9gsfwlA
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpFWWppdGD
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"Yes," the prince answered, and then his face suddenly turned pale as he covered his mouth with both hands, "You, Flinty, you weren't supposed to hear any of this! Crap!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxnKliqO7x
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Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SSjrL5f61
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKutdr310ku
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu6VLjDLkm
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The prince looked a little swayed, but what worried me wasn't him, but the two goons who were behind him. They were giving each other quizzical looks, and I could already guess what they were thinking.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanMTxIzeAh
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMQvMWKrpF
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyRVYCbpwZ
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"What is it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o5Rhj8tGN
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6dxJlwLAT
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"Absolutely not," I declared. It wasn't because I feared for her safety, though I did, it was because I already ascertained that this mission was way out of her league.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1i0eVo4mQ
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"Yeah, no shot, Flinty," the prince said "Nothing against you, but if we have two kids on this operation, not only will it be embarrassing, but it will also call our morality as a kingdom into question."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6revWFjVhR
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"...I see."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lLt9P8TXh
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She let out a dejected response, but from the tone of her voice, it was obvious that she expected such an answer. She quickly shook off her disappointment with a shrug and kept eating her food.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnkuICGlMD
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmITpuWIXM3
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fgm1879pb
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kSYWLWekx
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"...Yes?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUHKHfVlqW
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUljiWFvlQY
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"No."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRflwxirSA5
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"Oh."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFdQBtO3XB
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–
–
–
"...Ah, here we are."
I finally arrived at my intended destination. Closing the door behind me, I entered a room where the floor itself was dirt and grass. Calling it a room almost felt insulting, because it felt as if I had stepped into a secret facet of nature.
This was the royal palace's garden. I took a deep breath through my nostrils.
I was entirely alone here. Flinty, for whatever reason, insisted on staying with the prince in the dining room. She seemed to be trying to get in his good graces, which I would've called an intelligent and strategic maneuver were it not for Flinty's amiable nature, which made the real reason obvious.
Admittedly, in the back of my mind, I had a suspicion that she just didn't want to see the plants. To an extent, I was probably right.
Anyway–
"Now, which one do I choose?"
I wasn't just here to marvel and study the magical plants. Since it was the second Wednesday of the month, I was permitted to intake one magical plant of my choosing into the tendril. If I didn't have such a restriction, I would've absorbed them all in one week and have no reason to visit again, effectively crumbling the agreement the princess and I made.
At least, those were the words my supervisor said, who just so happened to be–
"...Roy, I understand you're only 'fulfilling your duty', but you're far, far too close."
Looming behind me like a demon in my sleep was a gray-haired man in a robe. He was holding a wand about two heads taller than me while the magic stone was nearly the size of my head. It was an exceedingly rare feature for Exotica, but that was becoming of someone like him.
"If I let you become too greedy now, then my status as Royal Mage would be meaningless."
"I'm not asking for much. Just, please take a few steps back?"
Surprisingly, he did, but calling them 'steps' was generous. I sighed and ceased making an appeal. It was obvious I'd be getting nowhere doing that.
So instead, I ventured through the garden and scouted the catalog of magical plants. Most of the garden was composed of common vegetation, but the magical plants were placed in blatant places, almost as if they were begging you to come and tear them off their stems.
Unfortunately, though the garden had a plethora of magical plants, it only had a handful of unique species. I was able to identify them thanks to my tome, and by that, I made a pecking order on which plants I should absorb the soonest. However, as I scanned all these precious Exotica, I began to think about the definitive pecking order I've created.
Ordinarily, I would've gone for the Silk-Bloom, which excretes exactly what the name implies. But in light of the recent mission I've been tasked with, my consideration juggled between the Silk-Bloom and two other ones.
"What's taking you so long? You usually pick one and leave by this time."
"Shut up! Simply admiring the plants is part of my promised time here too!"
Telling Roy a half-truth, I continued pondering the situation. Aside from the Silk-Boom, I had considered intaking the Blover and the Spit-Blossom. I had no doubts that, when pushed to the limits, these plants could perform extraordinary feats, much like the Freeze-Dry. But choosing between the two was possible. They both had their benefits, after all.
"I implore you to hurry up before I grow suspicious and do something by accident."
"Threatening me is just gonna make me nervous. Who do you think I am anyway?"
Blover, or Spit-Blossom? The former could produce harsh winds, while the latter expelled sturdy projectiles.
"...Wait."
When I thought about it that way, and when I considered the plants I already possessed in my arsenal, the choice became clear as day. Therefore, I walked up to the plant in the shape of a gallant clover and kneeled beside it.
"Finally. You were very close to suspiciously and mysteriously bursting into flames."
"Uh-huh."
After I finished intaking the plant, I stood up and walked to the exit. Roy stopped before me and bowed slightly.
"Safe travels. I sincerely hope you found your time at the palace pleasant and useful."
"I certainly did. For the most part, at least. Thank you for your service."
I bowed back at him, and we exchanged nods. I walked through the door and found myself back in the hallway. To my surprise, Flinty was outside waiting for me, but she wasn't with the prince.
"Hi! Did you enjoy your time with the plants?"
"Yeah, my tendril has a new one, too. Anyway, Flinty, where's the prince?"
She scratched her cheek and nervously laughed.
"Commander Skylark found us in the dining room and, well..."
"I can imagine. He must've thrown quite a tantrum."
"Not really? He was putting up a good fight, though."
I snorted.
"Yeah, I can imagine."
Flinty and I traversed the hallway. We met up with the guard from earlier by the staircase. He looked relieved for some reason. We made it down the stairs and traversed the halls quietly. But, before we left, an unfortunately familiar face was standing by the palace doors.
Except, he wasn't alone.
"Mm, yes, Kenneth, girl, I see you two have finished your business."
The man from the carriage was standing there, surrounded by guards who had their spears pointed at him. Except, from their apparel, I could tell they weren't ordinary guards. They were likely elites of some kind. He seemed completely unbothered by it though, wearing the same grin he's always had.
"What... happened to you?" I asked.
"I proposed, but the queen selfishly rejected it. I've calmed down since then, yet these dregs insist that they keep watch over me."
"Really. Color me surprised."
I sighed, somehow unsurprised that things turned out this way. But I suddenly had a new concern appear in my mind.
"W-Wait, how are we going to get back?"
"Mm, well, I'm forced to stay here for the time being, so you two may take the carriage back without me."
"Huh!?"
His face hadn't changed one bit, so his words were entirely serious, but I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't get a chance to ask any further questions because the guards pushed the man to move.
"Ah, careful, fools, I have no interest in getting my clothes dirty."
"Just move it along," one of the guards responded. The group walked by Flinty and me. I let out a sigh, relieved that–
"Kenneth, before I leave, I must grant you my name!"
I turned my head back. The man was walking backward.
"My name is Kostik Coyote. You'd do well to remember it!"
His voice reverberated throughout the building. The man, Kostik, disappeared into the hallway.
"What a nutcase."
Flinty of all people muttered that comment. I couldn't have agreed more.
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