"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCNQzeavY6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6gn0ZswpQ
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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPnqmwF4NU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHrzRmtxH2
I felt a vein bulge in my head.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UVDypOR3m
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlOTumyIOO
"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzxeBgIcKt
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5itxiOVJGE
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjkat9PGIz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uRUErtZb3
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT6azSyeyc
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"I-Inside...?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL6xJvtlSS
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFlJblX8W5
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"It's so... shiny."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4yyl6ASKR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI12sbi83Re
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX84rQtNYW
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUmbCwW2cF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLBbzPVVnl
"The Garden?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRyJQJnpje
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVM5Dq1Sbj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpF86iDjD1
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIROGQXHwT3
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuL4gJZcjf
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62HbUG03J5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA0TaBbfTD
"Hey, Kenny."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQF8TOF3Tq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTRXG0LIFl
"What's the matter?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVkhlBMVUR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgcXKgbMfQ
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomv2njgPvW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP15rk6a4xH
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk64r8litZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsU2HJnLqG
"The chandelier? What about it?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HdlKBbDyD
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubELXGe1OD
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9S79aRxfz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HdUtUxz2i
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKKeToNYrb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTiXIRNg33
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO3T9wRQpv
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"Ah, that makes sense."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7Gtqm1qj2
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YiSGXeJ9w
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"...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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs489F2c8OC
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y8hrelE8p
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"I-I think he did."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1YHtiDtOR
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBD3sVuk7L
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"That's rude of him."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9XBLfoyWX
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"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHfXUJWrUw
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"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZjQMcVntS
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"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm50MygbqB
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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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeo6GrAvwE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXwZpFjbfv
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFnuuAO52Z
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyZMvmQtjL
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63Yumk1LcN
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Flinty let out a weird noise.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHdPtOAPjW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0XYVvH6pm
"Mhm!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMSvdoGeNo
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc98DnFkIw
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOFsB0TjW5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWkPtYiMQ3
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y24Vq2t38
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW73VaPdOAE
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCYzw9jiCE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DKTeJtCdK
The prince was bemoaning over something.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWswk5aesT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevHuig6cJA
"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N0JIem9NT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLTKVS7CEB
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeHWhv2bTk
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Eqyit0of
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDabq2HYSW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqEISFIP35
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HpwNxQEhy
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKDtvtYVdS
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnJQKJwS14
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j3lcyVDhi
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdVOtsVLcp
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxzu6MphGt
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlXNFqKX7y
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrCsoyrIbg
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUseusbM3Gv
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DJBfnoRCo
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKepMZi1ns
"...Really?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT32PMD5PL
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpvW8oBP82
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"GAH!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVTSy0UwiR
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"Huh!?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZY1TEJQ2a
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXijoYFKNVT
I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay9443yYB1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlVJ8r7Izl
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o8vK3TPdr
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CpgV7ZXZJ
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlfizHEMqy
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVZnwGWwCF
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojFUGY1Oes
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"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM8KTIj6ov
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mW70fkuQm
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU6egBCQDg
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"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiUEkHTudf
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"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iQqW0vkGA
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"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCBG7rhhYK
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The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvomp9dI1y
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJaqcrt0mh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm09RmyOv5
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7W9h6NqA8
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyF0atNqvB
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iR4vkJ8wY
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"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xm2ygUPgF
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYlGzVcNER
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"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tELmigztN
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"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WD39Axz9W
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"No."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAohVF9UBfd
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmStuo1oWz9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JS9N7tWKS
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWMg7LAnB3
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"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBKmPzey0L
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qr6V9hhbh
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe5gGOJ9UU
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiM4R32iaj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6sej6hjEJ
"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwv2ATXNBT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nzdCEHbjF
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlxo8W5h7O
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"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzSu6DQ1Nd
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3MFYLzHd3
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPazR0d8Pi
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"--Hrk!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB4UbFJHd3
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyPi7E0sA0
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqZKYN6l2k
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiXH99AhEx
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAaGEtIE2l
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"I can't eat this."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVMR71MPse
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucCSYnrFeY
"I can't eat this."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQohdXc2pl
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC4C635Z8M
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6SnmJ1gLM
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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–141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYLR96BNXn
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tary0qjDP
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8nNe6P5Pn
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"Mister Chambers?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV5VG7ZEXf
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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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhKUedwAhc
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"Right..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0KYhGqwHB
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKVlZBmjEH
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOz7vmEJfT
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"I see. And what are the details?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeSlt7GeME
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUunfBa2aX
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEarqrA5nh
"A letter?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNtwowQeNC
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu6E7Ao4go
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNypHm6ktGq
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEUwznRiX1
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I widened my eyes a little.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghpkGsvrPn
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"Really? Who's working with me?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFtrhQxbN9
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6uf6tKc1o
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWm9L54tPg
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIPStaB8Hr
"That's relieving."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmqcjXgfY3
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaYf2qQ5n5
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB2gVLm2MD
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"How far did you say the village was again?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l18ZnSD5A
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx2mjDna0A
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrCGzRvFzu
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sq3jRSkKw
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFAQTTUk9H
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"..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAExG88BZrj
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMUXjIf4BU
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeLUxP4BRm
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"I see."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2DtIgYHiK
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLS4ilLkBk
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqAROct6QR
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GJ3awcg0w
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdoIr8q0kJ
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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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F54tRaM8N
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwqzsxK3y4
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UGaNSawYk
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dvHG9pvJl
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mKtproLOX
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN7w1bXpoP
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYupjlYCkqr
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"What is it?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWrfqahQ4X
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Vcb5q7Vh
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoloddB4Jf
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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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70jHCTeKHG
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"...I see."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagJHx1jI1K
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL3fD9LiKr
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6kK2jbvzY
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaikADcqx9Q
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqBB17vYQT
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"...Yes?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnSD1BtZtd
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDvMt8133I
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"No."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l4h60FsGx
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"Oh."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe9T82Zsud
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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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