"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV4dymT0nJ
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEu2s7wWfK
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I felt a vein bulge in my head.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHAB3KJpgv
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"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5YLnhcqbY
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwis8j1oHB8
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKTc5Q5BkS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgqzHX2cIS
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKh7Iul01Y
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"I-Inside...?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8teI4EmQt
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I6M1XSAnA
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"It's so... shiny."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQen9HcSv4o
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusSQuTQIW7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ350Rec8INY
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrmNoD6EDI
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"The Garden?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzag8SvCnc5
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdGYW6FPHA
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinj0lbnHeD
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqzz5N8imC
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIbLA3APUg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bwRpIhg3p
"Hey, Kenny."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeZSP9D280
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrimuUPPaFS
"What's the matter?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Uoj4S4uf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jUpvOLpAL
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAiG6hd1fc
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27JuIiqFML
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxT32blO8x
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqvVSQGSpZ
"The chandelier? What about it?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikJOtyXVp2
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"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6Jt6sC6qj
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2WkLfKlxh
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"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8xXaIuPPF
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"Ah, that makes sense."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3HrTWIQhu
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3Pef2UsXc
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKVSaBEysa
"...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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyPTszh1X9
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaMvv2lq8A
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"I-I think he did."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXJn8l6rwz
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZTF8UdeyK
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"That's rude of him."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ghFeQ8uU
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"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lmnv8SMMH
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"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Ywws7zRu
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"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArtB5cMnEe
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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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aBx0bc1lO
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"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMibkpdAdGs
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy0W8kTrdR
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz5OvHy9gM
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Flinty let out a weird noise.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG4LCqhHAI
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"Mhm!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsmpQeLWjg
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"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5tU1bxf3c
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRukFFR3ya7
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvFvpzqfek
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJedAVQJk6
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFCMACpduf
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The prince was bemoaning over something.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsubtPBiEY0
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"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzrzanqVQN
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"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn7GFuLEF5
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWqfazd6PQ
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElGTIXjmBJ
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I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabkvV5G862
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ4cuj366a
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtFlDNzqVA
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"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo1UazVpsV
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVf7BhP0fG
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"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UaO52YB3Z
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"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3MLentHjE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25xf40fO6Q
"...Really?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUoBnHjsqx
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsvYgqRJBW
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"GAH!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4Utqtvtjd
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"Huh!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVBtxcb1tW
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I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOWtaZP4ws
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHuY4zoCqw
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkIEos5eHe
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKzcVdPXVW
"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLKxPWpFzL
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIO1Py5q6T
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"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZirsE96Uz
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Wmie7CJC
"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T0Dwjoff5
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"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRwxbhLKDx
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"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSy4pUz9JM
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"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxLhpG1ftZ
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The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3AKH5eZYW
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmMn4xSmDE
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"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4ouOUKbv7
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxwjBZAjP
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"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrDFFogufs
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU6JNjqyue
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI690RVbsr
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbWFUMZuHj
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"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbFNx1Pnko
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"No."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3OdNr8veG
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr4aUYMfe2
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"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA86KiHiHM
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"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhVNb2NOVo
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU6w9vWgeq
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPxgtVEJXi
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"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF8AxN5SNj
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAszlPeM0wV
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbgq57iCsj
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"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuCgBwut23
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkOIt0K2fo
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyvGJmHlbm
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"--Hrk!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRFk7I0Ifg
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifS7LZXQn6
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL2b0APIsf
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0esiiUGiO
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxde9CCw7a
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"I can't eat this."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSheSfxDF4
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"I can't eat this."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqD9jmufsz
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yGP3hoQ4C
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF3Sjkd4sJ
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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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXeTDu120Z
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs4wH7WlCx
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwmBA4hXLI
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"Mister Chambers?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzo0feheIc
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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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIkR1KJXgV
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"Right..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKct0nLllVK
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwjYKrco2c
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhfsBuhm93
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"I see. And what are the details?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69pM1Aivzv
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEAcKw05E7
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"A letter?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRTDVpQIYP
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwfIZBBaPo
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxhMGL3ewm
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMmFkdaeLG
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I widened my eyes a little.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmTjZfjJm1
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"Really? Who's working with me?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu6ShZqtC6
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYP9Sz98P2
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwFRnTidv5
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"That's relieving."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WnVTv1j51
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xHURk173y
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgDJwyWVU8
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"How far did you say the village was again?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqdvVsp9Qr
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBLAP0K5kp
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZZ13IDfrS
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck9oyJYo5i
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELNWawWdYR
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"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeU0RYhf5O
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPDYpxZlCC
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQumK4z0nOV
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"I see."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0tqrO3GlB
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMdyWrfWpT
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83n5RF6tZq
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5j6CUkSEf
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUu1DEP6rK
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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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHHXTrFozr
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWojBchFPF
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bS3WaDacv
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzlOKPiXFv
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFjAWJlOti
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuInrdj0tMA
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA47kz2kl4
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"What is it?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe558hjApZ
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6wwSwF9LY
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujkXzZW000
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sxDy645Hs
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"...I see."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uvyrljie0
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQhUbzRDpE
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07TA2fxeno
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTFlGkaEKY
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKgqwrm9Ge
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"...Yes?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw5z815rhs
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvG3XuLdcw
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"No."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tMFYPNOsT
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"Oh."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfjBLuV9gw
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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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