"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZfTc73X8e
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rHKBOeOMu
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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSegEO7RUYw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6v3JGr7Za
I felt a vein bulge in my head.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZAvIzKgf1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvehO3Hgc4b
"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRbycZ7wu9
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgPcDXv8FQ
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdO8GuGY7r
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2lsv6AvCc
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Zdj9PNDh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFNGSLZibD
"I-Inside...?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLQTL3POZB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOWUV7wYLi
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku0QbRO707
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJCiXXiFRZ
"It's so... shiny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JvvmDiUGI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFV0lKj5ZQ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5EqWzlMbH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQROF7nQfd
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsYanPOB4B
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrcx4dUOFr
"The Garden?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvFCAAABB5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5wFhYaH0G
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTMjgzR4I6
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0IRpr7v4O
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq19K5YQzJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOODNReCQQo
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwt4UkXhbN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9paYHInX6
"Hey, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0WyDoz0Cd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz45XGmdF5U
"What's the matter?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlrUeb993L
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqEloylBkX
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58A3lpE1R4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUb4ayHZgO
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VBbDZnYcX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraf3pqyiyv
"The chandelier? What about it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGRulQeSmL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLEgZ1YVHY
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw743MWaCU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomTHwfPGT8
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdNz9a0aGN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQOY1YIcNf
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb2Q9cefgm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBjfOt7aqz
"Ah, that makes sense."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwum46heLv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjIvGAkTNI
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVZzhhSUeE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNKj9JEhKc
"...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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE32vdifqG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqyFKsfw6H
"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF2iQAlyqo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJMcEVSFUo
"I-I think he did."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiAGJVP8uO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuGHe2rPIO
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2q5DA1Ggn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE83SjuyUz
"That's rude of him."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡechjFYLNf0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu5WOcAve4
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6UNVhAKrW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDYeQmOYWT
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIAIiR2ufs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoScYrs7tND
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtWb6OyHxP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD3IHM40Cs
"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?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WaZwJzsgO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3y3dsOCsJ
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJztn8cYxH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWxqYyMTwt
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtn509SRfk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGeQAF5ar9
Flinty let out a weird noise.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXh9W6dVE2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxuGtkAdhI
"Mhm!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDwZkaI1TO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X3A5zaIVS
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qRJ1DS1Wu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1WxKDcIjD
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9316WaZ7F
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0tou2BU9v
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xZ15EZtXO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVcO5aYSTJ
The prince was bemoaning over something.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAcMSHOGXs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq6H3cESTY
"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQKL9jugFz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C6apG0qbi
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtbQz36XUw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCLETxo7dZ
He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg68YyMHv1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiVSea87U8
"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3aVLaxaOX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEidxeUIDyG
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vr0i9p0Rw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiztxMk2S2
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uAMseT8UF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLBA487ewk
"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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuQmOiTo4y
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAO6sgQJgd
"That's... surprisingly sweet."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeBZTMddn7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwV6FZvPHw
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOClnw4u3W
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwdcGDt0x0
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO93nQK07TM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ187wb4jbGP
"...Really?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg0XneKk2C
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzoIhydth7
"You're also incredibly obnoxious."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42gxFaEsv4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NieIhXQkB
"GAH!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBemYVELSL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJzK0ZtwQ1
"Huh!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMawkKFbSbC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRmMURkADX
I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppyodv89vL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnSc3TqMGP
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50huhAMTfM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvWbGrjGdp
"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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlvy2NFC0S
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpyf2QdWLl
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswMRJT8Sdy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtez6X0Rk5
"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaSiE8eomM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcRaeCbxpO
"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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYgLKItJE8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGotre1dLJ
"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07bJpUvEZW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsy4zPAmDb
"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9LSDFUweO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uDfO6bf2a
"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR07wPTXIx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr0IwOp0Di
The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBV7Yj73dF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDgs30ZGPq
"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOWOPkDMQ4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKQD1Cay6O
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF75pLOmIk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AmZvjSlgQ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7ftgRQ7NF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBrQTnboQ0
"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu0IPSUQn0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N1wRnqdfA
If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSM7LiBwVs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRMRm9rffK
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHBDg394FC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSbtegJ5jn
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rTIaAPtBs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDidp65QNNP
"No."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJtVBDyRqG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnM57OQNer
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KkY6gqKYz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQe3gSZBu
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFd9CsjuYu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbDeVbZk4P
"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlJvMZs8bA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk1lBG0EVu
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNJRlt5HJi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9f9rMQwI
"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e5wGQYWVf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxX5CezY1C
"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxygnefqOWi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgF3EF6ZdO
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVlrfAa1g5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWP95O5bJM
"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxHuYYGwVT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4gSzSQP6s
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z5X1Vhf3U
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYyaQ2xDpQ
"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1sXPGBwii
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpVAbAzExT
"--Hrk!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxrr9Rx6xm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWcfT4gZdI
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0SkLCI1bj
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYoad0mMMc
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC7vVexmRP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9BvwcL9a7
"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EXveoy5yo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdfXjLUXS7
–
–
–
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdCDWOqp9B
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFqm2aG3Cw
"I can't eat this."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1lo4Na6Pw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqu8LPnc4G
"I can't eat this."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmAuRWMfmR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTZ1192hgL
The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzY8dzKNmP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHZXaSyaGk
"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3iUKR9tqE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE4lMGesVU
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–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpHQ07TBQJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ338vKpmr97
"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQOOTKXfJ0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNiiYcAHyb
Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinNbjV7HX3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xohMAXejB
"Mister Chambers?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoJizGffNn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WkHyqejMP
"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?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5kIBIQEGa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ek5nTehEF
"Right..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXbtiAbTwP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC7XxUk2bn
The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGvUUiexN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9Eg7rdka5
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHNuhnCkGe
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC8a5iQX7r
"I see. And what are the details?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iHxNuPibA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4RsFRaDXU
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRijr7vwjd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8TbSxXnzj
"A letter?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vyjHXToOm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzMPcUbRKP
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8LxqxkIYL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpExGCdMSt
"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qkXblvUG0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOTs799ff0
"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ5vAMNv0P
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLvkY763yv
I widened my eyes a little.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2pQnOD4sT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDlfimrjLA
"Really? Who's working with me?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI1a1Kd278
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TDcQcfxSm
The prince gave me a stern shrug.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3jGf5X8G4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhEGAJTG95
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKAMcNHIDx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLFdYKAAy5
"That's relieving."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9tnuJjpYu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wbbC3LRyw
I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrA9ZisdK7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IE0XTVyyu
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNe7i3E90P
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBrHMobXII
"How far did you say the village was again?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOWWpm9tC7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyUw1Poglw
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggNK1DY2Se
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDVCk9ohm1
"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1upFZyoqP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosY7grV6ed
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eqH9MhbNg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXzPsmBSRJ
"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PwO9FxdFR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AfXNc9M0P
"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDzlMaCuUM
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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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNznJB2ssk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbzjpg5u1h
"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfz4D7g5r1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquZBkomuxU
"I see."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSvjtfYhn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrwNzXu6aE
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHIEHhpsZN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCOmNp79YX
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRz2izVxIT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UqytXdb6k
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtsXjxvpQM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7YWM1LKiU
"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZPdC1xkS8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W6Hy2fuEX
"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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzCUkHw4fU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyKdFAco0L
Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy15a0W9gaZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRy9t3lkY0
"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2tEwYG9ke
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1deZL1jUcU
"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfwoL6H99z
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rxp3A82eF
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT8aIedKUe
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTPBCIqBfM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz897wfp0R
"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpstvlZRGx4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzDVcipIiG
"What is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzgFRUJomd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazf8qxzOtM
"Can I... maybe join the operation–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2csENCaZt
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt83U2wyWGI
"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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYWbTanCm7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHRit9uFVg
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqhMmkAs1P
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eo9qNSMWz
"...I see."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDAXMzitKK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmagHUOcDx
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgMopthOQa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfV7utmbnM
"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB2aoEUXgK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Rduc81Us
I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRtEt2V5Sp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj9UopyOIK
"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnaFrL1RD3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6m4KXmz2
"...Yes?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHVWdC4ejT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ805btusinJ
"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfHZXiarZn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsWywlsRx1
"No."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLIHLItFzx
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQpr3IAnSD
"Oh."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHmItooToY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8jpCMfXaf
–
–
–
"...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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