"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."26Please respect copyright.PENANAq6tmOaiIHh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmGM3Kmhz7r
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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJyq3V3DPzC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZxBblvLbGS
I felt a vein bulge in my head.26Please respect copyright.PENANAUBH8mmv2eG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAinyuswenMZ
"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"26Please respect copyright.PENANA9PkVWoikXK
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvZs6Fayu2R
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.26Please respect copyright.PENANATalzsomMqa
26Please respect copyright.PENANACBd4KQhB7U
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5KmkCJhCMO
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXEnRkX6VUM
"I-Inside...?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAHmPRPMHac3
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7k5ANp6NrJ
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAslZRFk5xS0
26Please respect copyright.PENANAs0di4VXiVV
"It's so... shiny."26Please respect copyright.PENANAGFnVN8YiZc
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxTAEu6CK2i
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8po9HQBoCS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFLsvD3KKVk
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."26Please respect copyright.PENANAnE7zbRuLTL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxpXJG2DkKE
"The Garden?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAfR3F7yCKyj
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4aXG33NdHf
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANADQ6KGDaVwT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAl6rhi0FF3k
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."26Please respect copyright.PENANAcxOvhK28cx
26Please respect copyright.PENANACM8UAKiddB
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfvrX8LRDH5
26Please respect copyright.PENANACb662dPfWF
"Hey, Kenny."26Please respect copyright.PENANAyc0wIRPmzu
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuFQTpJVgV3
"What's the matter?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAPI2FmLtD3q
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2gBgSaD2mq
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAFmG956e4w2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWobEohA57Y
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvIV11BbAFh
26Please respect copyright.PENANANJIWNGEZ23
"The chandelier? What about it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAq2QAe62CDk
26Please respect copyright.PENANA41WsvKBq4U
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."26Please respect copyright.PENANA8LKEuhAEjG
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9dq6IYQSt9
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYX7RiFN7E7
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6RRagYDcxb
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5fGUIfaxX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmSzg4A24mv
"Ah, that makes sense."26Please respect copyright.PENANAAJwjDDRo5o
26Please respect copyright.PENANAebZrdzy5BC
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAIzB87rekih
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIN8ozsPDIs
"...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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA5t5N3IyMAS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAd3yDV4xKlJ
"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"26Please respect copyright.PENANATKHq9itvA2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcKLCy0tzHd
"I-I think he did."26Please respect copyright.PENANAIHhprhAtZx
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJVTurHCbQo
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAOxt1b72JOL
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5o4DTDTGcS
"That's rude of him."26Please respect copyright.PENANAsBcU5Y7uXI
26Please respect copyright.PENANArlKPOCS1z4
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."26Please respect copyright.PENANAeGc4MnK6GH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAbXYJN4zZXQ
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAcjAKYiAzu2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuTn6VwrWla
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAJdgekSQ05N
26Please respect copyright.PENANACahFjQwsd0
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA8j4cgxCN0R
26Please respect copyright.PENANAs6J0yZFUMe
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYYTFuaqWV7
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1h3pSLCcvk
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."26Please respect copyright.PENANAogjU3G1O2z
26Please respect copyright.PENANApZA9K26Ffr
Flinty let out a weird noise.26Please respect copyright.PENANA1FDUlR57x2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAHo0IiJZjXP
"Mhm!"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3qhgOGFo0I
26Please respect copyright.PENANAs9AtILhXnZ
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA8Jn1xAezdA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXBQlIPRaBe
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."26Please respect copyright.PENANAueKxQzXWRp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUumjh3EHe3
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."26Please respect copyright.PENANA0G5iCNBVCj
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPQpPOJH8nH
The prince was bemoaning over something.26Please respect copyright.PENANAIeYYQd5y83
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGdt2nDVZjk
"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA7e5G2vajcA
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9zA5qRxfW9
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAaljdpAiD2m
26Please respect copyright.PENANAARRi5cUJPy
He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.26Please respect copyright.PENANA26L7r6BZLS
26Please respect copyright.PENANATjmWWuurei
"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."26Please respect copyright.PENANAVaC7dWOa3q
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXGeIUlnI38
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?26Please respect copyright.PENANAs5ColQIERH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAT1Z4Vy5oka
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."26Please respect copyright.PENANAAs7hTTZHDm
26Please respect copyright.PENANAzkdCVxMDLX
"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3zFpi5T25Y
26Please respect copyright.PENANAR1JOJm3mto
"That's... surprisingly sweet."26Please respect copyright.PENANAhZQpkIfLJj
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlcKznwSOYw
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAuyhMnlo2Zx
26Please respect copyright.PENANAG6iR7JLLXo
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5eoRcDdioZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANADb2MokkX02
"...Really?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA2XtyPQuCbS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAE4I67nCOIW
"You're also incredibly obnoxious."26Please respect copyright.PENANAHAeyXcH9qR
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6xBU89KpLg
"GAH!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA7p2PfAN4lB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAl6LNIXosk
"Huh!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAhXIIPz6pyM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgmmDaymeup
I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.26Please respect copyright.PENANAYMYfmnLrCC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFtbP0ooQfz
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWSOgHiVOpI
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2yOkUUpg69
"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANA607AD9rEGR
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwPUgXCfj8u
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAobaxoBTFNc
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqqR7iagYxs
"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWNptSyZvKi
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMnnf7kgynJ
"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANABfBrZgNV4x
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGxifm0IiyB
"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."26Please respect copyright.PENANArWqcuf0ulh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZvklukDsQy
"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"26Please respect copyright.PENANA5KTrEvVimC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsZZNzGmOyt
"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5uj1XoEKkr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIRlypNa9xy
The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.26Please respect copyright.PENANAHKxDzxuMkd
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKCFnPgOQcM
"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."26Please respect copyright.PENANACzj8VI03ew
26Please respect copyright.PENANASQH4csTjPl
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWyvI2LSZG6
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXbNRmvvw0O
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7r4rnw0Z46
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5ZH4vg1HyC
"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."26Please respect copyright.PENANAoli6jzjNZG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPe0a4DMOJL
If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqkZY8ly4hf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGjLADbTSSl
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."26Please respect copyright.PENANAopk4NrRr2u
26Please respect copyright.PENANAaRAT3NB1OP
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAzKDItRyomv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFWdp3qRUFi
"No."26Please respect copyright.PENANAS702rpg6Xq
26Please respect copyright.PENANAaPrmV2Qj6c
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7tfQ4n9L1N
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqBI4dKgvko
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAjAbixWKXQa
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYDPkPoVof4
"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."26Please respect copyright.PENANACPi5vLrMl9
26Please respect copyright.PENANABImP6Oo2zH
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAWuLbDN2Imi
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyxoPiuvhkc
"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtUmgyITmPV
26Please respect copyright.PENANArPxaW7AZHD
"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAUXlISJo5Jf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGNJeTaJM4r
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5zihaAa1H9
26Please respect copyright.PENANArMsHdxbEMM
"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."26Please respect copyright.PENANAKsSJpe7QGE
26Please respect copyright.PENANABZQQauEVmw
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA1xmMZeqXgL
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2nRR0bJwcQ
"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAsiEyOVvcdd
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqyM3EkzfQl
"--Hrk!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAoC8nw9KMEo
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOK4O4Rb7zZ
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA456ym3khlV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWiPut6UrYY
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApmgWAUzuQB
26Please respect copyright.PENANA20JAf33UjX
"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWD1uXcNrbM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcXKR6wGPDw
–
–
–
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANANKxEUuw88f
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWc5n9P6w7P
"I can't eat this."26Please respect copyright.PENANAyhDeozeZ0s
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwTnASR0UgQ
"I can't eat this."26Please respect copyright.PENANArCwmGKLYaV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyOX54yJ0AZ
The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.26Please respect copyright.PENANAWuBADz3a3s
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuMufax0OXN
"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."26Please respect copyright.PENANAegsERvL96O
26Please respect copyright.PENANASsqFqK6fC1
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANArcPddiTln1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAglFrXxrj3l
"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAKzK94S0gdi
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAz2Nk75ZBl
Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.26Please respect copyright.PENANAaRmTnnCqp2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtq6Gkv5LdW
"Mister Chambers?"26Please respect copyright.PENANALsguuZiEIX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMAiD2PPhyy
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA46Pl2SFk32
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZqpqmy12Y6
"Right..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAx8eQaA1Opp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAn8zySeWB9K
The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.26Please respect copyright.PENANAiZEDamQnfu
26Please respect copyright.PENANAahUcixbJGf
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."26Please respect copyright.PENANAppipZpED30
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEsUxUTwM6Z
"I see. And what are the details?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAws2LqdKOPH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOFOgVPLHDh
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANABasm3cIFks
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1ivzuDCObV
"A letter?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAofAfP5u068
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXHqqO3GMxW
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAtkT673xGvp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAr7K9TH0scz
"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA8dDdqhmweU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAbihkXq5sJ9
"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."26Please respect copyright.PENANAVW5RfmdT1n
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnIMaqQWIUF
I widened my eyes a little.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfgeYK4f8qs
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkcQWBTvxW4
"Really? Who's working with me?"26Please respect copyright.PENANASvVAegkeYr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAe0Gjz6xhwr
The prince gave me a stern shrug.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvFVZuHvWsb
26Please respect copyright.PENANABVX927SRx9
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAXnot2jSwH4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAs2SCRjxqw6
"That's relieving."26Please respect copyright.PENANAOkPhUpizbr
26Please respect copyright.PENANATyarkQ2jqI
I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVobxBmesLv
26Please respect copyright.PENANATWg9k7efXJ
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAs4d6MShmlS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyzb5VdNrOA
"How far did you say the village was again?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAsbHto001Tf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJTrMBUBvIk
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjjVz8Vprxg
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPzL6rCzz25
"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxVp3vIGxxQ
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2DUlC85K4h
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAOMbOgj3pBB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQRbDwHzqUk
"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAJnF6M90O7u
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"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYB4pD85OZx
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAGGXctrs2Rj
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxEOj9fnhF4
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"I see."26Please respect copyright.PENANA12Gs5VRIC3
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAq7Of9fahzi
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANABeUFf3ufmZ
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANANsKNUVFYT6
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAh3rZUThHQD
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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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAe87KyEFjId
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwJJxOQKcxs
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAt8XTFmYn56
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAA3zoVFlniK
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAH1JbWZgoRO
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAOCknquaJtC
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPn6kfNsIRz
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"What is it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAqmRpxmWdHu
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"26Please respect copyright.PENANAvTReaSvJ6h
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApEFPJtwdAa
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAsRk6ZIzqvm
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"...I see."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJswzgtrEel
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAGMuP93pYm8
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."26Please respect copyright.PENANADpjKDNoFdp
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7vUoyfHxjY
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"26Please respect copyright.PENANALxrXpr6Z59
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"...Yes?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAaMoQakrbUm
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAvP8EgUCEv2
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"No."26Please respect copyright.PENANArqvplGNHnW
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"Oh."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjbH8eO7PKw
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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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