"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGJL2ZGdst
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGsu5IaBYC
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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXuBCgmpHS
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ3O3sZbzf
I felt a vein bulge in my head.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj4ypz4m4i
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xaOHCccqo
"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqMqsUjEFS
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM774JkOvU
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRey5Zse0j
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aR1nRZ1Wx
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WqwqbZePc
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZStcwBHHO
"I-Inside...?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ669Hflzj37
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc7qjHMpu1
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeMp0I8EaL
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN3kjzF4JY
"It's so... shiny."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqi7CRVDAK
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa7iGY7RAp
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5i8g6vkQE
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefTv151jV5
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMTE0C1RtR
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXETljOOH7
"The Garden?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5f3WnIWnl
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FDf6IzBlW
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTJ9BR8oM8
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWug7wG7Xl
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v9OWfVWqx
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyEVAh4xK2
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a9EcVBi1A
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirbmLkOler
"Hey, Kenny."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR0qm2elOp
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9bd9gN5Uh
"What's the matter?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W1ounzrBA
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdzkn4kID9
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglOCUN6AsI
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT9eaY6Fvs
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqzEWobijb
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rKaNkUGJA
"The chandelier? What about it?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwXcpzyAuH
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlHgfjiXhT
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61RKFqDgWG
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqgo4EdzFA
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZrQPy6FnM
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnroQXuV8Oi
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4fAxNlzc0
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S2aLQYU8O
"Ah, that makes sense."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2Ow1NVgSH
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3Yrg1Zokt
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7JaV4CLKK
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrxrIvok1e
"...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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xi6pVoOOb
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lF26jYcNV
"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnPi6LWQ4b
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyZxVe1bU6
"I-I think he did."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAIPPYaoxZ
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRDUt4GHjc
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcAifvvhCr
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"That's rude of him."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiiamLH9vJ
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHM0CTd7uV
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DQDyVc29l
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6X7xrjGzo
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdx2PRJghm
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVW76nYT7b
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW51GB7HeRb
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIVbDXlb2E
"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?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUEBeD1lgo
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUPRkut4ZX
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cOm53CHEr
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aPpGxwfol
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGUwgJvUo7
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWA9Vi2QZv
Flinty let out a weird noise.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwspVqV0JW
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodhkYAVixk
"Mhm!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkPeGn3qpl
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1QhYxsA96
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcpgfCHIY8
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJvQDOD66X
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLyIqR0oNb
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrbpb5U43Z
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo4Qh8JfO3
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjjnrupvNv
The prince was bemoaning over something.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpYuTEMbWe
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStYEaEVAqz
"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s4HbKWOGt
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgBsKrLG9h
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW48b7AGLS
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTBdW9jrui
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX0eVrDKSy
"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPmHcgUx6W
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R9H5O33M7
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90F85jwqkg
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObOgndk3cO
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdhtWRONp3
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCOxlki72J
"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!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzwxdGhirC
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLctHnZfGi
"That's... surprisingly sweet."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqvMbeB0S1
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQt75nuP3L
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGpBUEiJNK
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ6abxJg8V
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S7u8MOOmQ
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOmi2hyjTP
"...Really?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgz75CKdz1
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LQACrR8Wx
"You're also incredibly obnoxious."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNeYn3wPpI
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4RMApesZ6
"GAH!?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDS3BwylQ0
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjnPfCXiTO
"Huh!?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SSATYC3YQ
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AUng8MtjO
I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSey3zq27m
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxzBGff3Hg
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetLEOW58pY
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXLtwY72ib
"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!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcA2fWpdVf
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmljMuoUj61
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUcJDbW3MR
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwANvzANu5e
"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ebg1Be2Ea
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBYs0BIdtU
"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!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMabMQaxZm
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HX3xjdoBl
"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwsC65RPYq
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kzl9Kyw9J
"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8NPqrOS8H
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMwWCVbDiG
"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR6oFnLhjY
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGiWBIpRFX
The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegHDo7QVtm
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfFEYXGuw2
"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa1HsdN45u
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYsIGo2Caa
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGcZaXmsYi
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYXIgANMJd
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo54rT3kMqt
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJepy6FHal
"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGQjYETqJN
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiEB6TshXb
If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP7zY8aLLs
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxlZDIHeSz
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PLuA9ytw8
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2VrlTxhdm
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D483C8YbE
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVxpuviN0p
"No."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lxsai6umW
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCLsMQfoyP
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKaPXhsTVi
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIrVUq8mef
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCMutFf3hM
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrGGkEQF8l
"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsOg0KKsdv
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7ZGH4yrwj
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPM3kDbBoH
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bvbsr4zqY
"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpJyGlKsRr
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgH2qAkbGU
"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ufQWVdKC4
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vFsLIdGx6
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYVDOfMcRo
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeCjYxNkmP
"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJidS05jO1u
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaOBfN34hh
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bjfOe7AcT
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ww7Vo96aH
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"--Hrk!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6ZwkkUsqp
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIegbFWVr5
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP244PkBMYP
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH0N0Edcz4
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRDhEdiVuq
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkMHXbU8es
"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h1aoCtNJt
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqak5SDbiY
–
–
–
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAEs42QlGT
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXGBd4fyHp
"I can't eat this."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt95QBL2wG
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0MI4uBGka
"I can't eat this."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAa5QFqGly
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMX7wbq706
The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5RjfCUEI6
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6RGGkiSC6
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtmvNT3Ufa
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–169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2YMY8QIWE
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIClo92PNR
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbVpySnk0j
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwFVkcIlb4
"Mister Chambers?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5b9RhB6D8
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeh6ivx0qW
"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?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4PF45cyR2
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"Right..."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WWyZU7IHn
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRC0YPYlne
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P64rO5fOf
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPh4n03hHu
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyil02AjNm8
"I see. And what are the details?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmkAZfTlZ9
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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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg7azXuZyY
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf26Rc9ffS
"A letter?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnAQHYXHMa
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawkRGMmUcw
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L4J4Iesm9
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42Bt2UwPUy
"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3ApNB5ybj
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpyLB0DiyZ
"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRq4qb1fxt
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrZOyf6evQ
I widened my eyes a little.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERzdER9iHg
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"Really? Who's working with me?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wF7Pjftz4
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1AOPxpJcU
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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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAWC0mdcZI
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyacgq0bUm
"That's relieving."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSH5AfvX0L
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhSf7R12ka
I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eUQnlXXx3
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pdaST039q
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdA04UHkOq
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"How far did you say the village was again?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KBidyaICo
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrdciFbtnl
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGHQYOnOlO
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoV4ZJrhrV
"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHslk2bOojP
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK4XAiwGc3
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZYsA8FK9m
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tIRekYbjo
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRgWwOG4sa
"..."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLndLwd2kdh
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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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeubKHq8Rh
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX50Toild5
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoOFVqhUC4
"I see."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uq6Sv2cFp
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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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1aDTdTfwN
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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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkcxxkn7lC
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwojH1f4IP
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7l7TyXRr8
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVxoNQjGSw
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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!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBj5PZYEK5
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O27zCXnux
Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo4AHWvYzJ
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRPF4w811P
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpGtpcIh32
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSyovYlW97
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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStlJdqABEl
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsRUYV4UBG
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZDYZDNIMD
"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXkEpFBjBF
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDudmga7Jiu
"What is it?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBXRe5ut8z
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKp2ivEB06
"Can I... maybe join the operation–"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ861dEfGwUF
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh49x3lR75
"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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Md4kE74u
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20ysGSCckY
"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."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHHBv0e3B6
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSijQIHK8Av
"...I see."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFCgy8QKKY
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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.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLV1wVy8hG
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSrvvEXVoS
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmpMvKb2wD
I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9dgS7BSes
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVcC3RYY94
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"...Yes?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ReUfmoaM
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlmZ4T7X6R
"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57n4ZQ7VKa
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfC5lmxWRC
"No."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZnGOkOtLf
169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZIVZTOP8u
"Oh."169Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCVqySNFGs
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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.
ns3.145.179.147da2
and then Add to home screen.