"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGrakSAy62
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cEwx0G0rH
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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDo4jdh9UP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDweBd4YzCh
I felt a vein bulge in my head.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9ZCa0scmE
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"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl4XGYEQG8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebGo1sTIow
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYe9flew2l
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7MVSDalr0
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGarMgcfIyV
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"I-Inside...?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VGbikoLKe
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She repeated my last word with an astonished breath. When we made it to the guard, I handed him my card. After a short inspection of our bodies, he gently bowed to us and led us through one of the three doors. Flinty covered her face for a moment before taking in the view.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRnCUOT7VM
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"It's so... shiny."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH8qja2owL
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The interior of the building was clad in marble and avant-garde designs scribbled throughout the floor and ceiling. No one column holding the interior had the same design; they each possessed an exaggerated illustration of an animal, some I didn't recognize.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRDjYNSrDy
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"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp8U4PfpeU
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"The Garden?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHAd9boeKH
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"That's where the plants are," I replied, "It's a lot smaller than you'd expect, and it's all indoors, but they have some wonderful specimens in there."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEaWcJGpK3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5s5RAdhau
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFDJJeAfY2
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBGgeqSPB4
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUc19x1OYv
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"Hey, Kenny."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE2OFW0QFI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmDlHOG4c7
"What's the matter?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ947dxUBth8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4CXOT3Nat
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMSdoRkBoc
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9hCemqvl7
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFNpVuRGKp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsEywHnRWu
"The chandelier? What about it?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHtzQVjE4i
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwpRcXE6SH
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSDl3xrEP4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eE8p7zbqx
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJl62QkfEC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97jpQaGBcK
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJGuodfDzO
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"Ah, that makes sense."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsajUcEvqbC
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I wouldn't put it past royal mages to know mana suspension of that degree. It was likely an earth infusion, or maybe the mage just had dense mana. Either way, it made me wonder how many more appliances in this building had mana in them. I immediately thought of the doors, but considering how many we've passed in this hallway alone, that seemed unlikely.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HRW3nZV8r
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNQ8Zuc9HO
"...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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDylUsrbHqN
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm3ZDFxig8
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"I-I think he did."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DcpH6j26y
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The prince's and Flinty's voices dragged me back to consciousness. However, noting that they thought I was unconscious, I decided to play the part and see what would happen. I had a bubbly feeling in my chest. I was becoming giddy. I was convinced I had devised the most meticulous scheme ever.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uQoWQ61pT
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"That's rude of him."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIMqHnQJXx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IEbn1VbaZ
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDK6ODnkcj
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ztK6gob8
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ78fM1ZHQa
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDe0zwr2uc
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI2xBWBNMy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBxARkNj1t
"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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyUKDa0kDW
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"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzV2NZp1I9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMhdemBDol
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOifOS6L5gI
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Flinty let out a weird noise.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWhvIwE7NR
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRwOQJ1eYz
"Mhm!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89VeBWXuNU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL6emiSImz
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYCWqX2yR7
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR8AjyXgAd
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGCyoArAgn
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"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbNKpJOfUd
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The prince was bemoaning over something.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSsA0iGHFA
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"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmK6LGe7Uc
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"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroyA46AQzW
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LS2HbjmhN
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"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NPG0d3ZDv
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I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGnalgwu6x
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUtGMupGK6
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbiLZWqLMU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGvbYVmqcN
"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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLntBCezFB
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8REeSgNYk
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"I'm trying to get in his good graces, but for some reason, nothing I do seems to work. I'm starting to think that he just doesn't like me."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9mFICGjDT
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"O-Oh, I'm sure it's not that. It's just, well, from what I've heard of him, you always seem to meet him at the wrong times."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVOJulq8nJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HHM8tuZDs
"...Really?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXcnleuUJX
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhdVmRj3AV
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"GAH!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWzwosoFqP
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"Huh!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe26N0aVHk
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I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqeF4l1jcO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eVIeGpzQt
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ2n9CFqsP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcCdXJut7w
"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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCManN8Wiy
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I felt something blunt hit my shoulder. Flinty was looking at me with beady eyes with her fist against me. I looked back at the prince, who had a perturbed expression. He quickly looked down at the table and pinched his chin, whispering something to himself.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xgusIftMv
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"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8kFQfWRTo
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"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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQSmD7ZWm0
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"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrYSiaZuAG
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"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE54Y7TDFF
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"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5mTAu4hgh
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The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOYNuuAADe
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"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAKs3yKWZY
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"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NUj9A2lJZ
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Flinty stuck her tongue out. Something about this felt strange; why was I being painted as the enemy here? I looked at the prince, who was still bowing. He kept lowering his body. His hands were balled into fists. They were quaking.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu4ZKitUkz
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"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgl2GCNg5U
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl02dOH0si
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"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j9opvEOtS
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5jPbgF4BY
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDnsIJbmFF
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"No."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoTWZykHeJ
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He sank into his couch with a deep frown. I looked at Flinty to gauge her thoughts and she just lightly shrugged at me with a sigh. The situation was satisfactory, then.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauBvb43gKP
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"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48kcPtTOMm
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"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtVPYwow86
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tMzPMN0j9
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkES1xWkjH
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixNPuS3aCk
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"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkE3f4blIs
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BtrIzvhNV
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEuZPE1T32
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkMKJqIPIU
"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqCNDf73fx
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The prince shook his head in a satisfied manner, the frown entirely departed from his face. I was beginning to wonder why he was acting the way he was, but recalling what he said earlier, I had a clue as to why.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBmgCGB2AU
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ9K2Qc5c0
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"--Hrk!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJfxRorBFr
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I hit a sour spot. I nodded while making an 'ahhh' sound. Of course, it was the only explanation. I was also insufferable when I stopped talking to people, after all.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Gog8NSwD
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The prince looked down at the table again. I didn't have a chance to press him further, however, because a group of people carrying plates and glasses barged into the room.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFE1W9GjX8
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhSTcApKcs
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–
–
–
I struggled to comprehend the thing that was before me. Calling it food felt disingenuous because what I was looking at was more like gold painted as if it was food. I was convinced the moment that I took a bite out of the piece of meat before me, my teeth would shatter like glass. My fork would likely bend and bust before that, though. But these were just expectations; I had to confirm them. Therefore, I poked the meat. It wasn't hard, it wasn't heavy; the surface recessed inward as my finger pushed against it. It wasn't a precious metal in the shape of a meal. It was a meal.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9JlCcUdeH
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"I can't eat this."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUZvNhNolx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomsa7f4NGu
"I can't eat this."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5GG5BnMLF
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsjxxvyolJ
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL5nfHj6HD
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Flinty nodded and motioned for her fork but I didn't move. I was comfortable calling myself starstruck. Time seemed to slow down the longer I gazed at the meat. Before I knew it–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbJpb9JemC
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU7xXSgCT7
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdsM9lk0Ul
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"Mister Chambers?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCYYUoT9aF
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"What?"
"Let's talk about the business I mentioned earlier. But first, at least try what was cooked for you. I promise it won't disappoint."
"I feel bad even thinking about eating it, but if you insist."
I grabbed a fork and stuck it in the meat. The chunk came off with little resistance. Blood trickled from the inside onto the plate. I put it in my mouth and slowly began chewing.
"Well?"
"...It's incredible, but, what type of meat is this?"
"Aviartidae. They're quite common in the badlands. They're like vultures, but–"
"But they're monsters, yes. So, what's this business about?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7eJoI1yNF
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"Right..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzkhGaJwo2
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfENXD94eFk
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8EUzL8J8I
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsSZvFKaAn
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"I see. And what are the details?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktMIkTy9yM
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUM8yegSEr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52KVdaQkpk
"A letter?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFg5Td9li
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"Yep. There's a town a few days away on horseback called Kommunikatsiya. It's one of the central hubs for communication here in the Southern Country, overseen by The Zariel Kingdom. Your goal is to deliver a letter to the foreign communications center, and that's about it. All the other details will be covered by the letter itself."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1CRrdILjU
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmYJtJlWsy
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHfcOeOvGW
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I widened my eyes a little.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphP8CWsvXr
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"Really? Who's working with me?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jZuZ4kpAK
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SxKUS8nVF
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87w5Fadp9R
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"That's relieving."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DOa6Ms6Zn
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmNc7QIf6W
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I didn't have any plans for the next week, but I already knew the Tea Mage was going to be angry hearing this news. It was likely to take well over a week, maybe even two or three if we ran into problems.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfPIdZb2UA
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"How far did you say the village was again?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgtsndxxna
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"It'll take five days on carriage if everything goes smoothly. Don't worry about travel expenses, by the way, we've got that covered."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqhNm5ECfz
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIKZzEEMlD
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I picked my fork back up but paused before I stuck it into the meat. I had a sudden epiphany about what the prince was saying.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYg8ozGUG5
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzalveRlODL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCpEnd39gc
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YZjvuj1VG
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q6UQGl9P3
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkhva7oZqq
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"I see."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrCmNyrmVX
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOCCMOFZyF
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74fkeDD4SF
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgpBIKmEN2
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIcFeOMeSV
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKG1pGskr
"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!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuUVguh0gD
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvhPA02gHa
Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3OAwKrNF7
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuouOBc7ph
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofYSooJIox
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rBZPJ6LXY
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyW9WxuTNY
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEbEhmEUAV
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"What is it?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf4H4jyJ96
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjnFHIwKrC
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHYmfffYYF
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawzT4lBJzP
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"...I see."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W56fMLTBf
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxATIwJSGR
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8JKW6UmmA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaIvgtkAtY
I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsSvR09WWB
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2WuwSnax0
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"...Yes?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY6ldRmlYc
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pZi1hJXWq
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"No."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbGu6J4ZPF
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"Oh."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAidBW7rrjC
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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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