"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7PMFkXcw8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKJblblhtU
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTyvSSzIP2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNIb2RUcn6
I felt a vein bulge in my head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMffH2nDHT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHghB848eh
"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGATo1gAwx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ0sb2TEUN
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHymNQfAJoO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mdaQ2729y
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPKd9DkZSF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcImpYzWfZx
"I-Inside...?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxIVHsbo2i
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAevoETOkf
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNLUjp87Cy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfbYh4MDK6
"It's so... shiny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9WguInkH8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX3WgkHAAD
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHxwEk8dEo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0hrplipap
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNrElQzGdr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB17X89Iuq
"The Garden?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgheu7iLl1T
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMND1MFeXIt
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1jSV05YxS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBdJEelPuh
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna4hnnf0Ym
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh24ILlvz4P
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8uJtFVh41
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7OH35lGZy
"Hey, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrUkn09XbG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRoE2qtuiZ
"What's the matter?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pk8IRXXD5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvzj6V1iES
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMPWoCcHR8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbyu2lepdh
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI002QKJzES
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2C6jw01Hz
"The chandelier? What about it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9ZFyFKqIY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7BUsJ1YkH
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7FamSNV9l
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAd8feu161
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeRSgAohyB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGO9vj9I3S
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Cr6TymV95
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5iSGJ1MGr
"Ah, that makes sense."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9RqpYDGie
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TM5rxZ2qe
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVPhSDBcy3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mVwW1LGX0
"...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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJnrkdSChl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt0vSmdnOi
"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgop45y6ewn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tvfS8fvsx
"I-I think he did."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRemZfIYiV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjSFF9Gvwh
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAw0si6U8l
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6xGxG7dmX
"That's rude of him."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qNmNMcyxR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1biTwRdFNY
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY0NVjRAyR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bjQt0FiE1
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjhPywWqp6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05VyNzS4Ha
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XPeE8Viul
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ujlaSW7H
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdVRGSSxNe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYBhxPewZy
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglrzR42JsI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR64cdD8EX
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36B5WyauVa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZNh8jtH3B
Flinty let out a weird noise.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cvhHxVzCP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBLgpsqsoB
"Mhm!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDH91QorIW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cpnQmNXJ1
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBL9xs3BZ3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv8I4LYY2I
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0pzxCk5HH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2NIYWGKlK
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGa9uOLWdD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5TD9Rx6sV
The prince was bemoaning over something.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveT2CHsNJb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LgrtmKIoT
"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSaX5GLehw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG1oFsDeKm
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTncU1ZLlC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxG3lyc6k1
He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWcoUzfHJK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IfDYlHsBL
"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cUlInZOgu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1NgA5nfmG
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwh40UjilY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOVHdIR8e8
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLlODCQAWR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T9D6LG93U
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI9FNCR7YN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpBxXFoI8a
"That's... surprisingly sweet."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7rfjPaf6w
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCMGBmkeTB
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNvY9kqbdQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1QTfXnE6E
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5GpPLUkYL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIdWsMt0iw
"...Really?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbQqpJUn3w
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvVECOH4Rx
"You're also incredibly obnoxious."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvOHCMuSah
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39lvS8rVZx
"GAH!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT2cnd7Gxj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrESJ9dNyA
"Huh!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkd1EdCFxp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4hMtNOErs
I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPMGSJkNgC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVIkMazYPO
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXX9LaWKXL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvvvFuA8Fg
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G9hE44otx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNOwb9yfmm
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGrY8rhTuz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTujyfOGhd
"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSMZc9GYSm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SPgwnfbZT
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS1UaNLVV3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSmC4fnK34
"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRPk1NKb1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrQtb3zukI
"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWUiQJB2Th
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4uRUULmpX
"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwcm85KjdE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4lTXlhVDp
The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc04X4MKJq2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPATEIhXBZh
"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiyl9FbP0T
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vUgRHj6fU
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDjV1unzH4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdZSrwEBMR
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w39EiPv9c
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhpo9vfKZh
"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n4onJU3UY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOz6gsxJGN
If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVkTt3DYc4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkXhtoE6Uz
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MRLUel5ty
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqWDZXyojB
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYpLTe5Cax
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbaQ0JBwA6
"No."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VuNS2IWIT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMVS8Weybr
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO9GPNIu6g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGey0tWrvtm
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpsJdoRzPm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLfpyJyBcv
"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FsCn8mUs7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGpSh9T8jk
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNJzxYhTFU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZEfQpJBi1
"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ghg3uoXie
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtxM2ftkHE
"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Kuvei9MM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG6Gor28pp
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozGgamXc4q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggzAgpBrTh
"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l3ki4ZBto
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6BKkxd9GH
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimvydwpUKN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtL3ZDgD5r
"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZcH9DghO4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2l3Sjofob
"--Hrk!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjXi5ubLZu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ7CfBDd7R
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKEMy0oQmp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsKT0uDODX
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwRDwozK9U
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NPbUBioQV
"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkCeYI5Kih
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69jWDOBCAT
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTC7Tl4vSC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb3Z0LRHhT
"I can't eat this."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzljEUZ9v7J
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT9rA0pTu7
"I can't eat this."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTGtsXaeug
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00G7iEZ6fo
The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj79ljdxIB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z1E6SNlcZ
"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZPN0hYOYS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WHCFrDI6o
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–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFNPcREEcW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjrkmffWcn
"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMDj8H9tFW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2KapChVoT
Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGIdqRYxx2
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"Mister Chambers?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxqPzkQTiP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi5p2frCCj
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2AFlm9BLN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmyYqdaNWT
"Right..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WqYLKYD6A
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHw2W3VkA1
The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m4uHMnYYg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74qGzQkLxl
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy8GHX4Zfm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLdOIWxkKC
"I see. And what are the details?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nPt8fSjVm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2lL42F7BG
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpjxPA4sAl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJREAszrMk
"A letter?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFoMrSQPG6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7472grnvX
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aN8Wl2do3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlF0TAiv8V
"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpaJP4FqA4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaDa4ilUJN
"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnobM8Qjvmi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrwHoDQApL
I widened my eyes a little.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcWFyZYn8e
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa2oACEaGW
"Really? Who's working with me?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuLFepdItd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnDWIvGEGk
The prince gave me a stern shrug.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxk46gxAOC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArIhGzH0rm
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TzH3r8qLZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIuhmN14kD
"That's relieving."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK9GSelprm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg6sAcsovg
I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOARfoCuE3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yAPOj7QA7
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUXkbBSYCM
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"How far did you say the village was again?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxCIItElcR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnO0UFL8co
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJupdVzq8Sm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmghuq8Ls
"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKaBn9onsr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLJ4U8oBow
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VtnVBJUpa
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR57oDAiaP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1RT7bU0Tn
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xHKnt8p1a
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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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol198ctMDm
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRU6uRhsoz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFatJil4HPn
"I see."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbcY4j7ep8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBibkCfe1Yx
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV5hElNGOf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFkZfl6WCX
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYcxff19KN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlrsXaJPvC
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO19m3mJuv7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSRooBZBFA
"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcKjyvaYjE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSmsvKDylK
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC0TCNHllr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7eOYMoKzs
Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZIj9qcWYA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2E1B3tjWO
"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eTeT4U2Th
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcXylZqOgC
"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvvEgUYL9q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsA7gKLNxu
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEZHklNndo
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMQmbGH1GM
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0VnMuTYTf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLnHQMl8EU
"What is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Y9c0E2Bs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UTIdAwT4a
"Can I... maybe join the operation–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wHhZ7JCk2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRfQ7vh3BI
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLCc4rbPHV
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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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9MNQW4Jzu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KIqV5nbge
"...I see."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOZtyOEZDS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhGoVYzmXM
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemqLcJKE5b
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aI1xe4Q9i
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmapRdBzJNZ
I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOd56XOduJ
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJKmKanoif
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"...Yes?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWJLbwRRIo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKzdMlBmfN
"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUG335gW36
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcPuVQuau3
"No."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITIoabYRxa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstqUmdResj
"Oh."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdROgIVFx0X
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7k6ggaFTv
–
–
–
"...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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