"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dO8HgarpU
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInbtLgs5My
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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvapAtHjUhp
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsvc8ZnGU9
I felt a vein bulge in my head.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ns7vpH2LG
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"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavYmtzFxJQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Tm9u2TjR
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJYiBI0On5
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15FdwxXtJA
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaajrwRP8uY
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"I-Inside...?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb737qbF68
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMBTi8Hqog
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuAc7tZHwd
"It's so... shiny."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhI9rbawGT
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpyy7LY2ay
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCv1cBeRt1
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVVJIphtnz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ282wmpybQu
"The Garden?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiymq5TjUa
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckmsOb7Q2z
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXKI4civuB
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEawooKYqL
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfmow0jgUt
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaLjC9t8PN
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCOJCupNYD
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Muqjd2xb
"Hey, Kenny."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EBv8mreae
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetnDMkoGgz
"What's the matter?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcidIjGMa2w
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4cja3Q1Yu
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmnKZITxoc
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cp4S5BZUH
She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPXZxlVUmS
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Zg9GoX0S
"The chandelier? What about it?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WzvDxiVfZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih6e5chdtn
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC8nDCg82B
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10ouEp7L1a
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhJZz10Xq2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBCm0hSywh
"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwai1eNmG0L
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"Ah, that makes sense."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb6RbvjKaf
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiOGZwKPSm
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVrpFcSDXu
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsVNZxfBte
"...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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1rGUufCbK
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3rD1eKLFM
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuWKBDbvYh
"I-I think he did."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCi7OFL9Na
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT5G0cCZrR
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"That's rude of him."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO9QVP31CL
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qbgwuchPd
"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLuLqasVsh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIwYLgVeAm
"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHHeBTTxcq
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pb09GwPi9
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7YAWOGJT9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L55EvNH61
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw0DSAJ0JG
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxTRf3mhaJ
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzmfov3W0y
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXA4JaRUDf
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbqOthqSAm
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzJRsP3C8e
Flinty let out a weird noise.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv38jwkZ9uE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXyMCc4Jyu
"Mhm!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k1r9B7wcF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFp1XJUYGL
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8IpmtIPCt
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T1pezlCl1
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg9Jd9KL2R
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bYx1c6Dpb
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDtsE8Cd8r
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUL2Asob29
The prince was bemoaning over something.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYHCrfdeFa
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"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Jz4yK1nC
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dk3rsf4hy
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsRTDeSQXQ
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj7ZzkJUdm
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1bQFj9dh8
"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuwKZpaeq2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7f4CkI5Hw
I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV2wDwIJH4
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NCdZ15Qc4
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEsMsxROTH
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GOVcEIJUR
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHyKXh7Wnz
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc3oa0696q
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmADcSsA6S
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivB0dZ75Q2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeOuiBYisq
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpxtcPxeHj
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZI1aWWcwU
"...Really?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWuv2iIcQr
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlPjJzWto0
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"GAH!?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoWiNsDNLY
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"Huh!?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1UMyYtH06
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I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wFw0brHO0
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz00vgZlOp
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lGYK79Zt7
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ2SdSb40b
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpa8gDj57O
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR60SRQgsYK
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEOCLNvq5h
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9361UlHaN
"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrbOl2smXw
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uEhtAFOCW
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOERgtwzSq
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuB9miJZy4
"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgpR2RDdmc
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXakosTxPRG
"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8L2PANpNF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVfWpLJbNJ
"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakCs70TZnK
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rLFISYCoI
The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnFmXq2LGz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDTFaCBZWC
"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTGTnKS7rQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBXgMMYufJ
"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnU5K00lj2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPNxIs0q0r
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nzyUlVK0T
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPUYeSQ01p
"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i55JQ71V7
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQLRc8PMj4
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkSZTK77We
"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgRBAZNrJe
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5heVUTdxyz
"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ks0QS6vp
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"No."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5aQSKzR01
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0px8IlPZk0
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFSzJ6rTu4
"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnbKIfiaFc
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnQnKBrjxz
"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelKwS2QkNE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6X3ztPN47
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0S8Vd6EdA
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj0HyzM1ZQ
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"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8om1lo55W
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEUbfIMasF
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeotHmwQmJD
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"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKJEJKFs9z
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvZEytpcIp
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mjr2V5xUP
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"--Hrk!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcCxgCjPoC
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ1ZtBbAVS
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDavYXOmNot
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx5M66IS8k
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJHpx2DLNy
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"I can't eat this."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AXipEVWtG
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArFRkyglij
"I can't eat this."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0elC6tKEz
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ZC2LjH8R
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaNvSWOlAj
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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–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61N3rLj5CL
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBymKPsypwc
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYnQo1p6lu
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"Mister Chambers?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6FDoXwYGE
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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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDi5XbMRgY
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"Right..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOss3MPxkxN
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzc9HZDVsl
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG0oK676du
"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xoCg6t7Gx
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"I see. And what are the details?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4sVnsLDY4
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbYKS89u1Q
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"A letter?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOa0ju6Q60
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuvOksF5yE
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG65K6Qoby
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsssonKMZZ
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I widened my eyes a little.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMYz8eHLyj
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"Really? Who's working with me?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF8UVFPUlm
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3caPBeYEQ
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB31VQmBUuR
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"That's relieving."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIwwAZj6dh
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy19L2WL1Ku
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3au9hiByB
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"How far did you say the village was again?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn7fZeXhOs
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4pV34cxeW
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz70FI1K2Hz
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpULHKNcOe
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuYAYAYx5p
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"..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ34rUgPBBC
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeSbUoYiXT
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBsydFZ23h
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"I see."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8vdPJCKAJ
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouYvLzKOd9
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFzjwXAf2h
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3DN6zq4dB
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqDZlbh66q
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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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3qtxa5cw2
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Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFSK0zSUF3
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt37oOS1QtQ
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWwxwD1K9L
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSdVooOhPI
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt6NDh5AWQ
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLDp3wtvg7
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"What is it?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3o1KxgXv7
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ4F0sbNbE
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzZ0WAsrzV
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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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGyuZmnG07
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"...I see."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC7spcbFw7
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Q6b0s90K
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gWrcyugcb
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel8wMclT6p
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wAF21CR8R
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"...Yes?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xkb0bYxHz
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi52qEeMCha
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"No."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsgVpCIzZu
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"Oh."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvvHRGFpTZ
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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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