Hope Resting Behind Us. (Part 6)

"Fuaaah~"

Taking lesure time after such a huge meal to just lay down upon the piling snow. It feels as I'm floating through the clouds while the coldness on my back courts me to nap...

(Who knew laying in cold places feels so good. Don't know why many people say winter is bad... I might just take the nap).

"Sova! There you are!"

Hearing Yoo-Ah's voice, I look back to see her charging forward and stopping with enough momentum to send a wave to blanket me.

"This is why I don't like separate rooms! Have you finished preparing your clothes!?"

"Yup, just have to change when we leave. I'm planning on using the clothes Juha bought me. It'll be a waste if I just leave it hanging."

"Hum! Hum! I see! By the way, what are you doing back here!?"

Laying down upon Juha's back yard I decided to spread my arms wide as I brush the pile off me replying:

"I'm enjoying winter, I guess... I heard you can do many things with snow."

"Aren't you cold?! Well, since we got quite a long time-"

"No we don't."

Hearing another familiar voice we both look back seeing Juha walking towards us with a slice of sandwich in hand. She raise her hand saying:

"Currently it's past 3 since we spent an hour having lunch (Which is an amazing meal). And You have 1 hour to prepare before we leave to the royal palace. It starts around 5 and going there will take another hour."

(Oh? So it takes only a few hours to get from Meondosi to the capital with trains huh?)

"Oh! The time has been set!? Alright, then! Up, Sova! Let's go change! The royal dish awaits us!"

"Huh? H-Hold on."

(They can just set the time of the party now? Nor before sending the invites?)

Yoo-Ah tries to lift me up but is having trouble and for once I thought,

(Maybe those that lift me back then are actually that strong).

*************************************

I just realize this but...

"It seems the one that wears paintings on their robes are important males huh?"

The robe... Well, dress Juha bought me seems very nice but I wonder when did I get used to wearing a dress?

(And can I call it a dress when there's some sort of baggy pants underneath?)

"Paintings on robes!? Now that's an apt description for them! Still, it's a weird sight seeing blonde hair pair with that dress! It still looks good!"

Yoo-Ah says as she helps me wear the robes and I can simply reply,:

"T-Thanks?"

"Hmph! Just don't wrinkle it before we arrive."

Juha looks away with the edge of her lips going up before she leaves saying:

"I'll be waiting at the entrance hall. As for Sova's invitation, it is with me so take whatever you wish and head down immediately."

When Juha leaves the room, I look at Yoo-Ah who's still changing and asks:

"By the way, Yoo-Ah. About what Jin-Cheon said. Is it true, there's gonna be something at midnight?"

Yoo-Ah nods once as she pumps her hands up shouting:

"That's right! I'm planning on inviting you two to a secret performance by Miso herself! I don't know who he is to know that secret sign she use but... I'm definitely going there! So... Do you wanna come!?"

(Huh... Usually, I would say yes but if I follow how Moriz will drag me tommorow following his words. I just hope he could compromise. I hope I can convince him-)

"Huh!!!? S-Sova?"

Noticing that the chance never appear, I decided it's now or never and push the half dressed Yoo-Ah to the wall and reenacted what Moriz did to me few days prior. With my hands pinning her down I look at Yoo-Ah saying:

"Yes! Please!"

A bit red on her cheeks Yoo-Ah smile replying:

"Hum! Hum! I can see your passion! Now, can you back away? I can't button my clothes like this! Wait, did you perhaps trip since not used to that dress!? We should ask Yoo-Ah for some support sandals!"

"O-Oh, no sorry... It's fine. I can walk just fine."

"Don't be modest now! Tell her when we get down!"

(Now, I can tell Moriz I did it... Hmm... I wonder what urge me to do what he did and make him my master again? All I remember is a rush in the moment).

Backing away and getting a closer look I felt a bit refreshed saying:

"Come to think of it, I rarely see you outside of your staff uniform. So it's nice to see you wear something else."

"Hum! Hum! I agree! Worry not! With vacation days! When going out, you'll see me wear much cuter clothes! I got a wide array of sets I wanna try too from granny Ja, Miso and the idols catalogue!

Oh! Sova! You gotta try it too! I got just the perfect clothes for you! We're a bit different in size but I'm sure my clothes will fit for a while! Or we could just ask Granny Ra for some adjustments! Plus! I rarely get to test the catalog so vacation days are the best time!"

"I'm looking forward to it..."

Loosening the robe from my body body a bit, I try to walk around a bit. Getting use to the robe a bit more I wonder again if I'll wear more dresses in the future or maybe...

(One day I'll have enough balls to show it just to prove a point? Or maybe that's too far fetched?)

"Hum! Hum! Still looking good!"

Yoo-Ah says as she looks at the mirror after finishing changing her clothes. From her shorts, stockings, small open jacket, sweater that reach her fingers, scarf, thin gloves and her beret. Just like what Juha said, the girls here rarely show their skin and even so, one thing to describe her clothes is... Cute.

(I'm surprised she could make her staff hat mix along well. And this dress too I realize only shows my face).

"What do you think!? Cute isn't it!?"

"Mm! Mm!"

I nod agreeing and realize,

(Isn't there suppose to be some dress code for a party for someone important? If Juha doesn't say anything I'm sure it's fine. And Yoo-Ah said she's gone there before so I'm sure she knows it's okay).

Yoo-Ah pats my shoulder and nudge me forward shouting:

"Alright! Let's go!"

Yoo-Ah holds my arms as she seems to support me and I follow along saying:

"Thanks."

"No problem! Hum! Hum!"

As we descend, we spotted Juha ordering the other servant with short hair nodding along. Thanks to the quiet halls their voice echo quite loudly.

"Make sure those 2 don't leave the house while we're outside... Well, Jin-Ae at least. Drag her back from Jin-Cheo if you have to."

"E-Eh!? B-But there's no way I can even make any budge on Lord Jin-Cheo or even catch up to them!"

"Just ask Hanna, that idiot would listen to her or coerce Jin-Ae. I saved up some of my sandwich from lunch, you can use that."

"Uuuh... I-I'll do my best!"

Juha nod firmly patting her shoulders saying:

"That's a good answer, I'm counting on you. My brother may be a lost cause, but Jin-Ae still has a chance."

Reaching the end, Juha turns to us saying:

"Good timing, let's go-"

"Wait! Give Sova some support sandals! She's having trouble walking with the robes!"

"Really? Hmm, I think we have one but it's for kids. And knowing her weight recently, she would... But I'm sure she'll be fine, she did walk without falling back when she first wear it."

"Eh! Really!?"

I nod along saying:

"Yea, I'll be fine Yoo-Ah. Plus, I got you two to help or better yet, since we'll be sticking close I'm sure I don't need to worry."

"That's fine then! Trust in me more though!"

Juha sighs seemingly tired from something before saying:

"Alright, then let's go. The vehicle is waiting outside."

Yoo-Ah let's me go saying:

"Alright! Royal dish here we come!"

*************************************

The azure skies blends along the golden sunset while the clouds seems to makes waves upon the world's canvas. And as if the heavens whispers songs and tales from the passing wind I could hear they sing,

"The sons of light who weaves tales beyond myth aim towards the sky as they claim it is where all the answers lies."

"The children of knowledge ascending from the abyss where the sun doesn't reach gaze above as they claim that's where eternal prosperity be."

"The descendants of chaos born from darkness and light embraces the endless stars as they claim it is where peace is born."

They who knows the truth of the world, the [Origin] of everything gathers to ascend-

"Sova, wake up."

*************************************

"Sova! Sova! Wake up! We've arrived!"

"H-Huh!?"

I open my eyes in a bit of a panic and see Yoo-Ah shaking me and Juha looking at me at the front seat. Scratching my ears as I wonder what I dream and heard.

(Weird dream... Come to think of it I've been getting those weird dreams ever since I defeated Yuwei's mom).

I rub my eyes when I hear,

"Hum! Hum! Winter does makes you sleepy! Don't worry, you're probably just getting used to things!"

"I-I see..."

(Weird, I don't usually fall asleep before bedtime. Even during training except when Sis knocks me unconscious).

"Come now! Let's go! Wakey! Wakey!"

Yoo-Ah helps as she pulls me out of the car while I try to clear my mind. As the murmurs surrounding us seeps in, the cold winds softly blows, and the sparkling lights clears up. I could see a massive place akin to multiple palaces fused to one. Covering the whole golden sky with statues, walls, hills and towers, the entire surface we stand is being litten up by distance man-made stars and hanging lanterns as I see myriads of people walk past, even from my lack of experience I could tell they're wearing expensive clothes and robes as they all seem to gather towards the massive bridge leasing to mystical gate.

"The royal palace! I've come again!"

"Quiet down! You're making a fool of yourself!"

Juha scolds Yoo-Ah as she excitedly jumps in joy while Yoo-Ah drags Yoo-Ah to the side where we arrive. Past the trees, waterfalls burst from its walls while I could see the entire natural landscape surround the unending palace. Raising my hand, I notice snow falls alongside white petals similar to the tree Yoo-Ah once called Winter weds. The sight of snow falling from holden skies is a surreal experience.

Seeing Juha thank the driver as they leave she face us saying:

"Since Sova fell asleep during the middle of my tour explanation, I suppose this will do."

(Eh? I did?)

"S-Sorry..."

"Don't be! Of course you'll fell asleep! Her explanation is boring! Unlike mine!"

"Hmph! What baseless drivel! Either way, welcome to the Royal Palace aptly called the leaping palace or alternatively as the Forbidden Pond."

"Pond?"

"Oh yeah! You just have to see it!"

"Okay, now I'm curious."

Juha then looks up as I know what she is trying to see. The gigantic whale statue that is visible from outside the city now hovers above our head as it covers the sky. Even from afar it is huge but now it is simply gigantic and way out of proportion.

"That is the symbol of the royal family. The absolute authority and the ruler of the Red Seas, the Grey Hunchback Leviathan."

Seeing it much closely, the beast has four sharp fins on it's belly and near its tail, layered square scales that forms an armour, and the tentacles or some sort of moustache that sprout all over its body, I can't help saying:

"So cool!"

(It looks so different than the whales I used to read with May who looks much cuter. So is this what whales look like in here? The archives May gave me show whales to have stubby fins and bigger bellies).

Juha nods replying:

"Indeed, it is a legendary steed of the royal family and even then very few from the family have tame such a beast. It is said that it is a Apex Rex class monster even High Rank Hunters avoid. Then again not many people are equipped to fight sea creatures."

"Woah! The royal family actually control those leviathan!? How come I never see one during the peak of the war!? Shouldn't the royal family bring them out when the coalition march towards the capital!?"

"Well..."

Juha gets quiet for a bit before she then says:

"Either way, that is now the symbol of the royal family. And we have ships that have the same functionality to defend. Not as sturdy or destructive but those ships do their jobs. Come now, let's not clot the way for too long."

Thinking that maybe not many will change when we're at a place filled by important people.

"Greetings, Lord Jin-Juha nim."

"Good evening, Belugga Jin-Juha nim."

"Welcome, Lord Belluga Jin-Juha nim."

"Please, move ahead, Lord Jin-Juha nim."

It seem Juha's authority seems to be more influential than I thought as the nobles and other important looking people make way and even greets her.

(Isn't she a lieutenant? Isn't that like one of the lowest ranking officers? Oh! Maybe they have different meaning here?)

Listening from afar I pick up the murmurs and whispers from around the place,

"Isn't that Lord Jin-Juha? Who is she here for?", "The princess? No way, it must be the prince.", "With not only the Belluga family, but the Beulim and Ppalnun family under him he would definitely be the apparent heir.", "I just hope those idiots at the bureau don't mess things even further.", "This is my only chance, I have to get the attention from her.", "As expected of the royal family, their gardens and trees are magnificent.", "What would she like though? Many man tried and failed.", "Tch, I should've brought my daughter along if only I knew.", "Wait, maybe... He could?", "Tch! Those idol industry is taking away all our customers! And some opera singers have even defected to their side, if this keeps our studio will be over!", "We must have the prince convince the senior princess if we want our voices to be heard by the idol tower.", "The prince has one of the heroes of the coalition backing him and now he will probably have the IDB too.", "Did you hear? It seems the idols tower is housing a very important guest. So much so I heard he or she can call upon their best idol every time.", "(He is getting too powerful).", "Oh no, my princess...", "What should we do? We can't just revoke her when she already arrived.", "Should we perhaps say she's sick?", "We can only hope she uses her invitation."

Noticing the distance voice I look at where the sound is coming from and saw some servants and noble ladies talking behind the curtains. Scramble and panicking as they soon rush deeper inside. Getting ever closer towards the massive entrance that seems to fit those giant ships at the military base, everyone seems to talk about Juha so much so I'm sure even Yoo-Ah is listening to the gossiping of the people around us while they make for us.

Wondering how much further we have to walk, the view of the scenery we arrived seems to shrink while the trees is replaced by flowing rivers, boats that is carrying passengers by the river and air, along with aqueducts connecting to the walls casting some shade over us. Wondering why Juha haven't explain anything and being quiet this whole time, I decided to break out monotony asking-

"Urgh! How much further must we travel!? Can't we just take the boats? Gramp Won-Yok and Hwang-Yo gramps bring me and My sis that way too!"

As if just noticing Yoo-Ah's anger, Juha turns and softly replying:

"Huh? Oh... Right. Honestly, I'm just going to walk. I wish to enjoy the scenery I suppose. Like look..."

Juha raise her arm as to show us the aqueducts saying:

"Those are the original aqueducts that siphoned water from the palace to the noble circle and it is said that it might even connect to the entire city. It has been rebuilt and reinforce multiple times, though the actual base and backbone of the construction remains the same. It shows how much advanced and-"

"Boring! I would just watch the winter wed petals fall over for a day!"

Hearing that, I notice as well how as we reach deeper, there's less petals falling over. Juha takes in the cold air before she says:

"Either way, we are still going to walk, but at a faster pace. Seriously, look around and enjoy the scenery-"

*Wooom*

Before she could finish her sentence a medium ship twice the height and size of the boats rowing atop the river fight against the stream. Noticing the fancy decoration and expensive ornaments alongside the whale shape head the ship has, I can hardly guess who it is.

Stopping right beside us I can see the drastic change for the worst when Juha frown and the door to the ship opens up to a bridge and a carpet rolls out. Exiting the ship is a familiar face yet I can't remember the name of-

"Hey, you! Did you just think something rude!?"

"Huh?"

Before I could comprehend what just happened, Juha shakes her head asking:

"Princess, might I ask you what are you doing here?"

Accompanied by that old man and a few noble ladies, she hastily approach Juha by lifting her baggy skirt saying:

"J-Juha unnie!"

The noble ladies and old man bows down as the princess pass them and I notice the other passerby does as well.

(Oh? Should we follow?)

Before I could Juha holds my shoulder to stop and continue to bow down with grace saying:

"Good evening, Ye-Ri."

"J-Juha Unnie! Perfect timing! Um..."

The princess fidgets around as she is trying to say something and Juha nods saying:

"I'm here for your invitation. Though I'm grateful for you to personally greet me before I arrived."

The princess's blue eyes sparkle in delight while her face brightens up replying:

"R-Really!? Yay! Then come! I'll escort you inside! Like promised, I prepared your favourite drinks-"

"I'm sorry princess but I'm just going to walk there."

"H-Huh?"

The princess's head tilt and so is her body as she almost trip for not understanding her intent. Juha then continue saying:

"I wish to enjoy the scenery from below. We'll be quick in our walk."

"E-Eh!?"

As if she's desperately thinking for something, the princess approaches Juha saying:

"T-Then let me walk alongside you!"

"Huh? Lil Ye-Ri!?"

The old man from before tries to stop her but she simply shouts back saying:

"Don't worry Uncle! With Juha, I'm definitely safe!"

"Well..."

Juha pats the princess's head which cause her cheeks to blossom before Juha says:

"Don't worry, she is safe with me, Lord Kim-Daeho nim."

"I-I see... Very well, though that doesn't mean we will leave her side. I will be following close-"

The princess stared at the old man with contempt before he then nods saying:

"Um, at a relative distance?"

*Nod*

The princess nod and the old man gets off the boat while gesturing them to leave. Seeing the old man take his distance, Juha continues on saying:

"Follow closely, Ye-Ri."

"Yes, Unnie!"

The princess sticks close to her holding her hand with joy and I can easily tell they are pretty close. Yoo-Ah who's walking beside me pouts a bit saying:

"Urgh! Now, I feel the walk could get a bit more annoying."

"What did you say!?"

The princess turns to Yoo-Ah in anger while tightening her grip on Juha's arm when she taps her shoulder saying:

"Sigh... I suggest you stop Ye-Ri. Nothing good comes from standing up now."

"H-Huh?"

Juha leans closer and whisper,

"(Though she may not look like it, she has many scary names backing her up. For example, Lord Won-Yok nim)."

"E-Elder Won-Yok nim!?"

The princess says in shock which attract the attention of many as well and even the old man following behind us shows a face of disbelief and confusion.

(I wonder who that guy is? I mean, I heard he is... What's his title again? Well, someone high in the army who retired. Maybe it's something more?)

"Eep!"

The princess a bit panicking by the passing eyes leans even closer to Juha as to hide herself before she softly mutter,

"(Really!? Who is that girl? If Elder Won-Yok nim is behind her, then why isn't she a princess!? Or better yet the heir to the throne!? We're talking about the same person who put the current king at the throne right?)"

"(That is simply the hidden stones you have not to step on)."

(King maker? That sounds pretty cool).

The princess turns to look at us before she tighten her grip on Juha saying:

"(Urgh... Maybe... S-Say, who is the other names behind her? Please don't tell me they're all really scary people like him!?)"

"(Is that not enough to scare you? Well, since you're the one asking, I suppose I can tell. There's Lord Gum-Soo)."

"One of the- umph!"

The princess covers her mouth before she could say anything. She then seems to hug Juha softly whispering:

"(O-One of the heroes of the coalition!? Seriously, who is she!? Why haven't I heard of her!? Why hasn't anyone talk about her! Which family is she from? Not only the king maker but the sword of the previous king too!? Is she an illegitimate child of the previous king to have them supporting her?!)

"(And there's-)"

"(There's more?! Please, stop! Okay, I understand! Wait, I think I saw her before at the palace... Or did I? Uuuu... Sorry...)"

"(Don't say it to me. And I hope you stop getting angry so hastily. Pride will not get you so far now)."

"Uuuu..."

Trying to ignore them whispering to each other, I look at the bored Yoo-Ah and try to cheer her up. Hearing what she said, I decided to ask,

"Say, Yoo-Ah you've been to the palace before yea? How is it? Did you enjoy anything more than the food?"

Yoo-Ah whose spirit seem to be wandering over yonder returns replying:

"Oh! Actually, there's this open veranda Hwang-So gramps showed me and my sis before-"

"Elder Hwang-So nim!? Umph!"

The princess burry her head to Juha's arm in panic and gaining even more attention from the people around. Ignoring their eyes as I always do, I continue asking:

"Oh? I can't wait for you to show me."

"Hum! Hum! Just follow me along! Or... I might forgot the way!"

"Right..."

"The palace is pretty big you know! There's a reason why many of the royal court never comes out! They got everything here! From foreign spices and ingredients, to even exotic recreations like mud painting!"

"Mud painting? Weird but neat! So is the game section of the guild? With billiards and stuff?"

(Come to think of it, I still haven't played that yet).

"Of course! Hwang-So gramps and Sun-Hoju gramps-"

"(The Chancellor!?)"

The princess shouts in shock more quietly this time as she hugs Juha in absolute terror and regret as I can see her legs shaking. Juha comforts her by patting her back to calm her down and she finally stop shaking.

(Is she going to get surprised by every name Yoo-Ah speaks? And Sun-Hoju... That's another new name).

"Anyways, they brought us to a massage parlor and spa inside and they use only the most relaxing oil or whatever you use there! It cured my Sis from her mental strain and I heard my brother spent most of his time there before he well... Hum! Hum! Anyways! I met Hwang-So gramps, its fair that I should give Sun-Hoju gramps a visit too, I got his favourite snack as well."

"Here, I thought you don't know much of the people at the capital. Considering you're having a hard time deciding."

"I actually don't have friends in the capital but my dad's old comrades! And they'll gladly let me stay but I just don't know how to repay them back! I can't just keep using my dad's good graces!"

Hearing her say that, her words immediately remind me of myself. Clicking something deep within as I realize something and smile saying:

"You're... Very mature. Though, one day I'll do the same too, by repaying you first."

"Like I said, you don't need to! This is all my... Oh! I think I kinda understand how those gramps feel now. Though I still won't take it from you or them!"

"Though will you at least let me try cooking for you?"

"Hum! Hum! Sure! Oh yeah! We've been postponing it a lot but! When we return, let's continue our cooking lesson! The next meal I'm gonna teach you will be, flatbread!"

"Flatbread huh?"

Noticing Juha stops, we halt our steps as she then turns around with the cowering princess and says,

"Ahem, I know you saw her before Sova and it might be a bit late but, Yoo-Ah, Sova, let me introduce to you a pearl bone junior princess of Silla, Golae Ye-Ri."

She lets Juha go and bows her head saying:

"H-Hello, nice to meet you."

"Oh!"

I bow down replying:

"I never introduce my name when we meet at the guild. My name is Sova Anmao, pleased to meet you."

Yoo-Ah a bit dispirited bows her head down saying:

"I'm 2nd daughter to Yoo-Saki, Yoo-Ah. A pleasure knowing a name from the Heavens... (That's how to do it right?)"

"Hero Y-Yoo-Saki nim!? Wait, you're the daughter of the Slayer of Kings!? No wonder you know so many heroes of the coalition! (And that explains why you're not elected)."

(Slayer of kings!? That's so cool and scary! Wait... I wonder if Kokkan and the other strong people back at home have cool titles? And Abe too... Maybe I should ask her a title).

Yoo-Ah's eyes wonder away before looking back at her replying:

"Um, sorry to say this princess but can we please not talk about them?"

The princess sensing something pulls back a bit replying:

"A-Ah! Um, sorry..."

"It's okay, but let's head inside! The royal dish awaits!"

"H-Huh!? Oh! Yes! Please let's continue."

The princess agrees with Yoo-Ah while Juha hides her face and continue forward. As we press on deeper, there seems to be a lot of natural beauty to see. The leaves of new plants are seen falling while the familiar winter weds cease to be seen. My eyes, are now glued to the flowing river as they seem to change colour as well, from the clear azure to a silk and yellow shafe that stands out among the piling snow. Juha points at the changing river saying:

"That is the golden silk river unique only to lakes and rivers of the capital area. And thanks to its uniqueness it also seems to have special species and other rare wild lives not easily found anywhere in the peninsula."

"Woah! This is my first time seeing a different coloured river... I wonder if the red baths back at the guild is the same? They come from some lakes and river or at least some natural water source too, right?"

"Keen insight, Sova. As for that-"

"Oh! Oh! Let me be the one to explain! I'm dying of boredom walking around!"

Yoo-Ah cuts Juha before she moves ahead of me saying:

"Believe it or not! The red river is the longest river extending not only from Silla but branching to our northern neighbour of Jo and our distant western neighbours of Goryo, Jusa, and Baek almost to the coast of the west."

"A river that extends to multiple kingdoms huh? That is quiet long."

"Hum! Hum! That's right! Unlike the golden silk river which houses many species that provides many luxury items, the red river provides us with many health enriching benefits!"

"Oh! So that's why it is used in the baths."

"Hum! Hum! That's right! It also proven it can better your complexion and heal your aging body!"

"I see, I see..."

Juha nods satisfied saying:

"Not a bad explanation."

"Of course! I studied and memorized a lot about our environment and geography for Sova! So I can help when she decide to travel and go on an adventure!"

Hearing Yoo-Ah's dedication I steel myself further saying:

"I won't let you down!"

"Hum! Hum! Of course! Oh yeah! Talking about those rivers! I just have to show you the 6 coloured icicles you can make with them!"

"Wait, there are more different coloured rivers!?"

"No! Only 3! But you can mix the colour of the river to make different colours! You can filter the red and blue rivers while still retaining their colours before adding in some sweetener and mix them together to make the purple delight!"

"Woah! Hold on, I thought the colour blue is suppose to be transparent? Is it like really blue?"

"Of course! Real blue even when you scoop it out!"

"Amazing... So I-Is there perhaps one here?"

"Well, not in the palace! But there sure will be a lot in the streets! Especially during winter now where many source lakes are frozen! We just have to get one after this!"

"Yea!"

The giant gate expands ever so slightly with every step. I realize now it not only fits giant ships but more and even the road where people can walk inside.

There seems to be a long line being form as they all seem to ascending a set of stairs while ships are being towed up by a row of cranes making a very weird view while the ones that leave are using the aqueducts.

"Hoh?"

My eyes are pulled to the guards standing at the gate. Among the white snow, yellow river, bright bronze, blue, purple, green, and gold robes, along with blue walls and aqueducts. Standing tall at the gates are crimson clad soldiers armed to the teeth, as in their armour has the distinct design of the jaws of beast crunching down to form their pauldrons, plates, and helmet which give them a pretty unique feel and terror. Especially the fangs that looks like horns protuding to the back.

(Are they perhaps what Juha and Yoo-Ah calls the crimson guards? And they're strong, at least the same level as someone close to High Rank. It seems what she say is right, people would want their strongest people serving their own country. Maybe what Yoo-Ah said may be false).

Among those guards are people wearing different black robes with long feathers, mask with long teeth, and necklace made from fangs of beasts that makes them look like shamans. They are the one who stops the guest and open take in the papers and sometimes the scrolls.

(Oh? So that's where we will hand it huh?)

Before entering the line, Juha who's leading us pulls my invitation and hand it to me saying:

"Hold on to it, Sova. You will be the one handing it."

The princess looks at my invitation with interest when her eyes widened and a frown show to her face. Juha pats her head saying:

"Don't worry about it, and besides you shouldn't even be vying for it."

"But..."

"We don't need any more conflict with the senior prince and princess duking it out now. Just stay neutral and you'll have my protection. In the end, isn't the last one standing the winner?"

"Mm..."

*Bustle* *murmur*

Ye-Ri looks up at Juha when the crowds seems to buzz. The old man following behind us comes closer and stand near Ye-Ri when I realize the guards and crowds make way for another group of crimson guards with another different aesthetic of spiraling teeth, and at the centre is a familiar figure yet unknown face. Approaching us, Ye-Ri hides behind Juha when the crimson guards stand aside and raise their shield for him.

Short black hair different than when I saw him previously, his tall height and muscle bound figure reminds me of a certain masked adventurer when I finally see his face, a man in his early twenties with glowing purple eyes that left an afterglow as I can instinctively tell from experience, he is overflowing with power. Wearing an expensive robe with paintings, he reveal the hand hidden from his baggy sleeves with glee saying:

"Welcome, Sova Ssi. I've been waiting so long for you. I'm happy to know you're fine."