Chapter 153: Galou's Expedition Plan
"Your Highness, Galou," Princess Mishiori greeted Prince Galou of the Garet Lion Corps with a formal bow, adhering to the royal etiquette befitting an encounter with a prince.
"Ah, Your Highness, I apologize for intruding at such a late hour. However, I have a matter to discuss with your Hero, which prompted my sudden visit," Galou said, scratching his head with a lack of formality and diving straight into the matter, expressing his desire to consult Zhang Fan.
"Understood. Please, feel at ease to discuss, Prince Galou," Mishiori nodded, indicating that their conversation need not be hindered by formalities.
"Good to see you again, Hero. I hear you've been making quite the impression here," Galou turned to Zhang Fan with a warmth that belied their brief acquaintance.
"Yes, we meet again, Prince Galou. May I inquire the reason for your visit this late?" Zhang Fan took a step back, adopting a formal demeanor. Despite Galou's friendly approach, Zhang Fan maintained a cautious distance, wary of Galou's reputed simplicity and potential foolishness.
"How dull, Hero. Rumors from the border near my kingdom speak of monsters and wild beasts lurking in the forest. While these may just be rumors, we cannot afford to overlook them. I came hoping you would join me in the forest to uncover the truth," Galou explained earnestly, stepping forward with excitement, prompting Zhang Fan to maintain their distance.
"Hero?" Galou seemed puzzled by Zhang Fan's cautious stance.
"It puzzles me why, with the Garet Lion Corps renowned for its prowess, your presence is required. And why seek my assistance? Surely, Lady Darkeion would not ignore such a matter," Zhang Fan expressed his confusion, causing Galou to stiffen at the question.
"Well, those are mere details. I intended to strengthen the ties between our nations..." Galou attempted to deflect, but Zhang Fan cut him off, suggesting Darkeion was unaware or disapproved of his actions.
"Ah, how did you know?" Galou was genuinely surprised, wondering if Zhang Fan possessed some divination skills.
"One could guess as much," Zhang Fan said dismissively, labeling Galou's actions as foolish.
"Alright, since you've figured it out, I'll be frank. Indeed, my sister disapproves of my undertaking this task alone. Curiosity got the better of me, but alas, these fools..." Galou glanced helplessly at his personal guard.
The mention of monsters caused varied reactions among the guards, with only the stoic Novaru showing a hint of interest.
"We're not fools!" protested Viel, though her fear was evident.
"Enough, you all. If you plan to enact a comedy, please do it elsewhere, not in this dignified parlor. An adventure in the forest, you say? I'm not interested. Please find someone else, Prince Galou," Zhang Fan interrupted, dismissing the idea of joining such a foolhardy expedition.
"What? But you're the Hero who bested me! How can we complete the task without you?" Disappointed, Galou faced the harsh reality of returning empty-handed. Zhang Fan had no interest in pointless adventures, especially with no side quests involved.
"No, it's not happening," Zhang Fan declared, focusing instead on his studies with Darkeion, including a newly acquired sealing technique effective against monsters.
Seeing Zhang Fan's firm refusal, Galou was disheartened, realizing the dangers of the forest expedition without Zhang Fan's support, especially considering his companions' fear of monsters.
"I think we can undertake the exploration ourselves," Novaru suddenly suggested, to the dismay of Viel and Jonu, fearing the dangers ahead without Zhang Fan's assistance.