Death Flag 4

We proceeded without any pigs, I mean, a problem hindering us any further of our plans.

We arrived at the entrance of the castle, where maids and guards bowed at me deeply, remaining in that position, waiting for my response.

I waved my hand at them, and they finally lifted their heads.

One of the maids sauntered towards Sophie and handed a black umbrella spacious for two people.

Sophie accepted it with a beaming smile.

Sophie opened the umbrella and began to push my wheelchair with her single hand now placed on the handle in the middle.

After all, there were a total of three handles on my wheelchair, as the remaining - the middle one - was specifically placed for this reason.

Well, I wasn't really a person who liked to leave the castle, but the previous owner of this body, from time to time, liked to unwind outside, especially in the garden.

He could relax there while pouring some tea and having a conversation with himself or with Sophie.

However, the moment I was transmigrated here, I instantly did the same to calm my state of mind.

After all, my heart might have just accepted it, but my mind did not yet.

For now, I'm finding the reason why I need to live aside from just surviving and accepting the way of living in this world.

I need a more concrete, more solid reason why I need to survive and accept the way of living in this world.

That's right!

But for now, I'll just act like I had been – an editor of this story – to observe how the plot would proceed.

While I was consumed by my own thoughts, to distract myself against my fear of the sunlight, Sophie finally halted under the shade of the tree.

She said, "Young Highness, please wait here. I'll call the royal carriage's driver."

"No need," I responded while shaking my head. "The driver should be sensible enough since it is now time."

I brought my left arm forward and moved my sleeves to reveal the watch I was wearing.

The outer appearance was obviously black, but the inner side was a brown and white color, with the latter as the background and the former as the numerals and the sticks representing the time.

The driver only has five minutes left before he must arrive at the agreed time.

However, he should know his position and must arrive early.

So, I'm sure he will be here any minute now.

However, it is kind of strange why he was not here yet since they usually would be thirty minutes early.

Yet, I didn't put a lot of thought into it as something was bugging me in my mind.

"Will Father accompany me?"

"He can't, Young Highness." Sophie shook her head in a gloomy countenance. 

"He said that he received a call that he could only have a single day of vacation due to his presence of demand for his work. Hence, he focused on the kingdom management instead, having a meeting with Sir Lutz."

Lutz, huh…

Lutz Stock is the steward of Archduke Regulus, who manages the kingdom on his behalf.

He is a solemn, dignified, dedicated, noble, and wise old man with experience managing the kingdom, even in the previous king.

He is currently a High-Rank Mage and is nearing his lifespan.

He only has a decade left.

That's why he was raising another successor for him.

Anyway, Lutz Stock was a character designed to be what a steward would be.

However, at first, the author suggested his name would be William Shakesword, which was completely absurd.

Hence, I suggested the German name since it suited the character, especially with his appearance described so similar to a German.

Although, I haven't met him yet.

Of course, I could request a meeting, but I didn't need him.

Furthermore, a person like him would be so busy that even getting a four-hour sleep would be plentiful.

At times like this, my father might give him a break.

"I see." I nodded after giving it some thought. "The fact that Father didn't accompany me to leave outside the castle must mean that he wasn't worried about me. Of course, I take it as a good thing since it assured me nothing would happen.

Furthermore, with Father, a Warlock, his kingdom as his domain, no one would dare to touch me.

Except my brothers, of course."

I giggled lightly.

Sophie was taken aback, and her expression turned solemn.

She thought for a while and said, "What if they were really planning something bad for you, Young Highness?"

"Well, I can, at least, be assured that they wouldn't kill me." I grinned. "After all, Father is not blind."

Sophie was taken aback and nodded.

She thought, 'Indeed, Young Highness. Yet, I still doubt his observation about you.'

"Ah, the carriage is coming," I said in a calm tone.

However, I wasn't really calm because I was anticipating seeing a war horse up close.

A horse covered with solid armor and a body packed with muscles…

I want to see them!

Just hearing the gallop of two horses, producing noises one at a time, made me tingle in excitement.

I was staring at the intersection on the right side, where the path was covered by bushes, trees, and flowers.

Of course, it didn't mean I couldn't see even just a head part of the royal carriage.

In three seconds, the royal carriage, with the war horses first to appear, would finally reveal itself.

In three…

"However, Young Highness," Sophie called all of a sudden.

Two…

"What is it, Sophie?" 

I continued to gaze at the intersection, seemingly ignoring her while still giving her a reply.

Of course, I remained calm and collected.

One…

"Why did the driver take so long?"

My heart skipped a beat.

Not just by her words but the moment when I finally saw the appearance of the royal carriage.

Within my expectations, the war horses were really magnificent, imposing, and admirable.

The royal carriage's appearance, with the symbol of the Emberheart crest in the middle, was striking and appealing, too.

A private transportation that only a noble could have in this age.

However, despite their luxurious appearance, they were covered by a thick aura.

A black, thick aura was concentrated atop, forming a flag.

The black flag, with the symbol of in the middle, waved excessively, as though it was being blown by the monstrous wind.

"A Death Flag…" I couldn't help but mutter with a quivering voice.

"Young Highness?"

Even when I possessed the emotionless traits, my heart was still disturbed by this revelation…