Chapter 19

I am here at the field again. Why are they landing here of all places? And near this city?

It is a question I would like to ask. I am back in the same position again. Behind the same tree, I am eavesdropping on them.

But the numbers have increased. There are 5 of them. Judging from their looks, one of them is a female. At least I think.

I have left Hazel and Eden back at home. Bringing them to a potential battle zone would be careless.

I have the amulet with me. So I can hear them talk and actually understand what they are saying.

Now that I look carefully, they are....handsome.

They look really handsome. That supposed female is also beautiful. What is with this?

If they were from this planet, they would be super models. Anyway, they are flashy in terms of appearance with weird hair color and styles.

They have red, green, blue, purple and blonde hair respectively.

The supposed female has blonde hair and her attire is different from the men.

The air she has around her has a regal feel. Like she is a noble or a royal. And the men give off strong feeling.

They are used to battles. I have to be extremely careful.

For the sake of convenience I would refer to them as their hair color.

But calling them red or green or blue would feel like calling the power rangers.

Not good. I was about to get sidetracked.

I focus on them and listen to their conversation.

"Why are we here?" (Blue)

"For investigation. We still are not sure if this star is habitable or not." (Green)

"But why would we be here? We are the Royal Guards. And why is Her Highness the Princess with us?" (Blue)

"This is also a Royals' duty. She has to have some achievements. Experience is also expected." (Green)

"Still, such a gloomy place." (Purple)

"Enough chit chat. We are in the presence of the Princess. You guys, don't forget your manners." (Red)

"""Yes, captain!"""

So they are here for reconnaissance. But the Princess. Is the other party a monarchy?

Anyway, I should try to listen more.

"Captain, where should we go?" (Blue)

"Let's go to the city nearby. From the last reconnaissance report, we found a settlement near here. We would go there." (Red)

"Captain, how about checking for survivors?" (Purple)

This guy is sharp. He is cautious too. Not too confident but not overconfident either.

"No need. There are no survivors. The war destroyed every human on this star. It has been a long time since it happened. So no one should be alive." (Red)

Wait, what? A war? Ended all humans? What is he talking about? And a long time ago. This is getting confusing.

"Princess how about you stay in the ship. It might not be safe there." (Red)

I look at the blonde girl. She was playing with her hair. Is she even interested?

"Whatever." (Blonde)

She just said that. I am....having trouble describing my current feelings.

Should I tail the...for conveniences sake let's call them Rangers.....the Rangers?

Or should I stay here? I am not sure.

Following those guys would get me nowhere. And I have a feeling that this blondie might do something.

And the Rangers were ready to go. They left. I am looking at the blondie now.

She is standing by near the ship. And when those guys were out of sight she sighs.

"*Exhale* It's tiring to deal with them. Anyway, let's explore the forest."

I knew it. This blondie is fooling them. She just wanted to go on her own.

I have decided. I am tailing this one.

She enters the forest. This forest doesn't have fierce animals. Just a few bears and little animals.

She is looking around. I am following her. Like a stalker.

Calling myself a stalker would be too self-deprecatory but that's what I am doing.

After a while, she reaches the lake. There is a lake in the forest.

She looks at the water. It is not polluted and is drinkable. I have checked it before. The water from the waterfall gathers here.

She is looking in the water.

Should I make the first contact? I am thinking when I heard something.

"You can come out now."

Areeeehhhh!!!!!????? What just happened?

I think I heard someone say, 'You can come out now.'

I peek at her from behind the tree and I see her. She is looking at me.

When did she notice?

It's no use pretending. She completely knows I am here.

I come out from behind the tree.

"Who are you?" (Blondie)

"….." I remain silent.

"Not gonna answer. Should I call for them?" (Blondie)

This is getting pretty risky here.

I search my memories to come up with an answer.

I find something. The staff can be used as an isolating barrier. It can isolate us from the surroundings. It will block sound and will prevent her from running away if she tried to.

I focus on the Aegis pendant and try to create a barrier. A thin transparent layer covers us.

"Shouldn't you give your name first?"

"Ahh. That's true. Sorry for the tardiness. I am Fay Adams." (Fay)

She gave a polite and refined bow.

"How polite! I am Clive Belmont. Pleasure to meet you."

I play along.

"Where did you come from? This is supposed to be a deserted star." (Fay)

She asks me where did I come from. But why would she say deserted?

"Why is this planet deserted?"

I feign ignorance and ask her.

"I heard that, the inhabitants of this planet were fighting each other. And that ended up destroying everyone. It has been deserted ever since." (Fay)

"When did the war happen?"

"From the report, it said at least a century ago." (Fay)

I don't know if she is lying or not. She doesn't seem to be lying but can't trust her.

"I was abandoned here. I don't remember where I came from. It seems that I have lost my memories. I only remember waking up here a few months ago."

I lied. Let's see if she can find out. And I have to be on guard. She might be luring me in.