Chapter 41: Emergence (2)

Perseus POV

As I stepped onto the solid ground of the Southern Empire, a wave of relief washed over me. Last time, it was so cramped and warm that it was just a horrible trip overall. It was also a bit lonely then as A-san doesn't talk to me a lot, but this time, not only did I get a pleasant trip, I had someone to talk to.

As I made my way through the bustling streets of the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. But I haven't taken my hood down yet even if I'm somewhat allowed to walk and roam freely.

I then walked around to find the bulletin board and saw that I was not anywhere on it as a wanted person. I even ran around town and went into taverns and many places with a proper bounty or any kind of board...and I saw that I was nowhere on it.

I reached up to pull down the hood of my cloak, exposing my face to the chill air for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Despite the biting cold that nipped at my skin, there was a newfound lightness to my step, a sense of freedom that I hadn't felt in far too long.

I walked through the city streets, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Passersby would cast wary glances in my direction, their eyes lingering on me for just a moment too long before moving on. 

The stares were unsettling, to say the least. After all, I was no longer a wanted criminal, no longer a fugitive on the run. But still, the suspicion and wariness in their eyes remained, casting a shadow over what should have been a moment of newfound freedom.

As I wandered the streets of the city, taking in the sights and sounds of my new surroundings, I couldn't help but marvel at the simple pleasure of being able to walk freely without fear of arrest or persecution.

For so long, I had lived in the shadows, always looking over my shoulder, always afraid of being discovered. But now...I don't care how much they judged me internally...but this is just a really good experience. I didn't think that this kind of day would ever come.

*****

 I made a conscious decision to travel on foot rather than hire a carriage. While it would undoubtedly take longer to reach my destination, it was just better for me right now.

Sure, hiring a carriage would have been more convenient, offering a quicker and more comfortable mode of transportation. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I would be treated differently, even by the carriage drivers themselves.

After all, my being a descendant of Sam Wyatt should still be the first thing in their head once they see me. Them being uncomfortable means that I wouldn't have my safety guaranteed...usually they'll hire more security to guarantee their service, but I doubt I'll get even one person to come along.

Moreover, carriages tended to attract unwanted attention from bandits, who saw them as easy targets for robbery and extortion. By traveling on foot, I could avoid drawing undue attention to myself and decrease the likelihood of encountering such dangers along the way since most will just avoid me.

*****

As I arrived at the capital of the Southern Empire, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my journey had been uneventful. Not a single robber had dared to approach me on the way.

However, my sense of relief was short-lived as I found myself stopped by the guards stationed at the entrance leading into the capital. With stern expressions, they demanded to see my identification. Which is a bit bad, since I do not have a legitimate ID with me, only a fake one.

I'd just assumed that they'd let me head straight to Cedric's residence. In response to their request, I calmly explained that I wished to go see Cedric. The guards exchanged a wary glance before one of them stepped forward to address me.

His voice was gruff as he informed me that access to the prince was restricted and that I would need to provide valid identification before I could proceed any further.

"Well, I'll just wait nearby. You can send a letter to Cedric, I don't mind waiting for weeks, but he should come for me...and if he asks for my name...It's Perseus Silver. He should know who."

*****

I waited for a good 5 days, camping outside the walls, I had Elpis watched over me at night time so that I couldn't just be jumped by unwanted assailants. And it wasn't long before Cedric arrived all the way from the academy to meet me.

"You're...you're alive." he remarked

"Yeah, I'm not going to die that easily. if people risked their lives and died for me, I might as well make their resolution worth it...whether they made the right choice, I don't know."

"Umm...this...how?"

"Well, I'm not going to be here for long, I just want to meet the others, give you something, and leave, just give me 2 days or something."

"No, no...let's go to my home, you can stay there as long as you like."

*****

We were on a carriage to Cedric's private home, and in this carriage was Henry and Cedric himself, he can definitely sense Elpis, but he never brought it up. His eyes, though, were glaringly obvious. 

Henry...well, he's the only other kid who survived the rebellion all those years back, and it seemed that life treated him well enough, he looked well-fed and was properly dressed as well, Cedric treated him well, such a guy deserves the title of a saint.

But mostly, it was awkward, none of us talked before Cedric eventually broke the ice.

"How did you survive?" he asked

"I don't know...a lot of luck, I guess? I was helped a lot out there, but I made it, I lived, and...that's about it."

"Where were you all of this time?"

"I can't tell you yet, but...thanks for taking care of everybody."