Chapter 45

"We cannot delay anymore, Your Highness." Metuselah commented.

"I know."

"Her health kept on declining not only because of the cold. If we delay, I am afraid it will be too late."

"Alright, Nicholas, Nicholos, how was the knights?"

"We did our best to train during these past days, Your Highness, please trust us. We will put our life on the line for the Princess."

"June?" Iowyrthe asked to the magic stone.

"The essence supplies were on the way to Callavan this afternoon. We will keep on producing the essence as well as research on the fruit. It will bear the fruit soon; we will send you right away once ready. The Emperor has given his permission to use the fruit," Doctor June replied through the magic stone.

"Thank you, June. Jude, I will entrust Callavan in your hand."

"Sure, I know I can't replace you, but I will do my best to manage both Troika and Callavan."

"Sir Thomas, please take care of the estate."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

"We will start the journey tomorrow morning."

After that meeting, Iowyrthe visited Iris in her chamber.

"Princess," he whispered to her, "tomorrow please stay strong with me. I promise you I will do anything to pay you back." He kissed her palm and caressed her hair, "I want to see you smile again like today." He fell asleep beside her.

He woke up early to get ready.

Calpara was only two days ride. However, the path towards it was dangerous. Iowyrthe also prepared Ernesti retaliation there. The two third of the mountain was able to reached by horses, the last one third part to the peak was actually the safest from the devil army, since the peak of the mountain was magic protected from all evil. But started from that part, it will be colder and as stated in the magic book, only two people can hike.

Amandine Flower was created when God was sad seeing the human suffering. He created Amandine Flower as a gift and test. Until this day, no one know what test it will be. People tried but many are failed. Each time the flower blooms, only a pair can get the flower. They only remember that they kissed when they got the flower. The kiss can be as simple as in the hand or cheek or forehead, but always involve kiss. The last time the flower bloom, a pair of son and father were received the grace. The father was sick. The son took him there. The disease was healed. They didn't remember how they got it but they said that it wasn't easy. To these days all the mage recorded it in the magic book.

After checking all the preparation, Iowyrthe woke the Princess up gently. He stood in front of her, he used his armour. He seemed strong and reliable. Not to mention that his charisma was overflowing. Iris eyes was lost in seeing the honey gold hair and hazel eyes. Iowyrthe said, "I am sorry for not telling you sooner. Seeing you fainted yesterday, we cannot delay the journey. I really want you to have more rest before the journey, but the longer the wait, the longer you get treated."

"I thought I have said that you don't need to, Your Highness."

"I insist, no I beg you," he kneeled in front of her. Iris was shocked.

"Please, just this one time. After this, I will give you a piece of land that you asked. You can stay there all you want. I will tell the Empress officially that I break the engagement after the 130th day. Along that time, you are free to do whatever you want in your own place. You don't even need to do the duty. Just stay there until the second phase end."

"I cannot understand why, but I will do as you pleaded." Seeing Iowyrthe sincere plead, Iris's heart was softened. Just this one last journey. She will be free soon.

Iowyrthe then explained the route, the risk, all the preparation he made, and ensured her that she should trust her. Metuselah also helped to explain that this journey was made for her current condition. Metuselah also explained about the prophecy briefly to Iris and Iowyrthe. He described the potential threat as well as explanation on what's Iris has experienced so far. Incident after incident involving "I WILL HAUNT YOU" notes was mostly related to the prophecy. They also currently searching the man behind the whole incidents. Iowyrthe and Metuselah promised to protect her until the end.

Iris needed time to understand all. Although, some of it was already known to her last time she met Metuselah but still she has to churn the whole information. She started to think the relation of the incidents, prophecy, and her goal in the story. She lost in contemplation while in the carriage. She came into conclusion that her actual goal was to kill the Devil King.

She sighed but felt relieved, maybe just maybe, she wouldn't die before actually meeting the antagonist character of this story. The Devil King.