Chapter 140: The Kidnapped Princess
"What's the matter, Hero?" Ligotta seemed oblivious to the unfolding drama. Nonetheless, with Zhang Fan's phone in her possession, she was eager to delve into its mysteries.
"It's nothing. Now that the call is done, let's head back. We can't miss the princess's concert tonight," Zhang Fan said, waving his hand somewhat wearily. The impact of receiving a good-natured card from a young girl was not to be underestimated.
"I say, isn't it time for dinner? I'm starving!" Holo suddenly leaned on Zhang Fan's back, her loud exclamation breaking the moment. Glancing at the sky, now painted with the hues of sunset, Zhang Fan realized it was indeed dinner time.
"Alright, let's return," Zhang Fan nodded, signaling to Ligotta and Eclair before they embarked on a magical carriage pulled by a Singrabird—well, bird carriage might be a more appropriate term in this world. But such details were trivial in the grand scheme of things.
As they entered the city, a loud rumble echoed through the air. Zhang Fan and Eclair looked up to see a plume of yellow, black, and green smoke billowing above the castle of Filiano City. Was this a pyrotechnic display?
"Hero! Where are you, Hero?" A magical broadcasting device floating above the street corner showed three girls holding the captive Princess Mishiore on a high platform near the castle.
The first girl, wearing a green dress and sporting white rabbit ears amidst her yellow hair, called out for the Hero as if he would magically appear from thin air. Her naive demeanor was unmistakable.
The second girl, a black-haired cat-ear lass with a stoic expression, held the struggling princess in her arms. Despite Mishiore's efforts, her attempts to break free were futile against the cat girl's surprising strength.
The last girl, a lively tigeress with golden-brown streaked hair and tail, added her own energetic flair to the scene. Zhang Fan couldn't help but be intrigued by this unique character.
"Ha! The Hero is too scared to show up against the elite forces of our secret intelligence agency, the Genovese, commanded by our Lord Galo," the rabbit-eared girl scoffed with an air of disappointment.
"Idiots!" Eclair shouted, recognizing the trio. Indeed, the nickname suited them perfectly. Zhang Fan was familiar with the Genovese from his knowledge of the anime, though their screen time was limited.
"Since the Hero refuses to appear, we'll take your precious princess," the cat-eared girl declared with a hint of indifference.
"We'll be waiting for you at Mien Fort," the tiger girl concluded.
"The concert is in two hours. Make good use of your time, Hero," the rabbit girl explained the situation, clearly issuing a challenge to Zhang Fan.
Though Zhang Fan knew the princess was likely unharmed, he couldn't shake off the irritation. This Lord Galo, presumably Princess Leonmichelle's younger brother, seemed in need of a lesson.
After their message, the trio vanished from the screen. Known for their agility in escape, catching them would be no easy feat.
"Why did they leave so suddenly? I thought we hadn't accepted their war proposal," Zhang Fan asked Eclair, puzzled.
"Cursed Genovese! They invoked a unilateral war initiation rule. With this, we're forced into a state of war. Normally, wars require extensive deliberation, but this rule forces us into immediate action. If we lose, we'll owe a hefty war indemnity," Eclair explained, clearly frustrated with the situation.
"I see. But now, we just have to defeat Lord Galo and rescue the princess within these two hours," Zhang Fan contemplated, realizing the urgency of the situation.
"True, but reaching Mien Fort will take at least an hour. We have only enough time for a round trip. And facing Galo's elite troops won't be easy," Ligotta added, outlining the daunting task ahead.
"Action is needed. Let's set out immediately. We can't waste any more time!" Zhang Fan urged, knowing they had to act fast to rescue the princess.
"Agreed, Hero. I fully support your decision," Holo chimed in, clapping her hands in agreement.
"In that case, I'll prepare the mounts right away," Eclair conceded, understanding the urgency as she hurried off to fetch their Singrabirds.
"Only three mounts?" Zhang Fan raised an eyebrow.
"Are you planning to take her along?" Eclair inquired, gesturing towards Holo with a hint of skepticism.