Chapter 114 - Towards the palace

The trip to the palace was insanely fast and comfy. Right after leaving the guild, we came across this magnificent carriage waiting for us outside. Even though I ain't no expert on carriages, it was clear that this one was worth a fortune. The knights escorted us to the palace, and though their initial approach was a bit intimidating, we could tell they were treating us with respect. While we enjoyed the carriage's interior, Saemi brought up an interesting topic, looking at the imposing castle on the horizon.

"Who would've thought the person you saved in the forest was a princess!"

Saemi casually commented. Her words didn't go unnoticed by Aoi-sensei and Fujiwara.

"Indeed, but I wonder what she could want with Makoto" 

Aoi-sensei pondered. Upon hearing this, Fujiwara put on a playful and teasing smile.

"Maybe she's considering marrying Makoto as a way to show gratitude for saving her?"

Though Aoi-sensei and Ana didn't take Fujiwara's comment seriously, it seemed like someone else thought differently.

"W-What? That's impossible... right?"

Saemi asked, her eyes showing concern as she looked at me. Honestly, I wasn't sure either. I wasn't confident enough to believe that a princess would marry me just because I saved her once. I'm sure our visit to the palace has a different purpose.

"I really don't know... but I highly doubt it's for the reason Fujiwara thinks. Besides, she's clearly teasing you, don't take it too seriously" 

I said, giving Saemi a reproachful look. Upon hearing my words, Saemi shrank into the corner and mumbled.

"But... but..."

Unfortunately, her murmurs were drowned out by Fujiwara's continuous laughter, as she held his belly. With that atmosphere, we continued toward the palace. Upon arrival, my first impression was how imposing and grand the place was. Surrounded by huge stone walls, there were five palaces, with the one in the middle being the biggest of all, while the other four displayed their own colors and themes.

As we entered the walls, the carriage veered to the right, heading towards the pink palace with white details. Even though the initial path seemed monotonous with grass all around, as we went on, we were surrounded by a true flower spectacle. Each one presented unique colors and characteristics. I had a strong feeling that the person residing in that palace truly cherished the color pink and was passionate about flowers.

While I marveled at the place, one of the knights opened the carriage door, allowing us to step out. Soon after, the same knight who had removed his helmet before approached us.

"We've arrived. Please follow me" 

The man said. Without hesitation, we started to follow the knight. The palace was much bigger than it appeared, so we walked for a few minutes until we reached a charming garden. Surrounded by flowers, the garden held a majestic tree in its center. Just below it, a young woman was sitting, absorbed in her reading. Her golden hair swayed with the pleasant breeze that blew. Next to her stood the same maid I had seen the first time I met her, standing beside Sylvia.

Initially, I stood there, admiring her. Her graceful presence exuded a calming aura, and I realized belatedly that the others were already walking towards Sylvia. I had to hurry to catch up. I remembered that on the day we met, I couldn't fully appreciate her beauty since her dress was partially torn and she was dirty. Sylvia was truly a beautiful girl. If we were on Earth, she would be considered a quite famous foreigner in my school.

As we approached, the knight made a deep bow, humbly crouching down.

"Sylvia-sama, we've brought them, as ordered"

Said the man. Sylvia then placed the cup on a glass that was on the table and turned to the knight, who was still on the ground. I confess I was in doubt whether the girls and I should also bow, but we hadn't been informed about it beforehand, so we chose not to do anything.

"I see, thank you. You can go now, I need to speak to them privately" 

Said Sylvia. Hearing Sylvia's words, the knight nodded and replied.

"As you wish"

Then, the knight got up and began to walk away. Honestly, I found it quite surprising, but at the same time, intriguing. Why did she trust us so much? Did the fact that I had saved her once automatically make me someone trustworthy? I confess I didn't have a definitive answer to that question. While these thoughts occupied my mind, Sylvia's voice echoed again, catching my attention.

"Please, have a seat. I hope you enjoy the sweets I prepared for our meeting" 

Said Sylvia, maintaining a warm smile on her face. With no reason to refuse her request, the girls and I sat at the available tables. The way the whole place was meticulously prepared even before we arrived made it evident that she had been waiting for us.

(However, I still wonder why we were summoned)

Even with this thought lingering in my mind, I decided to simply let things unfold. In due time, she would reveal the reason for calling us here. Until then, I enjoyed all the sweets laid out on the table. After some time savoring the delights, Sylvia began to speak, finally getting to the main point.

"Alright, I thank you for coming, even though the method wasn't the best. Forgive me for that, I really needed to talk to you all" 

Said Sylvia, alternating her gaze between me and my companions. Saemi, Fujiwara, and Aoi-sensei looked at me, waiting for my response, while Ana, as always, was more interested in the sweets than the conversation itself.

"Well, since we came all the way here, we might as well listen to what you have to say" 

I replied. Hearing my words, Sylvia expressed a smile on her face.

"I appreciate that" 

Said Sylvia.