[68] A Request VI

While Carmen focused on the battle, Aurelia took the opportunity to observe the other side of the road. She noticed a merchant who seemed to be travelling along the same route, likely heading south. With the routes close enough, a cunning plan began to form in Aurelia's mind.

Swiftly, Aurelia orchestrated a disturbance on the other side of the road and abducted one of the merchants. She bound the merchant with strong roots and gagged him, then watched Carmen's fight from a distance.

After the battle concluded and Carmen defeated her enemies, Aurelia approached the bound merchant. The merchant's face was filled with fear and terror as his eyes met Aurelia's, who appeared like a demon to the poor man.

"Listen carefully," Aurelia said in a cold, commanding tone, "I will release you, but on one condition."

The merchant nodded rapidly, his expression desperate. Aurelia clearly laid out her plan, causing the merchant's eyes to widen in shock. His gagged mouth seemed to want to protest, but Aurelia silenced him with a sharp, unwavering gaze.

Aurelia sighed, then retrieved a box from her spatial storage magic. The box shimmered with the precious gold of Asura. Immediately, the merchant froze, his eyes locked on the pile of gold coins that gleamed with a captivating light.

"This box will be yours if you fulfil my request," Aurelia stated bluntly, "Understood?"

As a medieval merchant, the man was visibly tempted by the wealth offered. He knew the task was relatively simple, and by completing it, he could gain evidence that would bolster the credibility of the rumour he was to spread.

After removing the gag from the merchant's mouth, the man responded eagerly, "Yes, Miss! I will do as you command!"

Aurelia gave a faint smile; despite her plan's madness, her beautiful face radiated a certain charm. The merchant acknowledged that, even with this unusual scheme, Aurelia had a compelling allure.

After the agreement was reached, Aurelia quietly removed the crest of the Asura Kingdom that was attached to the overturned carriage of Princess Ariel's convoy. Amidst the ensuing chaos, no one noticed Aurelia's actions. She handed the crest to the merchant along with clear instructions.

"Remember, keep this a secret. If you don't, I assure you that you will never see the light of day again," Aurelia warned, her threat unmistakable. If the merchant broke the agreement, she only needed to order Hassan to execute him.

The merchant nodded quickly, his face showing genuine fear. He took the box of gold and ran towards his carriage at full speed, quickly leaving the place.

With the merchant gone, Aurelia surveyed her surroundings to ensure that everything was proceeding according to plan. She smiled, satisfied with the results of her cunning work.

---

After the intense battle and the ensuing chaos had subsided, the atmosphere returned to a tense calm. Carmen, who had just finished her fight with an impressive combat style, returned to her position as a servant with a respectful demeanour. Meanwhile, Aurelia approached Princess Ariel's convoy with a relaxed and confident stride.

"Well, well, well. Quite the coincidence, isn't it?" Aurelia remarked casually, observing Princess Ariel and her guards' condition. Ariel looked shaken, her eyes still reflecting the tension from the brutal attack and the surprising display of Carmen's strength.

Princess Ariel's guards were taken aback as they realised Aurelia's presence, their faces showing curiosity and confusion. Carmen, now back in servant mode, stood by Aurelia's side with a formal stance. "My lady, I have fulfilled my promise," she said with a respectful tone.

Aurelia beamed and reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a silver pocket watch that gleamed in the morning sunlight. Ariel and her guards stared at the object in confusion, but Aurelia seemed unconcerned by their curiosity. With satisfaction, she checked the watch.

"Four minutes, fifty-seven seconds. Hmm, just under five minutes," Aurelia said as she returned the watch to her coat pocket. She glanced at Carmen with a proud smile. "Well done, Carmen."

Carmen's face brightened instantly at the praise. With a calm and respectful demeanour, she replied, "I am honoured, my lady."

After a moment, Princess Ariel managed to calm herself and stood tall, though her face still showed a hint of anxiety. With the dignity of a princess from a great kingdom, Ariel gave a proper salute. "Lady Aurelia, I extend my deepest thanks for saving me and my remaining guards," she said, nervous yet full of respect and gratitude for the assistance provided.

Aurelia returned Ariel's salute with a gentle smile, as if her heroic actions were just a matter of course. "No need to thank me, Princess Ariel. I only did what was necessary. Besides, Costantine owes you a debt, so don't be too modest."

Ariel seemed relieved and continued to express her gratitude to Carmen, but she received the same response. After some time had passed, while cremating the fallen guards of Ariel as a final honour, Aurelia decided to continue their journey to the Sharia Academy together.

During the journey, Luke, with considerable courage, asked Carmen about her unusual fighting style. "Carmen, what about your fighting style? It's very different from anything I've ever seen."

Carmen, with a relaxed attitude and a slight smile on her lips, answered, "I'm talented at hitting things." Her response was brief and to the point, leaving Luke with a furrowed brow.

Luke, still unsatisfied, was about to ask more, but Fitz quickly reprimanded him. "Luke, don't ask too many questions. You can spar later if you're curious."

"I just want to know more," Luke replied, slightly disappointed but stopping his inquiries.

Meanwhile, Aurelia, riding her horse gracefully, glanced at Princess Ariel, who still appeared a bit uneasy. "Speaking of that earlier assassination attempt, Princess Ariel, couldn't you just disguise yourself?" she asked with genuine concern.

Carmen's horse, given to Ariel as a sign of respect, made the princess's journey more comfortable. "Actually, I planned to disguise myself upon arriving at the fortress city. But I am so tired of these assassins targeting me. But, what can I do? Soon, the kingdom will hold the succession rights to the throne, and many people harbour hatred towards me. They want me dead on this journey. Ironic, isn't it?" Ariel confided with a tone full of despair.

Aurelia felt a twinge of sympathy for Ariel and offered wise advice as a philosopher. "Irony is often a part of life, Princess Ariel. Sometimes, the best way to deal with hatred is to keep moving forward and remain steadfast in our principles. There is always a way to protect oneself and find the path, even if it seems difficult."

With Aurelia's wise words, Ariel felt somewhat reassured. She nodded slowly, trying to digest the advice and continued the journey with the hope that they would reach Sharia Academy safely.

'And I also apologise because soon your life will be in danger again,' Aurelia thought, glancing at Ariel, who was focused ahead with a sweet smile, though behind that smile was an unsettling feeling.