Ch. 36: Quest [4]

As the luminous floor dimmed down and the vibrations stopped, we arrived at Axton city in Marquis Gilmore's territory. The door swung open and two people came into view. Both of them bowed as we approached them.

"We greet the Princes of the Chrono Empire."

However, silence filled the space as neither of us said anything for half a minute. Only then did Sir Ulrich clear his throat to break the stillness. I could see Alexander turning to me but I hastily averted his eyes. 

'Why is he looking at me? He's the first Prince.'

"You may rise."

The two of them straightened their backs. 

'Somehow I feel sorry for them, they're just old people, how did Alexander let them bow for half a minute? How heartless of him.'

"It is such an honor to be able to meet the future sun of the Empire. Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Edgar Gilmore the Lord of this territory and this is my wife, Elli Gilmore."

"It's a pleasure for us to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine."

Marquis Gilmore was a man in his late sixties. He had brown eyes and auburn hair. The Marquis smiled.

"If you don't mind, we would like to invite you to breakfast."

"We loved to but unfortunately, we must turn down the offer as we are racing against time."

Edgar nodded his head in understanding.

"Hmm, it was indeed unfortunate. Then, we will escort you to your carriage."

"Thank you so much."

"My pleasure."

I was astonished. I didn't know that Alexander was capable of speaking politely like that. The last time we had a conversation, he shouted angrily at me and did body shaming just because I accepted the quest given by the Emperor.

"Please, this way."

Afterward, the Marquis and the Marchioness guided us to the front. I glanced sideways when we walked down the long corridors. A gorgeous garden came into view and butterflies were seen flying around the flowers.

Although comparing it to the Imperial Garden was blasphemous, in my eyes this garden was still beautiful. Not only the garden, but this mansion was also well maintained as it was devoid of any dust.

We stepped down the stairs and a luxurious white carriage framed in gold was seen. The Imperial Crest engraved on both sides of the carriage gave away the rider's identity.

After bidding our farewell we boarded the carriage while the Knights rode on horses and left the mansion to continue our journey.

Upon entering the city, a bustling street was visible through the carriage windows. Cassias trees were lined up along the roadside and the ditches were filled with clean water, colorful fishes could be seen swimming at the bottom.

As expected of one of the most beautiful cities in the Chrono Empire, the vast amount of flowers that had been planted in the city and the picturesque street made Axton city a popular tourist destination, especially among the nobility. Although known as a tourist destination, the city was still fortified.

I could see how people were looking at the carriage in awestruck. Just like I predicted, the Imperial Crest undoubtedly caught the attention of the pedestrians.

I was glad that the window was made from one-way glass, so people couldn't see what was inside the carriage. However, that wasn't the main problem here. The only major problem here was a black-haired boy who sat across from me.

Even though the carriage was spacious, it somehow suffocated. I felt like the awkward atmosphere inside was choking me. But luckily, I brought books.

I turned away from the window and took out a book from my magical sphere. I flipped it open and started reading. Many times passed and we finally exited the city. We continued moving toward the Sverre Plains to join the Supply Party there.

Truthfully, it took two weeks to travel from Agatha to the Refugee Camp via carriage or on horseback. As Supreme Blink Sphere had limited transfers, the Supply Party departed earlier than us. They marched eleven days ago and now we followed suit to catch up to them.

"Hey."

Ignoring the voice, I pretended not to hear it and continued reading the book. 

"Hey!"

His voice grew louder and I ignored him once more. Why would I listen to him? My name was not 'Hey'.

"Ian."

Only then I closed the book and raised my head to look at him.

"What?"

He emitted a sigh and stared at me intently. Suddenly, he stretched out his hand.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For shouting and scolding you."

I looked at his hand that was hovering in the air with my indifferent eyes. To be honest, it would be better if we just remained mute with each other.

But now that he apologized to me first, I didn't think I could reject it. With my heavy heart, I took his hand and shook it.

"Me too, I'm sorry for shouting at you."

As our hands parted, his lips lifted gently while looking at me.

"So, we're on good terms now?"

I cursed inwardly when I saw his damn smile. 

'Don't you dare smile at me! Your smile is a sin!'

"...yeah."

He crossed both his arms and legs. He leaned on the cushion and gazed at me.

"So, how are you feeling today?"

"Pretty good."

And he continued talking. Although I answered him with the very least amount of words in the hope that our conversation would end soon. But hope would always remain hope, I didn't see the end of our dialogue as he kept babbling nonstop. 

Many times passed by and his chatting became worse! My head was throbbing in pain and my ears hurt! I instantly questioned myself, was my choice to forgive him a good idea? Suddenly, the carriage stopped and someone knocked on the door. 

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

'Ah, finally! Thanks, God! My torment is over! Even though there is no God here. I still want to say thank you.'

I opened the door and we got out of the carriage. However, the sight that was presented truly surprised me. Around two hundred Knights lined up and they gave us a sword salute. 

"We greet the future sun of the Empire."

This time Alexander responded immediately and delivered an address. After finishing the small ceremony, he moved toward Sir Sigmund.

I had no idea what they were talking about because I was too far from them. I glanced sideways and Sir Ulrich was swarmed by many Knights. 

'He's indeed popular among the Knights.'

I leaned against the carriage with Fedel by my side. I scanned the surroundings intently, it appeared that these Knights were from the 47th Company headed by Sir Sigmund.

And from the numerous wagons I saw, I assumed they were in charge of the consignment of provisions for the refugees. As there was nothing that caught my interest, I decided to go back inside the carriage, however, Fedel stopped me.

"Your Highness, Prince Alexander is waving his hand towards you."

I returned my eyes to Alexander and just as Fedel said, the boy swayed his hand up and down, gesturing for me to approach him. I clucked in resentment. Just why didn't he leave me alone?

Unwillingly, I moved my feet perforce and Fedel trailed behind me. Arriving before them, Sir Sigmund bowed lightly and I nodded in response. Unexpectedly, they suddenly start walking. I couldn't help but furrow my brows as I tagged along.

"Where are we going?"

"Seeing something interesting."

The wrinkles on my forehead deepened. Alexander's answer couldn't enlighten my confusion at all. And finally, we stopped in front of a wagon that was covered by a thick fabric.

Sir Sigmund flipped the cover and many big balls with runes engraved on them entered my eyes. My confusion grew upon seeing them. I had no idea what was so intriguing about seeing these balls. 

"Pfft."

The boy beside me who suddenly giggled gave me goosebumps. He turned and smirked wholly at me. 

"Your father loved to show off, I see."

"What do you mean by my father? The Emperor is also your father."

However, his smile abruptly evaporated and he turned away from me.

"...right." 

Sensing the sudden shift of mood, I eventually asked to alter the atmosphere.

"What are they?"

"Elemental Shells."

My head was now in turmoil. Elemental Shells? Wait--Somehow that didn't sound right to my ears. I swept my eyes to the wagons.

I thought that we were delivering provisions! Turned out that these hundreds of wagons were weaponry for the war! I scoffed in disbelief. Goddammit.