Meeting the Team (2)

"Once again, I must apologize for the intrusion." Edward said as the three of us sat in the carriage as we made our way to the town of Carran.

"No need to apologize." Olivia said as she waved her hand

"Understand, princes, that due to the circumstance revolving around Lord Maxamus. I can't, in good faith, allow the two of you to be alone." Edward said as he gave me a glare

Who knew that asking someone named Edward if they sparkled when the sun touched them would offend someone so much?

"Ease up, sparkles." I said to Edward and grinned when I saw him tense up. "The princess doesn't like the boot licking." I added, looking toward Olivia.

I couldn't describe it, but I felt at ease whenever I was around her, and it seemed as if some of my worries were at least being lifted for the time being. Every time we looked at each other, it felt like we could understand one another. That's how I could tell she was frustrated with Sparkles licking her boots over here.

"Lord Maxamus, I would be careful with your tone of voice, as you are in a dire circumstance." Sparkles said, trying to rile me up

"Good thing I don't have to prove my innocence to you, Sparkles." I said with a shrug before adding, "I would be careful whom you threaten, especially if you can't back it up."

"Lord Maxamus, I am not threatening you." As he rolled his eyes, he said, "I'm just trying to give you a bit of friendly advice, but if you don't accept it, that's on you." He spoke with a tone of arrogance

The slight chuckle drew our attention as we looked over at Olivia.

"Sorry." She said gently, "I've heard stories of how adventurers would bicker back and forth, like the two of you, and I'm just glad I could be a part of this." She said innocently.

"Don't be sorry princess." Edward said as he smiled. "Indeed, most adventures argue back in forth, but when it comes to having each other's back, never question that." He said.

"Well said, Sparkles." I said as I nodded my head once in agreement.

If looks could kill, then I would be dead already.

The trip took a little over a day before we arrived at the town of Carran. During that time, Edward kept trying to get under my skin, hoping I would explode and make me look bad in front of the princess, but I knew his game, so I didn't let it bother me, and it was fun to mess with him instead, which relieved some stress that had built up within me.

During the trip, Olivia hardly said anything, and I felt she was watching me very closely, which gave me the chills. But maybe she was trying to discover if I truly was working with devils or not.

"We're going to be staying at the Sleeping Giant." Olivia said as she looked over the group. "Charlie, take the group and get checked in." She pointed at an academy student. "Lord Maxamus and Edward, follow me; we are to meet with the mayor." She said as she made her way.

Looking at Sparkles, I shrugged my shoulders and began following Olivia.

It took us nearly ten minutes to reach the mayor's house, located at the center of town; the main reason it took us so long was that we kept getting stopped along the way. It turns out princess Olivia is very popular.

The golden princess was the name given to her. Ever since our last encounter, she has come out and helped the common people. Many towns that were facing poverty were lifted thanks to her, and towns that had a solid criminal presence were ruthlessly weeded out.

"You sure are popular, princess." I said as we made our way to the mayor's house.

"Of course, everyone loves her, and many can't wait till she rules over as the queen." Edward said with a smug look.

"Please Spa… Edward, you flatter me." Olivia said as she corrected herself and continued. "I learned something important from a person I hold dear in my heart.

He asked whether he didn't notice or pretended he didn't hear that she almost called him sparkles. "What did you learn, princess?"

"It's ok to be selfish." She said, and I could have sworn she looked at me for a moment. "Take what you want, and don't let anything or anyone stop you." She finished.

"I'm not quite sure I understand, princess." Edward said with confusion.

"I'm to be the future queen, so why would I inherit a kingdom full of corruption and relatively poor?" She asked in general

Seeing his eyes widen with the realization of what she had just said, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"You sure are greedy, princess," I said and smiled

"I will do whatever it takes to survive." She said, looking directly at me

I couldn't help but smile dangerously as what she had just told me were the exact words I had told her a few years ago. For a moment, I was worried that she had figured out who I was, but after a moment, I tossed that out, as she would have already killed me.

The silence that developed between us did not go unnoticed by Edward as he cleared his throat to get our attention.

"It seems we have arrived." Edward said as he gestured the princess forward and stepped in between us.

The meeting with the mayor lasted for an hour, during which he discussed the many strange things happening around town. Villagers who had been missing for days finally reappeared, but they seemed wrong, as if they were puppets who were being controlled. There have even been reports of demons being sighted around the outskirts of town.

As we made our way back to the inn we were staying at, each of us was lost in thought as we were all thinking of what had just been told to us.

I knew exactly what was going on, as I had prior knowledge from the game. There was a high-ranking demon from the seduction clan in the area, and for whatever reason, they were turning this town into their domain, and what worried me was that Olivia was here. If the demon could get their hands on her and control her, that would be bad news for me. She was the only one who knew my secret, and if she were to die or lose her mind, then I would be back to square one.

"Qhessa." I said in my mind. "We have work to do."