18)Tingen

The next day, Edessak visited the Sodela Palace to inform the King of his decision to go to Tingen. Although staying in Tingen could put him under the gaze of Quill of Alzuhod, the risk was worth it as it gave him the opportunity to advance. If he fails to do so he would be quite vulnerable during the Great Smog.

As he recieving his father's permision, he handed the position of temporary team leader to Madam Lily.

As he boarded the Royal steam train along with two Disciplinary Paladin Guards for his 'Vacation'. Edessak glanced at City of Dust as he thought of destination,

Tingen the City of Universities.

***

Tingen City, Awwa County

Loen Kingdom

The Prince reached his destination on Monday, under the summer noon sun blazing overhead. This city was quite pleasant, different from hustle bustle of Backlund.The royal vacation home in Tingen was quite close to the Saint Selena Cathedral. As Edessak was gazing into the pleasant ambiance, his guard informed him that the Nighthawks team of Tingen would be joining him in his lunch as a welcome gesture. But he knew it was more of a polite investigation of his long 'vacation' in Tingen.

Klein who was having an off day, didn't leave his residence today. Rather, he gave Melissa his letter directed to Mentor Cohen Quentin and more than enough money to buy the stamps. He trusted her with the job of posting the letter at the post office near the Tingen Technical School where Melissa studied. After having breakfast, he napped in to make up for the deprivation of sleep caused by the prior night's "work." He only woke up because of his stomach's grumblings close to midday. However, before he could prepare his lunch, someone knocked the door. It was Captain Dunn and Leonard Mitchell. Before Klein could invite them inside, Dunn interrupted him "No time to talk, get dressed in your best possible outfit we're going to meet someone important." After dressing in his most expensive suit, Klein locked his front door and joined Dunn and Leonard who were waiting for him outside, Leonard looked at Dunn and inquired " So, Who are we meeting?", Dunn who usually forgot things answered on a beat almost as if had forced himself to remember this, "It's a prince. 3rd Prince to be exact, The Team Leader of the Balancers. Technically the whole team should have welcomed him jointly, but rest are all knee deep in work. We have been informed he's on a vacation, but he obviously has a purpose. As he is comparable to a bishop, likely a Sequence 5 or higher we cannot suppress him, so all we will do is establish a good relationship with him. So be at your best behavior, especially Leonard." as looked deeply at the future Mr.Star as the man averted his eyes.

After a brief carriage ride to the gates of a luxurious white villa which stood beside the Saint Selena Cathedral. The trio were welcomed in by a royal guard. As they reached the drawing-room, the trio noticed a conservatively dressed charismatic gentleman who smiled at their arrival. Klein almost blurted out 'Emperor' but controlled himself at the last moment, as he lampooned inwardly 'The great Fool almost shot himself in the face huh'. Although Klein had guesses that Mister Emperor was the member of the royal family due to his card, it was still quite awkward to meet tarot club members in real world as Klein felt as if he was meeting the victim of his internet scam.

The trio bowed graciously, and Dunn spoke,

"Your Highness, our Nighthawks family welcomes you to Tingen. We hope we will be of help during your stay in our city."

"You have my thanks for protecting Tingen city, Captain Dunn. '≈Grumble≈' Uhh it seems it's almost lunchtime huh, let us chat over a meal.",

Klein whose stomach had grumbled, blushed almost visibly.As the three of them started following Edessak, Klein and Dunn talked with each other in an inaudible manner. Edessak then glanced at Leonard and gave a slight bow before whispering '~It's an honor Sir, I never expected somebody like you here.~' Leonard was stunned for a moment as to why would the prince say that to him, that before a voice inside him spoke solemnly, ' He noticed me. The Augustus family has got a good future ahead of them. Although I cannot see in which sequence he is, he noticed me so he's at least a Saint, don't act stupidly in front of the prince.' Leonard wanted to speak but then wisely chose not to. The trio enjoyed their elaborate lunch with the Prince as Dunn and Edessak cheerfully discussed about their experiences as team leaders and interesting places in Tingen and the Edessak even invited the three to Red Rose Manor if they ever visited Backlund.

After completing the lunch by two o clock, the trio merrily excused themselves with full tummies. And the prince returned to his bedroom and took a quick nap before the tarot club.

An hour later, the familiar crimson wave exploded, ignoring his defenses as it devoured him.