The Rare Scene

Iria was just walking out of her chamber, dressed in clothes that would be suitable for horse riding. Rion also followed her out as it was his job to protect her as long as she was in Qalagon.

A servant brought a white horse to her and she mounted on it with ease. Only then did she realized the presence of the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Arin turned around to looked at the carriage which was brought their way. Then he shifted his gaze to Iria. "It seems like we won't need the carriage anymore." He mused.

At his words, Antony instructed the servants to return the carriage.

Iria narrowed her eyes at herself who was already sitting on the horse. Did she just draw suspicion?! How come she didn't saw Arin Helev?!

"I don't know that you used to ride a horse, Your Highness." Crown Prince Arin said to her as he mounted on his horse.

Iria faked a little smile. "My father used to teach me since I was young. I'm comfortable with a horse rather than a carriage."

"I'm glad to know that." Arin simply said and turned to Antony and the other soldiers. "Let's go."

They set off and leave the Crown Prince palace and after a while, they also crossed the main gate of the palace. Then Hanson Lorin was there, riding a horse.

Crown Prince Arin stopped his horse and everyone followed suit. Then he turned to his friend. "What are you doing here?"

Hanson smiled and ride his horse towards the Crown Prince and the others. "I want to tag along. It's been a while since I patrol around the capital." When he turned to Iria, he gets off his horse and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. I'm Hanson Lorin, the General of Royal Army and a friend of His Highness."

Iria remembered the faces of many Generals from Qalagon but... this young man was a new face to her.

"He is the eldest son of the Minister of War," Arin added when she fell silent, which aroused her from her thoughts.

"Nice to meet you, General Hanson." She greeted him with a little smile.

Hanson Lorin? She somehow finds the last name familiar. Ah! It's from that feast. One of the young men whom the Crown Prince punished was called Miguel Lorin. Does that mean... the Crown Prince punished and humiliate his friend's brother to defend her?!

"Let's hurry," Arin said and Hanson nodded. Then they all started riding the horses again.

The capital of Qalagon was very lively and it reminded Iria of Jerivia. While she was a child, she often helped Zaro and Princess Iria to sneak out of the palace. They always disguised themselves and roamed around the capital without a care. Those were the happiest moments of her life.

Many shops and stalls selling different types of things were set up in the market. People casually walked past each other, being caught up in their own business. Children ran around the market with a carefree smile on their faces. It was a time of peace and prosperity.

Living in an era where war was a common occurrence, life was hard for the people. Without knowing how long the peace would last, they worked and learn to enjoy each day.

Being a Commander who fought many wars, visiting such a place was always an eye-opener for Iria Alewine. She was always reminded of what she should fight for. That's the well-being and peace for the people. As long as people could enjoy their every day with peace and a carefree smile on their faces, she was willing to wield her sword and slay the enemies each day!

Crown Prince Arin and General Hanson were talking to the soldiers who were on patrol that day. They talked with them about the problems they faced and many other things. The Crown Prince always made sure that he visited the soldiers in person to know what's going on in the capital. It's his weekly routine.

Iria gets off her horse and glanced around her surroundings while Rion stood a step behind her. "Your Highness, does it remind you of Jerivia?"

Iria nodded. "I miss my childhood." She stared at the children and her lips unconsciously curved into a smile. "I used to be just like them." But she wasn't innocent anymore. Wherever she went, people died. The once pure-hearted girl was long gone.

"Let's look around." She said to Rion and started walking.

"What about the Crown Prince?" Rion asked which made her halted.

Iria turned around and glanced at Crown Prince Arin who was busy talking to the soldiers. "He's busy. Let's look around just this area."

Rion nodded and Iria immediately walked to the stall on the right. "These buns are so similar to the ones in our homeland." She remarked and give it to Rion.

"You still have a hard time adjusting to the foods here," Rion muttered and took a bite of the bun.

"I don't really care about that. I only wish for everything to went smoothly."

When Iria turned to the right to took another glimpse of the market, she saw a little girl who was staring at her. The girl was shabbily dressed and it made Iria wondered if she was a beggar. Then she took another piece of bun and offered it to the girl. "Do you want some, little girl?"

"Commander," Rion muttered and she turned to him with a slight frown.

"I already told you not to call me that from now on. It's dangerous."

"I apologize. It's out of habit." Rion said as he slightly lowered his hand.

Then Iria turned back to the little girl. "She is just an innocent girl, Rion. We should have nothing against her. No matter what, the citizens are innocent."

She bent down to match the girl's height and handed the bun to her. "Here, have some."

Seeing the girl ate the bun without any hesitation, Iria smiled and gently patted her on the head. "You can have more if you want."

Rion narrowed his eyes at his Commander who was staring at the little girl with a smile. It's been so long since the last time he saw her smiling carefreely. It was such a rare scene as she always needs to shoulder everything alone from a very young age.

Being born as the only child of a military family, she was destined to follow in her father's footsteps ever since she was a child. She was harshly trained and forced to grow up faster than others yet she never once complained.

Behind her devotion and seemingly cold heart lies a soft and lonely soul with hidden dreams yet she gave up everything to protect others.

However, Rion wasn't the only one who witnessed the rare scene. Standing a few steps away was Crown Prince Arin whose eyes were trailing in the direction of his new wife. He didn't know why but the rare scene which he witnessed by mistake, somehow warmed up his heart that was always cold as ice.....