"The guard to the right will be with you. Just show him your card and you should be fine."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ8DET9TLa
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P0fyKq47T
The coachman bowed before us. He was kind and polite, so I felt a little wrong about what I was about to say.
"Thank you. Can I make a report on the man who rode with us? He attacked me and my friend."
The coachman released an exhausted sigh. I lightly chuckled.
"I apologize, sir, but I'm currently unable to do anything about it."
"...I don't mean to be rude, but he attacked us. No, 'attacked' isn't right, he assaulted us. I can't just stand by and let someone like that walk away scott-free."
"As we are in the realm of His Majesty, we cannot reprimand him. However, after the ride back, we will gladly put him under arrest."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvehBy3ili
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I felt a vein bulge in my head.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff4bvM8tI1
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"Are you serious? Why are you letting him in the palace anyway? He's dangerous–"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV2uq98reE
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKvHWOTTjT
The coachman put a hand over my mouth and leaned in.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDpWWxCBpB
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZUGQgEFVo
"Listen, we're perfectly aware. But that man is a special person, and we are in very special times. I promise that you won't go unheard, okay? Just avoid making a scene."
"...Fine. Flinty, let's go."
Figuring that arguing wouldn't get me anywhere, I turned back to motion Flinty. She had her face pointed to the sky. After I called her, she awkwardly shrunk.
"R-Right. Sorry, it's just that this place looks way bigger up close."
"Wait until you see the inside."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fvXJLvONW
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"I-Inside...?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYNqR3uEqs
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She repeated my last word with an astonished breath. When we made it to the guard, I handed him my card. After a short inspection of our bodies, he gently bowed to us and led us through one of the three doors. Flinty covered her face for a moment before taking in the view.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChFUab9j0H
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"It's so... shiny."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qOjPbS05q
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The interior of the building was clad in marble and avant-garde designs scribbled throughout the floor and ceiling. No one column holding the interior had the same design; they each possessed an exaggerated illustration of an animal, some I didn't recognize.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS371ZprGZS
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6dtiEuL84
"You young ones have good eyes," the guard said, "Now if you two would follow me, I'll take you to The Garden."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKyamyR1Tb
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"The Garden?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9EuTtuzVZ
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"That's where the plants are," I replied, "It's a lot smaller than you'd expect, and it's all indoors, but they have some wonderful specimens in there."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjtzrqz3sV
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfxlGOY2Bl
"I could've guessed that the plants were in a place called The Garden, Kenny."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKOrsrTbnJ
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We traveled up a set of stairs. Even the steps were polished and spotless, which made me feel slightly guilty about stepping on them. Once we arrived at the second floor, we traveled down a lengthy hallway.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjw5cJSWnu
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiWt16mYPo
"Hey, Kenny."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHKi7kxtOh
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHjSbKDJ4R
"What's the matter?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4P4vddEeo
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvFVPfuXa5
"Do you see that thing hanging from the ceiling?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJPl4SVlxd
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She pointed to the left at a chandelier. It was grandiose, undeniably, but I wasn't particularly impressed by it.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSP9z35j3m
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"The chandelier? What about it?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ00cuk0kgE
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvhUe94yUN
"That's called a chandelier? W-Wow... it's so shiny, and big."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjjhOqBk3o
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"It's pretty, but I can't help but think it's overkill. And just look at that lone little chain keeping it hanging; it looks like it's gonna break any second."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHvH0QBTAi
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"That chain is reinforced with the head royal mage's mana," the guard interrupted, "so despite its small stature, it's very sturdy."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnZtY9DXIC
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"Ah, that makes sense."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTgKaZcHvM
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I wouldn't put it past royal mages to know mana suspension of that degree. It was likely an earth infusion, or maybe the mage just had dense mana. Either way, it made me wonder how many more appliances in this building had mana in them. I immediately thought of the doors, but considering how many we've passed in this hallway alone, that seemed unlikely.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqWeaialQM
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F3gPM4xXs
"...Then again, this building is quite old, isn't it– oop!"
I broke out of ruminating when I ran into the back of the guard. He stopped moving. and I could tell by the side of his face that he was surprised. I peered around his body to see what it was that he was seeing.
"...Oh no."
White hair, green eyes, crossed arms; these features were exhibited by a young boy in an exquisite outfit. The boy had two guards behind him.
His eyes met mine. His smirk turned from childish to demonic. I took a few steps back and bumped into Flinty.
"Kenny? What's wrong? What are you two looking at?"
She peeked over the guard and saw him. Unlike me, however, her face lit up with an excited gasp.
"It's the prince!"
I already began turning, but before my legs could locomote, Flinty's fingers wrapped around my wrist.
"Kenny, it's the prince!"
"I know! Why do you think I'm trying to–"
"Mister Chambers!"
His squeaky screech echoed through the hallway, reverberating my name.
"I order you all to have dinner with me!"
I looked over my shoulder. Flinty's face was as bright as the sun.
Sighing, I resigned myself to the situation, following Prince Orice's unreasonable order.
–
–
–
Maybe I shouldn't have been so distraught upon meeting the prince. Thinking about it with a calmer mind, it was bound to happen eventually. I was frankly surprised it took over ten visits here for me to meet him.
"I finally had a chance to sneak out this time!"
That was his response when I inquired him, spoken as if he was shamelessly proud of himself. He was shamelessly proud of himself, actually. It only made my impression of him worse.
The two guards who were tailgating him were the same two goons I made total fools out of all those weeks ago. They were also inadvertently the reason why I got my decrepit nickname, but I knew better not to blame them.
If anything, it was me. Though I wanted to berate the prince, it was me.
"So, why have you called us to this room?"
"I already told you. It's so that we can eat together!"
Flinty and I were sitting by each other on different couches. The prince was sitting across from us on one of his own, but I could tell that his was much more comfortable than ours.
"You say it's so we can eat, but I'm not seeing any food on the table."
"Just be patient. It'll come in a jiffy."
"In a jiffy..."
I repeated his peculiar phrase under my breath. It looked like waiting was an inevitability.
"I just wanted to see the plants, man..."
"You'll see them after our dinner, I promise! I just need to discuss things with you. First, some important business, and then some other business."
"Important business? That's hard to believe."
"Then get ready to be surprised."
We sat in silence, intently gazing at each other.
"Aren't you going to tell me?"
"I'll do it over food. I read somewhere that talking over food helps build bonds the best."
"Fine. I'll wait. Yell at me when the food is here."
My body sank into the couch. I closed my eyes and leaned back. The couch put me in a tranquil state, and despite my intentions, I could feel myself lulled to sleep. My senses were being severed from the outside world.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYga9XxWsQ
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"...Did he seriously fall asleep?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xTtWOyhux
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"I-I think he did."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDykbAfc0SK
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The prince's and Flinty's voices dragged me back to consciousness. However, noting that they thought I was unconscious, I decided to play the part and see what would happen. I had a bubbly feeling in my chest. I was becoming giddy. I was convinced I had devised the most meticulous scheme ever.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5xxIIqhjW
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"That's rude of him."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3HK5sCHrI
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"I-I'm sorry for my friend's rudeness, Your Royal Highness. He's had a long day."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsimaCEh9Bs
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"It's trivial anyhow. Since he's sleeping, why don't we introduce ourselves?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn3Tj30pbp
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1geyTQ8wC
"H-Huh? You don't remember me?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqVLHoxy6t
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cFtle5tD2
"Of course I do, I'm just pulling your leg! You're the girl who was kidnapped by those two corrupt knights. What was your name again?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Etj4eHGE
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ic3d1VauM
"F-Flinty. It's an honor to meet you, Your Royal Highness."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ogmRIGmoy
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpRAnM4wWL
"And it's a pleasure to meet you."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErqHuThoY5
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Flinty let out a weird noise.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVgktSG73L
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"Mhm!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAB7cXiC1j
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXimSOdtzAU
"Now... tell me, how'd you do it? How did you befriend him so easily?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoqPKx19gL
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oNZ7RAfGQ
"Huh? I didn't do anything special, I just spent a lot of time with him."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUpJ7xIy85
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH0F5tpZjL
"That was it? Wow, of course, that's it! It's so simple, and yet, it's so challenging."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo6TeHJeEH
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The prince was bemoaning over something.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMIKTkHYRU
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"Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to be friends with Kenny so bad?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmH9ak2RgA
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtXQf6rgJN
"Hmm? Well, you see... uh..."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlqdKcY029
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He stumbled over his words. I was listening far more earnestly now.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1UqL6urAX
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"...It's a little embarrassing, so don't tell him I said this, but it's because I think he's pretty cool."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVJD8j8SlQ
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I almost jerked 'awake' when I heard that. He's been pestering me every time we've met because he thought I was cool?200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyzobXPE8w
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KrJwiIB67
"I see. Well, you're right, Kenny is pretty cool."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9XuWUWDny
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"I've never seen anyone as brave as him; just think about it, he saw two adults ganging up on one kid, and he beat them up! He was much smaller and younger. By all means, he should've turned his tail and ran, but he didn't! I've only ever seen Skylark act like that. Everyone else is too big of a wuss, but not Mister Chambers– and even better, he's just a little older than me! He's not some adult who scolds me for everything I do or watches me like a hawk. He's a little boy, just like me!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR4CFYX66e
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"That's... surprisingly sweet."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1nhP9XYLh
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"I'm trying to get in his good graces, but for some reason, nothing I do seems to work. I'm starting to think that he just doesn't like me."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P7sZtepQu
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"O-Oh, I'm sure it's not that. It's just, well, from what I've heard of him, you always seem to meet him at the wrong times."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1OiLurnny
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEHoPNvNBg
"...Really?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4rIzpY5jw
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"You're also incredibly obnoxious."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBgehyj8jH
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"GAH!?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhSPTD1qmo
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"Huh!?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvgdjLtEWO
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I rose from my slumber and barged into the conversation. The prince pointed a finger at me accusingly.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFQOUeZJfs
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3czkibBQNF
"You weren't asleep!? But how!? You looked so convincing!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQTzBsQIqL
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"Nevermind that. What Flinty said was right, but what you said was even more right. I don't like you very much, I'm sorry– ack!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZuibmkp3b
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I felt something blunt hit my shoulder. Flinty was looking at me with beady eyes with her fist against me. I looked back at the prince, who had a perturbed expression. He quickly looked down at the table and pinched his chin, whispering something to himself.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk2xXhY8x2
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"Kenny," Flinty said, "what are you thinking talking to the prince like that? Especially after he's being so nice!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe3PUuKlie
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9ieCYNuTB
"I-Is he really being so nice? He barged in and forced us to eat with him, and he still hasn't apologized for chasing me last time!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuC0poODmQ
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"Oh, that? I thought my sister told you everything."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75JP1lQ5Ix
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"You still don't just chase people like that! I could've seriously hurt someone!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsK2GIS0B7
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"...You're right. Yeah, you're right."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEcGFuyz7g
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The prince stood up from his couch and bowed.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazOboJ2Yix
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"I apologize. Not just for chasing you relentlessly that one time, but also for barging in and forcing you to eat with me."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOXKPBx4kf
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"That sounds inauthentic– ack! Stop punching me!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkDg2blgFj
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Flinty stuck her tongue out. Something about this felt strange; why was I being painted as the enemy here? I looked at the prince, who was still bowing. He kept lowering his body. His hands were balled into fists. They were quaking.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAyekt5bBn
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"I really am sorry. I didn't know it bothered you that much. I promise to be more considerate."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTMgnNpLVF
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If I didn't accept this, I felt like it would've ruined my day.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXQ3NsLp2p
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"Fine, you're forgiven. Now sit down, please. Having royalty bow at me is more weird than it is gratifying."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbsH2oTa8r
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"Yeah! You've forgiven me! Does that mean we're friends now?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtELmlqEbfK
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"No."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCVaVKqy5t
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He sank into his couch with a deep frown. I looked at Flinty to gauge her thoughts and she just lightly shrugged at me with a sigh. The situation was satisfactory, then.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzGZirUZc4
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"Hey, Flinty, this Kenny guy stinks. How about you and I become friends?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0ECH8egEU
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"Insulting me after an apology doesn't make you look good, prince."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4CeIO41CU
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He looked at me. I was expecting him to stick his tongue out at me as well, but he just looked deeply sad. Somehow his frown grew even more profound, it almost looked inhuman.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq1xgEkSiT
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"Y-You and I, friends?" Flinty muttered.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKabV86mos
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"Yeah! That'd be cool, right? Think about how much you can boast about being friends with the prince!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQEhTtWgCv
200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqa9gDWhu5
"...I wouldn't want to be friends with you just for that."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsjKIlUypX
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"I see. That makes sense. Yeah, it does."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CiL6vXY5w
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The prince shook his head in a satisfied manner, the frown entirely departed from his face. I was beginning to wonder why he was acting the way he was, but recalling what he said earlier, I had a clue as to why.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyiK49NqME
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"You don't have many friends, do you, prince?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69xRT2Zklr
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"--Hrk!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vHbyCUodi
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I hit a sour spot. I nodded while making an 'ahhh' sound. Of course, it was the only explanation. I was also insufferable when I stopped talking to people, after all.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ5cs9dURJ
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The prince looked down at the table again. I didn't have a chance to press him further, however, because a group of people carrying plates and glasses barged into the room.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4VLQsK132
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"Dinner is ready, Your Highness!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOkl7k3YW6
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–
–
–
I struggled to comprehend the thing that was before me. Calling it food felt disingenuous because what I was looking at was more like gold painted as if it was food. I was convinced the moment that I took a bite out of the piece of meat before me, my teeth would shatter like glass. My fork would likely bend and bust before that, though. But these were just expectations; I had to confirm them. Therefore, I poked the meat. It wasn't hard, it wasn't heavy; the surface recessed inward as my finger pushed against it. It wasn't a precious metal in the shape of a meal. It was a meal.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R1kpMtMkz
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"I can't eat this."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5MGcGpQqh
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"I can't eat this."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBG6FbB4Il
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The sentiment didn't just belong to me. Flinty and I muttered the same thought.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48C14O20GE
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"Why not?" The prince asked, "I had it cooked just for you two. At least give it a try."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmuYslHd6s
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Flinty nodded and motioned for her fork but I didn't move. I was comfortable calling myself starstruck. Time seemed to slow down the longer I gazed at the meat. Before I knew it–200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypGMmzNFHc
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"Oh my goodness... this is incredible!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUA9P42OtD
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Flinty let out a squeal and began devouring her food. I still couldn't get my eyes off this thing.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF0SzjwTxK
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"Mister Chambers?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAP5lpYjX9
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"What?"
"Let's talk about the business I mentioned earlier. But first, at least try what was cooked for you. I promise it won't disappoint."
"I feel bad even thinking about eating it, but if you insist."
I grabbed a fork and stuck it in the meat. The chunk came off with little resistance. Blood trickled from the inside onto the plate. I put it in my mouth and slowly began chewing.
"Well?"
"...It's incredible, but, what type of meat is this?"
"Aviartidae. They're quite common in the badlands. They're like vultures, but–"
"But they're monsters, yes. So, what's this business about?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZcuymviWd
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"Right..."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnH6NOl1Ta
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The prince put down his fork and adjusted his posture. I did the same, expecting a lengthy explanation.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpywaY0MGHq
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"The short and sweet of it is that we have a mission for you. The first one you must do per our agreement."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1re3j0bVvs
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"I see. And what are the details?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqnjltm0JP
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"I was just getting to that! Well, never mind, it's more or less an escort mission, except you aren't escorting anybody in particular, you're escorting a letter to be sent."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZptN9nsNUu
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"A letter?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy0LK5WkAW
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"Yep. There's a town a few days away on horseback called Kommunikatsiya. It's one of the central hubs for communication here in the Southern Country, overseen by The Zariel Kingdom. Your goal is to deliver a letter to the foreign communications center, and that's about it. All the other details will be covered by the letter itself."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfeOxJZqbr
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"...That sounds pretty simple. When do I start?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG4haGeQnJ
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"The mission starts in a week. Oh, and you're not gonna be doing it alone either."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIivsXC4wb5
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I widened my eyes a little.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl2hkHU4EM
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"Really? Who's working with me?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfP3dKcSWW
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The prince gave me a stern shrug.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiHvoMZg2W
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"I dunno. My mom and sister are the ones operating this whole ordeal. Whoever they'll be though, they'll be on your strength level."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8F37xk6q7
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"That's relieving."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjGpStbtLz
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I leaned back into the couch. The prince took another bite out of his steak as I pondered.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB0111BKyn
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I didn't have any plans for the next week, but I already knew the Tea Mage was going to be angry hearing this news. It was likely to take well over a week, maybe even two or three if we ran into problems.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLP8nFTamt
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"How far did you say the village was again?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9x0UfspSV
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"It'll take five days on carriage if everything goes smoothly. Don't worry about travel expenses, by the way, we've got that covered."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwYYEM9TbT
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"Alright. I'll have to tell the Tea Mage about this, then."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4pBVPTgA7
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I picked my fork back up but paused before I stuck it into the meat. I had a sudden epiphany about what the prince was saying.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ74GWZ1gT
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"Hey, is there any reason why you're hiring strong people for this?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEPaDiW4I3
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"..."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3CT9ZYNJQ
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The prince's expression turned pensive. It was clear to me that he wasn't well informed about this information. If I had to guess, the princess was the one who was supposed to relay this to me.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvSzrODEbC
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"...If I had to guess, it's probably because there might be some interference from the Eastern Country."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEKvFosNWQ
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"I see."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mp9kfCYht
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Recalling what the princess told me a few months ago, it suddenly put the operation into perspective. I already began making guesses as to what the letter was about. It could've been a call to arms of some sort, or maybe a letter to get a negotiation with the Eastern Country started.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIwl3WRPSL
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"Since the Eastern Country is an empire, they're a pretty aggressive nation. This whole mission is vital, but it's also imperative that it's concealed."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7KxUoVRPn
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I nodded along to his words, taking another bite from the ambrosia before me. I didn't have any strong feelings about the situation, to my surprise. Something like this coming up was always in the back of my mind; I was frankly confused as to why it took this long to happen.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXsQOiQz6a
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"...Uhm, I don't understand what's happening, but you two are talking about a mission, right?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMoqJrObYE
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"Yes," the prince answered, and then his face suddenly turned pale as he covered his mouth with both hands, "You, Flinty, you weren't supposed to hear any of this! Crap!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIHdKWFfrZ
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Flinty took on a similar visage of surprise. I also became a little anxious. I intervened before it grew out of control.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UXcU0uMup
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"W-Well, it's not like Flinty's a big gossip, right Flinty?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZAcirVQe5
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"Y-Yeah! You won't hear a peep from me about this! Nothing!"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HcE2K0Ni2
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The prince looked a little swayed, but what worried me wasn't him, but the two goons who were behind him. They were giving each other quizzical looks, and I could already guess what they were thinking.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaHlZTiw3A
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"Ah, it's not a big deal," the prince uttered with a sigh, "just promise you'll keep quiet, alright?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkDWE084mv
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"Y-Yes! But, I also wanted to ask about another thing."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTCvMHlDaB
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"What is it?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFS6wJNWtG
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"Can I... maybe join the operation–"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi5nMJCpQ0
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"Absolutely not," I declared. It wasn't because I feared for her safety, though I did, it was because I already ascertained that this mission was way out of her league.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwLvgzos5V
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"Yeah, no shot, Flinty," the prince said "Nothing against you, but if we have two kids on this operation, not only will it be embarrassing, but it will also call our morality as a kingdom into question."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDhMBr0RJZ
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"...I see."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs6DRDzC4R
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She let out a dejected response, but from the tone of her voice, it was obvious that she expected such an answer. She quickly shook off her disappointment with a shrug and kept eating her food.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMaAFN5bVt
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"Anyway, now onto the other business I was talking about."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvHsB0VfDz
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I recollected my attention, forgetting that he even had a different business to talk about.200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRRdMe6OXL
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"So, I heard you're living in an apartment now, right?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BmdqKpCYc
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"...Yes?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQszQj1VNRK
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"Awesome. Any chance I can come over?"200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHqKFheGht
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"No."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ADNtDH1c
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"Oh."200Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYNrbif2zi
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–
–
–
"...Ah, here we are."
I finally arrived at my intended destination. Closing the door behind me, I entered a room where the floor itself was dirt and grass. Calling it a room almost felt insulting, because it felt as if I had stepped into a secret facet of nature.
This was the royal palace's garden. I took a deep breath through my nostrils.
I was entirely alone here. Flinty, for whatever reason, insisted on staying with the prince in the dining room. She seemed to be trying to get in his good graces, which I would've called an intelligent and strategic maneuver were it not for Flinty's amiable nature, which made the real reason obvious.
Admittedly, in the back of my mind, I had a suspicion that she just didn't want to see the plants. To an extent, I was probably right.
Anyway–
"Now, which one do I choose?"
I wasn't just here to marvel and study the magical plants. Since it was the second Wednesday of the month, I was permitted to intake one magical plant of my choosing into the tendril. If I didn't have such a restriction, I would've absorbed them all in one week and have no reason to visit again, effectively crumbling the agreement the princess and I made.
At least, those were the words my supervisor said, who just so happened to be–
"...Roy, I understand you're only 'fulfilling your duty', but you're far, far too close."
Looming behind me like a demon in my sleep was a gray-haired man in a robe. He was holding a wand about two heads taller than me while the magic stone was nearly the size of my head. It was an exceedingly rare feature for Exotica, but that was becoming of someone like him.
"If I let you become too greedy now, then my status as Royal Mage would be meaningless."
"I'm not asking for much. Just, please take a few steps back?"
Surprisingly, he did, but calling them 'steps' was generous. I sighed and ceased making an appeal. It was obvious I'd be getting nowhere doing that.
So instead, I ventured through the garden and scouted the catalog of magical plants. Most of the garden was composed of common vegetation, but the magical plants were placed in blatant places, almost as if they were begging you to come and tear them off their stems.
Unfortunately, though the garden had a plethora of magical plants, it only had a handful of unique species. I was able to identify them thanks to my tome, and by that, I made a pecking order on which plants I should absorb the soonest. However, as I scanned all these precious Exotica, I began to think about the definitive pecking order I've created.
Ordinarily, I would've gone for the Silk-Bloom, which excretes exactly what the name implies. But in light of the recent mission I've been tasked with, my consideration juggled between the Silk-Bloom and two other ones.
"What's taking you so long? You usually pick one and leave by this time."
"Shut up! Simply admiring the plants is part of my promised time here too!"
Telling Roy a half-truth, I continued pondering the situation. Aside from the Silk-Boom, I had considered intaking the Blover and the Spit-Blossom. I had no doubts that, when pushed to the limits, these plants could perform extraordinary feats, much like the Freeze-Dry. But choosing between the two was possible. They both had their benefits, after all.
"I implore you to hurry up before I grow suspicious and do something by accident."
"Threatening me is just gonna make me nervous. Who do you think I am anyway?"
Blover, or Spit-Blossom? The former could produce harsh winds, while the latter expelled sturdy projectiles.
"...Wait."
When I thought about it that way, and when I considered the plants I already possessed in my arsenal, the choice became clear as day. Therefore, I walked up to the plant in the shape of a gallant clover and kneeled beside it.
"Finally. You were very close to suspiciously and mysteriously bursting into flames."
"Uh-huh."
After I finished intaking the plant, I stood up and walked to the exit. Roy stopped before me and bowed slightly.
"Safe travels. I sincerely hope you found your time at the palace pleasant and useful."
"I certainly did. For the most part, at least. Thank you for your service."
I bowed back at him, and we exchanged nods. I walked through the door and found myself back in the hallway. To my surprise, Flinty was outside waiting for me, but she wasn't with the prince.
"Hi! Did you enjoy your time with the plants?"
"Yeah, my tendril has a new one, too. Anyway, Flinty, where's the prince?"
She scratched her cheek and nervously laughed.
"Commander Skylark found us in the dining room and, well..."
"I can imagine. He must've thrown quite a tantrum."
"Not really? He was putting up a good fight, though."
I snorted.
"Yeah, I can imagine."
Flinty and I traversed the hallway. We met up with the guard from earlier by the staircase. He looked relieved for some reason. We made it down the stairs and traversed the halls quietly. But, before we left, an unfortunately familiar face was standing by the palace doors.
Except, he wasn't alone.
"Mm, yes, Kenneth, girl, I see you two have finished your business."
The man from the carriage was standing there, surrounded by guards who had their spears pointed at him. Except, from their apparel, I could tell they weren't ordinary guards. They were likely elites of some kind. He seemed completely unbothered by it though, wearing the same grin he's always had.
"What... happened to you?" I asked.
"I proposed, but the queen selfishly rejected it. I've calmed down since then, yet these dregs insist that they keep watch over me."
"Really. Color me surprised."
I sighed, somehow unsurprised that things turned out this way. But I suddenly had a new concern appear in my mind.
"W-Wait, how are we going to get back?"
"Mm, well, I'm forced to stay here for the time being, so you two may take the carriage back without me."
"Huh!?"
His face hadn't changed one bit, so his words were entirely serious, but I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't get a chance to ask any further questions because the guards pushed the man to move.
"Ah, careful, fools, I have no interest in getting my clothes dirty."
"Just move it along," one of the guards responded. The group walked by Flinty and me. I let out a sigh, relieved that–
"Kenneth, before I leave, I must grant you my name!"
I turned my head back. The man was walking backward.
"My name is Kostik Coyote. You'd do well to remember it!"
His voice reverberated throughout the building. The man, Kostik, disappeared into the hallway.
"What a nutcase."
Flinty of all people muttered that comment. I couldn't have agreed more.
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