381. Can't Escape
That was embarrassing.
Princess Rana Alyras sighed exasperatedly as she returned to the palace. Sevika spoke up fro behind her.
Princess Rana, it is bad manners for soone of your status to simply leave just like that.
Just tell them I feel ill and Id much rather greet the guests inside or sothing, alright? I cant with him.
Her face was beet red. It felt like shed just been doused in fla by a [Pyromancer]. Peris Dolonia was far too ostentatious for her. The way he acted the way he behaved she just couldnt help but feel embarrassed whenever he does anything.
Yet, he was her betrothed. Theyd been engaged for five years now. He was ten years her elder, and they were arranged to marry once she was of age. It sounded like an odd arrangent he was the Crown Prince of Dolonia, and she was the sole heiress of Alyras. It almost made no sense.
Until you realized what it entailed.
You know hes not a bad person, princess Rana. You also know hes one of the few Elite-leveled individuals in all of the Helbir Plains. You cant just keep brushing him off forever. Especially when its the fate of both your kingdoms in the line.
Rana paused. She bit her lower lip. As a princess, she understood it. Dolonia had the strongest military in all of the Helbir Plains they were called the spear of the Helbir League for a reason. anwhile, Alyras was known as the heart of the Helbir League. They were the most influential. With the furthest reach.
But as a shy girl who couldnt stand too much attention, Rana just wanted to curl up into a ball and run away from it all.
No I just cant! Hes too much for . Why must our countries rger rely on sothing stupid like marriage? Ugh
The formation of the Kingdom of Alyras-Dolonia has been proposed many tis over the last three decades, princess Rana. It will be an unprecedented change to how the nations of the Helbir Plains have governed for the last five centuries. Your marriage with Peris will solidify the rger of our two states.
Sevika spoke in a lecturing tone. Rana looked at her maid at her best friend then shuffled her feet uncomfortably.
I know that I just
The princess trailed off. She turned around and sighed, walking down the hallway and turning the corner.
Id rather speak with Peris in a private setting, anyway. Co on, Sevika
She started, only for a figure to nearly run into her. A pink-haired woman blinked as she ca to a stop before the princess. She stared at Rana and bowed her head apologetically.
Princess Rana, Im sorry. I was in a bit of a rush.
Its no worries, Saffron rryster.
Rana spoke respectfully as she stepped aside. The princess raised a brow.
Where are you rushing to?
Salvos is back, and I want to make sure that she definitely doesnt cause any trouble.
Saffron explained quickly enough. Princess Rana made a sound of understanding.
Oh.
She glanced at Sevika, watching Saffron head down the hallway.
I think we should help her.
Youd be right in doing so, princess Rana.
Wow, are they noisy.
I stared at the procession that ran through the main streets of Alyras. They were banging on drums and playing the trumpet as a line of carriages and large animals of various sizes made their way to the palace. It reminded of when I first arrived here. There were people out in the streets celebrating cheering and whatnot. They were excited that this delegation was here.
But unlike the Vampires or the adventurers who arrived with purpose and a goal, these guys were far more ostentatious. Apparently, according to Willy, they were the representatives of the Helbir League as a whole. They ca from all around the Helbir Plains to make a show of force during the upcoming eting. They were, of course, here to attend the eting, but their main priority was just that.
It was typical, really.
Humans liked to show off even when there were other important things in line. And, sure, I did like showing off too. It was always nice to put on a show. Whether it was a facade to elicit a reaction, or whether I was simply impressing those around with my power and might. But I wasnt going to waste ti doing all that if I knew that, say, that other Prival Demon Levithus was actively chasing after .
Thatd be dumb!
Noisy? Coming from you, thats rich.
Amanda snorted, and I glanced at her. Daniel elbowed her, shooting a glare.
Shut up. Why cant you just be nice for more than five seconds?
What? Are you upset that I insulted your girlfriend?
I told you, shes not my
I ignored them and turned to Willy.
Anyway, since youre so upset I left you alone, want to co with us on our next journey?
Of course!
The [Will O Wisp] replied. From behind us, past Daniel and Amandas bickering, Edithe piped up.
Where are we going next, Salvos?
She held Hadrians hand as they walked after us. The two were practically inseparable since they reunited. I shrugged, uncaring.
No idea. Well figure it out, though.
Salvos
Daniel and Edithe stared at , sighing. We continued on, arriving at Alyras palace in no ti. Faiths caravan didnt draw much attention to themselves compared to the parade a few streets down, after all.
We entered through a side gate. The guards recognized , bowing as they greeted by na.
Welco, lady Salvos.
My eyes widened. I turned excitedly to Willy.
Did you hear that? He called a lady!
Shut.
I cant wait until I beco a princess next! Did you know, you can beco a princess even if youre not born into royalty? I read it in a book once!
I grinned at Willy, and he just answered with another single syllable word.
Dumb.
Rude.
I scowled.
Its true! Right, Daniel, Edithe?
I turned to my other companions. But they were engaged in their own conversations. They didnt hear . I blinked as Daniel cursed at Amanda, then I frowned as Edithe laughed and stood extrely close to Hadrian.
Huh.
Sothing?
No, its nothing. I just feel like
I didnt finish my sentence as I caught a figure up ahead. No it was three figures. My eyes widened and I bead.
Saffron! Princess Rana! And, uh, Ranas maid!
I called out to them, running forward. Saffron already had her arms crossed as she studied .
Salvos. What did you do while you were gone?
? Its nothing! I just saved a princess from an evil Demon!
I ca to a stop before her. Ranas eyes bulged out of their sockets.
You what?
Yep! You can ask them.
I grinned at the princess. She stared past as I gestured towards my companions and princess Faith. The carriage ca to a stop, and the door slid open. Saffron furrowed her brows.
A princess? Wait, do you an?
Faith stepped out of the carriage, aided by Gavyn. I smiled as if I was presenting her.
Princess Faith of course!
Rana blinked a few tis, while Saffron nodded.
I knew it. I thought shed co. In fact, I was hoping she would. Shed be able to better explain the intricacies of the conflict in Inoria.
Yep!
I agreed with a nod. Rana, however, just gaped.
You got the Faith here? The Fallen Queen of Elutra?
You know about her?
Rana nodded eagerly. She glanced between and the other approaching princess.
Ive heard about her exploits! Almost everyone of note has! Everyone dismissed her as a fool just a year ago, but she proved them all wrong! She fought against that Demon-infested Inoria Empire for years and held out on her own! So say she sacrificed an arm to kill an Archdemon!
Unfortunately, so of those rumors are probably overexaggerated or untrue. But I am glad to hear that you have a positive perception of , even if it may not be true.
Faith spoke up as she ca to a halt. Rana flushed, shifting to hide behind .
Oh, uh
I have heard about you too, princess Rana. And Salvos has told good things. It is a pleasure to et you.
The Fallen Queen of Elutra bowed deeply. Rana straightened and quickly returned the gesture.
L-likewise. Ill have guest rooms prepared as soon as possible.
She turned to her maid, and Sevika nodded. I smiled, clapping my hands as I looked between the two of them.
I cant wait for you guys to get to know each other
But before I could finish, I heard a thunder crackle from above. Heads turned everyone looked up as a cloud descended from above. I froze as Faith blinked.
What is that?
Salvos.
A voice bood down at as I tried to creep away. I ca to a halt, and a tall shadow lood over . Helena Warshade t my gaze. I sighed.
Y-yes?
I believe we have unfinished business to talk about.
Saffron, Rana, and Faith looked at . They all asked the sa thing at once.
Salvos what did you do?
I gulped, laughing nervously.
Im thinking she wants to talk about the corruption.
What corruption?
Rana and Saffron exchanged a confused glance. Another bright light flashed as Helena Warshade crossed her arms.
Exactly.
As all the commotion and hubbub attracted the attention of the city guard, a cloaked stranger quietly arrived in Alyras. No one noticed this quiet entrance. But soon they would.
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