Levishia: The Prophesied Quest

Chapter 7: Feast

ZOREN

"You may now return to your journey, General. I commend you for saving a distressed citizen and rescuing him."

His Royal Highness, the King, motioned me to stand up from my kneel. I bowed my head in respect in front of his throne.

"It is my duty as a Ralentian warrior to save my fellow men, your Majesty."

He nodded understandingly. "Return to your journey, General. Guard my daughter. She's more than a Princess," he muttered as he smiled, probably reminiscing about their moments.

I kept my head down and didn't push any further on the topic, as I didn't want to dig deeper about the Princess. Although it's still a mystery to me how she was gifted with such abilities, it's unnecessary for me to do research.

I turned my heel and was about to leave the throne room when a messenger entered the room and briskly bowed to the King, after then walking near him to whisper. The King's brows furrowed with the news and looked at me.

The messenger took a step back once the message was delivered and kept his head down. My brows furrowed, what is this all about?

"General, change your tracks. You'll be taking another detour."

After lunch, I was back on the track again with my trusty steed and we were dashing through the noisy towns of Ralenti once more. Ready to aid an independent royal.

Ah, here we go again. Let's just hope we won't get fooled this time.

☫

LEVISHIA QUINTESSENCE



"So, there weren't any hidden caverns in the ravine where a sword can possibly be hidden?" Fiore probed.

We just got back from our first destination and reported the issue. I drowsily picked up my fork and ate. We made it to lunch but still lacked sleep. I'm used to sleeping late in the palace, but definitely not to not sleeping at all. I just missed hours of sleep.

I'm partly at fault, though. I could've taken a nap while travelling back to Giraen but I just had my eyes wide open to look out for the lion.

I couldn't help it! I had to make sure the lion is still safe and is now freely hunting for food. But I didn't see it all throughout the ride, which was unfortunate.

"There wasn't, Sir Fiore," Ardal replied.

We handed him earlier a sample of the electrifying water from a small glass tube that Sin had brought. He said he'll give it to the alchemists of the palace to review the water.

"Alright, then. You can take a rest, but make sure to wake up before dinner. We will go down to the city proper for we have prepared a grand feast for the four of you."

I looked at him, my eyes narrowed. They're showing us to the Giraenians? Me? I'm a Princess—no, wait, I'm a warrior as of now.

"Do you have any issues with the feast, Levi of Ralenti?" Fiore tilted his head, noticing my unpleasant reaction.

I gulped and avoided eye contact. I pretended to be unbothered by the news. "None, Sir Fiore."

That's right. They don't know my face, anyway. But I need to keep a low profile. What if the news of my appearance already reached Giraen? But that's impossible, it's only been a few days since my little stunt so I highly doubt it.

By the first peek of dusk, a flock of maids entered my room carrying racks of dresses, bags of cosmetics, and baskets of fragrant flowers. I was startled by the sudden infiltration of retinues but still managed to keep calm.

I was treated like this every day before I left the palace and so I think I'm still used to a lot of people pampering me. But as a warrior, that isn't necessary. I need to get used to dressing myself... but that'll take a long time.

But I'm sure I have a lot to spare.

I was ushered into the bath and didn't mind the ogling eyes of the maids when I dipped into the tub decorated with fragrant flowers.

Oh, I missed this.

There were not a lot of things I missed in my past lifestyle, but this was perhaps among the things I miss most—the luxury of royalties. But I've experienced enough. It's time I face the military world of Viran.

My time of being a royal princess is enough. It's time I become that vigilant, brave, and skillful warrior I've always dreamt of being.

A few moments of horrendous hair-pulling and face-slapping later, I was introduced to a beautifully sewed midnight black gown that reached my heeled feet cover-ups. This was definitely a fashion sense of a Giraenian, truly astounding.

"There, you look modest," commented a maid while surveying my finished look.

I almost raised a brow at her, my princess ego injured. Of course, I look modest. I was taught to be modest. I worked hard to be modest.

I sighed and looked at my reflection in front of the mirror. My silver locks were put in place by pins as they were elegantly designed to shape my face.

I looked like a princess again.

Now it's time to face the irksome flock of pests called people.

I met up with the other three in the hallway since we were on the same floor. After a while, we descended the stairs to meet the King, Queen, and their subjects.

"This suit is too tight," Fort groaned as he tried to fix the tie in his black suit with little embroidered gems. His curly hair was also brushed tonight but kept down and free-flowing, which added to his charm.

Actually, all three of them looked charming. I was blessed to be accompanied by such dazzling men, but I wouldn't dare say that out loud.

Sin chuckled at Fort's distress and fixed his tie for him. I smiled at the sight.

The two were walking in front of us while I and Ard were behind, keeping a distance. The both of us haven't really talked if it wasn't about the mission. We were so formal to each other, in complete contrast to Fort and Sin who have already established a bond on a whole new level.

Truly, I sometimes think they're already the best of friends.

We simultaneously bowed in the presence of the King and Queen.

And that was when we heard another revolting sound.

The tearing of cloth.

I bit my lip to stifle a laugh and glanced at Fort. I saw him quickly cover his bottoms where the tear probably was and had a quick look at his panicking face.

"Bloody—" I hurriedly nudged him to halt his curse.

We're in front of the King and Queen of Giraen, for goodness' sake.

Quickly, when we rose from the courtesy, Sin asked for a paper towel to cover his friend's exposed bottoms. Thankfully, the King and Queen didn't notice the little accident and went inside the chariot that will transport them to the central plaza.

We followed suit in another chariot, and when we went inside, was also the exact moment we bursted out laughing while Fort pursed his lips in annoyance.

"You should've seen your face—" I couldn't complete my sentence because I was already guffawing when I remembered his face. It was so hilarious!

Ard kept his lips pursed but failed to hide the smile and the way his shoulders vibrated gave out signs of silent laughter, which added fuel to Fort's annoyance.

He looked at Sin—who was also hooting with laughter—asking for a comrade to aid his embarrassment.

"Oh, please. Get over it," Fort scowled, which earned another round of laughter from us.

Even when the chariot halted and we reached our destination, we were still silently chuckling to ourselves.

It was an unforgettable memory. I was escorted by three dashing gentlemen who urged me to exit the chariot first. I rolled my eyes, if I know, they were just scared of the townspeople of Giraen.

We were foretold that this was going to be a festive night. We were going to eat dinner at a long table in the central plaza of the kingdom's Capital.

I knew it was going to be a busy night and also one where I see dozens of faces but I didn't expect it'd be this many.

We were transported to a circular plaza surrounded by houses of different color but of the same brick roofs. The plaza was bustling with people, with vendors and stalls on the sides. There was a long table in the middle, which I think reached the end of the metropolis. I estimate around a couple of hundred people can occupy the long table.

The King and Queen stood tall on a small podium where they could be seen by everyone. We were soon ushered to also ascend the podium and stand beside the couple.

I awkwardly stood beside Ard and Sin, my knees slightly wobbling with the weight of the stares of the hundreds of people in the central plaza tonight. I avoided their curious stares as I looked around. There were also fairy lights hanging from a few buildings to another, adding luminosity as the moon shone brightly tonight.

I fiddled with my fingers as we waited for the Queen's speech to finish. I was starting to hear the low grumbles of my stomach as I continued ogling at the delectable meals being served on the long table.

There were roasted piglets, aromatic lamb curries, roasted sirloins, there were even salads!

"Ladies and gentlemen, meet the leaders of the unified warriors of Viran!"

Queen motioned to us. The crown cheered and clapped, a few even whistling, mostly women while ogling at the three men.

When the cheers subsided, a voice yelled from a distance.

It was a masculine voice.

"Your Highness, why is there a woman there?!"