Chalice stayed for another day at the Keyne stronghold. She finalized her deal with Chief Jin and also took a much needed rest. She was also worried about aggravating Aslan's injuries. Chalice rememebered the look on Chief Jin's face when he saw the lion she brought with her.
It was also then that Chalice found out that Aslan was a Royal Beast. She haven't encountered anything about such beasts. Feng Jin told her that it was understandable for her not to know. Only a few people knew about such beast since they were rarer than rare. Not even history had a clear record about them. If not for an emperor in Eashen possessing one, Feng Jin would not have known about it.
Feng Jin also told her that Royal Beasts were very particular in choosing a master. Sometimes they wouldn't even choose at all. But if they do, they would serve that master alone until it died. Royal Beasts have a strange yet magical way of acknowledging masters. But as to how specifically, Feng Jin did not know. Chalice did not care as well, Aslan went with her and that was enough.
Chalice prepared to leave immediately when morning of the next day arrived. She knew that her companions may have already gone crazy looking for her. They might even have reported to her father already. Though Chalice hoped that they did not resort to that yet.
Feng Jin assigned a unit of the Sun Dragon warriors to escort her to their gemstone mine. Chalice hoped that her companions have the thought of having someone stay there and wait for her. If not, then she really was screwed.
---
Meanwhile, the morning after Chalice got lost and with Luke who left to look for her the same night Levi and the other two of the Fief Inspection Squad set off for the gemstone mine. As directed by Luke, they will be waiting for them there.
Without the princess, the three knights rode on full speed. They arrived at the mine that very day as well. Levi's agitation and panic just started to escalate and lasted until the morning of the next day.
He was tempted to send a missive to the duke but then decided against it. Levi was banking on Luke finding her. However, he was bound to be disappointed. Luke arrived on the third day alone, his whole being dark and brooding. Levi felt as if Luke was about to murder someone at any moment. His poor self tried to encourage and pacify the guy, while desperately praying for their mischievous princess to miraculously find her way to the gemstone mine. After all, they all decided to stop here and check out how the mine is doing.
Luke decided to look for her again the very next day. Levi agreed and said that he would go with him. Little did they know that the princess they were looking for was on her way to them.
---
Morning of the next day.
Luke woke up early and started to pack up some essentials for camping. He was going to look for Chalice and he needed the supplies in case it took longer than expected. Luke did not want to fear the worst but he just couldn't visualize Chalice being able to survive in the wilderness for more than a week. After all, Chalice grew up like a flower in a greenhouse. How will she know about surviving in the wild? Luke's heart ached when he thought about how scared she might be.
However, before he could even step out of the gates of the mine camp the officer- in- charge hurriedly called him out.
"What's the matter, Captain Carsein?"
Luke asked when he saw the apprehensive look on the man.
"Sir Luke, warriors of the Keyne tribe are here. They are seeking your audience."
Luke frowned. He obviously knows about the Keyne tribe. But House Amaranth did not have dealings with them nor does Luke know them personally.
"My audience?"
Captain Carsein nodded gravely. He also knows about the Keyne tribe. He was aware of how ferocious their warriors are. Almost to the point of suicide. Those bunch were a groul of battle maniacs. Not to mention, their explosive and forceful martial arts tend to overpower the sleek style of Idalian battle arts.
"Yes, sir Luke. They specifically named you. I say, sir have you offended them somehow? A whole unit of them is outside the mine camp."
Luke was even more baffled at this information though his face remained placid. He did not answer Captain Carsein anymore and proceeded to meet the visitors.
He was walking to the gates when Levi joined him with Rye and Ward in tow. It seems Captain Carsein also informed him about their guests.
When they arrived outside, a burly man in a strange warrior garb stepped forward to meet them.
"Who among you is the man called Luke?"
The warriors gruff voice resounded, Luke stepped out to meet him.
"That would be me. Who might you be, sir?"
The warrior met his eyes and then cupped his fist while bowing. Luke was surprised but kept his cool, returning a small bow of his own.
"My surname is Feng. First name is Yi. Third unit commander of the Sun Dragon Camp of the Keyne Stronghold."
Luke furrowed his brows. What business could make such a higher up of the Keyne Stronghold go personally to the gemstone mine?
Before he could even voice out his questions, a familiar, teasing voice called out to him.
"Hey, Luke, Levi! Did you miss me?"
Luke's breath hitched as his eyes landed on the form of the woman who had driven him desperate with worry the past few days. She was wearing an unusual white robe with long, wide sleeves, embroidered with poppies at the skirt's hem. It was topped with an outer garment that was thin and silky, it shimmered lightly at sunshine struck it. Chalice did not look like someone who just got lost in the forest a few days ago.
Instead, she looked like she got back from a leisurely excursion. Her whole being was similar to that of a celestial. Luke sighed exasperatedly. He really doesn't know how to deal with this woman.
"The hell Princess! Where have you been? What happened to you? Do you know how worried we were? Really, how could you be this selfish? Luke even spent two nights and a day without rest or sleep looking for you at Cloud Forest. In the end, you were just lounging around at the Keyne Stronghold?"
Luke coughed awkwardly as Levi rapidly fired his mouth at their mistress. He didn't stop him because in all honesty, he bore the same sentiments.
Chalice pouted at the both of them and crossed her arms to her chest.
"Hey, it was not my intention to be lost alright. I didn't mean to make you worry. I saw some herbs back then and I thought they'd be useful to us in the long run. Levi, you're such a grouch. I did not lounge around in the Keyne tribe. Much. I also had difficulties, you know."
Chalice spouted of her own tirade and even rolled her eyes at Levi. The people from the Keyne tribe were dumbfounded at the scene. They knew that the woman they were escorting was a notable persona. Anyone who could tame a huge lion like her could never be simple. Yet, the knight was scolding and bickering with her like it was nothing at all while the other man watched without care.
When both sides reached a stalemate, Feng Yi took the chance to intervene and informed them that they will be going back to the Keyne tribe. It was Luke who answered them and gave them his thanks for escorting the lady back.
After the Keyne warriors left, Levi walked out on Chalice which left her with him. Chalice looked at him, aggrieved.
"Are you going to scold me too?"
Luke heard her ask. He stared down at her. All the frustration, the worry, and anxiety vanished when he saw her. But then again, he couldn't her mischief go this time. What happened was too dangerous, even if she returned safe this time.
"No. I'm not gonna scold you. That's Levi's job. I am going to punish you, though."
He said nonchalantly revealing no trace of the relief he was feeling and taking delight in the way her delicate lips widened in disbelief.