Traveling again, everyone was separated into two carriages. The main carriage and supply carriage. The main carriage had a servant driving, Alter as co-pilot, the princess, two servant guards, Lola, and Ritzy. Plus all of Ritzy's and Princess's essentials.
The second carriage carried all the slaves, the rest of the servants and knights, and all secondary luggage. For example the tents, food rations, weapons, and other miscellaneous items.
Traveling for a couple of hours, they finally arrived at the port city; Darya. The city had no outside wall barrier since most attacks came from people trying to conquer from the sea. Also since it's a trading city backed by the royal family, many thieves and criminals reside in the forest surrounding the city. Making a natural border to any incoming attacks from land while robbing all incoming merchants trying to sell at the city.
The reason the criminals haven't attack the city is that they're one of the main contributors to the city. Even though it's back by royalty, the city does illegal and immoral deals with its nearby criminal groups.
Anything the criminals would steal, the city will buy with no questions asked. In turn, the criminals would have a stable income but also the city would have a defense. There are also deals where officials would be allowed to pass with no problems in areas where visitors would be ambushed and stolen from.
Reaching the city entrance, there were two guards scanning all people coming in. They weren't checking for criminals or dangerous people but taking tolls from incoming people.
Reaching the entrance checkpoint, the guard approached the servant driver of Ritzy's carriage.
"Name of your group and reason for being here?".
Servant,
"We're subjects of the Reds family and we're giving safe transportation to a lower-ranked noble".
Guard,
"To where are you going".
As the servant was about to say they were going to the elf magic school, Ritzy spoke loudly with a sense of annoyance.
"What's taking so long? Remember this is our first guard mission. We need to get to Giant territory ports before next week!".
The servant was confused but Alter quickly reacted.
"Don't worry Lord, we're just passing through customs and we'll be there soon".
Alter then turn to the guard,
"We're going to Giant territory, do you know where we can rent boats or pay a service to take us and our carriages to Giant territory?".
Guard,
"Oh, yes of course. If you go straight to the last road before the beach, take a left and you'll see many boat transportation businesses. I recommend the Rough Stone Guild, they provide the best sea travel service".
Alter,
"Thank you".
Guard,
"Okay, since nothing seems to be wrong here. All you need is to pay the tool. For two carriages, you'll need to pay 8 iron coins".
Alter,
"Yes, of course".
Alter reached into his coin sack and took out 4 iron coins to hand to the guard. The coin sack was given to him by Lord Christopher. Christopher had given him 5 silver coins worth in copper and iron for any expenses. Alter had a percentage on him and the rest in his personal luggage.
The guard took the coins and then stepped out of the way.
"Good luck with your trip".
The carriage passed the guards and now they were in the city. Traveling through the city, they reached the area the guard spoke off.
It was a stone trail with lines of shops and guild buildings. Walking past the stores and guild buildings, Ritzy spoke,
"Diana, do you have the money to buy a ship?".
Everyone in the carriage turned to look at Ritzy, confused and surprised in what he said.
Luci shouted,
"Your address her properly you damn mongrel? Wait, don't tell me you're trying to court her?".
When speaking to nobles, it's customary to address them with their title but if you address them by name. It means their either someone you consider family or trying to start a relationship with.
Luci shouting caused many nearby people to look at them. The carriage has no roof or walls. Only a fence with chairs to sit on so everyone saw and heard Luci's remark.
Ritzy became annoyed but he presented himself as a confident young noble. Ritzy placed his hand on Princess Diana's hand and spoke with emotional words.
Ritzy,
"Even though my noble rank is much higher than your Diana, I wish to be with you. That night we meet back at my family ball, all those words I said to you were genuine. Just say the word and I'll marry you".
Diana realized this was all an act to deter all suspicion and fix her servant's mistake but she still became bashful. She wasn't sure if it was because of the embarrassment of acting, or Ritzy's romantic actions.
Diana,
"Give me time, I-I'm not sure".
The people in the carriage were confused at first but then realized this was all an act. At the same time, the people walking nearby were star struck. It was extremely rare for someone to marry someone of a lower rank than them. Normally nobles married people of the same status.
The carriage continued moving and Ritzy whispered loud enough for everyone in the carriage to hear but not outside.
"Do not mention her being royalty or there will be dire consequences!".
Everyone whispered loudly,
"Yes!".
Removing his grasp from Diana's hand, Ritzy sat back down and spoke normally.
"So can we get a boat, Diana?".
Diana,
"I can't afford one at the moment, but isn't it fine to just pay someone to bring us?".
Ritzy sighed from Diana saying no but he still gave an answer,
"No, if Deriver family owns this port city and they're after you. They will have vigilant watch on all people getting travel service to the elf territory".
Alter,
"But Lord, you must also remember that none of us know how to use a ship? Especially a large enough one to carry all of us".
Ritzy,
"That part isn't the problem, I can solve that easily".
Servant driving carriage,
"Lord Ritzy, so where are we going currently".
Ritzy,
"Stop at and adequate inn, we'll be staying here for the night while I solve our transportation problem".