In the midst of the crowded street, two suspicious men wearing black robes were escorting a cute little girl that obviously wouldn't be their daughter.
" did they kidnap her? Should we call the gourds?"
" she doesn't look hurt, maybe they are her acquaintances or something "
" just now, the shorter man's voice was somehow familiar "
As Maitea happily hopped from a stall to another, both Bernard and Jennings were having a tough time trying to act normal. In the past, no one ever suspected the master whenever he went down the streets, with his gentle and fair looks, who would think that he abducted a child?
On the other hand, Bernard and Jennings, as an emperor and grand general, are easily recognizable in the Empire, naturally they had to cover their faces. Ending up looking like criminals and gangsters.
After half an hour of avoiding gazes and the awkward pressure, the group finally reached to Alara city mayor's state.
" Stop right there!! Who are you?! What is your business here?!"
As they were trying to sneak in, a patrol gourd caught them climbing the wall. Who dared to kidnap a child from the mayor's state, the place where the Emperor himself was staying at no less!!
" release the kid! Or else I will use force!"
The gourd shouted as he unsheathed his sword towards the two suspicious men.
"Woh, young man, calm down it's just us".
Bernard removed the top that covered his face. causing commotion and attracting more people wasn't a good idea, what will his people say if they knew that their Emperor was sneaking into other people's houses like a thief?
"Oh my god, general! I never thought that you were shameless enough to kidnap childre- "
The gourd suddenly stopped when his eyes fell on Jennings, he absolutely can't mistake that figure, especially when he was accompanying general Egerton.
" wait, is that...EEEK!! YOUR MAJESTY!!!!!"
In a moment of panic, the gourd quickly threw his sword and heavily slammed his forehead on the ground, kowtowing towards Jennings.
" I HAVE COMMITTED A SIN!! FOR POINTING MY SWORD AT YOUR MAJESTY! THIS LOW LIFE DESERVES THE WORST DEATH!!"
"Ahaha, it's okay, it's okay. Rather, I am quite impressed, the fact that even we got caught means that you guys are doing a great job. I appreciate your hard work "
Jennings awkwardly laughed as he waved his hand for the man to stand straight. Offending the Imperial family is a crime that can lead to a fate worse than dog's. Well, such a thing would never happen with the softhearted Jennings as the Emperor. The man had a cursed son, yet didn't kill him nor imprisoned him in a creepy tower like how usually main character's parents do.
' he is as unnecessarily too kind as ever.....not of my business anymore '
Their relationship wasn't the same as before.
" Just don't tell anyone about this. Or prepare to be buried alive"
Although Bernard meant it when he said his threat, the gourd did not take him seriously. Bernard was known to be the slothy drunkard general that can beat your ass, he is strong and capable, yet too lazy to beat some manners in his soldiers and knights.
The gourd watched the group of two men and cutie-pie child walk away, when suddenly a thought crossed his mind.
'.....who was that little girl anyways?'
******
" brother, sleepy"
Said Maitea as she pulled on Bernard's slaves. They have just finished discussing the changes of the sublime tour ceremony schedule, turning it to suit both Maitea's sudden appearance and Bernard's future long journey.
" little Ma wants to sleep? Can you wait a minute for brother to finish things?"
Bernard caressed his sister's head after seeing her obediently nod her head despite looking so tired. at that time he heard Jennings's concerned voice.
" does the ancestor have any enemies?"
"None that I can't keep in check"
While Jennings was feeling depressed by the fact that Bernard used ( I ) not ( we), obviously telling him not to involve himself too much in the matter. Bernard had realized something worrisome.
'.....would those bastards come after Maitea even at the imperial palace..?'
Attacking the imperial palace wasn't something even a whole kingdom would blindly do, let alone the reputation of a devil crown prince was enough to chase away the cowards. Yet, Bernard's heart couldn't ease.
' Should I change her appearance? No, brown hair and green eyes are pretty common....the identity?'.
As he was drowned in his thoughts, Bernard felt tiny hands warping around his tight. Seems like Maitea was too sleepy so she urged her brother to finish his work quickly.
Bernard picked the little girl on his arms saying:" baby girl, do you mind if I change your name for a little while? There are bad guys who will come to Maitea if they knew that you are alone".
Maitea who was resting her head on Bernard's shoulder answered in sleepy voice:" I am not alone, I will be with his majesty. But will like any name brother picks for me".
" is that so? Then how about....."
Bernard paused for a good while then continued.
< My Heaven >
Hearing that name, Jennings commented:" ah, such a name is rare here in Sitia, it suits little Ma- I mean Everly ".
However, Maitea was already sound asleep by that time, deep in her dreams, waiting for future.
End volume 3.