All preparation are complete the soldiers successfully took down the tents and repacked all the supply.
It was already 2 in the afternoon when they had finished all their work.
The spare carriage where the bandits were detained is currently being watched by soldiers as the others stood by awaiting their Young Master's orders.
The Fancy yet elegant carriage has a blue precious gem covered with vines, spikes, and a sword in the middle. Can be clearly seen imprinted on the very door of the carriage it was Count's Barrows household crest.
Two-man strolled majestically towards the fancy carriage.
One has blonde hair that shines radiantly under the sun he was wearing a smooth shirt that is buttoned up fully to compliments his sharp jawline. On top of the shirt was a sleek vest with 7 buttons. Giving it more of an outdoor look.
The other one has Platinum hair that flutters from the wind. he was wearing a plain shirt that is half buttoned up, which showcase his beautiful neckline. It was loose-fitting giving the one who wears it have more comfort moving around.
"Young Master Harold preparation are complete. We only wait for your order."
"Good job Cairo."
"It was nothing Young master."
"Everyone listen!" Harold shouted to gain everyone's attention.
The soldiers on standby shift their gaze at the man who shines radiantly under the sun.
"Due to some circumstances, we will be stopping by Duke Jidek's territory. You may as know that we have stumbled upon some bandits on our way to Selene. I also know that you don't want any more burden of keeping guard on bandits. So I decided that we'll hand them at The Duke's Residence, in addition, we'll be staying with them this evening. So move out!"
"HA!" replied the soldiers and started to prepare to depart.
Someone spoke at that moment...
'Woah Art your brother is cool and the people really listened to him they even responded energetically.'
"Yeah, he's the next successor its what you expected.'
'Ohhh We are going to the Duke's Residence right?'
"Yes."
'I can't wait to see the large castle.' Soleis energetically implied.
"Me too."
Xarth was the first one to come inside the carriage, Harold came in second then Cairo, and then lastly Zero.
'Why does he look like he's in a bad mood?'
The sitting arrangement this time was different from before. Harold and Xarth were seated next to each other while Cairo and Zero were on their opposite. Of course Zero was on the opposite side of Xarth making them have their eyes meet ever often.
'I guess I'll be seeing him everywhere I go...Did I make the right choice?... Nothing can change it's already set in stones.'
The carriage started to move on the road leading to Duke Jidek's territory.
'But something is really bothering me.....'
The carriage was very small compared to the size of the tent...One unlucky man was sitting across from the perpetrator who was the cause of his unpleasantness and was currently being bothered by a certain someone or something.
The two men could clearly hear the loud ramblings of the Drunken Blade swearing at Zero with a pretty vicious tone.
'Oi asshole! You cocky motherf*cker! You think your so goddamn strong. Your attitude is really pissing me off. Hey, speak to me! Hey!'
And the rumbling continues...
Zero has a stoic and unbothered expression on his face yet his brows were going downward which is a sign that he was clearly bothered by it.
On the other hand, someone was really having a hard time hiding his inner thoughts. It was none other than Xarth.
'T-This could be a problem.....I-I can't hold it in any much longer.'
He was suppressing the urge of his laughter...
'I can't...I can't laugh, the cool image that I created
will be gone into nothing if I laugh now...Hold it in.'
He was determined to stop himself from laughing he was even willing to go through lengths of pinching his thighs from the side of the carriage so no one would see what he was doing to himself.
'I need to distract myself If this goes on any longer I'll blow my cover...But I'm really curious to know what happened when I've left the room sadly Soleis didn't hear it because he was with me at that time.
Should I ask Zero or the Drunken Blade about it?.... Nevermind, It looks like I'll only have one day to prepare those magic scrolls due to some unforeseen events. Hah...I would really like it if I had two days to spare. To properly prepare the things that I'll need to ensure Harold's and my safety.'
Xarth stared at the view through the window of the carriage keeping himself distracted away from those two idiots.
He begins to think again while silently looking out of the carriage window.
'Duke Jidek Lancaster a man who was described as a warrior among warriors in the novel. The man who has once said that 'To win any battle, you must fight as if you're already dead.' (original quote from Miyamoto Musashi.) I don't particularly know the true meaning behind those words. But I do have an idea about it...I guess I interpreted it like if you want to win the fight then try your utmost best until you drop dead. Well, I don't think I'm right or wrong, there wasn't even an accurate meaning behind those words you could interpret however you like.'
Some time passed and the sun already begins to descend from the far off view on the grassy plain that they have been passing through.
They were stopped by the Forest at the near end of the road. It was acting like a wall to protect something important like a private territory.
"Are we already on Duke Jidek's Territory?" Harold casually asked.
"Yes, Young Master. I believe that his Castle will be visible if we go further ahead inside this enclosed, enormous and humble Forest."
"Well in any aspect we still lack a bit in our territory but that doesn't mean that we can't be compared to this."
"I deeply agree Young Master," Cairo replied passionately.
They continued on the road to only stop because they caught sight at the far right corner of the Forest entrance where a guard post was stationed while bearing their pride and joy. The flag is embedded with the crest of the prestigious Lancaster Household.
The flag is made up of three horizontal stripes and a triangle in dark orange, dark gold, and blue.
Their emblem consists of two lions with a sword on either side, the emblem is part of the standard flag and thus shown all the time.
The emblem stands for their aptitude, their lineage, and their prowess.
Three men halted Xarth and his companions before entering.
"We humbly welcome Count Barrows to our Territory." The guard wholeheartedly greeted while bowing his head."
"We were already informed of your arrival we'll assist you in any means until you and your companions are safely at the main gate of the Castle."
Harold opened the carriage door and thanked the guards who were constantly guarding their threshold and was even willing to accommodate them earnestly.
'They are really accommodating, Well it is to be expected of a high ranking noble.' Xarth thought to himself while looking at Harold smiling and thanking the guards.
The three men moved out of the way. they ran towards the backside of the guard post to get their horses so they could lead the way.
Xarth and the others resumed going inside at the opening of the forest.
The forest was humble, impenetrable, and rich. Its canopy was claimed by larch, walnut, and cypress, and the occasional beam of light that made its way through the canopy allowed for a hodgepodge of herbs to spread in the flat, fertile grounds below.
Swooping tree limbs clung to every tree, and an array of flowers, which clung to any space they could find, enhanced the otherwise unchanging view.
A mishmash of sounds, predominantly those of bird songs, filled the air and were accompanied by the croaks of frogs in the nearby ponds.
'ART! This place is filled with dense mana! I could clearly detect the thick barrier made surrounding it.'
'That's cool wonder if I could use mana to create spells. According to Soleis he awakens my mana core then that means I could probably create something like that...I'll test it out later.'
They continued moving until the sun has completely set.
'We've been traveling for so long that my ass hurts. When are we going to get there?'
*NEIGHHHHH
The three-guard stopped so as Xarth and his companions took a glance at the wall that is emitting a vibe that can't be penetrated.
"We'll be parting our ways here. Count Barrows, please have a great stay at the City of Life."
The three men rode off on their horses and left without saying anything further.
The City of Clona formed on the right side of woodlands rich in nature's mana, the megalopolis of Clona is home to humans leads by Duke Jidek.
This city wasn't built on woodlands by accident, as it has different escape routes, which is of great importance to the people of Clona and its success.
The city itself looks impressive. With its ironwood rooftops, shingle walls and huge oak tree, Clona really has a captivating atmosphere.
The main attraction is the large park, which was built 2000 years ago and designed by the Lion Beast tribe who were the ones that used to live here from way back even before the continental times.
Clona has a rich economy, which is mainly supported by trade, armorsmithing, and producing prestigious soldiers for the Kingdom like the Barrows Household. But their biggest strengths are intricate swordsmanship that is passed down to every knight in the city and then there is their most proud of is the advanced healing potions that are even given the name of 'Elixir of life'.
This was the reason why Duke Jidek was reckless in fighting any battlefield he came across, it was because he trusted his people who were responsible for creating this so-called Elixir of life which cost a hefty price.
However, Clona has quite a disadvantage they are near the forbidden area which is where wandering souls who died from inhumane acts can spawn causing this place to be surrounded by such nightmares.
Despite its strengths and weaknesses, Clona is most likely headed towards a delightful future under the reign of Duke Jidek.
Xarth took a glance at the outside of the window...
The city was buzzing with joy and was shrouded by fairy lights that are known for their beautiful sparks under the night sky and by all means no type of disturbance can be seen nor felt, it was peaceful. The people were happily dancing to the music on the streets played by a group of musicians performing to their heart's content.
'This place is amazing! It's lively... Clearly, that's one of the reasons why they considered this city to be called 'City of life' literally everything in here is alive.'
The large castle in the distance was lit up brightly you could even see hundreds of rooms were currently lit inside the humongous castle.
'That's the Duke's castle what could I say!? I'm speechless. To be able to witness and enter such things.'
Then suddenly someone started tugging on Xarth's sleeves.
"Xarth!"
"H-Huh? What?"
"I've been calling you three times already and your still not responding."
"Excuse me, So why were you calling me?"
"Since we're here do you want to buy something my treat?"
'Your attention these days is awfully on me a lot ...This could be an issue. If he were to follow me in the black market then he'll get mixed up in the mess or he'll know what I was planning to do and he would definitely forbid me from going out and bringing dishonor to our household. I'll think of a way later. Anyway, that offer is frankly appealing to me, you see I'm hungry right now.'
"Then can you buy me apple pie?"
"Okay! Cairo buys some of the best apple pie. Later on, bring it to the inn where we're supposed to stay in."
"Understood." Cairo lowered his head after the response.