While Leticia was busy with the stall owner, the northern entrance gate of the Erstonia empire begun to open and the sudden crowd of people started to cheer like there is no tomorrow.
"They're back!"
"Lord Rozen, our hero is back!"
"The Duke is so handsome! It's almost a sin!"
"Long live the Bloodstained Cardinal! Long live Duke Rozen!"
The audience was a sea of smiles, a chorus of clamorous gentle hearts awaiting the duke's arrival.
Screams of compliments and admirations filled the street which turned the atmosphere festive.
As Dylan gracefully walks his way into the city of Bamburgh, fallen flower petals showered the sky and stars filled the longing eyes of the young ladies, eagerly yearning for his attention.
The elegance, the nobility, everything about him is beyond perfect.
Dylan on the other hand couldn't be bothered by all of this. All he cared for is to go to the imperial palace and finish whatever business they have with him at once.
He had to because more than half of his thoughts filled with the lady he met at the cave. It still isn't too late to go search for her. He hastened his strides with his eyes fixated at the silhouette of the Imperial palace, standing magnificently at the end.
Beyond the door of the audience room of the imperial palace, the guard announces the arrival of the duke.
"Duke Dylan Caess Rozen and his aide has arrived and requests a royal audience with His Majesty!"
"Escort him in!" A certain individual responded.
The door opened and what welcomed them was a red carpet with the finest quality with several gentlemen lining orderly on the side.
On the throne seated a man close to his age with raven black hair, face resting on his right hand.
"I greet His Imperial Majesty, the sun of Erstonia empire, Emperor Karlzen Auger de Erstonia." Dylan, together with his aide kneeled before the presence of the emperor.
The emperor did not say anything in response. He merely waved his hand and the royal court step forward and began to read the royal order.
"To the most gallant, the Bloodstained Cardinal, Sir Dylan Caess Rozen. We have received word that the Witch of Misery has been sighted near town Ebony. Thus, we humbly request for you along with your men to aid Sir Dirk Felnoir for the search of this so called witch. Disposing this witch will be regarded as your top priority and assure our people of their safety. We highly expect great things and eagerly awaits a favorable outcome from your lordship. May the desirable prosperity of your generosity be preserved always."
Town of Ebony? That's the town near the cave where Dylan rested. A possibility that the lady is residing there isn't void. And upon realizing this, Dylan swiftly gave his response.
"I hear and received the order, Your Majesty."
Karlzen peered at Dylan with eyes frozen over like the surface of a winter puddle.
"Do not disappoint me, Duke." He rose from his throne to the door, leaving only these words for Dylan.
Dylan continued to stay tight-lipped, waiting for the emperor to leave until none of his figure remained.
"Pash, let's go back to the mansion and prepare my incognito wear for me. We're going around town to check if there are some information regarding this witch of misery." Dylan ordered as he stood up.
"Understood, General." Pash, Dylan's close aide and his right-hand followed behind him. And without a moment's delay, they instantly made their way back to the house of Rozen.
Meanwhile, at the Boar's Fang Guild's reception...
"Miss, I want to make an escorting request to this forest here. Can I ask for your help?" Leticia asked the representative.
"Of course! For how many days would you want the escorting lasts?"
"Three days and only for half a day each."
"Then that would be nine gold coins in total."
Nine gold coins?! That much?! Leticia could feel the sweat on her back upon hearing the price of her request.
However, she could still try to bargain with her as to lower the price as much as she can.
So this is what they call the battle of the prices.
"M-miss, is there any way to lower the price? Even just a little bit?"
Leticia desperately tried to haggle down the price. However, to her dismay...
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. This is already the lowest that we could make. If we lower the price more than this then I'm afraid no one would want to take your request."
Oh no, what should I do? I might not even make it by the end of the month if I spend money like water like this.
Leticia was put in a dilemma. She clenched her purse tightly, uncertain whether it is wise to spend this much money to hire an escort.
However, she couldn't risk it. She didn't have that much money with her to begin with, so extravagant spending is the last thing she should be doing. She needs to look for alternative even if it's the last thing she do.
"I'm sorry, Miss. But I do not have enough money with me right now. I will come back once I gather them." Leticia said, apologetic.
"I understand, Ma'am. I will be here whenever you're ready to make your request."
With that, Leticia left the guild dispirited. There should be another way to hire an escort for a cheaper price. If worse comes to worst, she was prepared to go by herself fully determined.
Once again, she spread the map open to look for other places that is likely to offer a bodyguard service.
However, unbeknownst to her, a hooded man was also looking through a map and completely disregarded his surroundings that he did not notice Leticia in front him.
He bumped Leticia's shoulder and with a thud, Leticia fell down on her knees.
"Ouch..." She groaned in pain.
Albeit her obvious groaning, the hooded man didn't halt his steps and continued to walk. He didn't even bother to look at her much less offer her his help.
"That jerk..." Leticia was very annoyed by the attitude the man had displayed. He was the one who bumped into her, how come he's not even coming to apologize?
"Hey!" Leticia called for the man's attention.
To her surprise, the man ignored her again.
Bastard!
Leticia was very furious. He ignored her twice without even batting an eyelid. So, she ran to him and pulled his collar to her face.
"I said, hey! Are you deaf?"