Eldred took a sip of the tea that Kairlt had just made. Then he continued his speech. "I don't know what put the Elfair nation in such a state of crisis lately."
"What you mean?" Kairlt was so shocked to hear what the albino haired Elfair who was sitting nearby had just said. "I always monitor every area in Elfair's territory, and for some reason every day I see people or animals dying there. I don't know why. Maybe it's related to some devil's curse or something." Eldred clearly furrowed his brows.
Kairlt swallowed hard trying to digest every word that just came out of Eldred's mouth. "Do you know about the Crystal Legend that has been mysterious for centuries on this continent?" Eldred was trying to ask something like a treasure that had really become of great importance to him now.
"So you guys came all the way here just to look for that crap Crystal?" Kailt said in an even tone.
Eldred raised one eyebrow. "But Lord Hardikha believes in the existence of that thing" said Eldred with a serious face. Kairlt nodded firmly. "I know that too. The ancestors of the Elfairites believed in that legendary item. Because it belongs to the Elfair people who have been lost to the ages." Kailt said.
"Belonging to the Elfairites?"
"Yeah. I'm the same as you, I believe in the existence of that thing even if it's just bullshit." Kailt answered very confidently. "And you know?" he continued. "That crystal is the protection of the Elfairites when they are in ruins or something."
"But I don't know much about that thing. Maybe you can go to the public library tomorrow, to find out the details." Kairlt tried to give advice to the two people nearby.
"But we have to go to the palace first before we can roam freely in this trash city." Eldred folded his arms under his chest, remembering that experience that nearly made him lose control.
"Hahaha. That's so true, you know? What are the Gracylia kingdom's rules like." said Kenley, just joining in. Since then he could only listen to the chatter of the two Elfairs in front of him, enjoying the hot tea that Kairlt served them.
Kairlt nodded with a wry smile. He knows how cruel the humans of the past were. That's why until now the regulations for permits to enter the territory have been enforced by both the nation and the kingdom.
"Well, I just happen to have a small barn with just a pile of sacks of flour and wheat. I think that has enough room for you guys. Kairlt said, standing up.
The two of them followed the Elfair from behind until they finally arrived in front of a wooden door with an oil lamp hanging down. "I don't have enough space for my bakery, so this is all I have." Kairlt opened the locked door.
"Alright no problem Kairlt, We don't mind." said Eldred as he walked in. "Kairlt" he continued preventing Kairlt who was about to return to the kitchen.
"May we stay here for a few days, while we search for information? We're saving money for future troubles." He said at the door.
"That's up to you. As long as the Elfairites return to glory." Kairlt said walking away. Kenley lay down on the cold wooden floor. But he didn't care, he was just sleepy at the moment. Just traveling all day had exhausted him since he stepped foot from Myrana towards the capital of Gracylia yesterday.
Eldred put the bow, as well as the sling bag containing the map into Kairlt's empty staple storage chest. He felt that today was his lucky day because he didn't spend a dime. But if maybe later he started to run out of money, he couldn't help but rely on Kenley's talent to rob.
Then the blue-eyed Elfair lay down on the floor, not far from Kenley who seemed to have started to fall asleep. Even though his scent was filled with the smell of wheat and flour, he didn't care. He tried to make himself feel comfortable.
Many things crossed his head, including about the Elfair and Hamoursh who fell in love with each other. This is what he knows is very deviant. He tried not to close his eyes because he didn't want a more tiring tomorrow to pass quickly. But the sleepiness is undeniable. He closed his eyes then fell asleep.
****
Early in the morning before sunrise, the two people had already woken up and looked ready to start their journey in this capital. Kairlt prepared two cups of tea, and two handfuls of whole-grain bread on a tray, then set them on the table. He is also preparing to open his bakery.
"When you get to the palace, make sure the permissions you give are clear enough." Kailt said. Eldred nodded. "And what a coincidence, today in the capital there will be a Harvest Festival. That means you can go to the palace without the crowds knowing. Because people are busy with the Festival." said the chattering Kailt. "Where is the Festival held?" Kenley asked.
"I heard they will hold this Festival in the city park" Kairlt said again as he cleaned up. "Where is the right way to get to the palace without having to go through the crowds?" Eldred frowned. "You just have to go through the crossroads from here, then you pass several small roads in front of it. Remember, those roads can only be used by pedestrians. And after that you will see some towering towers. That means the palace is near." explained Kailt.
"Yeah, you're actually quite close to Gracylia's palace, if you know the exact route by heart." Kairlt opened the door of his bakery.
"So what are you waiting for?" he said then. Kenley and Eldred smiled wryly. Admiring the experience that Elfair had in this capital. They had arrived at the door, it was still dark outside. The air was cold. They can feel nothing but confidence in themselves. They had to hurry up quickly before the people in this town were bustling with activity again.
"Alright, We'll probably be back a little late." said Eldred hastily finished the breakfast that Kailt had prepared on the table. The two of them ran out of the bakery.
They left Kailt's bakery for their journey to Gracylia's castle. The place of honor of the Hamoursh nation.
They walked along the sidewalk by the side of the road, seeing the situation that was already starting to look like people passing by. There were several Vlatsh haulers starting to be seen on the road. Even some shops or shops are starting to look like they are open.
The two of them took the path that Kailt had told them earlier. Up ahead, there was an intersection that Kailt meant. Eldred and Kenley ran so they could quickly get to the palace.
And Kairlt was right, after they arrived at the intersection, there was a small path between the buildings that stood flanking the road. Kenley thought it might be this early in the morning, There were several people busy preparing for their Harvest Festival event in the city park. No wonder last night he saw that there were several banners displayed at the entrance to the park. Because he was sleepy last night, he didn't care.
They headed east, right where the Gracylia kingdom stood majestically with the light of the morning sun beginning to peek shyly. Things were starting to get light when they arrived at a small road. A road that only pedestrians can pass. Truly, the road made anyone who passed it feel stuffy. Naturally, the surroundings are filled with buildings.
After their haste from running, they finally saw the end of this road. They exited the narrow path until they finally arrived at a wall that towered quite high. If they looked from up there, maybe the sun was getting more and more fully up.
They searched for the right route to arrive in front of the palace gates without having to involve emotions. Kenley thought of just trying to sneak by climbing this wall. But he realized that was not the right way. That's called smuggling. And he didn't know what would happen to them after that if they actually sneaked into the palace.
He retraced his path to the south. Until finally arrived at a courtyard made of rocks filled with grass. They arrived in front of the gate to Gracylia's castle. There stood two gatekeepers dressed as soldiers. But neither Eldred nor Kenley knew they were just useless royal trash. It was only natural for the two of them to think so, because the two soldiers were still fast asleep.
"If I were you, I would do my best to just sneak into this gate." said Eldred who was now near the lazy people. Kenley smiled wryly, then he tapped his hand on the metal gate repeatedly, hoping that the two people in front of him would wake up soon.
"What kind of soldiers are you lounging around like that? I forgot, you're only just guards at the palace gates, right?" Kenley said in an even tone that sounded condescending. The two of them tried to regain consciousness before they could clearly hear what they had just heard.
"Who are you guys?" said a soldier. "We want to meet the King of this Gracylia kingdom because there is an important business" said Eldred politely. The two people finally allowed them to enter the Gracylia kingdom's territory, after seeing and realizing Eldred was an Elfair. They stepped on their feet, entering the vast territory of the Gracylia kingdom. Kenley really felt that he was in a different Nylon valley. Naturally, this is the first time he has lifted his legs from the small town where he lives in Ortania.
The two of them walked on the same cobblestone path as in front of the royal gate. From there, they could see how big Gracylia's palace was, which was decorated with red gemstones and the roof of the tower was red. The sun peeked out from behind the big tower.
To the right of Kenley walking, he saw that there were some shady trees that were there. Not to forget, a lake that seems to be artificial, adorns the courtyard of the Gracylia kingdom. A group of swans was seen decorating around the lake.
Eldred just realized that the lake wasn't depicted on his map because it wasn't big enough compared to the lake south of the capital.
When the two of them were not far from the fountain that looked great, he accidentally saw a girl wearing a white silk dress. The girl was busy feeding the pigeons that were scattered on the ground, eating the seeds that the girl gave.
Kenley thought that she was a Princess in this Gracylia kingdom. because very clearly, a crown decorated with small diamonds was above the girl's head. Her black hair, which was tied in a braid behind her, seemed to give her a graceful nature.
Eldred cleared his throat, aiming for the girl to turn her face to them. He also realized this and suddenly made him a little surprised, almost spilling the rattan basket containing the bird's food.
"Sorry if we surprised you, princess," said Eldred, bowing his head in respect. "Our arrival is only to meet with His Majesty the King of Gracylia," he continued later.
The girl who looked like a princess rose from her place, approaching the two of them. After they faced each other, the girl was only shoulder-high for the two of them. The girl then smiled.
"Okay, I'll take you to my father." he said then walked towards the majestic white palace. The two of them followed behind him. The girl paused for a moment to let Eldred and Kenley precede her, then walked beside her.
"What is your name?" the girl asked curiously. "My name is Eldred Carlton princess, and this is my friend. Kenley Rhys." said Eldred smiling politely. "My name is Schayna Gracylia," She said later.
Princess Schayna walked over holding her oversized dress with one hand. "Are you an Elfair?" asked Princess Schayna as soon as she realized that the person walking beside her wasn't just a human. Eldred nodded. "Well usually when an Elfair comes to this Gracylia palace, there is an urgent need! Alright, we have to hurry." said princess Schayna hastening her pace.
They rushed towards the building adorned with red gems shining in the morning sun, which seemed to be getting close.
Princess Schayna was greeted by the guards guarding the palace entrance. As if it had become a matter of course, Princess Schayna dispelled him. "Father!" said Princess Schayna then ran towards the throne of the father who was seen talking to the royal advisor. The King of Gracylia became distracted by his daughter's voice.
"Father, we have guests." said Princess Schayna without looking at the image of her father who was actually a King. The King of Gracylia looked at the two guests his son meant. One had pointed ears, and with blue eyes, he was from the Elfairites. While the other one is dressed like a normal human.
"Greetings," they said almost at the same time. Then bowed his body, put his right hand in front of his stomach, saluted. Eldred knew very well how to pay homage to a leader, or an honorable person like the King or the elders of his people. Because he himself often faced Lord Hardikha or people who were higher in rank than him in the Fcycila kingdom of the Elfair region.
"I came to the Hamoursh region because of an important business from Lord Hardikha, therefore I would like to ask your permission first before carrying out the task I am carrying out." said Eldred. "I understand very well if someone with fairy blood comes here." the King signaled to one of the royal guards to get a letter of agreement.
He brought him a sheet of paper and ink and a pen made of Agglen feathers. Agglen birds are wild birds that are often seen flying in the sky of Gracylia first. they live in groups and are migratory birds originating from the arid plains in the still desert region of the eastern city of Khilman, the continent of Magire Kivanal. They had golden red fur that seemed to sparkle like fire. That's why the people in the Khilman city area consider them lucky birds, because the golden feathers on their bodies are believed to be able to cure even severe diseases. Because the feathers of the Agglen bird contain oil, its population and existence are threatened with extinction. Many people are hunting it for sale.
On the paper that was brought, contained an agreement that Eldred might have to sign. His Majesty the King of Gracylia gave the letter of agreement to Eldred for him to sign.
Eldred did as His Majesty the King of Gracylia ordered. He scribbled on the paper with the stroke of a quill dipped in ink. With that means Eldred must obey all the rules that are applied on a piece of paper made by the leader of the Hamoursh nation.
After Eldred signed the agreement and permit, the two of them saluted and then turned around, rushing out of the palace. As if she was coming and going quickly, Princess Schayna seemed to want to stop the two young men from rushing. But he gave up his intention because it was true that they were on important business. So Princess Schayna just let it go.
"Where is the Elfair Territory, father?" asked the curious Princess Schayna. His father didn't answer right away. "Why are you suddenly asking that?" his father even asked his daughter back. "I was just curious." said the daughter of Schayna, watching the two of them drift away, then disappear.
"The Elfair Territory is located to the south of the Kivanal Magire Continent. If a human tries to infiltrate the Elfair Territory, then he or she will be punished. And vice versa." said the King of Gracylia.
"That's why since a long time ago, the agreement on paper was enforced by both parties." continued his father as he stood. "Hurry," he said before continuing. "You should prepare for the Harvest Festival in town." said the father who then left his daughter.
****