She is famous in the whole Empire as a symbol of perfection.
She is the princess do we need to kneel?
Absolutely not, Adventurers do not come under any Empire. The same is the case with members of the church.
Even so, Demigods are exempted from the rules of humans itself.
The Princess could be described as a young woman who could only be described as beautiful appeared.
Her light sky blue hair flowed gracefully to her waist. Her eyes were blue as the sky. Her stunning body made the simple white dress she wore mesmerizing. In addition, her porcelain white skin reflected the morning light, making her shine even more radiantly. The Princess walked slowly, gracefully towards me.
"Forgive me for Sir Guardian behaviour. But I can assure you are free to go and no need to escort us. Empire never interferes in lives of Demigods."
Wise and smart just as rumoured. Beauty and Wisdom in the same flesh and bones.
... Her impression rose in my mind involuntarily.
For a twenty-six-year-old Girl, the mind and power she posses can be said to be extraordinary.
She is at seventh later of cultivation. If I remember at the time she graduated from Imperial Institute she was in the sixth layer.
In the Imperial Institute, people consider her as a benchmark.
"Not at all, your highness. I would also be pleased to know more about Empire. I have just recently moved to Arcadian Empire"
She nodded.
It isn't rare for demigods to travel between Empires.
"Why don't we talk inside the carriage. If possible I would like to hear more about you while travelling together to Imperial Capital."
"Of course, it will be my pleasure."
"Ari-..Princess but you can't take him inside your personal carriage."
How can a Dog be a Dog if it didn't bark?
"And who are you to stop me?" I glared at him with a hint of killing intent.
"I-I am personal bodyguard of princess and leader of Arcadian Empire second squadron."
"Oh, thank you. C'mon Austin, Mia and Rafael follow me inside."
"Can we come inside?" Mia asked with suspicion.
For me and Austin, the Imperial Family is not a big deal considering our power level.
But for A-rank Adventurers meeting members of the Imperial Family can be said a Dream.
I looked to Princess for her opinion. It will be rude to just force my way in.
"By all means, you can. You are esteemed friends of our saviour. I will be honoured to welcome you."
William wanted to say something but Aria glared at him.
"I see. Then shall we depart now?"
"Yes." William agreed unwillingly.
William opened the carriage door and waited for the princess to enter. Before going in, the princess turned towards us.
"Come inside, the carriage has enough space for all of us.."
"Sure."
The princess entered the carriage, followed by William. Since he was the princess's personal guard, he was permitted to join her in her carriage. That way, he could immediately protect the princess in case something unprecedented happened.
Though, that was what he used as an excuse to enter inside.
I entered as inside as well followed by Austin and others.
Its interiors were simple but elegant and cosy. The seats were cushioned with Cartina feathers and covered in Yira's cotton and Heria's linen which guaranteed comfort even on long journeys. They were all magical beasts which materials were frequently requested to the guild. The requests regarding these magic beasts were rank B due the habitats which these magic beasts could be found. They were filled with other dangerous monsters which in turn, made hunting these beasts very dangerous. In addition, they were rare, rare enough that obtaining two or three would already be considered very lucky.
To have such materials for cushioning proves that this carriage was owned by high ranked nobles and rich merchants.
Its outside appearance, however, does not exude a luxurious air at all. Slightly above average, but not more than that. It was on the level of a lower noble's carriage used by the second or third child to do some errands.
...A camouflage.
There were were 4 seats on all three sides of the carriage.
I was sitting inbetween Austin and William. In front of us was Princess sitting in a complete seat alone.
Mia and Rafael seated in the seat straight vertical to the entrance.
After we departed. The princess began smiling towards William.
"You can relax now, William."
"B-But princess..."
"Aren't you inside for my protection already?"
"Y-Yes."
Don't tell me, this William has a secret crush on the princess.
Princess and her knight , hehe.
"Don't worry bro, I am not interested in your princess." I tapped William on his back to relieve him.
William stood up angrily. "Don't be impudent Adventurer, we don't have any relationship."
Mia and Rafael who was in awe of the carriage looked at him in confusion.
Huh, this is even more interesting. "Really, then allow me to look through your thoughts."
"T-That you can't."
"Why?" I said amused.
"Sir Leon please forgive him. His intention was not to offend you. He is just warry of strangers."
"I was just genuinely concerned about him." He is just a clown, no need to take care of him right now.
"So, Princess..."
"Aria."
"Okay, Miss Ari-..."
"Without the ms."
"..."
"...I-I understand, Aria."
"Ehehehe~"
Aria's smile was more radiant than ever when she finally had me say her name. Letting someone call her by her name was a sign that she liked that person and wanted to get closer to them on a personal level. Of course she made that decision after she looked at him with her unique spell to confirm his character.
That was also the reason why only two, including Leon, have ever passed her test. Although there were other people whose aura wasn't as filthy as those greedy and corrupt noblemen, they didn't pique her interest as much. Thus, she only maintained a friendly relationship with them.
... Is this chick alright.
Don't tell me she is interested in me because I can't see a glimpse of it in her eyes.
I looked at her only to find her smiling gracefully.
Take a deep breath Leon, control...control yourself...she is just a girl.
"Austin...hold me please before I do something which I shouldn't."
Austin watched in bewilderment.
Aria giggled. "Ehehehe~Don't misunderstand Sir Leon. You are my saviour there is no need for formalities."
"The Guardian would have saved you regardless."
"Only me, not others."
She is right.
"Then allow me to call you Aria. Just call me Leon. I am not used to 'sir'."
"Sure."
"So...Aria, do you knew the name of the Guardian who was Guarding you previously."
"Yes, I knew. But sorry to say, I can't tell it to people other than members of the Imperial Family."
"Ah, no problem."
"...it would have been another story if you were a member of Imperial Family." She whispered in low voice.
But the Carriage was extremely quiet and it could be heard by everyone.
What is she signalling? Are princesses in this world so bold?
The corners of William's mouth twitched.
Mia and Rafael stared at Aria in shock only to find her smiling innocently like she said nothing abnormal. The image of graceful and elegant princess shattered in their minds.
"Uhm, excuse me. Do you know who would want to attack you?"
Mia asked the princess as politely as possible since she was not used to talking with royalty.
"No idea."
"I see."
"It must be bastards from Maxwell house. They are creating a lot of trouble in Empire recently." William cursed.
Maxwell house? Isn't it one of the three most influential houses. If I am not wrong they control the merchant groups in Empire.
"What about Maxwell's," I asked Aria.
"Nothing, just Empire internal disputes." Aria said briefly.
She wasn't in the mood to talk about these matters.
Rather, William spoke disgusted. "Because of those bastards now Princess has become a bargaining chip."
Aria frowned.
Hmm...? Interesting.
He isn't that useless. Can consider sparing his life.
...At this moment William didn't knew, unknowingly he had saved his own life.
"Bargaining chip??"