Inside the carriage, Neirin busied herself with a few documents reading. Vincent had done the same by reading his academic books, afraid that he would be left behind by some topics he needed to study for their exam. Vincent only had a few weeks before the academy started its first exam.
During their whole ride until now, no one spoke, and only the sound of paper being flipped was heard. People would assume that they hated each other. They did not have any conversation the entire time they were in the carriage. But that was not the case. In fact, there was no awkward atmosphere around them. Instead, they looked even harmonious. They were comfortable with each other's presence that they did not need words to prove that they were agreeable with each other's presence.
Just as their carriage entered the first Village, Vincent raised his gaze. His eyes landed on the sight of people outside the capital's territory. Although they weren't in the vicinity where the Mansion of the Halstead was erect, these were also part of the people they needed to take care of. These people were their responsibilities.
Through his eyes, He saw their houses and the environment they were living in. Their houses were made of trees. They looked rather cold, damp, and dark. Vincent also saw people going through their everyday lives, working and interacting with each other.
Although there were a few people with smiles on their faces, most of them looked wary as they gazed at the luxurious carriage going through the Village. Furthermore, he can see the lack of food and nutrients in their bodies as they were so pale and skinny. Some male children were even forced to work with their fathers. They were carrying anything they could take to have an additional gold pound or food they could place on their tables.
Vincent pursed his lips and pulled the carriage's curtains to block the view outside. He looked down, focusing on the book and the contents inside.
"Is there something that's troubling your mind?" Neirin initiated the conversation while she was still reading. In her peripheral vision, she noticed Vincent's movements. She was never an expert in reading people and their expressions but now, seeing how Vincent moved his hands and the way he gaze at the people outside, Neirin already concluded the turmoil inside his mind.
"It's nothing, sister," Vincent wanted to dismiss his thoughts, but Neirin had a different idea. He suddenly felt uncomfortable talking about the topic in his mind.
She smiled, gently flipping another page. "If you do not address your thoughts now, you will forever be in constant battle, and you won't find peace." Neirin flipped another page. Her eyes followed the written words there, but she was aware of Vincent. She was aware of every expression he was making.
"At the same time, you also needed to brush aside such thoughts to be at peace. Now, the question is, which thoughts are in your mind right now? Is it the former or the latter? I can answer your thoughts if you have one."
Vincent frowned, hearing Neirin utter such words. He tried not to think this deeply, but this had been bugging him since he went out last time. He tried to think of the words, unsure what questions he wanted answers in his mind.
"Is father a bad monarch?" He deliberately asked. This time, Neirin gazed up. Her gentle eyes landing on Vincent. She then raised her hand to pull out the curtains for them to see the view outside clearly. Vincent's eyes followed Neirin's actions.
Once again, he saw the unwelcoming gaze of the people.
"There will be barriers in this world, Vincent," Neirin started. She wanted to use this time and Vincent's question to give knowledge to him as a temporary seating duchess.
"Sometimes it is visible; sometimes, it's not. This time, it is visible, and I praise you for noticing it. According to the books, being a monarch will always lead you to the responsibilities of those in your territory. They are your asset. You can earn money and have different luxurious things on the trends, but people, they are priceless."
"Those people you have will determine your power. No one can live alone. They serve the monarch. Then, their lives are the responsibility of the monarch. If they die, it is the monarch's fault. If they remained prosperous and healthy, the monarch is also responsible."
Neirin tapped the documents sitting on her lap. Her gaze facing Vincent.
"Now, if you are asking if our father, the former duke, was a bad monarch, I can say that yes, he is. I do not want to make up excuses for you to think and be trapped in an illusion that your father will always be right. That he's a good man who followed rules and take care of his territory well. You know that those words are lies. However, he wasn't like that before. However, at the same time, a monarch is also a human. They can get swayed, and they can get off track. The duke was the latter."
"Then, sister, would you just let our territory like this?" Vincent even pressed.
"Of course not," Neirin answered immediately. "I am aware of the problem. I am the reigning duchess for now. It is my duty to solve these matters before you inherit the throne. So do not fret, as I have ideas in mind. You just need to focus on studying and being free. The freedom that you have right now is a luxury. Remember to use it well."
Vincent fell silent for a second. His expression turned even more severe. After few contemplation, he answered,
"Yes, sister." He then went back to his books as he continued reading, but the curtains were not close this time.
--
After passing through the Village and the forest, the party of Vincent and Neirin arrived at the location of the gates. These gates were sometimes located inside the forest, on a desert, under the water, or displayed on a plaza. This time, the gates in the north was located deep inside the forest of Grace.
These gates are like teleportation devices that enable those people who enter to immediately be transported to their desired places. These were the reasons why travelers do not need days to travel all around the continent.
Neirin and Vincent climbed down of their carriage with the help of the knights guarding them. As Vincent readied his things, for he will be going in a different carriage for this where they will part ways, Neirin stared at the teleportation gates made with stone. These stones had various writings on them. Some have said that these writings are like formulas.
According to the long history of the empire, these gates existed long before the dark era. According to legends and myths, these had been used by monsters or different entities to get through their desired places.
The history of the empire had been long recorded in the books. Still, after scholars traced the year and timeline of the recorded history, it has been stated that 500 years were missing in those books. People called it the dark era where no one knew what happened and what secrets were lurking around the forgotten era. Hence, rumors, myths, and even legends erupted.
In those dark eras, history had been wiped out without any traces, so some even thought these gates were used for assassinations. However, those rumors were absurd. These teleportation gates are only used for going places to places, not with the specific persons they have in mind.
"Sister, you look like you are in deep thought."
Neirin chuckled. "It's just a little history," She brushed it off and looked through the carriage that Vincent would be using. "Have you prepared everything?"
"Yes," Vincent answered. Neirin smiled widely, tapping both of his shoulders with her hands.
"Make me proud. I will write letters. I will be expecting your replies."
Vincent stared at Neirin. His eyes reflected his warm gaze as though she was really considering Vincent as her brother. In the back of his mind, he can't help but think that Neirin was treating him as a child that needs too much protection. He tried to open his mouth several times, but it remained shut. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future for him to tell her that he's not a child anymore and that he can handle himself.
Hence, he only answered, "Take care, sister."
"I will." Neirin took a step forward, and she pointed to his carriage. "Of you go now."
Following his sister's command, Vincent climbed on his carriage. As soon as everything was ready, Neirin let Vincent use the teleportation gates first. She stayed watching his carriage, and the knights protecting him evaporated through the air as the light enveloped them.
After ensuring his safety, Neirin climbed through her carriage, and this time, it was her turn to use it.
Without any more commands given, the knights accompanying her opened their mouths and said, "To the Devonshire."
--