Day after that day, Maximilian and his subordinates initiated to prepare for their departure from Boltam kingdom.
"It's a shame that we couldn't match your requirements and expectations during your stay here lord Maximilian." One of the head incharge of Montane church and a legal minister of Boltam kingdom for King Rafin surveili contempt on watching them leaving before end of ceremony.
"There is nothing wrong from your side Mr.Herring.We were invited, given a proposal, we refused, so we are leaving. That's all." Max stated before getting on his horseback.
"Lord Rafin wishes to make an alliance with you in future when things get better.Hope you're fine with this." Minister Herring delivered the very message with keen anticipating look.
Nodding his head ,"Delivery our farewells to Lord Rafin surveili.We will take our leave now." Max affirmed and stretched his right arm to signal.
"Wait! My friend." A man on a shiny black coated horse rode towards them with a naive face and confidence aligned eyes.It was Calvin.
Glaring at his figure coming closer to them,
" What's wrong with you Calvin?" Max enquired in an irritated tone.
"I've no intention to bother you dear. It's a coincidence that we're also taking our leave." Calvin answered while rolling his eyes at his fierce look.
"Ain't you going to join them?" Max asked , raising his eyebrow.
"Do you think I would join them in a battle which they're surely going to lose? I've brain you see." Calvin said with low pitch to avoid Minister Herring hearing his words.
"Oh! You have brain?" Max tilted his head and asked sarcastically.
Calvin exclaimed with frustrated voice.
"Yes, the one which you have in your knee."
"Anyways, wouldn't it be better to travel this long journey together."
"You see even Gloro's areas is near the route we gonna take." Calvin suggested the possibilities.
*Gloro's area was one of the most danger rooted place.It was under a raffian,named Kagir.He was known for his disorderly rule over a patch of land containing a major population of northerners.He was a wild creature along with his group of bandits.*
Max sighed ,"Do as you please." Turning direction.Calvin gave a not so genuine smile.
Within few minutes, Calvin's knights joined them.
Just like the commanders, their knights also had a same kind of relations among them.Annoyed with each other's presence but fine enough to digest.
Announcing the departure,they left the Montane church.
"Depart !"
Twenty five knights and three carriages from Max's side.On the other side, fifteen knights from Calvin's.
In one carriage,Merry was settled alone while on other two carriages ,in one ,Robert was sitting and in another, four servents were sitting.
Max was riding behind Merry 's carriage to guard the procession from behind.While Frederick and Anthin(Calvin's knight) were given to lead the way.
***********
The sun started to settle down.The route started to grow more stuff as the mountains of north awaited for them.
Suddenly, Merry hesitantly tried to open the curtains to take a look outside.Max eyes caught her action.
Max called with his mellow deep voice.
"Merry."
Calvin turned his head sideways on hearing Max.
Startled by him approaching all of sudden, Merry looked up from the carriage's window while meekly opening the curtains.
"Yes." She answered timidly.Looking at his big frame body covered with silver armor, a face made to take breaths away, a gaze visibly outstanding anything, shined under sunset. Sweat formed near his forehead and nose due to travelling this long ,gave a more beautifully engraved masterpiece look on his face.Surprisingly,Merry was taken aback by this handsome man in up front of her.
"Look at the idyllic sunset." Max said while looking at her face glowing magically due to the sun rays and glitter in her green eyes.In response to his words, Merry looked at the picturesque view.Her eyes widened while trying to take every part of the view.
"Wow!"
On the other hand ,Max admired her not the sunset . Unknowingly ,a boyish smile formed in his lips.
' How adorable...' his head shouted with satisfaction.
A glint formed in Calvin's eyes, jaw clutched.Somehow, he felt a sharp pain within his chest on watching them.
'If it weren't for that Masin, I would've been the one at this man's place.' Calvin contained his thoughts inside and tried not to show.
**********
"For now, we will stay here and tomorrow we will start the journey again." Announcing the day off. They formed tents near the dense forest near alpine region.
After having the supper,they all retired back to their tents with their tired bodies.
Frederick walked towards Max while coming back from feeding his horse some hay.
"Lord,it would be better if the ladyship and other lady servents sleep in the carriages.You should also rest in the ladyship's carriage. I and other four knights will guard today." Frederick suggested.
Max agreed with a nod.
"How's Robert's health?" Max asked.
"Don't worry, he even said that he would be able to ride on the horseback now." Frederick answered.
"No, let him rest during the whole journey. I don't want him to avoid his health condition." Max affirmed.