The sun has been up and they have been riding quite a while. They came out from the capital and head west. They past by farms, fruit orchards, and vast greeneries. After few hours riding they enter the woods area and Edmund can only see trees along the road they are going through now.
"There is a town in front. We will take a short stop and continue our journey from there after we meet my aide." Vrag explained to Edmund.
Edmund was amazed with Slothia. They have vast forest, very different from Arethea where many mountains spreaded along the nation. Arethea is famous for their mining while Edmund know that Slothia produce the best quality of woods and produce. He can't help but think that the two countries actually could have benefit from trades instead of war. If they can cooperate peacefully, war is not necessary.
"Slothia have good soil." Edmund mumbled. "Your woods and farms are all very beautiful."
"Arethea have beautiful jewels though."
"But our soils are not that good. We have farms but not on this scale of huge."
"You have the seas too. I heard the sea have many delicious things to eat."
"Did Zils tell you that?"
"Well...she ask about fish dish last time since what we have is always meat. Slothia unfortunately have no sea territory around us, fish is rare. She is quite surprised when she found out about their price from the chambermaids. She complained to me afterwards not to bring her anymore."
"Zils' favourite are fish dishes." Edmund recalled her eating with her men on the shore when he visited her one time. They catch the fishes and grilled them on the fire. Quite shocking experience for Edmund where in the Palace the cooks has removed the bones for them. Zils assured him it taste good and it is the best taste he ever try.
"She has grown to like the fruits."
"I must admit the fruits are delicious." Edmund is observing Vrag's face when he talked about Zils. His cold demeanor is gone, he seems genuinely enjoy talking about her.
"We can see the town now."
Edmund saw the small town afar. He can see vineyards at the outskirt of the city.
"The local wine here is quite famous. We should try it later."
The party entered the town tavern to get their lunch. Edmund can see the barmaids serving drinks and foods. One of the soldier has gestured to one of the barmaids to get them food and wine. Edmund noticed that the barmaids stealing glances on Vrag. Vrag indeed have a handsome face, he is catching attention everywhere he goes.
"Will they find out about you?" Edmund whispered to Vrag.
"The famous faces are the Crown Prince and Second Prince. They have to fight with the publicity but small towns like these they don't even know the faces of their Princes." Vrag laughed.
"You seems to enjoy this."
"My face start to be known after the war. It's not always I have the chance to go to remote villages undisturbed."
One of the barmaids bring the drinks and foods to their table. She is wearing a low cut dress that show off her voluptuous breast. She bend down a bit lower than she need to and she ask question in the most seductive voice she can.
"Anything I can help you with, gentlemen?"
Everybody on the table know she is only interested in Vrag as she look straight at Vrag and ignored the rest of them. Edmund is amazed on how daring a lady in Slothia can be and the two guards are staring at the free view they get to enjoyed on the table. Vrag gave her a fake smile.
"Nothing else. Thank you."
The barmaid gave a disappointing look at Vrag and gave him a scoff when she left the table.
"Let's eat, shall we? Try the wine."
"This wine is good!" Edmund is impressed after he took a sip.
They eat while laughing with each other. Edmund was amazed with the wine and Vrag offered to buy more and send to the Palace. The two guards make some other local food recommendation to Edmund. The group almost finished eating when a lady entered the tavern.
She has a silver blond long straight hair with a dark sun kissed skin. She wear white colour traveller garb, complimenting her skin colour. Her appearance catch the attention of people in the tavern including Edmund. He never seen such an exotic face before and the lady's silvery grey eyes screen out the tavern, she then proceed to walk to their table .
"Long time no see, Silva."
"Vrag."
Edmund was shocked to hear that this lady just address Vrag with his name.
"Have you eaten? Join us." Vrag gestured her to sit on the empty chair. Silva sit herself between the two guards and she noticed Edmund and observe him.
"This is rare. Where is Juwan?"
"Ah, I haven't introduced both of you. Edmund this is Silva, my aide."
"Edmund?"
"Your aide?"
Edmund is confused, did he meet this lady before?
"Yep. That 'Edmund', the old man's favourite pupil."
"Why do you bring him here?" Silva showed a displeased reaction. She can't believe Prince Vrag has brought an enemy Prince in this journey.
"He wanted to see his old man, of course."
"I have been looking for him all this time." Silva and Vrag look at Edmund who cut their conversation. "I just need to find an answer so I can fully support your cause."
"Ed..."
"I can't have a determination when I'm still half hearted like now. You should know that I help you because of Zi..." Emund paused, changing his words. "My sister."
Vrag looked at Edmund saying nothing.
"After I talk to Mar-..my old man, if I still don't have the determination you can dispose me. But promised me you will take care of my sister. She is in your hand now. There is no going back for her."
"You are surprisingly honest..." Silva give Edmund an impressed stare. She grabbed the wine goblet that was sent for her. "A toast for you." Silva gave her a smile.
Edmund felt awkward, the other men has raised their goblets too.
"A toast for Ed." Vrag smiled.