"We're nearly there, gentlemen," Reiner exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "The town where life never takes a break: Lunarite!"
The sound of galloping hooves echoed in harmony with the damp earth, a sure sign that spring had arrived. Well, at least in this realm. Having journeyed through countless worlds and realms, I had grown accustomed to certain recurring questions.
"May I inquire about that metallic adornment at your waist, young sir?" the lady beside me inquired. Her curiosity was undeniable, and she appeared genuinely intrigued.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding, sensing her sincerity. "Ah, this," I began, considering an embellishment for my usual explanation. While I typically brushed off such inquiries, there was something earnest about this lady. "It's a Regalia."
"Ah, a ceremonial artifact, then?" she inquired further, her long chestnut hair cascading down to her slender waist, and her emerald eyes reflecting her unquenchable curiosity.
"Yes, indeed," I replied, my tone devoid of emotion, hoping that would put an end to her inquiries. However, it seemed she wasn't ready to let the matter rest.
Her next words surprised me, delivered with a warm and genuine smile. "Would you do me the honor of joining us at the royal feast?" she asked. Her persistence was unexpected, and it appeared my earlier response had not deterred her in the slightest. "My grandmother has requested my presence with a guest."
Considering that I had no immediate plans and was simply exploring the area, I found myself nodding. "Certainly, I'd be happy to attend. Although, might this not give rise to scandalous accusations?" I inquired cautiously, my brow slightly furrowed.
"Fear not, my family is quite open-minded when it comes to such matters," she assured me with a reassuring smile. She then pondered for a moment before continuing, "Would you be willing to play the role of my honored knight?"
As her proposal sunk in, I couldn't help but find the customs of this realm rather unconventional. After all, a man and a woman sharing a carriage on their way to a royal event was certainly an unusual sight, particularly for a royalty to be traveling in a regular carriage.
I returned her smile and nodded, genuine warmth in my expression. "Why not? It would be my pleasure to fulfill such a role," I responded, my tone sincere. "Especially alongside a woman of such striking beauty as yourself."
"Oh, my goodness!" She giggled, a blush gracing her cheeks as she brought a hand to her mouth, her laughter ringing through the air.
Amidst this exchange, I couldn't help but reflect on my countless years of existence and my knack for flirting. It triggered a distant memory of a girl, a bittersweet reminder that outcomes would likely remain unchanged.
"It appears we've arrived," I mentioned, my gaze resting upon the imposing stone walls of the city. "Where should we reconvene?"
"The royal castle," she replied, her composure returning as she regained her poise. "Just inform the guards that Alfie Elvenor has extended the invitation."
As the rhythmic galloping ceased and the carriage came to a halt, Reiner glanced back at us. "This marks the end of my journey. They are restricted regarding outsiders," he remarked, lifting his hat in a respectful nod.
I mirrored his gesture, removing my hat and nodding in agreement. "Very well," I affirmed, a genuine smile adorning my face. "I shall meet with you at the castle, Miss Alfie."
"And your name, sir?" Alfie inquired gracefully, disembarking the carriage with a fluid step onto the cobblestone road.
"Caelan Lee," I responded, following suit as I stepped down from the carriage.
"Very well then, Caelan. Until we meet again at the castle," Alfie stated, her smile unwavering.
"Likewise," I replied, lifting my hat and nodding in acknowledgment.
As Alfie turned to depart, her final smile illuminated the scene. Her scarlet dress billowed elegantly, matching the sway of her hair. Two women, presumably her handmaids, approached her, and I couldn't help but notice their less-than-welcoming glances in my direction.
However, I maintained a friendly smile, unfazed by their demeanor. The handmaids engaged in a conversation with Alfie, their gestures and expressions betraying a certain unease. Gradually, their figures melded into the bustling crowd of Lunarite.