Orteg stood in the middle of the balcony door, "Why…? I don't know, I feel like you can be trusted."
He continued into the castle, and now I was completely alone here in the company of the winds.
Elerona entered the balcony with careful steps, frowning when she saw me there alone. "Kratia, what is going on?" she asked in a worried tone.
I tried to smile, even though my heart was still pounding after the conversation that had just happened. "Ah, it's okay, Elerona. Just talking to Orteg about some things related to the kingdom," I said trying to calm her confusion.
However, Elerona still looked at me suspiciously. "Okay..." she stared at my face for a while before she replied, "By the way, Arshley called you at her camp, want me to accompany you?"
"Thank you, Elerona. I'll go over to Arshley now, and please accompany me."
Elerona nodded with a relieved smile seeing that I accepted her offer. Together, we left the balcony for Arshley's camp, leaving the meeting a mystery hidden between us.
***
After leaving the balcony, Elerona and I walked out of the castle towards the residential area.
Everyday life feels normal again, even though a few days ago panic was still palpable in the air. Now, the atmosphere is calmer, and residents seem busy with their own activities.
We walked through streets lined with buildings, listening to the shuffling of feet and light conversation flowing along the streets.
The neighborhood felt alive, with children running around and shops bustling with customers.
We finally arrived at the soldiers' training camp, an area filled with various types of training equipment and meeting places. The soldiers were seen busy training, with some of them doing sword training while others focused on archery training.
We looked for Arshley in the crowd and finally found her in one corner of the camp. She smiled when she saw us coming.
"I've heard the news, Kratia, how is your condition after apparent death?" Arshley said seriously.
"News?" I asked.
"Ah, I have spoken with King Arion, Elerona's father," Arshley bowed to Elerona to show respect, "He agreed if you would come training with us."
"Eh!?" Elerona and I were shocked to hear this news.
Arshley explained, "Kratia, this decision was made because of your extraordinary power as a very rare vampire. The vampire race has become extinct, and your existence is a rare miracle in this world. King Arion sees great potential in your abilities, and he wants you to develop your power by "Good. You can be an extraordinary force in guarding this kingdom."
I looked at Arshley with wide eyes, digesting the information I had just heard. It feels like this world is giving me even greater responsibilities.
Elerona looked at me with pride, "You will definitely become a great warrior, Kratia. I'm sure you can surpass existing limitations."
"So how? Will you come with me on a world adventure and become the strongest? Or not?" Arshley offered while holding out her hand.
I fell silent, thinking about all the consequences of the choice I had to make. If I go with Arshley, that means I have to leave Elerona, while I am the butler who has to look after her. I'm confused by everything that happened in the same day.
I turned my face to Elerona, "So...?"
"That is your decision…" she replied
Even so, I knew that the voice wanted me to leave his side...
I looked at Arshley's offer in doubt. Traveling the world and becoming the strongest is the dream of many people, but I can't ignore my obligations to Elerona. He has become my best friend, and I am responsible for his safety.
"Sorry, Arshley," I said in a hesitant voice, "I can't leave Elerona. I have to stay with him and look after him."
Arshley nodded understandingly. "I understand, Kratia. Your obligations to Elerona are the most important."
With a heavy heart, I chose to remain loyal to my duty as Elerona's bodyguard. Even though exciting adventures await out there, my loyalty to my best friend cannot be compromised.
Although my heart is heavy at leaving behind such an exciting adventure opportunity, I am confident that the decision to stay with Elerona was the best. Our relationship had formed a strong bond, and I couldn't leave him alone.
Elerona looked at me with appreciation and a little relief. Even though he didn't say it, I could feel the gratitude in her gaze.
Arshley extended her hand once again, this time as a sign of respect for my decision. "May your decision bring blessings, Kratia. Don't hesitate to come back if you change your mind."
I nodded, relieved by Arshley's support even though I rejected her offer.
"Then you can go," Arshley added with a smile.
Elerona and I exchanged glances then nodded and left the camp.
Arshley shook her head with a smile, "It's really a shame, isn't it..."
Then someone appeared from behind Arshley, "Yes... right, that's very sad."
"Isn't that right?"
Elerona and I walked back to the settlement while enjoying the quiet atmosphere. The evening sky began to turn red, creating a stunning panorama along our path.
We passed through streets lined with small shops and small houses made of stone and wood. The sound of crunching feet and children's laughter broke the silence of the twilight, creating a warm atmosphere.
"Why did you reject the offer…?" Elerona asked
"I'm your butler, aren't I...? A good butler should be with the princess."
Elerona smiled at my answer.
Elerona narrowed her eyes for a moment, pondered, then asked again, "But, Kratia, aren't you interested in adventuring and becoming the strongest?"
I smiled, "Of course, Elerona. But my duty as your butler is very important to me. I want to protect you and give you the best."
Elerona nodded in understanding, "Thank you, Kratia."
Swuush!
I stepped more carefully, feeling an unusual presence around us. My steps slowed, and the seconds seemed to stretch as I tried to hear anything around me.
My gaze darted around, looking for any sign of a suspicious presence. However, there was nothing to be seen between the thunder of our footsteps and the din of the settlement.
However, suddenly, it was as if a shadow flashed past the corner of my eye. I turned around quickly, carefully checking every detail around. Nothing could be seen behind the bushes or around the corner.
While Elerona walked calmly, I remained alert, ready to face whatever might happen. Every step I took felt heavy, slowed by the tension that surrounded my mind.
Elerona stopped and looked at me, "What's wrong, Kratia?"
"I'm not sure, maybe it's just my feeling," I answered hesitantly.
Even though I tried to ease Elerona's worries, I still felt uncomfortable with that invisible presence. I tried not to worry him, but a sense of wariness continued to haunt my mind.
We continued on our way, but the tension inside me didn't just go away. Every step we took felt like we were being watched, and dark images continued to haunt my mind.
I decided to remain alert throughout our journey, ready for whatever might happen. However, I hope that this uncomfortable feeling is just an illusion.
"Hey look," Elerona pointed to the market location, "Let's go there!?"
I realized that the atmosphere in the market might help relieve the tension I was feeling. Even though my heart was still pounding, I tried to restrain myself and put on a smile.
"Sure, why not?" I answered anxiously. I tried to show enthusiasm, even though my worries hadn't completely subsided.
We continued our journey towards the market, hoping that the crowds and daily life would take our minds off the tension.
We entered the market cautiously, but the boisterous atmosphere immediately distracted us from the previous tension. The tempting aroma of spices and food fills the air, and various colors and shapes of merchandise fill every corner.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"Go for a walk!"
We walked past various shops and stalls selling all kinds of goods, from spices, clothes, to antiques. We are interested in every corner of the market that offers something different.
"Oh? Isn't that Elerona princess? Hey princess!" shouted one of the traders.
We stopped for a moment when we heard a scream from one of the traders. I glanced at Elerona, who looked a little surprised but also smiled kindly.
"Mr Darriel! Long time no sees!" Elerona answered, who seemed very close to the gentlemen.
We stopped for a moment in front of Mr. Darriel's stall, while he smiled brightly to welcome Elerona. The merchant seemed happy to see Princess Elerona at the market, and his warm atmosphere immediately spread around us.
"Mr Darriel, how are you?" asked Elerona while greeting her in a friendly manner.
"Im okay, Princess. Nice to see you come to the market again," replied Mr. Darriel, nodding respectfully, "Oh my, you're a teen age girl now, the last time we met was when you were little, you still liked to escape from the castle and stop by here."
"Haha, Mr Darriel, it's been a long time, how are the fruit sales going?"
"Okay, because King Arion's new policy which frees up import and export trade makes it really easy," explained Mr. Darriel, smiling proudly.
When I heard their conversation, I felt involved in the warmth and closeness that existed between them. Even though I had just become part of this kingdom, the familiar atmosphere among its citizens made me feel right at home.
Elerona is seen as the type of princess who is humble and friendly to others. No wonder, as we walked, many people looked at Elerona with faces full of happiness. But...
Instantly, there was a crowd near the market. Some people started cheering and gathering, forming a crowd.
Attracted by the crowd, Elerona and I walked closer to the crowd to see what was going on.
In the crowd, screams could be heard from several people who formed the crowd.
"You thief! Catch her!"
"Damn it, she stole my merchandise!"
"Quick, don't let her escape!"
The shouts made the atmosphere in the market become noisy and tense. People moved quickly, trying to find out what happened and who was the target of the attack.
< Chapter 22 > To Be Continued.