[Empire year 364, 20th of September]
[In MC`s House after the foundation celebration]
"I`m back Agatha," said MC from the living room.
"Welcome back your highness" replied Agatha who came out from the kitchen
"Do you have fun at the celebration your Highness?" said Agatha with a warm smile
"Yes! there are a lot of people in the market and plaza. There is also fireworks, wandering bard, delicious food, and more." said MC cheerfully
"I am glad you are having fun, Your Highness," said Agatha while smiling
"Agatha, there is recruitment for a newly found ruins expedition in the market. The recruiter said it is organized by Duke "Ophira de Portia". said the MC
"Duke Ophira?!" said Agatha shocked
"Do you know who he is Agatha?" asks MC curiously
.
[Agatha hesitated before answering]
"Duke Ophira is one of the seven dukes directly under the emperor."
"Even though house Portia is the weakest of the seven families, they have the most wealth rivaling the royal family and are known as one of the biggest merchants in the entire Lithravia continent."
"They are also said to be hostile towards the royal faction," said Agatha
"Does Your Highness perhaps plan to join the expedition?" asked Agatha worriedly
"Both Zera and Sally did say they want to join since they offer a huge amount of money and any treasure found within can be kept unless it is a magical item," replied MC
"Forgive me Your Highness, but this time I beseech you to not go Your Highness."
"Not only is there a lot of danger since it is an unexplored ruin, but it is also organized by Duke Opira."
"If they find out Your Highness is from the royal descendent, I can't imagine what they will do to you," said Agatha with a sad voice and worried face
"Do not worry Agatha, I will be extra careful," said MC trying to convince Agatha
"Besides Old Bal friend will also be joining. He said he will try to look for us in case we are in danger" MC continued his speech
[Agatha looks at MC's determined face and then sighs]
"Since you are already determined I will not try to persuade you to not go any more Your Highness," said Agatha while looking at MC that had already grow
"Thank you, Agatha." MC then proceeded to hug Agatha
.
[Next day at Old Bal`s house]
Sigh~~~
"What`s wrong Zera? You have been sighing every second now," asks Salazar who is annoyed at his friend sighing
"My parent did not allow me to join the expedition because I am a girl and I am supposed to avoid any dangerous work," said Zera sadly
[MC inner thought]
"That reminded me, Zera never told her parent that she is working with us at Old Bal`s house"
"Well, most of the villager is afraid of Old Bal. If they find out we are at Old Bal House they might think he kidnapped us" giggles MC to himself
"What are you laughing at?" asks Zera angrily at MC who giggles at her story
"No nothing, I just have a funny thought," said MC
"How cruel of you Rey, laughing at your own friends who are in trouble," said Zera dramatically
"What are you kids up to now?" said an old figure from behind the three teens
"Old Bal! Look at Rey and Sally, they are laughing at me when I told them my parent didn`t allow me to go on the expedition" shouted Zera trying to gain sympathy from Old Bal
"Your parent did not allow you?" asked Old Bal
"They said as a girl I should not be doing dangerous work" replied Zera
.
[Old Bal just stood there in silence while MC and Sally held their laughter]
"I made a mistake asking sympathy from all of you unsympathetic jerks!" yells Zera
Zera and Sally who can`t hold their laughter burst out laughing and making fun of their friend
.
[Empire year 364, 21st of September]
<
"Sally! you are early" said MC to his friend sitting near the fountain
"Rey, where is Zera?" asks Salazar
"She said she will convince her parents this time even if it means war," said MC
the two boys stood silent before bursting out laughing
.
[Side story]
MC and Salazar have promised to meet up at the market to buy the equipment needed for the expedition the day after tomorrow
.
"Hmm, the first thing that we need to find is potions and herbs in case we are wounded in the ruins."
"They said chances for you to get hurt in unexplored ruins is guaranteed since there might be trap, formation, or never before seen monster in there," said Salazar
.
[The two boys then headed for the Apothecary]
Upon arriving
"Ughh did you smell that"
"It smells like a century-old boot marinated in a jar of pickle for a week," said Salazar disgust
MC agreed while covering his nose
In the shop, there are a variety of potions that consist of different colors and effects.
"Hello young fellow, is there anything you would like to purchase?" said the shop owner who seems to be in her thirties with glasses
"Hi, we are looking for potions. How much does one cost?" asked Salazar
"Well it depends on what potion you are looking for," replied the shop owner
"Can you recommend to us a potion usually bought by adventurers during ruins expeditions?" asked Salazar
"You kids are going on a ruins expedition?" asked the shop owner shocks
"Yes, we will set out tomorrow," replied Salazar
"Hmm, if that is the case I recommend buying at least six (6) health potions, two (2) ailment potions, and four (4) stamina recovery potions"
"If you are a mage, then I recommend you to buy three (3) health potions and six (6) mana recovery potions."
"Then we will take the first option," said Salazar
"Alright, that totals up to two (2) silver and one hundred twenty (120) bronze coins," said the shop owner
"What?! That is expensive!!!" said Salazar shocked
"Well, potions are usually expensive because of the scarce amount of potion makers," said the shop owner
The shop owner looked at the two kids and continued
"How about you guys buy the raw ingredients instead? They have a lower effect than the potion when consumed or applied but the cost is way cheaper,"
Salazar and MC then agreed to buy it
[The two friends then went to the forge to buy armor and weapons]
"Welcome to our forge, what are you youngins looking for?" said one of the blacksmiths
"We are looking for a set of armor pieces and a sword each," said Salazar
"Let me get your measurement first," said the blacksmith
After taking measurements for MC and Salazar the blacksmith then brings a few weapons and armor and asks if there are any that they fancy
Salazar bought a spear, a shield, and an armor plate made from iron and lizardmen scale
When it comes to MC turns, the MC hesitated
.
[MC inner thought]
"What should I do?!"
"All of them look amazing but I have to prioritize efficiency and durability in a fight. Not to mention the defense must also be good ... " The MC contemplating while thinking about a lot of scenarios
.
"Have you finished picking lil one?" asks the blacksmith
"Huh- I- I am not sure which one should I pick," replied MC
"Hahaha take your time no need to worry, a sword will pick their owner after all," said the Blacksmith while laughing
The MC laughed awkwardly
"How about this Rey?" asks Salazar while pointing at a big battleaxe
"That is way too big" replied MC while sweating
MC's attention then focuses on something
"I think I will take this," said MC
"A hatchet?" asks Salazar confused about MC`s selection
"Yeah I think I already got used to the hatchet after months of helping Old Bal," said MC while chuckling
.
[MC inner thought]
"It is obviously not because I like watching Viking movies."
...
"If you say so," said Salazar
MC then bought two hatchet and an iron plate made with bear fur
.
[Empire year 364, 22nd of September]
<
.
Crowd clamoring
"Mister Roman, we are here," said MC upon seeing familiar faces
"Oh Regulus and Salazar was it? glad to see you here." said Roman
.
[Flashback]
Roman is Old Bal`s friend. In the previous chapter, the MC and his friends met at the foundation ceremony in the market
.
"Isn`t there supposed to be three of you?" asks Roman realizing the group is missing one person
"Oh Zera did not come since her parent did not allow her to," said MC
"That is too bad I guess. Let's wait for the announcer to give further commands."
"Make sure you guys stick close to me, there is a mercenary joining us today so it might be dangerous if you guys get on their nerves," said Roman
"Mercenary?! I heard that they are mostly formed from excommunicated soldiers and ruffians who will do anything for money!" said Salazar bluntly
"I won`t exactly call them that but yeah they are indeed a bit dangerous," said Roman a little bit taken aback by the word Salazar used to describe the mercenary
.
"Attention everyone! pack your belongings we will begin our journey now to "the Great Plain" said the announcer
.
"Alright kids let's get going, we don`t want to be late," said Roman cheerfully trying to motivate the kids
"Let`s go! our first journey starts now! Woohoo," said Salazar
A figure then appeared behind Salazar and MC
"Whaaah!" shouted the mysterious figure
MC and Salazar both jump out of their boots shocked by the sudden shout
"Zera?!" yells both Salazar and MC
"Kekeke, you both dare to leave your cute and adorable friend behind?" said Zera proudly
"But I thought your parent did not allow you to come," said Salazar annoyed
"Fufufu I persuade my parent to let me come or I will shave my father's mustache," said Zera with a smirk
"Persuade? Isn`t that a threat?" thought Salazar and MC collectively
"Hahaha it looks like the party grows" laughed Roman
.
While the party happily jokes around there is a gaze somewhere that shows discontent toward the group