"How is Ella doing ?"
Chloe asked Aria, as they sat next to each other.
"She's doing great … but ever since big brother went missing, she's been sleeping poorly and has spent a lot of time searching for him with me."
Aria replied, sadness in her voice.
"... "
Chloe felt silent.
".. Oh yeah, Chloe have you heard anything from big bro ?"
Aria asked, her face brightening with a smile.
" [You are nobody, don't ever bother with me again from today onward.] This is what he told me before the day that he had the duel with the hero."
Chloe muttered, looking down while clasping her hand together.
"No way !? Brother would never say that !! "
Aria exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and disbelief as she reached out to comfort Chloe.
"It's true, I was there too"
Princess Fiora chimed in.
"Princess, did he say anything to you ?"
Aria asked, curious about what she just said .
"Please, could you all just call me by my name?" Fiora interjected gently, seeking a more informal interaction.
"Princess, You don't have to bring this up !"
Chloe interrupted just as Fiora was about to tell Aria.
Aria was a bit skeptical after hearing that, noticing the tension expression on Chloe's face. It seemed possible that her brother, Winston, might have caused some inconvenience to the princess as well.
"... he said that I was dumb and powerless.."
Fiora told Aria, her voice neither angry or upset, but instead accompanied by a smile.
".. What he said was actually true …"
She continued, clasping her hands on her dress.
Fiora was the third princess of The Joustra of the Dynasty and the youngest among the royal bloodline. She had five siblings: two older brothers and two older sisters. Given her position, her standing in the line of succession was minimal, with her older siblings assured to assist in their father's work and govern the country.
The oldest brother, Prince Charles Joustra, aged 26, is married to Princess Sophera, who is 21, from the Republic of Monchar. This nation is situated to the west of The Joustra Dynasty. The marriage has helped strengthen both nations, especially the Republic, due to its weaker military capabilities. Prince Charles has taken over significant military responsibilities, serving as the head general of the nation.
The second older brother, Prince Lucien Joustra, aged 24, currently serves as one of the top commanders in the military and has worked closely with Winston's father. Richard Harrington used to be his tutor and mentor. He will be likely to be the next heir to the kingdom. Both brothers were proficient in swordsmanship, each receiving a Warrior as their Class.
The oldest sister, Elliana Joustra, aged 23, serves as the head of the country's Development and Research Division, focusing on infrastructure, military enhancements, magical research, and agriculture. Recognized as a genius and received a Scholar as her Class.
The second older sister, Diana Joustra, aged 20, serves as a saint in the head church, dedicating herself to helping others, a passion she deeply cherished. She also recently became Claire's mentor, who just obtained a Saint Class.
And then there was Fiora, the youngest, who had received the High Mage Class. Despite her powerful abilities, she often felt lost amidst her siblings' achievements. She always thought that she was useless to her family and her people, unable to utilize or improve her abilities for helping her nation.
Ever since she was a child, she was often left alone as her siblings were busy with their work.
She never raised her voice or demanded anything from her family, she would just accept and do what they were told till today.
That was why she wasn't mad at Winston's criticism about her. However, later that day, she began to reflect on her actions and finally decided to act on her own for the first time, demanding her father, by allowing her to assist the hero on this journey.
"That was harsh. I deeply apologize for what my brother did to you,"
Aria said, bowing her head to Fiora.
"It was also my fault for letting Winston act like that in front of the princess," Chloe chimed in, bowing her head like Aria.
"Come on, guys, what did I tell you about not treating me like a princess!"
Fiora replied, pouting her cheeks.
"Hahaha"
Everyone laughed, the tension inside the carriage became lively like before.
"... Aria, I still don't believe that Master Winston would do all of that ?"
Chloe muttered softly to Aria.
"That's why we need to find him and ask him everything !"
Aria replied, smiling while eating a snack.
"Me too !"
Fiora chimed in, placing both of her hands on Aria and Chloe.