Sein Lorelai's POV
The morning came, and we were all ready to go to the Red Forest. As per a request by Archer to the servants of the House of Hand, the main headquarters of servants of the entire kingdom, they give us a rather shabby carriage with no coachman to take the wheel. Archer was quite frustrated, but Felix was even much worse.
"Why the hell did they give us such an ugly carriage while others have this shimmering gold carriage!? The worst part is, there is no coachman that'll drive this stupid carriage."
I think my eardrums will explode very soon. "Are you done complaining, Felix?"
"What!? No of—."
"Okay, everyone! Shall we go and watch the hunt?" Archer said and clapped his hands to obviously interrupt Felix's loud mouth. I can tell that Archer is starting to get pissed off. Why does it seem familiar to me? Oh right, I was a brat back in my childhood days too.
Unlike Felix who is acting like a brat, Felipe is just clinging to my leg and behaving. The two are physically identical, but they have the most obvious opposite personality.
"This carriage is fine, and besides, I can drive it all right." I said confidently. As long as there's a horse, the wheels will move forward. Thanks to my cruel hardships in life, I have experienced such things as riding a horse. It feels nostalgic remembering my experiences back when I was working as a cleaner of Uncle Joe's horse stable. That's right, I almost forgot the only human who genuinely cared for me. I wonder how he will react now that I am gone. I know he's not my biological family, but in my entire life he is the only one I consider a real family. I hope he's all well.
"Are you sure? I mean—I have a little bit more experienced at driving wagons," Archer asked, worry was all over his face. I walked towards the horse of the carriage and liked what my Uncle Joe told me. Ask for permission and be one with the horse. Pretty cliché, but it works like magic. I know that Archer has a bit more experience in driving a carriage but I have to be mindful to the fact that this is a matriarchal world and this is a women's job.
"It's fine, don't worry. I'll take you to the forest safe and sound." I said, reassuring the three of them.
As soon as we were done packing our stuff, the three went inside the carriage. I hopped on the seat and patted the horse gently, letting the horse know that it was about to move forward. Archer said we needed to follow the road where most commoners and merchants would go, and as soon as I could see the border, we would have to find a place to leave the carriage and go straight to the knights who were guarding the border to identify ourselves as commoners. Archer also gave me a copper permit bad badge, so that we could all enter the Red Forest. I should be the one to give this, since there's a bit of discrimination towards men. Female knights won't easily give them permission to enter. How ironic.
"We've arrived, where shall we leave this carriage?" I asked, making sure my voice was loud for him to hear. We aren't even near the location of the event, but the streets are noisy and bustling. I can't help but wander my eyes in amusement. It's like I'm back from the 18th century. This makes me feel like I'm on a movie set. Although this is not yet the capital, but this is just way fascinating to some modern person like me.
"Ah d-dear, we can leave it to that inn. I have a friend there who will let us leave the carriage."
I forgot. Archer and I must act as a young couple to hide our identities. Apparently, our age is perfect for marriage and starting a family. We're both still minors, obviously, but I guess this is very common in this world.
"Very well."
It's a little bit embarrassing, but I'm pretty sure Archer is blushing right now. I'd definitely flirt with him if I had the confidence. Jeez, what am I thinking?
I drove the carriage towards that small inn, and as soon as we arrived, a tall, slender young man excitedly came out of the inn. It's like he already knows who is coming.
"Archer!" he called out and waving his hand up to us. Archer went out immediately and greeted the man. I went down from my seat and helped the twins get off the carriage.
"Is this your little family now, Archer?"
"Are they twins? Oh dear God, they look just like their mother and nothing like you at all." He added, teasing Archer, who was already as red as a ripe tomato.
"Richard, stop and let me just leave this carriage here per my request."
This man continued to laugh and nodded. "Yes, yes, my pleasure to do so, but, these twins are just so adorable. Hello children, my name is Richard Will. Call me Uncle Rich."
The twins only nodded in response and shyly hid behind me. This man will definitely piss his pants if he finds out that my brothers are the princes of this kingdom. Thanks to that magic potion, our eyes and even my hair changed from black to light brown. Chills run down my spine as I recall what happened a while ago. I thought we were going to bleach our hair and wear contact lenses. But, obviously, this is a fantasy world. I should get used to seeing and using real magic.
"Good day, Sir Richard. I'm Lorelai, Archer's wife." I said and extended my hand.
"Oh wow! A good-good day to you too, Madam Lorelai. You're as gentleman as Archer described, and you are a very, very beautiful lady. Are you interested in becoming a theater actress?" He asked while shaking my hand.
"No, thank you, but me, a gentleman? Did he really say that?" I asked. Getting even more curious about it. Archer must have been coming here without me even knowing. I don't recall any memory of me getting informed about where he really went whenever he went about asking permission to the real Sein to go out and get supplies.
"Yes in fact-"
"Ah dear!! Let's not waste our time and go to the forest already." Archer burst out to interrupt. He quickly carried Felipe into his arms, grabbed Felix as well and walked away, leaving us two behind. I quietly laughed at his silly reaction.
"My apologies, Sir Richard. My husband is really shy."
"You mean bashful. I know, but anyway, he's right. Now off you go and enjoy your family time. I do recommend buying some skewers for him. It's his all-time favorite and any meat will do."
"Thank you for that useful recommendation. I'll make sure to buy it for him. However, I'd like to ask something before I leave," I said and making sure to keep in my mind.
When I took a quick glance at the three of them, Sir Richard asked quickly, "what is it you want to ask that you're hiding from your family?"
Straightforward, I see.
Though it's not like I will betray my family, I just can't let them know my other objective in coming all the way here. I slowly composed myself to not look so suspicious.
"I just want to know how I can join the hunt? I heard from Archer that this inn isn't just what it looks like. Your wife is the Vice-Captain of a guild and this is one of the guild's quarters." I stated, looking at the small and ordinary inn. Just like any other fantasy novel where the MC goes to an ordinary inn that is secretly a place for getting information or a quarter of an organization, this inn is no different and far from ordinary as well.
"This maybe the first time I've met Archer's wife, but you're already as interesting as your aura."
"My aura?"