Sein's POV
Once I was done preparing myself to go out of the castle, I also finally decided which one to join out of the two invitation badges I had received. It's obvious what it was. Joining the blessed knights led by the Queen himself is too much of a risk for me compared to joining the Chardonnay guild. I mean, I'd like to join them to get to know the future of the story told in the novel, but I can't let them know that a princess was the one who killed a demonic stag. I'll be a threat to them, perhaps. I have to conceal my identity for the sake of peace and safety for my siblings.
Following an unfamiliar trail that Archer would sometimes follow, I assume that this was a shortcut to arrive at the nearest town. I remember Archer coming back with food and other supplies. As I walked through the forest, I found a wall that is probably about 10 feet tall, and considering how small I am, I had no choice but to climb again. I don't even know how many times I have climbed today. But having a healthy body is quite impressive, I must say.
Examining the situation of the wall, this one is much tougher than the walls I climbed at the Queen's castle. There were no thick vines or any sorts of rocks I could hold or step onto. The wall was pretty much covered with curtain creepers.
"A curtain? Could it be? "
Using the sword I received from the guild, I used it to sway the creepers to the side. As expected, there was an old, rusty gate hiding behind the plant. I did not waste any more time and opened the gate. When I got inside, I was welcomed with a cold breeze sipping through the cracks.
"I guess it was not a wall after all."
Fortunately, this place was not as dark as I thought it would be. It's probably because of the cracks that the light from the sun can pass through inside. I feel like an archeologist at this point. I've discovered an old library and now this place, which looks like an abandoned structure that is leading somewhere.
To be honest, this place seems like a really good hiding spot. Even though it is already wrecked and several trees and plants have occupied this place, which adds to the fantasy-like vibe, there is something ominous about this place. It is as if I am not alone. Did I get inside a dragon's lair? Or a lizard's lair?
Equipped with one sword and a dagger, I prepared myself for a possible surprise attack. Although I don't want to make an enemy, I still have to be cautious for my safety. Holding the hood of my cloak, I made sure it covered my hair and only let them see my mask.
"State your purpose, or we will have no choice but to kill right then and there," a voice chillingly spoke behind my back.
I did not dare to move anymore. I slowly raised both of my hands in the air and turned to look at them. There are about three of them in front of me, but about 10 people are lurking in the shadows.
They shouldn't underestimate my senses, because as a sick patient who spent almost my entire life in the hospital, it made my senses strong and sensitive. Mostly, because I had to sense if the nurses or doctors were coming to check on me. But it has been such a handy ability to me that I even manage to use it here.
"I said, state your purpose or we will have to kill you."
The voice was quite familiar, and my instincts told me I had to walk closer to see them. However, as soon as I was about to step closer, one stingingly sharp sword was already a few centimeters away from my neck.
Sh*t.
"One more or-"
"Lea, stop."
The sword on my neck stayed, but the people in front of me started to walk closer. For as long as they won't stab or slash the critical part of my body, I still have a little percentage of survival between the four of them.
"You, who are you? "
"Why do you have that sword? "
My eyes automatically gazed at the sword on my hips. Sure enough, the emblem of the Chardonnay Guild was clear and shining.
"I received this from a young lady to express her gratitude," I said, lowering the tone of my voice and making it sound more manly.
"You mean Lore, right? "
"I think so, but I didn't get her name and only got this badge from her," I explained as I took out the badge.
"Finally, it's you! The mysterious young lady who killed a demonic beast."
As soon as the woman stepped closer and the light from the sun struck her face, my heart immediately felt relief after recognizing who she was. It was Captain Rowena!
"Lea put down the sword. She is a very distinguished lady we honestly have been looking for, and I didn't expect we would meet you here at our hideout."
I was a little taken aback by what Captain Rowena said. I was right that this place was a good hiding spot, but I didn't expect it to be occupied by the Chardonnay Guild themselves. Does Archer know about this place all along?
"I apologize for threatening; please understand that we were just protecting our territory," Captain Rowena said, trying to step closer. Lea, on the other hand, which I remembered was the wife of Sir Richard, walked her way to the captain wearing that unbothered face. She sure is quite nonchalant.
"May I ask how you found one of our hiding places? I am assuming that Lore doesn't know this place, not unless...
"I found this out on my own," I said. I can't let them know that I got the idea of finding this place from Archer. They might think that he betrayed them.
"How—I mean, this place is one of the most well-hidden quarters of our guild."
"I sensed you."
"Sensed? "Captain Rowena's face was utterly confused. Who wouldn't be confused, really? Who the hell is stupid enough to say that she found them because she sensed them? What am I, a psychic hero?
I honestly don't know what stupid excuse I should make anymore. It's not like I was actually aiming here. Well, I was looking for them, but not here seriously.
"Impressive. I'm sorry, it's just that we were looking for you, but you found us instead."
I only nodded in response as I put the badge back inside my pocket and fixed my hood properly. "I'd like to join your guild."
"Huh– yes."
"Wait, what!? "
"When can I start working? "
"Tomorrow?"
Once again, I did not bother to answer anymore and only nodded in response. It may seem disrespectful, but I just don't know what to say anymore. I definitely did not have a social life back when I was in my world. I just pretend I can, but I actually don't. I have to play many characters in this life, so I guess my identity right now should be somewhat quiet.
I did not wait for their response and immediately sprinted to what I think is another gate that will lead me out to the other side of this place. When I was finally out of that place, I found myself in the forest again. However, looking forward, there were houses and buildings ahead. I knew this was a shortcut.
"Young lady, wait! "
I looked back at the voice who called me and saw Captain Rowena and Mrs. Lea running in my direction. I may have died once, but I am still a human capable of feeling frightened. Who in their right mind would not get afraid when two big and masculine women are holding swords and running towards you?
And when I thought I would be frozen in this spot, my body automatically sprinted fast away from them. I don't know if this is just a bodily instinct or not, but ever since the incident from that demonic stag, I feel like a ninja or something that is able to fight or escape like a pro.
I did not look back anymore at them and focused on my way to go faster to the town. I also made sure to not let them see me anymore, as I hide my body from the bushes.
As soon as I reached my destination, the bustling noise on the street revealed a busy market. The place was not just any ordinary farmer's market, because not only were they selling fruits and vegetables, but I could also see them selling gemstones, magic potions, and many more.
"Woah. This is even more fantasy-like compared to the seasonal hunt we went to."
Before I let myself be seen as suspicious by the crowd of people, I composed myself despite being out of breath. The day has just started, which means I still have so much time to explore this fantasy kingdom. I felt a jolt of excitement as I mesmerized the crowded market. I never knew I would be able to experience this kind of life.
And so the night has come without me noticing it. I was so immersed in having fun going window shopping or market hopping whatever they call it here. Lucky for me, I had some jewels with me that I did not hesitate to sell to some merchant.
"I'll just tell them I lost it."
I know just how very wealthy the royal family of this kingdom is, especially the Queen, so I didn't hesitate to sell one necklace. After I finished my dinner, I decided to call it a day to explore this place and finally initiate my sneaky plan.
"Time for my late 100th-day ceremony. Let's see what weapon I should choose."
According to the novel, when the male lead tried to sneak into the Holy Knight's Cradle, it was said that the place was in front of the temple of the gods and goddesses, and the only temple I know is the one behind the King's castle, which means that the cradle was hidden in between the temple and the King's castle. I guess I will have a tough time sneaking inside the cradle.
I sprinted my way back to the hiding place of the Chardonnay guild. Thank goodness, when I was out of their hideout, I saw another path just a few meters away from it.
I quietly went down my path to the path that I saw earlier, and because of the bright moonlight, I did not have a hard time looking my way back. When I was finally out of the forest and reaching my old castle, I started to run fast.
I heard from the knights when I was going to the dining room that the Queen had to provide herself with a carriage to go to the King's castle, even though it was just walking distance.
It was probably for his safety and convenience. I guess I can reach the King's castle quickly since it's closer to the Queen's castle than the other castle occupied by the concubines.
When I arrived at the Queen's castle, I was surprised to see no one outside. Is it because it's already nighttime that I can't see them, although I can still sense a few concealed presences guarding this place? As quiet as a sloth but as fast as a runaway thief, I hurried my way to the king's castle. I wasn't even nowhere near the castle of the strongest woman in this kingdom; I could already see the high and mighty palace of the king.
"It's not a castle; rather, it's a lavish palace."
My eyes were already fixated on the sight of the palace. I wonder what the palace would look like in the daytime. I mean, the palace is already mesmerizing through the night. It somehow looks like the moonlit sky is shining on the palace, making it more fantastically dazzling in my eyes.
But when I thought that the palace of the King was the most magnificent one I had seen, it was the Holy Knight's Cradle that made my jaw drop in amusement.