Vincent kept his demeanor calm, his grip on Elinalese secure as she clung to his back. He raised a hand in a gesture of peace, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"Hold your fire," Vincent ordered his team.
"What kind of weapon is that?" One of the guards commented as he glanced at the rifles of the special forces.
"Look, we don't want any trouble. We are commissioned by this lady on my back to escort her and her associates to the Kingdom of Eldoria. I'm sure you recognize her."
After saying that, Vincent lowered down to his knees, allowing Elinalese to gently slide off his back. She stood beside him, slightly wobbly but with a composed demeanor.
One of the guards squinted, recognizing Elinalese's distinctive features. "Lady Elinalese? Is it really you?"
"Yes, it is me," Elinalese replied steadily. "These men saved us from a dire situation. They are here to help."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances, but the recognition of Elinalese's identity began to break their hostile stance. The lead guard stepped forward, lowering his weapon slightly.
—And suddenly, the guard knelt down on one knee and bowed his head.
"Lady Elinalese, please forgive our actions. We did not recognize you at first. You have been missing for days, and an alert was issued to all guards stationed at the outpost," the lead guard explained.
Elinalese, her expression softening, stepped forward and gently touched the guard's shoulder. "There is nothing to forgive. You were doing your duty to protect the kingdom. I am grateful for your vigilance."
The guard stood up, relief evident on his face. He glanced at Vincent and his team, then back at Elinalese. "We are glad to see you safe, my lady."
He glanced at his men behind him who were still raising their weapons at Lady Elinalese's rescuers.
"Lower your weapons immediately," the lead guard ordered. "These men are our allies."
The guards hesitated for a moment but then complied, lowering their weapons and stepping back.
"We owe you our thanks," the lead guard said to Vincent, his tone now respectful. "We will escort you to the kingdom. Please follow us."
Vincent nodded, grateful for the change in attitude. He signaled his team to relax but remain vigilant. "Thank you for understanding. We are ready to proceed."
The guards formed a protective escort around the group, and they began the journey towards the Kingdom of Eldoria. As they walked, the tension eased, and the guards began to show curiosity about Vincent and his men.
One of the younger guards approached Vincent, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Sir, if I may ask, where do you come from? Your weapons and attire are unlike anything we've seen."
Vincent smiled. "We come from a faraway land, that is all that you need to know."
"Still…where is that? I'm curious."
"You must be the kind of man who loves to ask questions. Unfortunately, I can't answer them," Vincent said.
The young guard's curiosity was evident, but he nodded in understanding. "I understand, sir. Thank you for bringing Lady Elinalese back safely."
As they continued their journey, the lead guard gestured towards a set of carriages waiting near the outpost. "We have a carriage here that can take you back to the capital, Lady Elinalese. It should accommodate you and the rest of your associates. But I'm afraid that these gentlemen won't be able to fit in."
"Don't worry, we will walk," Vincent replied. "It's not far, and it's best if we remain close."
Elinalese looked concerned. "Are you sure, Sir Vincent? I don't want to burden you further."
Vincent smiled reassuringly. "It's no trouble at all, my lady. We'll ensure your safety."
The lead guard nodded and opened the door to the carriage, helping Elinalese and her maids inside.
"We'll follow closely behind," Vincent said, giving a signal to his team. "Stay alert and keep an eye on our surroundings."
The special forces team nodded, falling into formation around the carriage as it began to move. The guards from the outpost formed an additional perimeter, ensuring a secure passage.
Twenty minutes later, Vincent could finally see the silhouette of the main gate of Eldoria. The impressive structure loomed ahead, framed by the light of the afternoon. The gate was a grandiose affair, with towering stone walls that extended into the horizon and a wide moat that encircled the city. and a sturdy drawbridge connected the gate to the road they traveled on.
As they approached, Vincent took in the bustling activity around the gate. Horse-drawn carriages, much like the one carrying Elinalese, moved in and out of the city, merchants peddled their goods, and citizens went about their daily routines.
The guards at the main gate stiffened at the sight of the approaching convoy but quickly relaxed when they saw the outpost guards leading them. The captain of the gate guard, a burly man with a thick mustache and a commanding presence, stepped forward to meet them.
"Captain Aelric," the lead guard from the outpost greeted him with a salute. "We have returned with Lady Elinalese and her rescuers."
Captain Aelric's eyes widened in surprise and relief.
"Lady Elinalese! Praise the gods, you're safe!" He bowed deeply before her carriage. "We have been worried sick about you."
Elinalese stepped out of the carriage, her posture regal despite the ordeal she had been through. "Thank you, Captain Aelric. These brave men saved us from a dire situation.
Captain Aelric turned to Vincent and his team and smiled in gratitude.
"You have our deepest thanks for bringing Lady Elinalese back safely."
Vincent bowed his head slightly, acknowledging his appreciation.
"Now, we will inform the royal capital of your safe arrival to the Kingdom of Eldoria. As for these gentlemen, there is a protocol in place where visitors from unknown lands must be briefly inspected and documented for security purposes," Captain Aelric explained. "It won't take long, and then you will be free to enter the city."
Vincent nodded, understanding the necessity of such measures. "We have no objections, Captain. Lead the way."
"As for you, Lady Elinalese, you will be escorted back to your estate," Captain Aelric continued. "Your father, Duke Claes, will be most eager to see you."
Elinalese nodded, her relief evident. "Thank you, Captain Aelric. I look forward to seeing my father."
Captain Aelric turned to Vincent and his team. "Please follow me to the inspection area. It is just a short distance from here."
Vincent marveled at the surroundings as they walked through the streets of Eldoria. The city resembled a medieval German town, with cobblestone roads winding between timber-framed houses and stone buildings. The architecture was stunning, with ornate carvings and vibrant colors adorning the structures. The air was filled with the sounds of daily life: the clatter of hooves on stone, the calls of merchants, and the chatter of townsfolk.
Captain Aelric led them to a large building near the gate, where a group of officials awaited.
"We are going to need you to fill out these forms," Aelric said, passing the forms to each of them. "Names, age, country of residence…"
Vincent glanced at his men as he felt nervous of the forms. He had not discussed about making up where they
came from and other details that might be difficult to explain. Vincent took a deep breath, deciding to keep their story as simple and consistent as possible.
"We'll fill out the forms," he assured Captain Aelric, taking the documents. He quickly scanned the questions, noting that most of them were standard for entry and security purposes.
Vincent wrote his name, age, and simply put "a distant land" for the country of residence. He instructed his men to do the same, ensuring they all gave similar responses to avoid raising any suspicions.
The officials took the forms back and reviewed them, occasionally glancing up at Vincent and his team.
"Distant land? Where is that particularly?" One of the officials asked.
"We are also going to need to inspect your weapons," another officials chimed.
"Look, we have rescued the Duke's daughter. I don't think he'll be pleased if you are going to interrogate us like criminals," Vincent responded calmly.
"This is just a standard procedure, sir…Vincent," Aelric replied.
"I know…but I don't think we are comfortable sharing information about our origins," Vincent said firmly.
"Sir please do not make our job hard," Aelric pleaded.
"I am also asking you to respect us," Vincent responded. "Look, you can inspect us as much as you like, but please stop the probing questions about our origin."
Aelric looked at Vincent and he could feel the menacing aura emanating around him. His senses also told him that he shouldn't mess with this man.
"Fine…we will make exceptions, but you are to stay here until further notice," Aelric conceded.
"Thank you," Vincent said, and he muttered under his breath. "The system is not yet rewarding me huh? I wonder what requirements I should meet to receive it…"