The next few days were the best experience for both Brox and Kenneth. Although they still encountered occasional problems, these were easily solved by Kenneth's extraordinary skills. Kenneth would fight while showing Brox how he used his sword knowledge. And when night fell, it would be time for Brox to show what he had learned from Kenneth's moves.
Time seemed to pass quickly as the trip became a pleasant journey for all of them. Everyone was getting along well, and Matias and Amy were even happier when they saw that Brox was no longer as glum as before.
According to Matias' calculations, they could reach Celeste Village in three days. As soon as Kenneth heard that their journey was coming to an end, the prince regretted that time had gone by so quickly. To him, there were still many things he could teach the talented Brox. But in the end, a mission is a mission. Kenneth's main goal was to kill the Audoran Forest Guardian, not to teach someone his sword skills.
Kenneth had just confirmed his heart when the horse-drawn carriage driven by Matias suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. He, who had been sitting quietly in the carriage, reacted immediately and jumped out to approach Matias, who looked terrified. It was only when he was looking around that Kenneth finally realized what had made Matias make a grim expression. The carriage, which had stopped in the middle of the road, was now surrounded by black-clad men who showed nothing but their fierce eyes.
"Your Highness, you're making it difficult for us by leaving first in that disguise."
Kenneth immediately took out his sword and prepared to fight as he knew they were sent to kill him. With his disguise magic, no one should be able to recognize him as a prince. The way they address him only makes Kenneth know that the assassins were sent by the people in the palace. And in this place, they hoped they could eliminate Kenneth once and for all.
Previously, Kenneth thought he would at least have time to arrive at Celeste Village before the assassins sent by the people in the palace could pursue him. However, he still seemed to be thinking too naively. In a palace where everyone only wanted his death, they would not wait for the right time just to kill an unescorted prince like him.
"Matias, get into the carriage for the time being. As always, I will promise to protect you from all harm."
Matias had no time to ask about Kenneth's true identity as he preferred to secure his family first. Fortunately, the assassins did not react even if Matias moved before their eyes. Seeing their reaction made Kenneth secretly feel relieved. Although Kenneth could not guarantee that Matias' family would be fine if he were to lose here, at least the prince knew that right now, the assassins' priority was to kill him first.
"Who sent you guys? Was it Queen Consort Helena?"
Kenneth asked while looking at the man who had previously spoken to him. Although Kenneth could not be one hundred percent sure, the prince knew that the man who talked to him was the leader of the group. Kenneth tried to extract the information while waiting for his magic to be fully prepared. But instead of answering, the black-clad figure immediately attacked Kenneth.
"Too bad. I won't tell you anything, Your Highness."
Kenneth was caught unprepared as the surprise attack sent his body flying several meters away. Other than his teacher, this was the first time someone had made Kenneth bounce like this.
Even if it was because Kenneth was surprised that his leader was the first to attack him, it did not take away from the fact that his opponent was indeed strong. Although the person who could see through his disguise should only be a mage stronger than himself, the figure's attacks were as powerful as a swordsman's. The way he moved and attacked almost reminded Kenneth of his teacher. But to Kenneth, there was no way his fair and honorable teacher would turn against him like this.
Besides, his voice and the color of his eyes were different from the teacher he had known. Kenneth tried to leave the worries in his heart behind when he finally decided to focus on his current situation.
Kenneth felt his vision spin for a while due to the sudden attack. But the assassins did not want to give Kenneth any time to rest, as an arrow was suddenly fired and aimed right at the prince's chest.
"Kenneth! Watch out for an arrow from behind you!"
As Kenneth bounced back, Brox, who had been hiding in the carriage from the start, could finally see that Kenneth was in a corner. If Brox hadn't been restrained by his parents to stay where he was, the boy would have gone down to help Kenneth fight the assassins. Brox felt fear take over his mind as he saw someone about to secretly shoot Kenneth. Since Brox couldn't do anything to help Kenneth, the boy could only shout to alert Kenneth of the sudden attack.