Volume 8 : Chapter 16 – FATE (2)

I am so happy! Really, really happy.

I finally made it to the army and by some stroke of luck, I landed a job to be the personal guard for a prince from the royal family of the empire.

It was not like the journey was without any challenges. After my dad who was also a general in the army did not return from a campaign on the Demon Continent. I did not know what I should do with myself after losing someone important to me. The only people left in my family now were my mother and myself.

People used to say that my father was weak because he could not use magic and he wouldn’t be able to contribute anything by being in the army. But slowly with his abilities he rose up to the position of a general and shut everyone’s mouth.

After his loss, mom had to work hard as a herbalist to earn a living by selling medicine in the village. But because the village was located in a remote region, the only source for the herbs was the forest. Our family resources were draining fast and since it was dangerous to go without guards into the forest because of monsters, mother’s work was becoming more difficult.

Also, the traders taking advantage of the situation had made the herbs they sold to us more expensive for the same reason. Once feeling dejected, I ran into the forest hoping to get my mother some herbs and surprise her.

But instead, I encountered a pack of goblins there. I was scared and while they had got me cornered when they threw a stone at me and I fell on the ground. They had pinned me down and were going to take my life. At that time, my body started feeling burning from the inside as if it was all in flames. Suddenly, a blaze erupted from the palm of my hand, engulfing the entire horde of monsters in a scorching inferno with a single, powerful burst.

On that day I had made up my mind to join the army as well. Since then, I started training on my own secretly inside the forest with magic and wooden stick swords while helping my mother by supplying her with herbs. Even though I hadn’t told her about any of this, she had a pretty good idea of what I was up to.

In the past, my diet primarily consisted of foraging in the forest, consuming whatever fruits, bitter leaves, or roots I could find to nourish my growing body. There were those unfortunate moments when my tummy would revolt in agony after devouring something poisonous back then. But life lessons come in all shapes and sizes. and it also taught me a lot of things. Like I should never take an apple from a seemingly sweet old granny in the middle of the forest.

Once I got of age, I declared my intention of joining the army. Of course, many who heard about this were against it and told me that I was better off getting married and staying home helping my mother. That I would only end up as a failure because I was a girl and looked naive.

But as if I would be satisfied with any of that. I wanted to become stronger and prove myself. Thankfully my mother who was always worried for me supported my dream.

The journey didn’t become any easy after this. I needed to collect money to make my journey to a big city and participate in the recruitment of soldiers. To buy equipment and food. My mother and I worked hard to that end and finally collected the minimal amount. I got myself beginner travel gear and only a corroded sword with what little I had left.

I started my life journey on foot, would sleep inside a handwoven tent on nights while feeling cold on the ground, and finally made it to the city. The only thing that worried me was leaving my mother behind, but she assured me that she would be fine on her own. All I could do was stock up on herbs for months and I could do it again and again when I came back home.

After all my mom and me made a promise that I would always come back home safe. That was her only condition for me for joining the army.

From there, the recruitment was a challenge because everything to me seemed new. But I finally got to experience something that my father once did. There were those who looked down on me every time seeing that I was a commoner girl.

But once they saw the full strength of my power, they had to see me in a new light. But it’s not like this got better for me at the training camps, since being the only commoner girl in my squadron.

There were other girls, but they belonged to knights and noble families and saw no reason to associate with me. But to every discrimination, I answered it with my abilities. I am sure I handled each of them with utmost care and grace, once I made them eat dust on the ground and showed them who is the boss here.

But even now I failed to make any friends here. At the same time for these very similar reasons, I was alone back in the village with only my mother. Children in the village used to stay away from me thinking that I was weird.

Two months passed in training, when I again won one of the daily brawls I used to have here. But this time something unexpected occurred when out of the blue I was called out exactly when the fifth prince of the empire visited.

Not knowing what it was about I followed my orders when the prince suddenly ⸻offered me to become his guard.

And I of course accepted.

I am sure everyone’s dumb ass would have been burning with jealousy when I defeated the bear killer as well. I can’t wait to see their idiotic faces now when they hear I have become the prince’s personal guard. I am sure they would be now willing to become friends with me, so at least I will show mercy and make them my underlings.

And right now, because of that very reason, I was sitting inside this luxurious room with a bed having a fluffy mattress, instead of the iron rack I had to sleep on back at the camp.

A table filled with all kinds of tasty food some of which I had never even seen before, compared to when we were only served thick gruel all day.

Lying on the bed while holding the feather pillow tight, I couldn’t help but wonder.

Are all high nobles and royal family ⸻handsome and good-looking?

Ahhh!!! The prince was so handsome and had a dream-like face. I could barely look at him without feeling nervous.

“But really, why did the prince choose me? Were my skills finally recognized?”

Because of him, I got to wear a new guard uniform which is much more comfortable than my previous smelly training outfit. An exquisite new sword, unlike any I had seen before, with such a beautiful black color.

But since then, I have been holed up inside this room and haven’t got a chance to meet him again.

What kind of need does he have for me? From a ruffian commoner girl like me. I am sure there are much stronger personal guards he could have hired to protect himself.

I don’t have any analysis skills, nor I can perceive magic. But living inside the forest and fighting all kinds of monsters. I can tell the prince is till now the strongest person I have ever met.

Just the normal magical aura he exuded was greater than the total magical power of the entire regiment combined.

Did he just want to make fun of me or take pity on me? I couldn’t even begin to guess what his first order would be for me.

KNOCK…KNOCK…

On listening to the door being knocked on, I quickly opened it up. Maybe I had been desperately waiting for a message from the prince that I was in such a hurry, that I got a knee hit on the bedpost.

What is even the need of having one of these there, if it has no particular use?

“Huh! Why is the prince here…?”

Was I impolite? Wait I should salute him first. So, I quickly took my salute stance while awkwardly holding my hurt leg and shaking it in one hand.

“…Ufff..fff.” At the same time producing a weird noise.

Please don’t let him think that I am some insane girl for this.

The prince for a moment glanced at my unusual posture and said, “We are leaving, Elsie. Follow me.”

Finally! I can leave this shithole place which only reeks of manure in the morning and booze at night.

But I haven’t packed my bag yet, should I ask the prince to wait till I at least get my clothes?

Seeing my panic for a bit, the prince turned back, “All your items have been already packed and loaded on the cart.”

By the time I reached the transportation ground, I realized it would be my first time traveling with anyone else. There were other knights in armor and holding swords. So, I was not the only escort or guard.

The prince came and opened the door of the cart and sat inside. Then he looked at me still standing outside, while I was still trying to figure out my position here. The other knights were in full armor and so I felt uncomfortable asking them myself because of the difference.

Maybe I should search for a horse. Even though I never did horse riding I was optimistic I could ride one.

But luck would have it other way and I was now sitting on the opposite side of the prince inside the carriage.

I was finally inside one but it made me feel uneasy by how it moved so fast. The space was a bit cramped for me since I liked open spaces. And there was only a single widow to my left.

If it weren't for this job, I would've totally loved to spend my time peeking outside and watching all the beautiful scenery pass by. But I gotta act all grown-up and fulfill my duties as the guard of the prince.

The other escort guards were riding alongside on their own horses.

The prince looked at my puzzled face and asked, “Is there something wrong?”

“Prince, shouldn’t I also be the one guarding you on the outside of the carriage like the other guards?” I said with a strained worried face.

The prince closed the book he was reading and folded his legs one over the other. Did he get angry at my stupid question?

“Those are not particularly my guards. But belong to my father, the king. They are just escorts to make sure I reach back the capital.”

“That sounds difficult.” I don’t understand but seems like noble’s lives are really a big pain and all filled with obligations and a lot of responsibilities.

“Then what should I do?” I was getting bored nonetheless with nothing to do on hand.

At that time, the prince opened up a small black portal and took out some long documents from inside. So, he could use something complex as Storage magic. Impressive.

He then passed on the papers to me.

“Can you read?”

“Yes, my father taught me when I was just three.” Thank you dad for saving me.

“That’s good.”

On his approval, I started going through the document as quickly as I could and tried to understand what he wanted to tell me.

“Isn’t this embezzlement of the national treasury money and funds? And I mean a lot of it. Around twenty thousand gold coins were issued last year as funds for fixing the drought situation in the Faunus city of the Jade Province and nearby villages. But the reports haven’t improved and also the taxes charged by the local governor were raised.”

For easier administration, the Empire was divided into several provinces each with its own governor. Jade province was not a well-known province and was also in the corner most part of the empire.

“I see so you get the gist of it now.” Saying that Prince Kevin took back the documents from me.

“I mean I could get a whole lot of things with that money even after I spend it all on fixing the land. Maybe around fifty thousand pancakes. I really loved those when I ate them the first time in the city.” I suddenly moved off-topic and started thinking about pouring as much sweet syrup as I could on the top.

“This is just what’s on the paper and it has gone unreported till now. The real deal could be even beyond what we can imagine.”

“But why didn’t the inspection officer point the crime out to the central ministry.”

“It’s because the entire system is corrupt to its core. I had to sneak into the palace, to get my hands on these real documents.”

Ohhh! So, the prince is actually mischievous even though he always looks serious.

“Don’t give me that look. It was just to get my hands on these documents I have no such strange habits. Ahem!”

“So, what do you plan to do? Are you going to report it to the king?” I was now excited to know how the prince was going to handle it.

“I am going to expose the person who did this.” The prince said with determination.

“Then.. if we are doing this without any official warrant?”

“Yes, this will not be official, and since we will be acting on our own. Even if we report this, I am sure things would be fixed as if everything’s fine on the surface. And once the situation cools down; it will be even worse than the previous.”

“Let’s do it.” I said eagerly.

“So, you want to be a part of my crime. You do realize that this can turn you into the state’s enemy or a criminal if things did not turn in our favor.”

“I don’t know if what you are asking me to do is a test or not. But I am not walking out like a coward, here. I will make sure I protect you because that’s my job right.” And I can’t let anyone harm the empire and roam free without being punished for it.

“I see. I was right in choosing you after all.” The prince paused saying it and then again continued, “So, why don’t we as our first step figure out a way to tail off of our escorts.”

The prince now looked relaxed and more energetic. Once I knew of my mission, I too couldn’t stay at ease and was fired up. Spending another second here would be a waste of time and I wanted to get out as well.

“Just leave it to me. ⸻Inferno Saber.”

I wrapped my new sword with my fire magic. The sword was specially made of special material with high magical capacity and so could withstand the heat and my magic than simply melting away.

I pierced the metal carriage’s floor and quickly drew up a large circle without making any noise. The flaming sword tip easily melted the metal frame, like running a knife through butter. Again, without making any sound I pulled out the metal circular piece and looked at the prince.

“Now we can get out of here without being seen.”

The prince appeared taken aback by my actions, but soon his expression transformed into one of approval.

We took out the soft cushion from our seat and holding it jumped through the hole and fell flat on the ground together.

Once the carriage moved over us and the escorts were far out of sight we stood up. The cushion secured our landing nicely and fortunately, I didn’t get my new uniform torn or dirty.

“Hahaaaa… Haahaa…” I was surprised by the prince suddenly laughing holding his hand to his face trying to hide his smile.

“I can’t even begin to imagine the face of the guards once they reach the capital with that empty carriage.” It would take around a day for them to get the capital and that’s when they would begin searching for us again.

For a moment I was enchanted by the prince’s adorable and devilish smile, that I forgot the most important thing. “Waittt… come back. All my clothes and my things are still in the carriage.”

“Don’t worry, we can buy whatever you need on the way.” The prince tried to reassure me.

Huh! Must be an easy life for a noble, being able to say that so easily.

From there we had to walk all the way through the forest, because we could not afford to get noticed on the main road, at least not somewhere near the capital.

Hopefully, the path we took was a shortcut to the place we were going and being just us two we could travel fast. Seems like the prince was already prepared to do this since he had the map ready and all.

I took care of all the small fry monsters in the way with my saber sword. Finally, I was getting to do something which my job required.

“That’s an incredible sword technique.”

“Yes, I worked hard and developed it all on my own.” I finally got to brag about it to someone.

“That’s commendable.” The prince really seems impressed.

Once we were far enough, we were to take any carriage on the road if we found any and then it would be a night trip till we reach our destination.

Fortunately, we did get a carriage and the prince took care of all the travel expenses.

After a day of traveling, walking, and changing carriage continuously without sleep.

“We will soon reach the place. Get ready.” The prince said.

I was surprised by how he could still hold up with the continuous travel without sleep. While I sometimes used to spend nights in the forest for training and was accustomed to this kind of routine.

“I think I can already see it from here now.”

Once we were near the territory of the Jade province we got off the cart and decided to walk to the gate ourselves. Also, the driver of the cart was not keen on taking us there since he had heard bad rumors about the place and the governor turning away any new visitors.

Getting closer, we saw a walled city surrounded by nothing but completely barren land. It was the Faunus city of the Jade province.

At the city gate, there were guards as usual for security. But instead of asking us for our identity proof they straight away refused us entry.

“We cannot let you in.” the guards shut closed the door.

“And why is that?” I demanded an explanation.

“We have been ordered by the governor not to let anyone in. You can go back where you came from.”

“Now, now there’s no need for any hurry in sending us away.” Suddenly the prince took charge of the conversation so I became quiet.

“Who are you? I said we cannot let you in.” the guard resisted.

But then the prince from inside his clothes took out a red bag tied tightly. He bungled its content and it produced that sweet pleasant sound of coins colliding with each other.

The guard took the bag as if taking the cue. Opened it and shrieked in surprise.

“Silver coins???”

“How many?” I whispered to myself in jealousy. Should I beat this guard up and ask the prince to give me that money as prize? He really doesn’t need to give it to him to just pass through the gate.

“Ahhh. Seems like I need to take a short break.” The guard turns his eyes away as if making it look like we did not exist.

“Good.” The prince beckoned to me and we moved inside the city. Even I knew if we entered the city by force, we would be alarming the governor and he may hide any evidence.

If the guards began taking corrupt money then the city is in danger of being invaded by foreign spies, bandits, or assailants.

“I don’t blame him for taking the money.” The prince whispered loud enough for me to hear. “Look what has become of this place.”

As we walked around, in no way the city looked like a settlement as the Jade’s province's main city.

We could spot very few people on our way and most of them were homeless or in poverty. The shops were almost empty and closed down. Then there were those with weapons who were most probably hoodlums, harassing people for money.

Even the shops selling vegetables and other food items were in bad shape. The veggies looked very old and fragile. The prices of normal bread and other essentials were high than what was supposed to be a normal standard for them.

“The situation looks very bad. How are they even living here?” Not realizing I had let my guard down while I sympathized with the people of this city.

“Be careful we are being watched.” The prince walked forward.

No, wait I am the guard here. And so, I quickly stood beside him. I had made sure to hide my sword under my clothes properly. While the prince did not have any weapons even when I insisted that he keep one. He only replied he didn’t need one. I wonder what his power is, really.

We took a left at the narrow lane and found it to be a dead end.

“We got them guys.” The man with his group appeared who was tailing us.

“They are just some roadside gangsters. I can handle them.” I asked looking at the prince.

“Sure. Do as you please but be moderate?”

“Yes, prince.” I said sincerely.

Since it has been a while since I used my hands to fight. I wanted to turn this into a rememberable fistfight on my first day at the job.

“Listen, lady. We don’t want to hurt you. But a good friend told us that boy has a lot of free cash on him.”

“I see so that guard opened his mouth after all. I knew I should have kicked his butt back then. But maybe I should start with you all first.”

Maybe impressed by my confidence the assailant couldn’t hold himself back. With a frustrated voice, he ordered his men, “Get her.”

And three men ran at me with wooden sticks and metal rods. They didn’t even have any proper weapons so I decided not to use my sword as well.

But I guess the fight was too one-sided, to begin with. I was sure I was holding back, but only one punch to each of them and they were foaming from their mouth. I remember once punching an orc with a flaming fist and he was only knocked out for a minute.

‘Just what part of this looks moderate to her?’ Prince Kevin thought to himself, next time noting to inform his subordinate better before letting her handle things.

At the same time, suddenly a parade of footsteps soldiers surrounded us in a heartbeat.

“That was quick. Seems like we attracted more attention than required.”

“We are surrounded from everywhere.” I looked around and these people were in full body armor.

My hand was reaching for my sword, but then the soldiers holding their spears and swords took a salute position and from behind them a man appeared.

“What is all this trouble about? We have apprehended the guard who had let the outsiders in.” the man then looked at the goons lying half-dead on the ground.

“Are you the outsiders?” the man give a piercing look at me and the prince as if saying we were a sore in his eyes.

“We may really be who you're looking for?” The prince returned the man’s question with another question.

“Such insolence causing trouble in the middle of the city for other people. You should know by the order of our Lord that outsiders are not permitted in the town.” The man said.

It really turned out that we had attracted quite an audience of passers-by now, mostly all confused about what was happening.

The man looked keen on finding a way to quickly throw us out of the town. As if I would let him do that.

“And who might you be?” I asked with pride.

“I am the head servant of the house of Hobbo, the governor of this place.”

From the prince’s notes, I did remember that name. So, for now, all the soldiers would be following the one in charge.

“Now soldiers throw them outside of this city and make sure to restore its cleanliness from outside filth.” Just when the servant turned away while the soldiers approached me.

I know I just couldn’t hurt my own fellow soldiers, so I used my sword along with its case and by swinging it hard knocked down two soldiers. In turn, they fell on other soldiers knocking them out as well.

“How dare you defy the soldiers? Impudent little girl.”

“Is it normal for the servants to be this frustrated, you must have a hard master to deal with.” I said feeling all sorry.

“I must have not made it clear but you have hurt the citizens of this city and also broken its law. You will be tried but before that, I will make sure you regret setting foot here. Now…”

Before the head servant could issue his next order to other soldiers I interrupted.

“Before thinking of us as any common visitors, I will have you know that this man is the fifth prince of the Empire, Kevin Nova. And I am Elsie, the prince’s guard.”

Of course, I had to say that, because I couldn’t lose to him, seeing him flaunt his job like that. I wanted to let my new job known as well.

Now that I had made our standing clear, that I ranked higher than the head servant. I happily looked at the prince, thinking that I made the right move because a simple servant was trying to humiliate him. Of course, a guard does not just have to protect his master from harm’s way but also his dignity.

“How did things turn out like this? It was just supposed to be an undercover recon mission, but now it looked more like a full-blown circus act and I was somehow its accidental superstar.’ The prince again had to secretly reconsider his decision of hiring me.

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