Chloe pauses for a second and finally finds her answer. “I… used a weapon. Unfortunately, I don’t want to tell you what weapon I currently use right now. And I know that is against the policy of the adventurer’s guild. But that weapon is similar to a bow and arrow. Somehow and someway, I manage to defeat it alone. Zero wasn’t there… until he showed up after the fight, where I collapsed on the floor.”Hubert stares at the orb, checking for the colour to change. However, it doesn’t. After a few seconds… even minutes, the sphere remains a lavender ball.“Hmph… You’re telling the truth. Zoe. Come here for a second and tell me… Did that happen? Were you there after the battle? Did you or did you not participate in Zoe’s fight against the [Goblin Shaman]?”Zero shakes his head and answers, “No, I didn’t. By the time I was wandering around the forest, I crossed paths with Zoe already lying around on the soil. I didn’t want to bother her, but… a couple of [Forest Cerberus] appeared, and she s
As soon as we announce our leave from the headmaster’s office, Hubert calls for my attention and hands me a unique letter with an envelope and a stamp placed in the middle. The symbol that holds the letter together has the shape of a leaf. Although it is painted with bronze. “I forgot to give you this, Zoe. I think this letter will greatly prove itself more useful to you than in my hands.” “Thank you… But what are we going to do with this?” Hubert’s face stiffens as soon as she hears Chloe’s remark. But for a short while, the old man regains his posture and replies, “You’ll need it to cross the gates of the Nylsshys Gates and the castle. This will also serve as your special identification card that will allow you to meet with Edwyrd Tragwyn, the King, and Verrona Tragwyn, the Queen, without delay.” “Why does it… feels and looks familiar,” Chloe mutters under her breath, and examines the letter. Hubert’s face grows pale as he watches the princess playfully observing the sealed mess
As soon as we return to the adventurer’s guild lobby, Zero also bids his farewell.“Apologies, Zoe, for I shall cater to my personal business. Perhaps I will leave you two here on your journey and meet you once more when the time comes, especially when you are inside the Nylsshys castle. Will that be alright with you?”Chloe nods her head and answers, “Sure. Our meeting was brief, but I had a blast spending my time with you.” Despite her words, Chloe looks at the ground and bites her lips in dismay. It seems like the princess wants to join whatever matter Zero has with him. Sadly, our agenda is moons apart.“I am terribly sorry, Zoe. But we shall meet again. I promise you.” Zero makes his hand towards the princess’ head and gives her a head pat.Chloe, out of nowhere, becomes a tomato and is unable to do anything besides feel Zero’s hand caressing her head. Her temperature rises. Also, the princess’ feet waddle like a seal, enjoying every second passing by.‘What a showoff,’ I mumble
{Are you sure about this, Kuro? Is there something you saw upon taking this special request? This task doesn’t provide any rewards, Kuro… Are we going to be alright with this?} Chloe asks. Of course, the princess is worried about it. But I have the occurrence already under my control. {Yeah, princess. This might be more efficient than teaming up with someone we do not know. And we’re on a time restraint, right? We cannot afford to stray from our path and let your brother do what he wants on the other side of the man. If you really want to help your Kingdom and your people, now’s the time to act. This is for the best.} I firmly answer. Chloe seems reluctant about it. But since she has said her word, the princess nods her head and answers, {I will always trust you. So far, your decisions have been impeccable, Kuro.} I’ve lost count of how many times I want to shake or nod my head, and this moment is also added to the list. {Chloe, that’s impossible. I’m just lucky. Honestly, all the
The Skulls and Bones Inn are different from the taverns that we have once visited or looked around. Although these pubs are meant for adventurers, the Skulls and Bones inn is meant for everyone. I had a feeling by the time Chloe steps her foot forward and inside the place, chaos will reign.Apparently, the opposite happens.By the time Chloe enters the building, we are immediately greeted by a little kid, a few years younger than Chloe. She wears a worn-out apron that is too big for her own size, and the youthful lass has her hair tied up like a bun, which is neater than any hairstyle known to my brain. A soft voice echoes in the distance. And when Chloe and I follow the origin of the sound, an adult woman meets Chloe’s eyes and waves in our direction.With an angelic voice, the motherly woman calls for her child, “Elizabeth! Guide these lovely guests to an empty seat and provide them with our menu.”“And welcome to the Skulls and Bones Inn. We’re currently helping the adventurer’s gu
“I cannot wait to feel a proper bed, Kuro! I do not know why, but that thought keeps me afloat!” Chloe keeps saying those words again and again as she gobbles up the meat straight into her mouth.As soon as we’ve eaten our meal, Evergreen hands Chloe the key to our room, and Elizabeth escorts us upstairs. Once we’re in front of our unit, Elizabeth utters, “If you need anything, come downstairs! My mother and I will help you!” and then she scutters back downstairs.Now that I’ve noticed it, Elizabeth… mentioned nothing about her father. It is as if he’s out of their existence. Even so, these two ladies are working really hard to survive in this world, where war and other conflicts clash against innocent lives. And the only people who can stop them are… the ones sitting from above.Chloe… is one of those people.Then again, there’s nothing we can do but wait. Little by little, Chloe will reach the Southern Kingdom where her castle is located. And before we can go there, the princess nee
Short and Bonus Flashback ChapterChloe’s Perspective… When she was still six years old.____________________“Mother, can you read us a bedtime story again?” I said, and twisted the magical lamp on. “My brother and I are not drowsy yet…”The window from the side made my entire room into nothingness. But the light emitting from the arcane torch was enough to illuminate the place. My brother, Flynn, who was right next to me, snuggled a soft but enormous pillow between his thighs.“Please, mother… Tell us the story,” seconded Flynn, as his eyes glistened like stars.“Okay, okay. You two win. But remember, we have a meeting with the Lonelight household, okay? Flynn and Chloe, I want you to wake up as early as possible for tomorrow’s event. Your father’s the king, and I’m the queen of the Winfort Kingdom. So being unkempt is not ideal.”“Yes, mother!” Flynn and I concurrently answered and glued our eyes to our mother’s presence.“Once upon a time, there was a little boy who ran away from
The night has ended in a flash, and the morning sun rises to the sky. Although Chloe has slept with a heavy heart, she finally wakes up feeling anew. Her grey eye bags were no more. And the princess’ hands cease to shiver than ever before.As for me... haven’t slept a wink. Well, I am a gun, after all, so I don’t need any sleep or rest. It’s a surprise that I’m still functioning at a peak condition with no sleep or digesting food at all. For some, it’s a dream. But for me… I kinda miss the taste of sour food touching my tongue or the fact that I’m sleeping like a baby, without thinking of anything at all. A human mind can take limited things at a time, but mine operates twenty-four-seven without breaks.So this time… tonight, I closed my eyes and woke up like a new bud… similar to Chloe.“Wakey, wakey, princess! Rise and shine! There’s a brand new world out there ready to…”I am staring out the window, looking at the villagers starting their day. A few families are already marching to
“LAUNCH YOUR MISSILES IN THIS DIRECTION!”“I’M ON IT!”“WHERE ARE THE MAGES?! WE NEED MORE MAGES ON THE SOUTHERN GATES”“I-I’M SORRY, CAPTAIN! BUT THEY’RE ALREADY DEAD!”“FUCK! CALL ALL KNIGHTS! RETREAT AND STAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES! FALL BACK AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE! AND TO THOSE WHO WISH TO FIGHT, LET US GIVE OUR LIVES FOR THE CIVILIANS TO LIVE! LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!”“LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!” the crowd of soldiers shouts, as they charge to their ultimate demise.Those are the cries that can be heard in the distance. There is an old demi-human man, who is a warrior, leading the charge against the monsters. When he notices that these creatures are too much for them to handle, he snaps his finger and decides for the betterment of his people. Those who are fathers on the battlefield are advised to leave. And those who want to be alive have been suggested to run back to their families… to wish them goodbye. Even this old man right knows there is no stopping this horde o
Kuro’s Perspective__________________Even back in my world, the blaring sound of a horn just like that means that something is happening. And that something is most likely a war of some sort. And Chloe deduces the same thing.Just like what we have expected, that sound comes from starting a battle. And when I check my system, it appears that… dozens of red balls are blinking in the middle of the woods, telling us that there are multiple enemies heading in the Eastern Republic’s direction. Dozens of blue markings, indicating neutral individuals, are eliminated as soon as that happens. It just means that these scarlet hues are barbarians, bandits, or even monsters.But it seems it is the latter.Since we’re already here, we go to the highest cliff and witness what is happening. From where we are, hundreds… if not, thousands of beasts have already infiltrated the gates of the Eastern Republic, killing almost a dozen elven and demi-human guards protecting the post. Some even have committ
Prince Faelar’s PerspectiveJust before Chloe has left the Eastern Republic CastleBonus Chapter __________________________My father… has been a little harsh on Chloe, as well as my mother. I know what they want to tell, and it seems that Chloe is also misunderstood. But that’s… what she thinks is right. I don’t even know who to side with anymore.But even though I have promised Chloe that I will not help her, since my parents have different ideas compared to Chloe, I… I still ask them a question.“Father… Mother, why did you reject Chloe’s offer when an alliance can be beneficial for both parties? Why? Why did you reject such a wonderful offer that can help not only our people but also others? I thought that’s the reason why the Eastern Republic has been the lead country to develop dozens of things unrelated to military weapons… Chloe has said it herself! We are not going to kill or provide anything besides our word, and that should be enough to scare the Western Country and the So
Chloe also doesn’t beat the bush and tells exactly what she needs to say. She wants an alliance. And the only thing she can do is to beg on her knees, which… Chloe surprisingly does. Even I have been caught off guard about it, and I have not even begged for someone or go down on my knees.“Please… I’m not doing this for myself… but for our people… If we can somehow make an alliance, my brother will have to fall back and retreat. You won’t have to fight or anything. I just want your name listed on the alliance. I know, for a fact, that the Eastern Republic refuses to kill any individuals. Hence, your neutral state. But I can assure you that the only need is your word of alliance. Nothing more, nothing less… I’ll do anything you want. Just… I want my Kingdom back.”King Edwyrd pauses for a second as he scrutinise Chloe’s eyes. Now everyone knows this person right here is the princess of the Winfort, begging for an alliance with the Eastern Republic. I know that this is the last draw Chl
Once the gate has been shut and the people remaining in the place are just the five of us, the King and Queen finally rise from their seats and head towards us. They don’t have any malice in their eyes. But their glares are enough to judge whether someone is a traitor, a spy, or even an individual who wishes to wreak havoc against their Republic. But after a few seconds of scrutinising the hell out of Chloe, King Edwyrd and Queen Verrona finally give in and accept Chloe as a guest with hidden intentions. “I see you’re telling the truth, Zoe Sunstone… But it seems there is more than meets the eye…” the elf who has said that is the King. His eyes glues at Chloe. KLing Edwyrd desperately tries to see through the facial feature of Chloe from the hole of her hood, but… the ebony environment hinders his eyesight from peeking any further. These rulers of the Eastern Land do not have any abilities to check whether someone is lying or telling the truth. Their leers have just come from their
We don’t go through any meetings with Prince Faelar’s parents. Prince Faelar already knows Chloe has met dozens of nobles and leaders during her young age, so she shouldn’t be nervous at all. And if she is, Chloe is anxious not from the rulers but for what they are going to say.Prince Faelar also knows that I will be here with Chloe, suggesting the right thing to say. And even without my help, I too know Chloe. And she will not say anything rash, not unless the rulers of the Republic wish to provoke Chloe. This is the time we have been waiting for. The moment of truth is now in front of us. And the only thing for us to do right now is to let the guards know Prince Faelar and his guests, Chloe and I, would like to speak with the King and Queen. Usually, we need an appointment to meet the leaders of the Republic or Kingdom. But since we know Prince Faelar, we don’t have to go through that process.The only people standing before us are the pair of elven soldiers guarding their post. B
Throughout the meal, Dilya has striked a conversation with Prince Faelar and Chloe, asking about random things such as where he has been and what kind of event he has done. It’s not because Dilya is curious and worried about Prince Faelar. It’s about gauging and putting up the pieces if she trusts us or makes a mistake where our stories don't collide.But there’s nothing for us to hide besides me and the conversation Chloe has to do to build an alliance. Besides that, we disclose everything. Much to Dilya’s surprise, she believes it at the end of the day. However, she isn’t happy about it. As soon as Dilya is finished with her meal, she stands up, lets the servant take her plates, and leaves the room without a single word. But before she leaves the place, Dilya turns around and meets Chloe’s eyes. And then to Prince Faelar.“After what my brother has explained, I do not apologise for attacking you… since you’ve eaten our food and I believe you can stay for tonight… It’s not like ever
We are invited inside the castle. There are guards standing on their post, watching Chloe’s every move. They still suspect Chloe as someone else besides being a guest with Prince Faelar. These elven soldiers thought that Chloe is some kind of individual who would take advantage of the situation… or end up killing the royal family.“Why is Prince Faelar friends with… such a total stranger?”“Maybe he’s under a spell? That is likely the case… I think.”“Or maybe it has something to do with a bribe or forced deal that Prince Faelar had made… Maybe he has fucked up? I don’t know.”Those are the baseless rumours the soldiers have presented. But none of them are real. In fact, Prince Faelar is the one who made the request. And Chloe right here just accepted it. If it weren’t for Prince Faelar wanting to visit the Sanctum of Ugmjir, he wouldn’t be with the topic.But these royal members of the Elven Republic do not know a thing. And besides, Prince Faelar had a blast with us. Between Prince
As soon as the two show off their accessories, the three of us continue talking to each other, find a restaurant, fill our stomachs, and… end the journey right here.We continue the conversation until the three of us have reached the castle’s gates. It is a long walk. Fortunately, the sun is still out, and we still have a few minutes before the moon can rise again. There is a debate where we can meet with Prince Faelar’s parents tomorrow, but… we’re already here. Our group might as well talk to the King and Queen and get this over with.Besides, Chloe already knows what she wants to say. And so does Prince Faelar. Prince Faelar’s only request is that… he doesn’t want to be involved with this. And even if he does, he knows that this will just anger his parents. Chloe and I understand his circumstances, since in the beginning of this mission, we just asked Prince Faelar if we could meet his parents. And that’s going to be taken care of a few minutes later…“I guess… this is it, huh?” Pr