Chapter 5: Unexpected Visit
Mayor Rachmat Sulong was in the midst of his daily walk in the town when Sheriff Nathkin intercepted him. He seemed agitated about something.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Nath, can we talk later? I am in a hurry."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"I'm afraid not. I just received word that a royal ship has docked at the port."
The sheriff's words managed to stop the mayor in his tracks. The mayor was filled with questions while his mind raced to figure out the sudden arrival of a royal ship. He knew that such occurrences were rare and often carried significant implications for their town.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"A royal ship?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"The flag bears the emblem of the Tremaux Dynasty."
"And to the looks of it, I believe there is a royalty onboard."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"The emperor?!"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Not sure..."
"You have to go and greet them yourself if you wanna be sure."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"This is unannounced!"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"A royal from the dynasty eh…"
"Isn't the town supposed to be the mining hub of the Sultanate?"
"Why is the dynasty paying us a visit?"
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Something must be up. Please inform them that I will be at the peer immediately."
Sheriff Nathkin nodded and quickly rushed off to deliver the message, leaving the mayor deep in thought. As he made his way to the town square, Rachmat couldn't help but wonder about the reason behind this surprise visit.
Was it a matter of urgent importance? Or perhaps an opportunity for their town to gain favor with the royal family? He made a quick stop by his office to grab his coat before heading toward the harbor district himself.
The smell of a salty sea breeze permeates the air. The odor of hundreds of people crammed in together mingles with the smoke from a dozen cooking fires, the smell of food being prepared in traditional Qeddah style, blended with the screams of seagulls in the air.
Mayor Rachmat arrived at the docks with a sense of unease. There, a large crowd had already gathered around one of the ships.
He went closer to investigate and noticed that several members of the royal guard were present, which could only mean that a sovereign was indeed on board. Rachmat bowed his head in respect as he stepped forward and introduced himself.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Welcome to the humble town of Cardinal Peaks."
"I am the mayor..."
"Rachmat Sulong."
The royal had an entourage of five guards, two messengers, a butler, and two servants. The guards wore full-body armor with purple, fine-threaded emblems of the dynasty on their chest plates. One of them donned an exorbitant-looking black cape. He must be the guard captain. Their armor also has a bronze sheen to it.
The messengers were wearing plain black clothes and also wore a backpack. The butler was wearing a pinstripe vest with a matching cross tie adorned with precious gems giving the ensemble a sleek and refined look without being too garish.
The female servants were modestly but expensively dressed in a black and white outfit, most likely designed by an eccentric royal designer. The white aprons tied around their waists were meant to hide something rather than to keep their uniforms clean. Its conspicuous design caught the eye of everyone in the area. A blend of technology and artistry.
Mayor Rachmat was taken aback when a young girl emerged from behind and presented him with an emblem - the mark of the royal family. It was Princess Connie, and she had arrived with her entourage unexpectedly.
Rachmat quickly regained his composure and understood the significance of the emblem presented to him, realizing that he was in the presence of royalty. Princess Connie introduced herself and exchanged pleasantries with Rachmat as they made their way toward the mayor's residence.
The two engaged in a conversation about the town and its people, as Princess Connie expressed her fascination with the warm hospitality of the town. Upon arrival, Princess Connie and her entourage were welcomed by the servants at the residence with open arms, a testament to the town's welcoming culture.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by an elegant and inviting atmosphere, complete with beautiful decor and comfortable furnishings. The princess and her entourage settled in, ready to enjoy the warm hospitality of the town and its people.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Please make yourselves at home, Princess Connie."
"My residence is honored to have royalty grace its halls."
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you, Mayor Rachmat."
"Your kindness is appreciated."
As they settled into comfortable seats, Rachmat couldn't help but ask about the esteemed Tremaux Dynasty and the well-being of its emperor.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Princess Connie, may I inquire about the health of your esteemed grandfather, the Emperor?"
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you for your concern, Mayor Rachmat."
"My grandfather, the Emperor, is in good health."
"He holds great respect for the Sultan and has always valued their friendship."
"He is on his way to the capital as we speak."
Princess Connie stopped momentarily, seemingly searching for the appropriate words to convey to the Mayor.
"Anyway..."
"My visit here is more of a personal matter."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Would you care to elaborate, princess?"
「 Princess Connie 」
"There was an incident a long time ago near one of the mines..."
"Apart from a few scrapes and bruises, I was lucky enough to escape from it without any serious injury."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Ahh… You are talking about the cave-in."
"Yes, the western mine."
"It is currently under the control of the guild, Mythrilius Exodia."
「 Princess Connie 」
"Mythrilius? The guild led by Raneeya of the Forge?"
「 Mayor Rachmat (astound) 」
"Are you in acquaintance with the leader of the guild, princess?"
「 Princess Connie 」
"I have heard of the great weapon crafter from my mentors in the capital."
"A swing from one of her swords is capable of severing even a warrior caste zak'nagi..."
Princess Connie suddenly paused for a brief moment. She drifted as if remembering something traumatic and unfortunate, snapping out of it and regaining her composure seconds later.
"Anyway, I am also looking for the boy who fell down the shafts on that day."
"Do you know who he is and where I can find him?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Forgive my intrusion, Princess Connie. May I speak?"
「 Princess Connie 」
"Of course, sheriff."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"I think I know who you're talking about.'
'The search and rescue team found a survivor among the debris of an old elevator shaft after the cave-in..."
"A boy."
「 Princess Connie 」
"Umm… Yes."
"You seem to know about it."
"Do you know him?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Yes, Princess Connie."
"I was part of the search and rescue team that discovered him."
"He was found unconscious but miraculously alive amidst the wreckage of the elevator shaft."
"We managed to stabilize him and provide medical attention."
Connie's eyes widened with a mix of relief and anticipation.
"Unfortunately, Princess."
"After the incident, he never really recovered."
"Life was hard for him..."
"His left leg was, badly injured after being crushed during the accident."
Connie lost her elegance as the sheriff continued his story. Her heart sank as she absorbed the news of the boy's condition. The realization that he had suffered greatly and had not fully recovered from the incident weighed heavily on her.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Oh no, that is truly devastating."
"Is there anything that can be done to help him?"
Sheriff Nathkin sighed, empathizing with Connie's concern.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"We have done everything we can to provide him with medical care and support."
"However, his injuries were severe, and his left leg remains permanently damaged."
"Despite the physical challenges he faces, the boy somehow managed to carry on."
Connie's eyes filled with compassion as she grappled with the reality of the situation.
「 Princess Connie 」
"I must see him, sheriff."
"I need to speak with him and offer whatever assistance I can."
"No one should have to face such difficulties alone."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Princess Connie..."
"I know that it has been over ten years now, but the boy didn't really 'survive' that fall."
"Seems like he lost something more that day."
"His will."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"He gave up on life."
"He didn't want to go on..."
"Living as a crippled kid."
「 Princess Connie 」
"What happened to him?"
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Locked himself in his bedroom..."
"Hardly had any friends."
"His dad tried everything he could to pick his son up."
"But dealing with this kind of thing as a single dad is pretty hard."
「 Princess Connie 」
"What happened to his mother?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Olivia passed away shortly after giving birth to him."
"She lost a lot of blood during labor and her rare blood type made things… complicated."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"The boy had it rough from day one…"
"Anyway, if you want to see him, he will be at his mother's grave till sunset, I guess."
"Today is the day Olivia passed away."
"He always… 'celebrates' there every year."
"The only thing that can make him get out of bed."
Princess Connie's heart ached as she listened to the heartbreaking story of the boy's struggles. The significance of his past and the loss he had endured became more apparent with each word spoken.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Such immense pain... It's unimaginable."
"No one should have to bear such burdens alone."
"I must go to him, even if it means facing his grief on this solemn day."
Mayor Rachmat and Sheriff Nathkin exchanged somber glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Princess Connie, your willingness to be there for him is truly admirable."
"It would mean the world to the boy to know that someone cares."
Mayor Rachmat nodded in agreement, his expression filled with empathy.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Please, Mayor. Take me to him."
"Let me return the favor he did for me on that fateful day."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"He may be resistant at first, but I believe your presence could make a difference."
"Offering your support and understanding may help rekindle his will to live."
Connie took a deep breath, steeling herself for the encounter ahead.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you both for sharing these difficult details with me."
"I will head to the cemetery and try to reach his heart."
"I hope that my presence can bring him some comfort."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Well then… Mr. Cole, can you please assist the princess."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"With pleasure!"
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you!"
"We shall go and find him after I get settled in."
After the long chat, Connie retreated to her undisclosed lodging to have a short rest. She planned to meet with the boy who saved her years ago at his mother's grave before sunset. The mayor sat down in the residence's living room. Thinking about the princess, he lets out a long and stressful sigh.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Nath..."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Yeah?"
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"You noticed that there are 'others' watching her, right?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Of course..."
"But have no worries."
"She'll be safe and sound with me."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"I believe she's still too naive."
"We should be careful."
"Just make sure to keep an eye on her."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Will do!"
"I'm curious too... This girl."
"She doesn't seem to be like the other royalties from the dynasty."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"It's settled then."
"Take her to the cemetery before sundown."
"I will be here if you need anything."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Aye aye, chief!"
「 Mayor Rachmat (murmur) 」
"Looks like there is more to your kid's story, Olivia."
Princess Connie's determination to find and support the boy who saved her years ago was unwavering. With Sheriff Nathkin by her side, they headed toward the cemetery where the boy commemorated his mother's passing.
The princess ordered her bodyguards to stay at a distance to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. As they made their way through the town, Sheriff Nathkin couldn't help but notice the subtle presence of others watching over Princess Connie.
The artificial veins around his eyes started glowing blue. This heightened his sense of caution and protective instincts.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Princess Connie, please stay close to me."
"There may be individuals observing us."
"But don't worry, I will ensure your safety."
Connie nodded, appreciating Sheriff Nathkin's vigilance. She understood that her actions were being closely monitored and that her naivety could potentially put her at risk.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you, sheriff."
"I trust your judgment and appreciate your watchful eye."
With each step, the weight of anticipation grew heavier on Princess Connie's shoulders. She knew that meeting the boy on this significant day would be emotionally charged, but she was determined to make a difference in his life.
They reached the cemetery after a brisk walk from the town square. As they approached, they spotted a boy standing solemnly near a grave, surrounded by memories and solitude. The pain etched on his face was unmistakable.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"There he is, Princess Connie."
"Take a deep breath..."
"And remember to approach him with empathy and understanding."
Connie nodded, gathering her courage. With each step, she felt purpose and compassion igniting within her.
As they neared the boy, Connie paused for a brief moment, a haunting memory flashing through her mind. However, she quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment and her task to offer support.
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