Chapter 4: Dinky Thief

After a week, the Royal Prince left the Eastern border city of Ixtal. Since Garen wasn't summoned back to the Capital, this deputy general had to stay behind in case of unexpected emergencies. They couldn't leave the troops without a leader. Someone had to stay and take charge in place of the Commander.

Rhys wasn't concerned about this. He had faith in Garen's abilities or else, he wouldn't have promoted him to become the deputy general. He had also surveyed the magical barrier that separated their Kingdom from the land of demons. He had come to the conclusion that even though the situation was strange, it wasn't perilous just yet.

So, he started his journey toward the Capital... Errr... toward the Duchy of Rosewood.

The Royal Prince was seated on his horse. His majestic black horse was stunning and exuded the same nobility as its master. It had a glossy, jet-black coat and a robust and muscular body. Its mane and tail were thick and flowing, and it always held his head high in pride.

This horse was the fastest horse in the whole Kingdom.

Its hooves pounded against the ground as it ran displaying its strength and beauty.

The Prince's retinue wasn't as ostentatious as one might expect. He seemed to be in a hurry to reach his destination. And that's why the journey that was supposed to take two weeks was squeezed into one week.

Tonight they made a stop near the County of Westerfield to rest. They were still a day's journey away from the County. Rhys decided to slow down his speed.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd actually misunderstand that Lord is very eager to meet his Lady Drusilla," joked Albert, as he stepped inside Rhys' tent to give him the dinner that was just prepared.

Rhys gave him a look, "Perhaps, I am very eager to meet this Lady Drusilla."

"Oh?" Albert's brow quirked up. "Is that why you sent a message to your personal knights to go ahead of you to the Duchy and gather information about this lady?"

"I'm just trying to learn about my chosen partner," Rhys made himself sound so reasonable but Albert was the last one to fall for his excuses. "Tell everyone to rest well tonight," added Rhys earnestly. "We are in no hurry to reach the Duchy."

Naturally, Albert knew why they were slowing down their pace. And he had no opinion regarding that either.

"Yes, M'lord!" acknowledged Albert and took his leave.

After everyone went to rest, Rhys stepped out of his tent, meaning to take a walk around. He had been riding on the horse for days and meant to just look around.

"M'lord, where are you going at this time?"

Albert appeared like a ghost behind Rhys as always. He was so used to Albert's haunting shadow, that he wasn't even surprised anymore. He just glanced over his shoulder at him and said, "Just taking a walk. There is no need to follow me around. I can protect myself."

Albert took a step back and then remarked, "Then this humble one would not be bothering you. Enjoy your midnight walk, M'lord."

Rhys ignored Albert and walked some distance away from the place they had set up the camp. He looked up at the sky. There was no moon tonight in the sky which gave the chance to stars to shine brightly. Without the moon's enchanting light distracting him, he could focus solely on the stars tonight.

Although Rhys didn't tell people, he actually liked stargazing. That's why whenever he got the chance, he'd find the highest point to look at the starry night which brought him peace. It was an indescribable comfort that his heart felt whenever he sat under the moonlight or just the star-filled night sky.

As he was strolling to find a place to sit down and stargaze, something caught his attention. It was a silvery light coming from ahead. There was even faint spiritual fluctuation in the air. He couldn't figure out what kind of spirit fluctuation it was. He narrowed his eyes trying to see what was there but couldn't see from his position. Without hesitation, he walked toward the place where this light was coming from.

And then, he came to a cliff and could finally see what was that blinding light.

He stood rooted in his place as the spiritual flow was condensed in that place and made his always searing power feel like a calming hand was soothing it. He hadn't felt this relaxed since the day he had awakened his powers.

He stepped over and stretched his hand to pluck the plant in front of him that was tempting him with its spiritual energy. The flower on this plant looked like a snowflake. It seemed so fragile that Rhys even thought if he touched it, he might break it. That's why he hesitated for a moment.

And in this split moment of hesitation, another hand appeared beside him and held the plant right in front of his eyes. Rhys' hands moved before his mind and he held the wrist of this newcomer who so recklessly wanted to steal the plant he had his eyes on.

The person also wasn't expecting that he would be stopped at this time.

Both of them turned their heads and their eyes met. All Rhys saw was a figure clad in all black. From head to toe, everything was black. There was a hood on his head and a mask on his face. Rhys looked into those black eyes in front of him and before he could do anything, the other person attacked him with a kick which caught Rhys off guard.

He still moved at the right moment, and although he didn't get kicked. He had to take a step back to avoid that hit.

"Insolence!" snarled Rhys at that moment.

"Heh!"

And he actually received a sneer in response which fanned the fire of his rage even more. He might just be tempted to take that unique plant earlier, but now, he wanted it. He wanted it all because someone actually dared to steal it right from under his nose!

Would be called the Devil Warlord if he let this dinky thief take advantage of him?

Never!