Chapitre 2: The Young Lady in Gold and The Man in Rags

Prince came from a poor family. His family was once wealthy but fell to the slums due to corruption and toxic competition between rich and noble families. Despite these, Prince retained his pride and became agressive because of these past experiences.

Fearing for his life, Prince backed off.

Prince: "What are you... Wait, stop! Fine, Im not gonna call you brat anymore." He said while panicking, thinking Cali is going to kill him.

Moments later prince started to feel stronger than usual. Not knowing how he did it, He is too scared to ask. He calmed for a bit then took one of the guard's mace and smashed the bars easily.

The imprisoned young lady, not knowing what is happening, asked them: "What do you want from me? I can give them to you whatever it is, just please let me go."

Prince: "We're sent to rescue you. Dont ask too much questions, lets escape first."

Cali: "Follow me, I found a short route."

"Can he perhaps see through walls? What is up with this kid using spells I have never seen before?", Prince thought to himself.

The three fled from the castle and reached the town's gate where they were left off by the horse carriage and surprisingly, the carriage together with the coachman was still there. They quickly hopped in and headed back to the city. None of the guards seemed to be chasing them as if nothing happened.

Prince: "I cant believe we just inflitrated a castle and got away with it. Just what is happening? Actually, Im not even gonna ask. Im tired."

The girl they rescued who wears luxurious clothes with golden accessories spoke: "Who are you people? who sent you?"

Prince: "Just as I said, we're here to bring you back to Majarlica City."

Lady: "I wish to know who are you and who sent you so I can trust you are not just another kidnappers."

Prince: "(Oh..) We actually dont know who ordered us this mission but you'll know once we get there, I guess."

Cali: "Whether you trust us or not you dont have a choice anyway. Its not like staying in that terrorist kingdom is better than your current situation with us. Until we get back and we found out if you're in trusted hands, all you can do is to pray that we are telling the truth. Its better if you calm down first."

Prince: "We?"

Cali: "Since you dont know the identity of the client, you are also unaware of what really is our situation. That is how risky being a shadow mercenary is."

They got back in the city past midnight. The coachman took the extra payment with Cali's permission and gone home with no questions.

Prince: "What a weird old man."

The three headed to the tavern. As they got closer to their destination the darker the area gets. The young lady couldnt help but feel suspicious. The lady tried to escape but got paralyzed by Cali.

Cali: "You carry her."

Prince: "Aight." he said as he groans.

While being princess carried by Prince (no pun intended), the lady got a closer look to Prince's appearance. She blushed and looked away.

They entered the tavern and saw the client still waiting for them, drunk.

Prince: "What an irresponsible man, getting drunk while ordering someone to fix the problem for them."

Cali: "(Its probably his way to cool down after being pressured by his master)."

The drunk client turned after hearing someone entering and cried with a surprised look. He then rushed towards the lady to take a closer look, his hood then came off as he runs revealing his face.

Client: "The goodness, her highness is safe! My lord will finally spare my life!" he continues to cry.

Lady: "Wisten, so it was you! Thank God!"

Kupkop: "Im glad you two troublemakers made it back. I guess I underestimated Cali once again. But that doesnt mean Im tolerating these dangerous jobs, you two!"

Cali awkwardly laughs once again and said: "Im sorry, sir."

Prince approached the lady and said: "Your escort is pretty drunk, we should help you two get home since its pretty dangerous around here especially at night. Just tell us where you live."

Lady: "Thank you." she blushes.

The three gets out of the tavern. Prince helped the client named Wisten to walk. They waited for carriages when they reached the main road.

The lady finally said: "I forgot to say thank you to you two, I was pretty rude too. As compensation I will make sure to pay more than you are promised."

Prince: "You dont have to. Dont worry about it."

The lady in gold: "I also havent introduced myself yet. My name is Manna Majarlica, sorry for my rudeness my brave heroes.

Prince: "Majarlica?! You are Princess Manna!? Its an honor to meet you my majesty!" he kneels.

Prince: "Cali, dont just stand there, you're in the presence of the princess of the kingdom!" he whispers.

Manna Majarlica, one of the only two children of the king of Agham Kingdom. She is the second child but the next heir of the throne, the reason for this is because 6 years ago the firstborn princess went missing and is now presumed dead.

Cali looked at the princess' face before kneeling.

Manna: "I-Its fine! You dont have to be this formal since you just saved my life."

The two stood up.

They waited for 30 minutes before they got in one since theres not much carriages midnight.

As they ride the carriages the atmosphere got more awkward between the two of them, while Cali is just chillin', contemplating. They stopped by the castle gates.

Manna: "Please lets get inside, it is my pleasure for you two to be my guests."

Cali: "Im good, I just want my reward."

Manna: "Sure, what do you want as a reward?"

Cali: "That necklace youre wearing."

Manna: "This is one of the old heirlooms but my life that you saved worth more so it is yours now."

Prince and Manna got off the carriage. Cali then left.

Prince: "Is it really fine for me to enter? All I wear is rags."

Manna: "Its fine, youre my guest."

Manna is actually more than happy since its just the two of them (well Wisten was there but hes already asleep while being carried by Prince). They talk while they enter the castle through the big gardens.

Meanwhile, Cali examines the necklace while going home.

Cali: "Sintha.."

"To become a successful leader and role model to my people. No matter what I had to do, as long as I worked hard reaching the top. Thats how I define success." -Manna Majarlica