Bab 17: Chapter 17
Cassandra was looking out at a bustling street, her gaze fixed on the lively scene unfolding before her. Carriages, pulled by strong, majestic steeds, clattered down the cobblestone road, their wheels echoing against the stones. The rhythmic sound of hooves on pavement created a lively symphony that blended with the murmur of voices filling the air. People from all walks of life strolled along the sidewalks, engaged in animated conversations, their laughter and shouts intertwining with the sounds of the street. Some were dressed in elegant finery, their clothing reflecting the latest fashions, while others wore simpler garments, hinting at their humble beginnings.
As they entered various types of buildings lining the street, Cassandra observed a vibrant mix of establishments; there were quaint little shops selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, along with bustling cafés where patrons sipped steaming drinks and shared stories. The tantalizing aroma of baked bread wafted through the air, drawing passersby to the bakery's open door. Street vendors shouted out enticing offers, trying to catch the attention of potential customers. Children darted playfully between the adults, their laughter ringing out like music, adding to the lively atmosphere. Cassandra took a deep breath, soaking in the energetic ambiance, feeling a sense of connection to the world beyond her window.
As she sat comfortably in one of the opulent carriages, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the cobblestones created a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. The sun streamed through the small, tinted windows, casting dappled patterns of light across the plush interior. Outside, four imposing guards rode on horseback at the corners of the carriage, their armor glinting in the sunlight. They provided a sense of security, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Meanwhile, the princess relaxed in her seat, flanked by two devoted maids who were seated across from her, their presence a constant reminder of her royal status.
One of the maids, Rose, was a familiar and comforting presence, always devotedly by the princess's side. She had been with the princess for years before her century year climber, sharing in both her joys and sorrows before that, and her loyalty was unwavering.
The other maid, however, was a new addition to the princess's entourage. Her name was Vanessa Humphries, a slim woman of modest height, with short, light brown hair that grazed her chin. Vanessa possessed strikingly large and round yellow eyes, which stood out against her darker features, giving her an air of both innocence and curiosity.
She was the daughter of a baron who lived in the picturesque countryside, and her journey to the capital had been marked by ambition and hope. Recently recommended by a marquee, Vanessa had entered the palace as a maid, eager to prove herself and make her mark in the world of nobility.
Cassandra had glanced out onto the streets of the city that she was somehow able to convince her father to allow her to leave the palace to explore the vibrant streets of the capital. It was no small feat, given her status as the only Imperial Princess of the Empire. The vastness of her father's overprotectiveness was legendary; he had a reputation for being a fierce guardian, and she knew that he could not bear the thought of her being unaccompanied in the bustling city. Even as she gathered her things and prepared for her adventure, her father's worries clouded his face. Ultimately, it took a vigorous intervention from Duke Hillington to physically drag her father away from the palace gates, ensuring he would not follow her on this rare outing, while also compelling him to attend to his royal duties.
As her father was being pulled away, he definitely didn't resemble the formidable War God that he was known to be. Instead, he appeared more like a petulant child, crying and whining in protest. Watching this scene unfold was a source of profound embarrassment for Cassandra; she felt torn between affection for her father and exasperation at his overbearing nature. The thought of her father's antics following her into the streets was mortifying. Nevertheless, deep down, she couldn't shake the worry about the future, a future where her father's protective instincts wouldn't soften, and she wouldn't have the freedom to carve out her own identity and adventures, once everything was safe and settled.
"My lady, there is a famous boutique over there," Vanessa remarked, her voice breaking through the haze of Cassandra's thoughts. The words pulled Cassandra back into the bustling reality around her, prompting her to glance towards her friend.
The title 'my lady' was a necessary pretence, given her current disguise as a typical noble child. To enhance her transformation, she wielded a powerful magic tool that could alter the color of her hair and eyes at will. Just moments ago, her eyes had sparkled with the unique golden hue characteristic of her lineage, but now they resembled those of any ordinary Dragondoir, indistinguishable from the common populace. Her once shimmering silver hair had been replaced by a deep, jet-black shade, reminiscent of the midnight sky. In this form, she bore no evident traits of the Imperial family, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the crowd.
The boutique Vanessa pointed out glimmered with promise, a world of luxurious fabrics and enchanting accessories that could easily captivate any noble's attention. However, it was of little interest to Cassandra as she had her reason for leaving the palace.
However, the carriage continued down the lively street, its wheels clattering against the cobblestones, but the more it moved forward, the fewer people were visible around. At least not on the main thoroughfare, for there were plenty of thugs lurking and homeless individuals seeking refuge in the shadowy alleyways that flanked the road. The vibrant energy of the bustling market seemed like a distant memory, replaced by an unsettling silence that hung in the air.
Soon, the carriage came to a sudden and jarring stop in front of a store that looked as though it was ready to collapse at any moment. In fact, it resembled an abandoned building, the kind that one might expect to see in a ghost story, complete with creaking wood and broken windows. "Your— My lady, are you absolutely sure this is the place you wanted to be?" Vanessa's voice was trembling as she peered out the carriage window at the dilapidated structure. Her heart raced as she scanned the surroundings, fearing what might lie ahead in this seemingly forsaken part of town
"Who knows." Without hesitation, Cassandra stepped out of the carriage, her heart steady and her spirit resolute, showing no hint of fear or doubt in her demeanour as she was covered by a cloak, concealing her.
"My lady, are you absolutely sure this is the place you wanted to go?" Kent inquired, concern lacing his voice as he trailed closely behind the princess. He glanced around, acutely aware that they were being observed by unseen eyes lurking in the shadows, making him uneasy.
"I'll know once I've entered," she replied confidently, her voice firm despite her small stature. The young princess, accompanied by her two loyal maids and two stalwart knights, strode purposefully toward the imposing building's doors. Every step echoed with determination. "Wait." Suddenly, she halted at the entrance, her expression shifting as she turned to face her entourage. "You." Cassandra's small index finger pointed decisively at one of the knights, her eyes narrowing slightly.
He had been an elven man who stood tall and slim, exuding an aura of grace and elegance that was characteristic of his kind. His short, curly blond hair had been tied back neatly, a style that did little to mask the large, jagged burn scar that marred his left eye. This scar told a story of past battles and hardships, adding to his mysterious allure. His forest green eyes, vibrant and striking, were slightly widened in surprise as she suddenly pointed at him, a gesture that caught him off guard.
"You said you were Sir Paeris Chaeydark, yes?" She came to ask, her voice filled with authority. He quickly lowered his head in a gesture of respect, acknowledging her presence and the weight of her words.
"That is correct, my Lady," he answered, ensuring his tone reflected the level of deference she deserved.
"Only Sir Paeris will enter with me," She stated firmly. Hearing her say this caused them to look at each other in a panic, their expressions a mixture of confusion and concern, as they realized the significance of her request. The air was thick with tension, and the implications of her words hung heavily in the air, creating an atmosphere charged with uncertainty and anticipation.
"Your H— My Lady!" Sir Kent had been so taken aback that he almost instinctively referred to her by her royal title. "That is absolutely unacceptable!" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and indignation. She wasn't surprised by his reaction; after all, he was one of the most loyal knights in the Empire, renowned for his unwavering dedication to the Emperor and the Empire's safety. It was only natural for him to oppose the idea of sending the only princess of the Empire into a shabby-looking store, especially one that was surrounded by thugs and homeless people lurking in the dark alleyways.
"Sir Kent," she began, her tone shifting, catching him off guard. His eyes widened as he realized the gravity of her words. "I was not making a request." The firmness in her voice echoed in the narrow corridor, leaving no room for argument. She understood the risks involved, yet she was determined to proceed. The princess had her own plans, ones that required her to step beyond the protective walls of the palace and into the unpredictable world outside. Sir Kent's protective instincts clashed with her resolve, creating a tense moment that hung in the air like a storm cloud. Would he truly allow her to undertake such a perilous venture? She could see the conflict written across his face, torn between duty and the fierce loyalty he felt towards her.
"I understand." He had surrendered to her after a few seconds passed, realizing that resistance was futile. Unable to stop her even if he wanted to, Sir Kent watched as Cassandra and Sir Paeris entered the building together. The doors closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing away the moment that had just transpired.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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