章 23: A Surprise Guest
In the morning, I got up and did my usual routine. However, I didn't spar today since both Azraea and Erik were sleeping like rocks in their rooms. I made myself some porridge using the ingredients around me and a bit of fire magic to heat it.
As I sat down to eat I heard a sudden knocking at the door. I sighed as my meal was interrupted. But I had to answer it in case it was something important.
I sluggishly made my way down to the front door as I yawned. When I opened it, a finely dressed boy was at the door. He seemed to have something to say from the look on his face.
"Greetings." he said with a light tone. "Is Lady Azraea at home? I have something that needs her attention."
"How did you know we were here?" I asked him, still quite tired.
"Well the lady is an important person." the boy answered honestly. "It's vital that we know where she is. I'll take that as her being here then."
"She's sleeping right now." I quickly responded. "She won't like to be woken up. You're free to come inside and wait."
"Ah, it isn't me specifically who's looking for Lady Azraea." the boy replied. "It's Lady Lilia."
Lilia…I don't think I've heard that name come up before when I talk to Azraea. Maybe she's another member of her family. Though I feel like I may offend the boy if I asked who she was.
"Oh, right." I responded. "Well, please tell the lady that she can stay and wait in here for her."
"Of course." the boy bowed respectfully before walking off.
I saw the boy going up to a rather fanciful carriage. It had gold accents on the clearly high-quality wooden box. Its wheels were lined with fine steel and it was pulled by two snow white stallions. Definitely a noble.
The boy spoke through the window, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. He was likely relaying the message since he soon opened the door.
From that door stepped a young woman with long blond hair that curled at the ends. She had shining blue eyes and wore quite a fine velvet dress that hugged to her slender body. What interested me the most was the shining silver tiara that adorned her head. I realised from that alone that I should probably show respect.
She walked gracefully with the boy to the open door and the woman curtseyed respectfully towards me.
"A pleasure to meet you." she greeted with a voice smoother than velvet. "I assume that you are the protector of this house?"
"I am." I bowed to the woman with equal respect. "I am Keita Kuro- Knight to Lady Azraea Alaric, and you are?"
"I seem to have forgotten my introduction." the woman smiled warmly. "I am Lilia Alaric von Steunvik, only daughter to Alfred Alaric von Steunvik and heir to the throne of Steunvik. Again, a pleasure to meet you."
Wait…she's the princess? Why is she in a remote place like this? Without any guards or anything, just to see Azraea? I have to keep calm; this is my chance to prove myself to her family.
"Likewise, your Highness." I smiled and bowed. "Lady Azraea is sleeping right now but I would be happy to let you sit down and wait for her."
"Thank you." Lilia nodded. "I will, could you show me to the living room?"
"Of course." I answered as I beckoned her to follow and led her to the living room. I guess my porridge is going to go cold…
Once in the living room I found Lilia a spot to sit down as I sat opposite. She looked around the room and seeming made some mental notes.
"Who else lives here if I might ask?" Lilia requested. "There seem to be too many things here for Azraea to be living with just one other."
"We have two other residents here." I answered. "Erik, who has also pledged his sword to Lady Azraea. We also have Rissa, a Beastkin who helps us with our jobs. Both are loyal and good friends."
"A Beastkin?" Lilia asked. "That's surprising. Most people hate the Beastkin and treat them as slaves in a household. Yet you speak like she's equal. I'm not criticising you; I am also an advocate of equality between the races."
"Yes." I nodded. "We should all be treated as equals. Who cares if they've got animal ears and a tail? They're still free-thinking people. That's what I believe anyway."
"How interesting." Lilia smiled. "I think we may get along well."
"I hope so, your Highness." I replied swiftly.
"I hear you say that you're Azraea's Knight, yet I don't seem to know your family name." Lilia pointed out. "You can't be one of the common folk, since they don't have family names. Where's your home country?"
"In the east somewhere." I answered. "I can't quite remember where, though family names are common where I came from."
"Ah yes." Lilia nodded, thinking. "That would explain why your sword seems like it was made in Edo. I hear that their sword-smiths are legendary."
"Well." I admitted. "This sword is from Edo, but I only obtained it while I was here. It was a gift. I hold it close to me. It's one of the few things that remind me of home."
"Maybe it's destiny that you got it then." Lilia replied. "Though that sword looks unique, I've never quite seen one like it."
"Maybe." I pondered. "I feel this strange bond with it, like it has a soul of its own-"
Suddenly I heard Azraea coming down the stairs. I quickly dropped the sword-talk as I waited for her to arrive in the living room.
"Keita?" Azraea asked from the kitchen as she started to walk through the living room door. "Why is there a bowl of cold porridge in the…"
Azraea noticed Lilia and quickly stopped talking for a few moments. It seemed like it took a while for it to sink in.
"Why are you here?" Azraea asked with a somewhat cold tone as she looked at Lilia. The princess only smiled in response.
"I was looking for you cousin." Lilia answered. "Both you and your house are invited to the Citadel by request of my father."
"The king requested us?" I asked. "Why?"
"With the recent incident involving yourself and Azraea, things in this town could become dangerous." Lilia explained. "My uncle is not a merciful man, as you and my cousin very much know."
Lilia stood up and looked toward me.
"Simply put." she continued. "You both coming to the Capitol will take you out of my uncle's jurisdiction. My father has arranged a new place for you to stay where you can continue your lives outside of the court and stay out of Uncle's wrath."
"It would certainly help us if we got out of town." Azraea leaned against the wall and pondered. "Despite the good times I've had here in town, this place has some dark memories."
"I would like to see the Capitol." I added. "It sounds interesting from what I've learned. Though the choice is entirely yours Azraea."
Azraea seemed deep in thought. She stood up from the wall and began to pace around the room. It must surely be a tough decision, leaving any friends she has here in order to make sure of her safety.
Though on the other hand it may be the best decision. After all we'll never forget the people we met here. Plus, it would keep her out of harm's way. If the Baron did decide to strike back at us, I wouldn't be able to hold off his guards.
All in all, it was Azraea's decision at the end of the day. I would follow it no matter what it was.
"I've decided." Azraea finally replied. "We will move to the Capitol. It's best not only for my safety, but the safety of those who stand by me. I know how that man thinks, he won't spare the people who work to help me. He especially wouldn't spare Keita. So, we'll move out of his range."
"I'm glad that you've thought about this." Lilia nodded respectfully to Azraea. "I will let you prepare to leave. We'll leave in…around an hour."
"That's fine." Azraea replied. "Just let me gather everyone and collect our things."
Lilia nodded in reply as she stood up and swiftly exited the building. I assume that she went back to her carriage. Azraea quickly moved to gather her things in her room.
After around thirty minutes everything was packed up and ready to go. I had just finished explaining everything to Erik and Rissa. They had taken to the idea rather well, considering the circumstances.
We entered the carriage that was still waiting for us outside the house. Lilia was waiting inside with several seats free for us to sit down. We each took a spot in the carriage. I sat opposite to Azraea with Erik and Rissa on either side of me. Azraea was sat next to Lilia, looking somewhat unamused.
With that we started our journey to the Capitol. I wonder what it's like there.
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