บท 122: Chapter 110

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We hope you guys enjoy the chapter, Godbless!

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After returning to Taglagas, Naell and Owly's spent most of their days enjoying a nice hot beverage, coupled with breakfast food in the school's cafeteria.

While Owly was busy devouring the syrup-filled pancake which Naell scolded him for, the young master of Beryldot was reading a newspaper, famously called news papyrus in Mundo.

Residents of Mundo are now aware of the potential involvement of the pieces of Lucille in dungeon spawning. Kingdoms and guilds have begun actively searching for dungeons to corroborate the theory. While the declaration of war with the terrorists happened promptly, the alliance between kingdoms that was just recently formed was not without trouble.

Although the Autumn Kingdom, Kingdom of Elves- Awdita, The Dwarven Empire of Nonau, Easterside Empire, and Country of Christmas came into agreement, other kingdoms took a neutral stance while some didn't even respond.

As of this papyrus' release, officials of the mentioned neutral kingdoms are still adamant about declaring war against the pieces of Lucille. Yet they do condemn the recent acts of terrorism in Taglagas.

It was not a surprise when the proclamation was met with criticism and shock all over the world, including Naell as he muttered, "Even the Republic of Summer, huh."

I thought we'd hear about Christmas as they are a neutral country. Hatikala is a given though since they're pretty reclusive, HOOT.

Said Owly who was now munching on slices of bacon. Naell sighed regardless of how he was used to seeing the bird and his stomach's capacity. He then asked totally resigned with the young owl's diet,

The Kingdom of Demihumans?

Yup, I went there once with mom, let's just say they were sUper welcoming, HOOT...-

Owly added on with a hint of sarcasm. Naell could not help but smile wryly before he brought his cup of coffee to his lips and took a sip. He then continued,

What about the Dragons and fairies?

Well, mom did say the guardian of strength is a dragon while the fairy... I forgot, HOOT!

Hehe, maybe the guardian of being fiery is a fairy, cause Sampua sure seems like it

(⁠☞° ⁠ヮ° )⁠☞

Cheekily said Naell while pointing at Owly for approval.

HohoHOOT! (⁠☞° ⁠ヮ° )⁠☞

Replied the young owl. Although it had been a while since their last encounter with Sampua, their slight annoyance (and fear) towards the "Golden Fairy" still lingered.

Even the bright golden walls of the cafeteria that day only further reminded them of her. Yet unlike her boisterous personality, the cafeteria was uncharacteristically quiet- and this silence extended throughout the whole school.

Since the declaration of war, some have volunteered to take active parts in the war against the pieces of Lucile.

That was also the reason why even if Naell didn't want to be involved, a mission or two was needed, as he didn't want to be useless, branded as a coward, or adorned with any negative titles that might just harm his family's name.

As the two were preoccupied with their dad jokes, they failed to notice a being approaching them right until she spoke, "Is it alright if I join you two?"

With a voice that was as sweet as the wind, and eyes that were as solemn as the season of fall, Utua Taglagas was in their presence.

Naell immediately stood and bowed down as a sign of respect, not only as she was the princess, but also because she was his senior and school president.

"You don't need to do that, Naell. We are acquainted...hmmm rather, already friends, right?" Said Utua while glancing towards Owly and receiving a coo of approval.

Come and sit with us, HOOT!

Owly nonchalantly declared telepathically.

Naell could only smile, adamant about the presence of their new guest. He then gestured with his hands to the closest seat to her. "Please, join us."

To which Utua replied by sitting close next to him. He was baffled but only for a moment as he thought, 'I guess the princess is lonely.'

As blundering as that may have been, Utua actually was surprised and for a moment stared at Naell before saying, "You could say that, young master."

That made Naell remember the princess of Taglagas'- or rather the royal family of the Autumn Kingdom's ability.

Naell could only silence his thoughts and smile apologetically. In return Utua's smile back which was still soft upon her words, yet he knew how mischievous it could truly be underneath.

That was when his savior in the form of a fat owl came, inviting the princess to order food for her and him— his second breakfast of the day.

Your treat, of course, HOOT!

Owly's shameless request was heartily accepted by Utua. The esteemed young lady with flowing auburn hair was ogled as she stood at the far end of the line, patting an owl's stomach as she patiently stood.

As the young princess greatly disliked receiving favorable treatment, her circle of friends was generally few. Afterall it was difficult for normal students to not bow in the presence of a princess.

In a sense, she and Namiku shared similar sentiments, yet unlike the Easterside princess, Utua did not fully object to being treated like royalty.

From her childhood, she knew It was a given to be treated with great respect, and that it was necessary for her to appear dignified as a future leader of their Kingdom. Her friends knew this as such, they still chose to respect her as a princess, while genuinely treating her like their good friend as well.

Upon heading back to their seat with a tray of the best food, Utua immediately spoke, "I'm sorry for disturbing you two, my usual friends are busy, as you might know."

It seemed she was a little embarrassed for forcing herself towards Naell and Owly. Of course, both of them could tell she was truly lonely those days.

The kind Aive Noeiadia had accompanied Septh Noom to the Republic of Summer. They were part of the entourage that was to convince nonpartisan rulers to reconsider the proposed alliance.

Likewise, Casper and Wendy had their own agenda for staying in the Elven Kingdom. Utua was actually with them weeks ago. Yet since trouble came, some nobles from Taglagas and the Easterside empire remained.

As for Lesjon, he had left and gone with his aunt Sarah Star to accompany Rumi Calbayer into a dungeon. While some updates did inform them that they were not the first ones to enter the dungeons, the looming threat of the news paired with the discovery of untouched places made them warier.

Most nobles and renowned adventurers were busy, and Naell could not help but be thankful for their bravery. If it weren't for the volunteers, who knows where Loknar would have asked him and Owly to go?

"I wish I could have taken a more proactive part like the rest, but as a princess, I'm bound to my pressing responsibility," Utua added while seemingly pouting.

Naell noticed her dismayed expression. Yet even he knew that she was truly unsuited for the battlefield.

Unlike Namiku who was with Andrew and the rest of the protagonist party, Utua Taglagas was catered to the kingdom.

She was a symbol for other nobles and commoner children and teens to be filled with hope. Different from Namiku Asuna who was known for her adventurous lifestyle.

Nevertheless, If Utua were to venture to other kingdoms, it would be for diplomacy without directly being involved in conflicts as opposed to Casper and Wendy.

While the lovey-dovey couple stayed for alliance's sake, Utua's presence was not required and likewise, she could not be imposed on by other kingdoms.

As she was still sulking while eating a very hearty yet grand breakfast; a bowl of hot miso soup, paired with rice and freshly cooked vegetables and fish, Naell hiding a sigh then said, "Well princess, if you're ever bored or want someone to talk to, we are mostly in the library."

Utua was shocked but only for a moment as she began to smile, "Thank you and... I know."

"..."

A smile that anyone would otherwise call playful then flashed across the princess' face. Although to Naell, it was a grin that he was far too afraid to look at.