Chapter 308: A Parade in The Shade (1/2)
The Skywalkers retreated once their sneak attack failed. This nation hoped to kill Lorius, who was weakened after the battle, regaining the balance between Freda and Alva.
However, they were met with the princess's full wrath, learning first-hand what kind of power Freda had obtained. After their retreatment, Arthur and Gala walked toward the Knight leisurely.
”How did you even...” The Knight of Honesty was out of breath after the battle that shook the world. It appears he lacked the energy to inquire further and just sighed. ”I'm glad I didn't screw this up.”
”You did.” Arthur corrected. ”I've noticed them before you did. How can you be this incompetent?” Everyone was taken aback by Arthur's words, who seemed a lot unlike him. ”I might as well travel on my own if you are this unreliable.”
”You...” The Knight of Honesty's face was pale with anger. He didn't expect to be lectured by a man half his age.
”What do you mean by 'You'?” Arthur frowned at him. ”Remember that I don't work under you, and I'm not your prisoner. If you are going to treat me like this, I'll just leave.”
”I...” The Knight swallowed his words. ”I understand. I'll make sure to send scouts in every direction before we move.” He was reminded again of the power this man showed earlier that day.
”Wow, what has gotten into you?” Gala asked with surprise. Until a moment ago, this young man was joking around with them. Suddenly, his personality flipped.
”I can read people.” Arthur looked coldly at the Knight of Honesty. ”I can tell when people dislike me or look down on me.”
”That's why you tried putting him in his place?” Gala smiled. ”Well, it's always good to know your value.” She said while looking at Dia, who was descending from the sky.
”Well played,” Arthur said to the returning princess. She smiled with pride as her feet touched the ground. ”I didn't think you were this powerful.”
”There's more to see,” Dia answered, aloft.
”I guess my plan will go as expected.” Arthur smiled as he saw the Knight prepare another carriage. ”Let's just hope we'll make it to the capital alive.”
***
They reached a city after an entire day of relentless pace. They avoided another assassination attempt because the Knight took secret routes and sent decoys in other directions. Opening the curtain to his carriage, Arthur spotted the city.
”Do you know this city?” He turned to Gala and Dia, who shook their heads. ”Interesting.”
”What is?” Dia was confused.
”This is the border city of Freda; you can tell by the high walls that ran parallel to it,” Arthur explained. ”Yet, the city managed to attract so many people. Can you see those fields?”
Arthur pointed in the distance. Since they were on higher ground than the city, they could see the lands around it. There were fertile lands full of farmers and their livestock. Even from a fair distance away, Arthur could see them working peacefully without worry.
”The farmers?” Dia asked.
”Yes, the farmers are leisurely working even though they're on a border city. Their attitude tells us how much trust they have in their king, the guards, and probably something else.”
”Indeed, it is strange.” Gala nodded. ”Something else like what?”
”Like an artifact.” Arthur grinned. ”It should be around... now.”
As soon as Arthur said that, they passed through a barrier. Gala and Dia widened their eyes in surprise as they looked through the window.
”Is that...”
”It's a protective barrier. I guess that unless someone carries a special item, the barrier would either reject or announce the intruders' entrance to the surrounding area.”
”How did you know?” Dia asked with a frown.
”A Seika in the flesh!” Arthur mimicked a shocked expression then shrugged. ”How about you get used to it?”
”I liked you better when you called me my lady.” Dia sighed.
”And I liked it better when you only thought about how to kill me instead of asking questions,” Arthur said as they approached the gate.
Seeing their carriages and the Knight of Honesty in the lead, the gates opened to allow them entrance. They passed through the gate that spans several meters before they saw the city.
Surrounded by endless farmlands, the city lined the horizon with its brick buildings and chimneys. A giant tree stood beside the gathering of buildings and threw its shade over half of them.
”Welcome to the City of Shades.” The Knight of Honesty slowed down his horse to toddle beside them. ”Even though it is a border city, it is one of the safest places to live in.”
”I can see why.” Arthur smiled. ”Are we going to stay here before going to the capital?”
”Yes, we need to wait for the Knight of Courage to return. Until then, you can stay at the duke's house. He'll be receiving us, so do expect a parade of sorts.”
”No thanks,” Arthur said before closing the curtain. Gala looked at him speechlessly.