Chapter 284 - On the Road (2) (1/2)

The journey has been smooth so far. Days have come by since we left the village on the border of Alvannia. Our first stop was at the far end of the country, near the shores of the eastern sea. Judging from our pace, it will take at least weeks until we arrive at our destination.

I have been improving at horse riding thankfully. I still get sore after long period of time, but rather than take a rest every time I feel tired, Regaleon would let me ride with him. I am always comfortably saddled in front of him. Because of this we at least quicken our pace of the journey.

”It looks like we won't get to the next village before the sun sets.” Regaleon muttered.

I was currently riding with him and so I was able to hear him.

”Probably.” I replied and looked at the sky.

The sky is starting to get an orange color which is an indicator that the sun was about to set.

”Chris, find a nice place to camp.” Regaleon gave an order.

”Yes, your majesty.” Chris bowed in reply.

Chris took three men and surveyed the area while the rest of us halted for a while. Our location right now is in the southern woods. The trees here are taller and thicker than in other parts of Alvannia. This forest is shared between the three countries. It is so vast that it still not yet fully explored even to this day.

Our group decided to enter the southern woods to make the travel time faster than using the national road commonly used in traveling. Villages are also located inside the southern woods, so it was not really a very dangerous place to travel in. But this was the first time we have camped out in the open since we entered the woods. We were always able to get in between villages before night falls.

”Is it dangerous to camp out here?” I asked out of curiosity.

”Yes, it is. But it will be more dangerous to travel when the darkness fell.” Regaleon replied. ”Traveling in the southern woods by day light is safer than traveling at night. We do not know what is lurking outside once the sun has set.” I nodded in understanding.

It will be safer to set up camp and guard the perimeter rather than continue traveling until the next village. There will be surely wild beasts that go out and hunt prey in the night.

”Your majesty.” Chris came back with his two men. ”We saw a clearing just up ahead. It is the best area to set up camp.”

”Hmm.” Regaleon nodded. ”Then lead the way.”

The group followed Chris over to the clearing. When we arrived, we saw a small lake just across the clearing. It was a picturesque scene that looked like a painting come to life.

”Let's set up camp here.” Regaleon said pointing at a certain area. ”It will be the best location to set up a perimeter. Chris, assign shifting of guards that will take up the perimeter.”

”As you wish, your majesty.” Chris bowed and picked a handful of his men.

Regaleon got down the horse and carried me down after. The men around started setting up tents. Regaleon took one bag off Midnight's back and started to look for a spot.

”Come and help me set up our tent.” Regaleon said with his hand extended to mine.

”You know how to set up a tent?” I worded my suspicion to him.

”Of course.” Regaleon smiled proudly. ”I need to learn surviving skills since when I was young. I am not that kind of a sheltered prince you know.” He chuckled and I giggled with him.

Regaleon's childhood was not the happiest. He grew up with always having his guard up from threats from his other brothers. He needed to grow up quickly and learn how to survive.

Regaleon started to spread the tent on the ground. I looked in wonder and was also curious.

”I do not know how to do this.” I said in embarrassment.

”I know.” Regaleon replied with a smile. ”That is why I am here to teach you.”

After that Regaleon started teaching me the basic things needed in pitching a tent. I was excited to learn a new thing. It was like back then when he was still Leon my personal knight. The two years we spent in the countryside, he became my tutor in every aspect and thought me everything I know. I am just still in awe that this amazing man is now my husband.

”There, that should do it.” Regaleon said.

I looked at the modest sized tent in front of us. It can atleast cater two people at most. I was just a little surprised that his tent was this small.

”Why are your eyebrows crunched?” Regaleon said with a teasing tone.

”Well I just didn't expect that you would have such a… well small tent.” I scrutinized. ”Well you are a king of the biggest nation in this continent. And on top of that the future emperor. I just did not expect... well this.” I gestured towards the tent.

”Hahaha, so that is what you though.” Regaleon laughed heartedly. ”Well even with its small size, it is quite durable and sturdy. It can keep the cold and wet weather out. And also, I specifically picked this tent for a more intimate reason.”