Chapter 310 - Port City of Veluria (1) (1/2)
Like Regaleon had planned, we traveled to the port city of Veluria on the back of Tempest. We are accompanied by Anatalia and Tricia, while the rest of the men in our group will continue in horseback and will probably arrived by late afternoon or early evening. Snow was also with us in her cat form, seating on my lap looking so carefree.
We were high in the sky traveling, for about ten minutes. I was able to see the sea now, meaning we are nearly in the port city.
”It has been a while since I have been in the port city of Veluria.” I said.
”So, you have been here in the past?” Regaleon asked.
”Yes, it was a long time ago. Back when I was still young.” I replied. ”Our whole family came out here to greet and meet with the envoys of the country of Rabansi, a country beyond the seas to the east. It was courtesy because the envoy consists of royal family members from their country.”
When I was little, I was able to visit this city with the royal family. As I recall, we travelled all the way from the capital to Veluria because of an important business. If I recall correctly, it was to receive and meet the envoys from the country beyond the seas towards the east. It was a business between the two countries to start trading with one another. It was so important for the royal family to be complete to let the foreigners see the strength and unity of the royal family of Alvannia back then.
”If I am correct, that meeting gave Alvannia such a good trading deal with Rabansi.” Regaleon said.
Of course, Regaleon would know of political and business affiliations of Alvannia. Back then the relationship of Grandcrest and Alvannia was strained due to the great might of the former. But after my father got such a good trading partner from a foreign country, the country flourished with produces that were only obtains to trading from the eastern countries.
”Where would we stay once, we are in the city?” I asked curiously.
”I have sent word in advance to the vassal governing the port city of Veluria, Duke Destia.” Regaleon replied. ”You will need a proper place to rest to recover your energy. Once you are good to go, we can travel back to the capital of Alvannia and we will stay there for your first trimester until we can travel back to Grandcrest.”
Anatalia had already told Regaleon the important things about pregnancy. Because the first trimester of pregnancy was the most crucial, I cannot travel long distances. That is why Regaleon planned to go back to the capital of Alvannia first which is the nearest. With Tempest as our mode of transportation, the travel from the port city towards the capital will only take five hours compared to going to the capital of Grandcrest that could take nearly fifteen hours as estimated. Traveling by sky was more efficient than by land that would take at least about a month or so from the capital of Alvannia to Grandcrest.
”So, we will be residing in Duke Destia's estate.” I said. ”I recall that he has a son and a daughter. The daughter if I remember correctly, is the same age as me.”
”I think you recalled correct.” Regaleon said. ”I was planning on going inside the port city incognito, but the plan changed when I knew of your pregnancy. I sent a carrier bird at once a few hours before our departure, so I am sure they are already expecting us.”
”But Duke Destia is one of the lord vassals, so it is his job to host any of the members royal family that will be visiting.” I said. ”I remember that we also stayed in their manor the time we visited the port city in the past.”
But I did not have any good memories in out stay there. That time I was still young and the black sheep of the royal family. I remember that the daughter of Duke Destia was friends with my stepsisters and she joined them in bullying me. Richard was still too young to take my side back then.
I remember that I was not permitted to leave the estate. My stepbrother and stepsisters were able to go and see the sea up close with father and stepmother, while I remained in the estate being lonely. The only friend I made back then was the duke's son. He always accompanied me in the estate when my family left me there. He also always rescued me when he saw my stepsisters and his sister bullying me.
'Come to think of it, I do not recall his name.' I thought. Duke Destia's family did not attend any social gatherings in the capital, with the reason of his wife's poor health.
”Duchess Destia died just recently due to her long-time ailing health.” Regaleon muttered.
”Oh my, I did not know.” I said. I did not hear any news that my aunt did not want me to know when I was in Jennovia. ”I am sure to express my condolences when we arrive.”
Just after a few minutes, the wide sea was clear before us. The dark blue hue of the waters reminded me of Regaleon's deep blue eyes. I can also smell the salty air.
”Oh my, the sea!” Anatalia was so excited to see the sea. ”It is my first time to see it in all of my life.”
It was sad to think that a siren of Anatalia's age have never seen the sea before. The sea should be the sirens home.
”Once the war is over, why not take the other sirens here.” I said to Anatalia with a smile.
”Really, can we?” Anatalia's eyes were sparkling.
”Of course, you are free to chose where you live.” Regaleon was the one to reply. ”I promise to protect your kind and I will do so.”
”Thank you, thank you.” Anatalia said with an exciting tone.
Tempest started top descend slowly. The location of our landing was an open area in Duke Destia's estate. Their manor was located top of a cliff overlooking the sea, it has a breathtaking view.