Chapter 392 - Side Story (Gladiolus)(5)(unedited) (2/2)

At first Gladiolus stiffened but he relaxed after. They had a serene trip while snow started to fall from the sky.

The carriage was going through a road on a stiff cliff. The sea can be seen clearly on the carriage window.

”The sea looks like it is also cold.” Anatalia said. ”I am not sure if I can take a swim for a while.”

”It would be better to refrain from going out for a while.” Gladiolus replied. ”It can be dangerous now that winter has started.”

”I believe so.” Anatalia replied. ”Um Gladi… I have something I want to say.” She blushed.

”Hmm, what is it?” Gladiolus asked.

”Well, we have been in a closer than a friend relationship for six months now.” Anatalia looked down with a shy face. ”I think it is time to…” Her words were cut off when the carriage halted into a stop in an abrupt way.

”What happened?!” Anatalia said with a shocked face.

”I do not know.” Gladiolus replied. ”What is happening out there?” He asked the soldiers that were escorting them from the outside.”

”My lord, a tree just fell on the road and is now blocking the way.” A soldier on horseback replied.

But then an arrow came flying and hit the carriage door.

”AN AMBUSH!” Another soldier shouted from the front. ”PROTECT THE GRAND DUKE!”

The soldiers that were escorting the carriage started to scramble and defended the carriage. Enemies that were hiding in the thickness of the trees came out and started to attack the convoy. Swords clashing and arrows flying were heard outside. Magic clashing against one another is also heard.

”Stay inside the carriage, Ana.” Gladiolus said and pulled out his sword my its sheath. ”I am afraid that the ambushers are also Atlantians.” He had a sour look on his face.

When Gladiolus was about to open the carriage door, Anatalia held him by the arm and prevented him from going out.

”Please… be careful.” Anatalia said.

”I will.” Gladiolus smiled softly and planted a kiss on Anatalia's forehead.

Gladiolus exited the carriage and with a blue flash, Virgil changed into his dragon form. In such a short time they were able to apprehend the attackers and caught majority of them.

Anatalia exited the carriage when she saw the ambushers kneeling on the ground with their arms tied behind their backs.

”We have apprehended most of them, my lord.” A solider said to Gladiolus.

”Good.” Gladiolus said. He walked towards the ambushers. ”I know that you are all Atlantians and that you have a grudge against me and my mother. I will not kill you here, but you will have to pay for the crime of attacking a monarch. All of you will be into a fair trial and be given proper punishment.”

Gladiolus turned around and was about to walk towards Anatalia when they heard someone from the ambushers laugh out loud.

”HAHAHAHA!” One of the ambushers laughed out. ”What bullsh*t! You are just acting righteous to improve your image. You are just like your mother, a selfish brat that does not know any better. You are toying with our lives! You need to be punished!” And with a swift movement he stood up and started to glow.

”GET DOWN!” A soldier yelled. ”HE IS GOING TO BLOW!”

”Gladi!” Anatalia rushed towards Gladiolus, but he was fast and hugged Anatalia in no time.

*BANG*

The ambusher had used his magic to ignite himself to make such a huge explosion that nearly wiped out the side of the cliff in where they stand.

Gladiolus used his body to shield Anatalia from the explosion and they both fell from the cliff and unto the cold waters of the sea.