25 The Princess Returns (1/2)
Chalice stayed for another day at the Keyne stronghold. She finalized her deal with Chief Jin and also took a much needed rest. She was also worried about aggravating Aslan's injuries. Chalice rememebered the look on Chief Jin's face when he saw the lion she brought with her.
It was also then that Chalice found out that Aslan was a Royal Beast. She haven't encountered anything about such beasts. Feng Jin told her that it was understandable for her not to know. Only a few people knew about such beast since they were rarer than rare. Not even history had a clear record about them. If not for an emperor in Eashen possessing one, Feng Jin would not have known about it.
Feng Jin also told her that Royal Beasts were very particular in choosing a master. Sometimes they wouldn't even choose at all. But if they do, they would serve that master alone until it died. Royal Beasts have a strange yet magical way of acknowledging masters. But as to how specifically, Feng Jin did not know. Chalice did not care as well, Aslan went with her and that was enough.
Chalice prepared to leave immediately when morning of the next day arrived. She knew that her companions may have already gone crazy looking for her. They might even have reported to her father already. Though Chalice hoped that they did not resort to that yet.
Feng Jin assigned a unit of the Sun Dragon warriors to escort her to their gemstone mine. Chalice hoped that her companions have the thought of having someone stay there and wait for her. If not, then she really was screwed.
---
Meanwhile, the morning after Chalice got lost and with Luke who left to look for her the same night Levi and the other two of the Fief Inspection Squad set off for the gemstone mine. As directed by Luke, they will be waiting for them there.
Without the princess, the three knights rode on full speed. They arrived at the mine that very day as well. Levi's agitation and panic just started to escalate and lasted until the morning of the next day.
He was tempted to send a missive to the duke but then decided against it. Levi was banking on Luke finding her. However, he was bound to be disappointed. Luke arrived on the third day alone, his whole being dark and brooding. Levi felt as if Luke was about to murder someone at any moment. His poor self tried to encourage and pacify the guy, while desperately praying for their mischievous princess to miraculously find her way to the gemstone mine. After all, they all decided to stop here and check out how the mine is doing.
Luke decided to look for her again the very next day. Levi agreed and said that he would go with him. Little did they know that the princess they were looking for was on her way to them.
---
Morning of the next day.
Luke woke up early and started to pack up some essentials for camping. He was going to look for Chalice and he needed the supplies in case it took longer than expected. Luke did not want to fear the worst but he just couldn't visualize Chalice being able to survive in the wilderness for more than a week. After all, Chalice grew up like a flower in a greenhouse. How will she know about surviving in the wild? Luke's heart ached when he thought about how scared she might be.
However, before he could even step out of the gates of the mine camp the officer- in- charge hurriedly called him out.
”What's the matter, Captain Carsein?”
Luke asked when he saw the apprehensive look on the man.
”Sir Luke, warriors of the Keyne tribe are here. They are seeking your audience.”
Luke frowned. He obviously knows about the Keyne tribe. But House Amaranth did not have dealings with them nor does Luke know them personally.
”My audience?”
Captain Carsein nodded gravely. He also knows about the Keyne tribe. He was aware of how ferocious their warriors are. Almost to the point of suicide. Those bunch were a groul of battle maniacs. Not to mention, their explosive and forceful martial arts tend to overpower the sleek style of Idalian battle arts.
”Yes, sir Luke. They specifically named you. I say, sir have you offended them somehow? A whole unit of them is outside the mine camp.”
Luke was even more baffled at this information though his face remained placid. He did not answer Captain Carsein anymore and proceeded to meet the visitors.
He was walking to the gates when Levi joined him with Rye and Ward in tow. It seems Captain Carsein also informed him about their guests.