I just watched the servants load the carriage with my luggage. They didn't let me help, so the only thing I could do was watching them. It was the day of me leaving for Franciff. Evi's letters were safely stored inside my magic bag. No one could access the content of it except for me. It was very convenient.
"You don't look happy about this, Ms Resse." The old man with white hair spoke beside me. I knew his name but I just refused to acknowledge that. I got used to the nickname I gave him. The white hair old man. It was literally him.
"I'd rather stay here than go to a foreign country, elder." I replied.
"I thought you'd be happier to be her highness' representative? It's a very respectable position. It's almost similar to a proxy." He mused.
"If you think so, why don't you suggest yourselves, elder?" I remarked. He smiled at me. The political smile.
"Oh, I'm an old man now, Ms Resse. We have to give more chances to young people like you for something like this."
"Then, you should step down from your position and give it to some young people, Elder." I was taking it out on him. Well, I was being salty and all.
"Resse, be nice." Evi joined us, giving me a sharp look. I sighed heavily.
"My apologies, Elder. I'm just joking around. Don't take my words to heart." I said.
"Her highness got you tamed." He smirked slyly. I wanted to quip back but Evi nudged me.
"Elder, may I ask, how old are you again?" I asked instead. He wasn't looking amused anymore. I smiled innocently.
"I shall take my leave now. I wish you the best, Ms Resse. Excuse me, your highness." He lowered his head toward Evi. Before leaving he gave me a glare.
"Resse, seriously. Don't pick a fight with the council." Evi sighed.
"They're asking for it." I grumbled. Evi pinched my arm. "Ah!"
"They're only second to me in terms of power, dear. If it's not because of me, they already got rid of you." She reminded me. "Just be nice with them."
"I'll try." I agreed dryly. She nodded in satisfaction.
"So, you have packed everything right? Not forgetting anything?" She changed the topic.
"I think so."
"Good. Are you nervous?"
"No.. I mean, not now. I'm sure when I'm there I will be a nervous wreck." I sighed heavily.
"I know you'll pull through." She intertwined our fingers together, squishing it gently. A smile made it to my lips. "I wish I can go with you but.."
"It's alright."
"I know you'll understand. You're too good to me." She leaned her head on my shoulder. Her other hand rested on my arm. "I'm going to miss you."
"I can just teleport back here anytime I want." I said, grinning.
"Yeah?" She matched my grin.
"But I probably won't. Isn't there a legal procedure need to be done if anyone wants to do across country teleportation?" I asked, bringing down her mood. She frowned.
"Yes. That's a tedious process. Travelling on carriages, although taking time, is the best way for now."
"What about flying transportation? I'm sure that's faster."
"You need a ton of mana to be able to fly for a long time. No magic items could do that either. There were attempts made but all of them only lasted for a certain distant. For sure, it won't make it until the next country." She explained to me. So, flying wasn't common in this world. "Of course, there are magical beasts that can fly. Well, you have to be a tamer first before you can ride them."
"That's taxing."
"Yes. That's why carriage is still the best way."
"I guess, there's something I will work on when I'm back." I found a new goal.
"What? Flying?"
"Yes."
"Well, I can't wait to see the result for it." She grinned. It made me warm knowing that she didn't ridicule it. She was just so kind.
"We are ready to depart!" The coachman shouted. That was my cue to leave.
"Well, I'm leaving now." I said.
"Yeah.." Evi muttered slowly. "Take care, dear."
"You too. Don't forget to take enough rest from work okay?" I reminded her. She nodded. I let go of her hand and pulled her in for a hug. Oh gosh, I was going to miss her.
"Will you miss me too?" She asked, muffled against my shoulder.
"I guess so." I whispered. "We can always talk using the gem. So, I guess it's fine."
"It won't be the same. I'd love it more if you're with me physically."
"Hm? It's your decision to send me away though." I wanted to rub the salt on her too.
"Yeah.. I know." She sulked. I pulled away from the hug, everyone was waiting for me to get into the carriage.
"Well, I'm going now." I wanted to keep our parting brief. So that it was easier for me to leave. My feet felt heavier at every steps.
"Resse!"
Before I could register anything, Evi pulled me back, cupping my face with one hand and her lips smacked against my lips. This wasn't her usual gentle lighthearted kiss she always gave me. It was more passionate. It was a deep kiss. When she finally broke off the kiss I was struggling to catch my breath. She literally took my breath away. My face felt so hot like a furnace and everyone was watching and she did that without shame. Evi smirked, proud of her action. Oh god, that kiss.. Wow.
"That'll last me for a bit when you're away." She said cheekily. I couldn't say anything and I was lost inside her bright blue eyes. She bit her lower lip and she looked so sexy all of a sudden. Oh gosh, I was losing it. "Your cute face right now makes me want to kiss you again."
"I.. I.. I need to go." I blurted out. I wanted to pass out from this.
"Yes, I know." She grinned. She almost let go of me but then changed her mind and leaned in to kiss me again. However it was a light kiss. "I love you."
"I.." I choked. "See ya."
I entered the carriage, determined to not look back at her. Well, not before I stumbled because my legs felt like jelly. The lingering warmth from that intense kiss, I could still feel it. Damn it, it would be the only thing I could think about the whole day. I heard snickers among the knights too. Agh! She did that in front of everyone. And it had to be the most intense kiss she ever gave me! Oh god, I was losing it. My fingers unconsciously touched my own lips, somehow longing for her lips to.. Oh god no. What the hell was I thinking?! I covered my red face into my hands and almost screamed. Then, the carriage started moving.
It would take 3 days to get to Franciff. There would be several stops along the way. It was going to be a long journey. I tried not to think about Evi and her kiss by sleeping. I could get motion sickness so easily, so I didn't want to read or draw while in the carriage. Even in my previous world, I couldn't really ride in the car and of course driving was hell for me too.
The carriage wasn't comfortable but this was the best I could get. There were 10 knights assigned as my escort and Evi even sent Sir Roger, the Head of Silver Knight of Atheen. I was a little upset that they sent only me as the representative. They didn't even send the freaking prime minister aka the white hair old man. Wasn't this his duty?! They truly gave me all the responsibility. Ugh, bunch of scheming old men. I was sure they would expect me to make mistake and then used that to kick me out. Even if I told Evi about my suspicion, she would dismiss it, saying that I just need to be myself and no need to be stressed out so much. She trusted me so much.
The dream I had was a reminiscence of the past. I saw Evi, the little Evi under the tree. The tree we used to play together with. I saw how she laughed out loud, throwing her head back, eyes closing. I saw the way her face scrunched into confusion whenever I told her about a flower I found in the backyard. When I woke up from the dream, I felt nostalgic.
I remembered that tree. It was the place I've met Evi back in my world. She didn't remember it but I did. I was a little adventurous back then, climbing the tree and stepped on a weak branch. It snapped under my weight. Well, I obviously fell down. I was so little, so that tree felt like the biggest tree to me. That was how I got that scar on my left knee. I fell on top of an unsuspecting girl of my age. That was Evi. She was strolling under the tree and out of nowhere I fell on top of her. She got a cut on her head.
The scolding I experienced after that was so scary. My grandmother lectured me for an hour. Well, I understood why she was so angry. My recklessness caused someone else to be injured. She basically forced me to apologise properly to Evi. I made a flower garland for her. Well, after that we kinda became friends. However, I didn't remember most of the things after that. I guessed I moved away and never saw Evi for years. I lived with my parents and stopped seeing my grandmother. They said she passed away. Maybe I was too young to remember it all. I was sad of course. Compared to my parents, I preferred to live with my grandmother. She was strict but also loving. I loved her. I wished I could see her one last time.
I thought that, I would never met Evi again but it was as if miracle happened. A new neighbour moved in one day and turned out it was Evi. I was the one that made the first move to talk to her. She didn't remember a thing about our first meeting. It was expected after all. Evi was the most forgetful person I've ever known. Still, we reconnected with each other and became best friends. Huh.. I missed her sometimes. I hoped that she was able to get that promotion she had been working hard on. Also, finding someone to marry to look after her. I wished I could say goodbye to her. I hoped that she wasn't too sad that I died in that world. Well, I bet she probably mocking me. I died foolishly after all.
I was on autopilot the whole time during the travel. I spent the time in the carriage sleeping and thinking about Evi and also remembered my grandmother. I didn't know why but memories with my grandmother popped up so often. I must've missed her so much. Especially when I was dreaming of the past.
Franciff's buildings were so different than the ones in Atheen. While Atheen's signature style was big pillars, Franciff was more into tall buildings. There were skyscrapers along the street we passed through. It was almost like stepping into a cyberpunk city. Well, except, everything was in grey or silver. That must be their symbolic colours.
The Royal Palace was massive but not as grand or massive as the royal palace in Atheen. I guessed, in terms of economy, technology and aesthetics, Atheen was way ahead. Well, Atheen was the core of this world, it was expected.
"Ms Resse, we have arrived." Sir Roger knocked on the window as the carriage stopped moving. I yawned tiredly before going out of the carriage.
"Welcome to Franciff, Ms Resse. I hope the journey is smooth sailing." To my surprise, it was Princess Ana that welcomed me. I could tell how reluctant she was to do this. Her smile was so fake and her overly cheerful tone was disturbing to hear.
"Thank you for the welcome, Princess Ana. Have you been well?" I replied politely.
"Yes, I have been well, thanks for asking. We prepared refreshments for you and your escorts. We know that all of you are tired from the long journey, I hope the refreshments we prepared help with your rest." Oh god, I'd rather deal with her glaring and yelling at me than whatever this was.
We were led into a hall where they prepared snacks and drinks. The knights were eager to enjoy them. I wasn't that enthusiastic. I was a little dizzy. So, I made sure to not eat or drink so much. I didn't want to hurl them out minutes later.
"I have prepared your accommodation, Ms Resse. I hope it's to your liking." Princess Ana was still this overly cheerful and kind facade. "If you don't mind, let me guide you there."
There was no reason to decline her offer. So, we left the hall behind. I followed her through the hallway. I didn't want to say anything to her. There was nothing to talk about. We weren't in the best term with each other after all.
"So, you're the representative for Evi?" She finally talked normally, the normal hostile princess toward me.
"Well, obviously."
"Why you?" She snarled.
"Why not? I mean, this is not the first time she chose me." I smiled smugly. She rolled her eyes in annoyance. I just wanted to rub the salt to the wound.
"I'm going to be straight with you." She stopped walking. Now that we were alone, she finally being direct with me. "Is there anything you want?"
"What?"
"I can give anything you want. Just.. Just say that I'm not involved." She glared at me.
"That's how you talk when asking for my help." I smiled at her, enjoying the fact that I could annoy her.
"I'm not asking for your help! I want to make a deal with you." She snapped.
"It's more like a bribe to me."
"Oh fine, if you want to call that, yes. It's a bribe. Now, name your price."
"Hm.. I don't know though. I don't think my price is something you can afford." I mocked a thought. She was so close to yell at me. Oh, I loved pushing her on the edge like this.
"I'm sure I can afford it."
"Then, my price is 100 dragons."
"Are you crazy?!" She wanted to rip out her hairs. She looked so stressed.
"See, you can't afford it." I shrugged.
"What are you going to do with 100 dragons anyway?"
"That's none of your business."
"Ugh, you're so annoying."
"Just lead me to my room, your highness. I'm fucking tired." I drawled out lazily. She sent a dagger glare at my way.
"Our talk is not done yet." She insisted.
"It's done."
"No it's not!"
"My price is not changing, Princess. 100 dragons or no deal."
"You're just asking for the impossible!"
"I think that's equivalent to your request as well, your highness. It's impossible."
With severe bad mood, she finally led me to the room they assigned to me. She threw childish insults at me which I retorted with sarcasm. She became more furious. I actually worried that she might attack me but I was amazed by her self constraints. Well, no. She probably knew I would kick her ass easily. My reputation as the Royal Sorcerer scared her. When we arrived at the room, I closed the door on her rudely. She couldn't do anything to me anyway because I had the upper hand. It felt good.
*
Sir Roger was sitting beside me and the tension in the room was brewing rapidly. It was suffocating. I looked outside the window, longing the freedom and peacefulness. The king of Franciff was sitting behind his desk across from me, King Charles. To his left and right were his 2 wives. Queen Vicky, the first wife and Queen Elise, the second wife. Also, joining us was the crown Prince Claus. I wasn't surprised Princess Ana wasn't present. I bet she worked hard to hush everything up that happened back in Atheen.
"Princess Evi send you this letter, your majesty." I began, producing the letter with my magic and then handed it to him with grace.
"Alright." He wasn't smiling and not even cared to be friendly. He was kind of scary. He tore open the letter and began to read. His queens peered in to read as well. His expression tightened as the time went on. I could sympathise, it wasn't a pleasant letter.
"So, not only Princess Evi rejected the marriage proposal but she also accused me of breaking the peace treaty? This is insulting!" He slammed his fist to the table. I visibly flinched in surprise. All of the others were unfazed by that. Oh gosh, that was embarrassing.
"Well, of course, that accusation is with solid evidence, your majesty." I told him calmly. He threw a deadly glare at me. If look could kill, I would be under 7 feet into the ground already.
"What evidence?!" He demanded. Well, I was waiting for that.
I produced the crystal ball. It was the record of my conversation with Princess Ana and the confession of that bald old man. King Charles' face went completely pale, the same for the queens and the crown prince. After the crystal ball ended, the silent followed afterwards was deafening. I let that silence lingered longer because I wanted to torture them with it. Ugh, why that made me sound like I was such a sadist?
"So, is that enough evidence for you, your majesty?" I broke the silence. I smiled at him just to annoy him more. He didn't reply. "I can also provide the memory of the interaction between your majesty and-"
"No! It's enough!" He snapped, getting angry like I was the one in the wrong.
"I'm glad. Then, it's established that Franciff broke the treaty." I said solemnly. King Charles clenched his teeth, didn't even bother to mask his temper. "Princess Evi proposed 2 ways for us to settle this issue."
"Let's listen to it." He muttered tersely.
"First, Atheen declared war to Franciff." I watched their nervous reaction. "Second, Franciff gives the Goldilock Mine to Atheen as compensation and all trades between our countries will be limited."
"Isn't that too much? All we did is making a ploy for a marriage. Franciff and Atheen have always been strong ally to each other, isn't this too much?" Prince Claus voiced out. I gave a sharp gaze at him.
"Perhaps, you're being ignorant, your highness. Surely you at least understand the severity of this situation." I said calmly. He openly glared at me. Ugh, I had to calm the heck down and be professional. I was about to insult his abnormally large nose. "Yes, exactly as you said, your highness. Franciff and Atheen have always been a strong ally with each other. That's why this betrayal is a huge shock for us. For you it's probably a small matter. For us, it's a severe matter. We trusted Franciff and loyal to the Peace Treaty and this is how Franciff repay that."
"The Peace Treaty existed so that both of our country can live harmoniously with each other. Should I remind you that the Peace Treaty was the mercy of Atheen upon Franciff during the end of the Borders War. You all repaid that mercy with betrayal. Sure, small thing as you said, but if we can't even trust you with little thing like this, how about the bigger thing? Do you understand that? Despite that, we even give you options. I don't see why you should be complaining, your highness. Should we take back that leniency and finished what Atheen supposed to be doing centuries ago?" I looked at him the whole time. He was twitching uncomfortably. "Should we go to war one more time? Atheen won't show Franciff any mercy this time."
"Just shut your blabbering, Claus!" King Charles shouted. "You're embarrassing me! Forgive him for his ignorance, Ms Resse."
"It's alright, your majesty. Should we continue?" I focused back on the king. Claus' face was red and he looked down in shame. Sucks to be him.
"There's no need to think more about this, I as the King of Franciff choose to go with the second option." He decided wisely. Even though Evi gave two options. There was actually only one option for them.
"That's an excellent choice, your majesty. This will bring us to the second letter." I produced the second letter from Evi in my hand. I gave it to him. With displeased expression, he opened that letter.
"Well then, I guess the preparation will take some time. I'll leave it to you, your majesty. After all, the next step is up to your side's actions now, your majesty. Of course failure to do so, we'll be going into the direction of the first option. Keep that in mind, your majesty." I lowered my head toward him. "I will take my leave now. If you have any concerns, I shall answer to it, your majesty."
"Pardon me, Ms Resse." Queen Vicky spoke suddenly. I looked at her. "It said that Princess Evi is engaged. With whom?"
"With me." I responded casually. Their expression was priceless. With that I left the chamber with Sir Roger. Well, a few seconds after we stepped away, we heard yellings inside. King Charles was screaming for Princess Ana. Good luck to her.
"You're really amazing, Ms Resse." Sir Roger complimented me. I slouched as I walked, all the tension and nerves were leaving my body. I kept my composure in there but it was hard to stay that way for long.
"No, I want to hide under the bed and don't want to meet anyone. Ugh.. I hate that so much." I grunted, shaking my head. My heart was still beating so fast. There was a slight tremble in my hands.
"You handle that so well. It's beyond my expectation. As expected of the Royal Sorcerer." He grinned proudly.
"Stop.." I looked away in embarrassment. He laughed loudly. "I want to go home."
"Should I gather everyone and prepare the carriage? We can go back today." He offered.
"That would be great!" I brightened up.
"I'm afraid, I will ask the Royal Sorcerer of Atheen to stay for a few more days." Someone interjected from around the corner. Both of us turned our heads toward the voice's owner. It was Rossa.
"Who might you be, lady?" Sir Roger asked.
"I'm Rossa Rosedale, the High Sorcerer of Franciff." She introduced herself.
I was stunned. That face was the same as Rossa my sister but her aura was completely different and the way she dressed was definitely not the Rossa that I knew. However, I couldn't ignore how familiar she was. There was something inside of me warning me to be careful at the mention of her age. That didn't make any sense. Resse of this world didn't know a Rossa. It was only me. She never met the Rossa of this world. I was so confused.
"Hm? What's this?" She narrowed her eyes at me. "Don't tell me, you don't remember who I am, brat?"
"Erm.. Who.." Before I could finish she marched at me, seizing my neck in her arm. She ruffled my hair. This rough handling felt so familiar with me.
"What's that? Who?" She echoed.
"Teacher! I'm sorry!" I yelled out instinctively. She laughed and the grip loosen up. I took the chance to pry away from her, tidying up my messy hair.
"Hmph, you finally remember me, brat." She smirked at me.
"Er, Ms Resse, do you know each other?" Sir Roger queried, confused.
"Of course we know each other. This brat is an idiot that almost forgot her own teacher." She said, glaring at me playfully.
"How old are you again, teacher?" I asked without thinking. She smiled scarily at me. I gulped nervously, knowing that she was furious. "No! I mean.. I.."
"What? What is that?" She was giving a chance to retract my question. She was a second away from firing a deadly spell at me. I took a step back as a caution.
"No, nothing! I just.. I'm.. I'm glad you've been well, teacher." I chuckled nervously. Sir Roger was amused. Probably because it was the first time he saw me like a nervous wreck.
"Yes, I've been well." She relaxed and not dangerous anymore. She grinned at me. "So, you're staying longer right?"
"Yeah, I guess so." I said.
"Well then, I shall inform the other knights that we will be staying for a few more days." Sir Roger announced.
"Ah, you can return early, sir." I told him.
"But, Ms.."
"Your duty is not a guard, Sir Roger. You have to get back to your real duty. I won't hold you back. Just leave 2 knights with me, the rest of you can go home."
"Will do, Ms Resse." He reluctantly agreed.