“So are you going to work with that Frans guy?” Lottie asked as they neared the village entrance.

“Obviously not. I would rather not waste my time with him.” Bryson grunted.

“I mean he has a similar job as us, the extra people could make it easier when carrying things.” Lottie pointed out.

“Over my dead body.” Bryson grumbled as they approached one of the stationed guards at the gate. Bryson was a bit surprised to see that this guard wasn’t just some local militia but wore an official Wrabuth continental uniform.

“Hello there kids, are your parents around?” The guard said not recognizing their face.

“No, we’re here on a hunting trip.” Bryson replied curtly deciding that maybe right now would be better if he didn’t reveal his identity.

“Don’t worry, we can handle ourselves.” Lottie said confidently.

“Huh, more rich kids.” The guard said aloud to himself, “As long as you don’t cause any trouble you’re welcomed in.” He said beckoning them through the gate.

“More? Did that Frans already arrive?” Bryson asked and received a blank look from the guard, “Three people around our age, one girl three boys?”

“Oh, no, not them. Are there going to be more people from wealthy families visiting?” The guard said looking surprised.

“Yep.” Lottie said with a nod.

“Hmm, don’t know why his place is suddenly so popular, but the extra money to the village is good.” The guard said shrugging.

“Wait, who’s already here then?” Bryson asked.

“Uh… just a couple of rich kids. I think foreign or never left the city, looked at everything in wonder.” The guard recalled, “You’ll know them when you see them.”

“Right.” Bryson said mentally noting that information down, “We’ll need a place to stay, is there some sort of inn here?”

“Ah yes, just one though, I imagine that all you tourists will be staying there. Head through the main path there, you’ll see the church of The Six, take a right a little bit more and you’ll see a large tavern.” The guard answered.

“Thank you.” Bryson said as he and Lottie entered the village.

“So why didn’t you introduce yourself properly?” Lottie asked Bryson after they travelled a bit further in and could hold a private conversation.

“It would probably cause more issues if I did.” Bryson grunted, “All they need to know right now is that I’m a rich visitor and you are my valet.”

“Valet? Is that supposed to be a servant like Lila?” Lottie asked looking confused.

“Slave.” Bryson said with a sly grin.

“Hey!” Lottie said with a huff before speaking again after a few more moments of travelling, “This village doesn’t seem to be special, why are there so many people around here?”

“Not sure, it is a village that is near a Contaminated zone that isn’t too dangerous in comparison to other places. But that doesn’t make this place unique, just dumb luck I guess.” Bryson said with a shrug as they passed the church.

“So how long are we supposed to be here anyways?”

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“Until we complete the mission.” Bryson said simply, “We don’t leave more than the time its needed for the king to tour around the place.”

“So a few days.” Lottie said nodding her head.

“You’re awfully confident.” Bryson noted.

“I’m good at tracking and you’re really good at magic and smart, once I find them you’ll catch them.” Lottie said confidently.

“Well confidence is useful.” Bryson said as he spotted the tavern, “Huh, bigger than I thought.”

The building while wasn’t anything different or impressive to the rest of the structures was at least twice as big as the normal sized buildings. Bryson was surprised to see that the place looked like it had enough rooms to house at least a dozen people, though he doubted that the rooms would be too great.

“Looks cozy.” Lottie said as Bryson led the way in.

Opening the door he was surprised to find it relatively full of customers. Upon further inspection he realized why, it was the afternoon and this was likely one of the few if not only place that sold alcohol. It also helped that the tavern wasn’t very big either meaning that around ten people meant that the place was near full capacity.

Their entrance caused a stir among the patrons, clearly the two newcomers caused a fair bit of interest among the locals. There were a three seated women around the place with the other seven being men of varying ages all enjoying a small meal and drink.

“How can I help you two youngins?” The tavern owner said in a friendly manner.

“Two rooms.” Bryson said as he walked into the place removing his hood.

“I apologise, but we don’t have many rooms. You’ll need to share one.” The man said.

“Are the beds at least separate?” Bryson said, annoyed but not wanting to make a fuss about it.

“We have two that are.”

“Great, we’ll take one.” Bryson said as he walked up to the counter and placed a gold nugget on the table. Precious gems and materials tended to be more valuable in these places than cash. People were able to sell and trade them at higher prices here.

“I expect our meals to be compensated as well.” Bryson said as he saw the glint in the eyes of the man.

“Of course.” He said quickly taking the precious metal and handing Bryson a key, “Second floor third room down.”

“Thank you.” Bryson said as he took the key.

“Huh.” Lottie said aloud.

“What?” Bryson asked turning to see that there was two others kids around their age coming down their stairs. They were both blonde and blue-eyed, looking similar enough to one another to be related.

The boy had a long bow strapped to his back and a longsword at his side, he was a good half a head taller than Bryson while the girl was between his and Lottie’s height. She also held what looked to be an art book and a bag of painting materials. Both wore high quality winter gear brands and covered with magical items.

“Are they the two that guard mentioned?”

“Looks like it… hmm.” Bryson said staring at the two.

“What?”

“I think I’ve seen them before.”

“Oh, are they nobles? I didn’t know you hung out with them before.”

“Wait here.” Bryson said getting suspicious as he approached the two.

“Huh? Can I help you?” The boy said looking at Bryson curiously as he approached them.

“What’s your name?” Bryson asked.

“Uh, why do you want to know?” The boy said with an awkward chuckle as the girl peered curiously at Bryson from behind the blonde boy.

A series of thoughts ran through Bryson’s head. Doesn’t recognize me, neither does the girl. But they’re both kitted out with a lot of stuff. Definitely from rich families, not merchants, both because of age and makes no sense as to why they’re here if they were. Why do I recognize them?

“Is that your sister?” Bryson asked looking at the other one.

The boy moved over in a protective manner, “That’s none of your business.” He said with a warning smile.

So they are siblings. Bryson concluded. Two siblings that give noble vibes in a small village at the outskirts of town. I haven’t met them, they don’t know who I am, but they seem familiar. The equipment means they’re likely from a higher ranked family, but they don’t seem to be from the continent. Visitors then, but why Wrabuth?

Bryson glanced down at the noble boy’s belt, mainly focusing on the magical sword. Bryson blinked once realizing that he recognized the colours, gold, red and white. Suddenly it clicked with Bryson, the hair and eyes, the expensive gear, the fact that they were foreign visitors, and the mention of what King Alvidor said earlier.

“You’re the king’s-”

“Shhh!” The boy said suddenly, looking panicked as their identity was revealed.

They are. Bryson realized, “Why are you here?”

“Quiet down.” The girl said quickly before looking troubled and exchanging a glance with her brother, “Come with us.” She said as she began to reascend the stairs.

Okay, now I’m curious. Bryson thought, “Frost, follow.” He called.

“Ooh, something fun happening?” Lottie asked bounding over to them.

“Maybe.” Bryson said as they followed the apparent prince and princess of the entire world up the stairs of a small rustic inn.