Chapter 32
Departure for Mahouren
“Mighty tides I beckon you. Wash away impurities, and displace my enemies. Tidal surge!” Skyler using a staff succeeded in casting a level one spell tidal surge at a target dummy I set up. I was surprised her tidal surge was quite impressive. The stream of water was atleast 1 meter in diameter. The staff I picked out for her was well made you can say I have quite the eye when it comes to appraising things but it didn't account for this much power behind a simple level one spell. A level one tidal surge should only be about half that even with a staff.
Her training had gone quite well she could cast level one of water, wind, earth, and lightning. The only element of the base 5 she couldn't do was fire. And her affinity to cast wind and water magic was extremely good. She had the blessing of the Azure dragon, I am assuming her success with those two elements had to do with that. With some more work I can see her getting in Mahouren after all. I mean of course she has the best sensei teaching her the basics afterall.
“That is all for today. Tomorrow when we leave for Mahouren we can go over the next part of the entrance exams while we travel.” I say to Skyler as we walk back to the castle.
“The written part right? I was always bad at tests.” Skyler face turned sad when she said that.
“Yes the written part only counts for a small part of the score but when the entrance scores are all so close it could make the difference between getting in or not.” She is not good with written tests but that doesn't mean we can't get her to a point where it wont screw her over.
“We are ending early today huh.” Skyler remarked as we ended sooner then we had in the past couple weeks.
“Yes mother wanted us in extra early today for a surprise birthday party.” I say despondently. I always hated these birthday parties, Mother always goes all out.
“Kara how did you know?! I didn't let it slip did I? Oh I am so much trouble now!” Skyler said panicking she ruined the surprise.
“Oh please Skyler you think something like this would slip by me? Libby has filled me in with all the details its impossible for her to lie to me. Anyways I knew mother would do this she loves this kind of stuff.” My new personal maid Libby had gotten approval from the head maid to begin to serve me. She tells me that she has never encountered anyone who learned things as fast as her. I guess being an automaton has its benefits.
“Kara you took advantage of poor Libby? Unbelievable! Do you have no shame?” She looked at me angrily.
“Well what ever lets get this over with.” I said as we head back to the palace.
As soon as we reached the palace we were quickly hurried away to the baths. After cleaning up, the maids which included Libby began to dress us. There was a big problem though.
“This dress is pink. I hate pink is there another option?” I ask annoyed. My resistance to adapting to female attire had all but disapearred however there was still a shred left of my male pride and it despised this pink frilly dress.
“I am sorry the queen requested you wear this dress to lunch.” The maid replied coldly.
“Such a fancy dress for a simple lunch. She knows I hate pink, she must be punishing me for leaving.” I reluctantly gave in and put on the most girly piece of clothing I have ever had to wear. It didn't end there the maids also made sure that my hair and makeup was done too.. I will be out of this ridiculous getup as soon as possible.
Skyler's outfit was just as frilly as she had a similar dress in a blue color. I wish I could trade with her.
“Aren't you just a pretty princess in a pink dress.” She teased seeing how embarrassed I was from my blushing she continued.
“Didn't realize you liked pink I think it is first time I have ever seen you in that color. It definitely suits you, and fits what they did with your hair, makeup and jewelry.” She drove the dagger even deeper in my minuscule male pride that was all but dead now.
Mother hasn't asked for much from me, and now I am leaving her for a prolonged time once again. If all she wants from me is to be her pretty daughter in a frilly dress for a birthday party I suppose its the least I can do. It doesn't mean I have to like it.
The whole ordeal of getting ready for the 'lunch' took well over an hour. I don't understand how women do it. I spent less time packing for my upcoming trip to Mahouren. Painstakingly going through every jewelry combination in the mirror is just a waste of time I could be training. We were finally escorted to the banquet hall.
“Surprise!” Everyone screamed out as we entered the hall. There was quite the showing for my party and there was a table with a mountain of gifts to the side along with a ginormous cake. Still annoyed at the situation but thankful for the turnout and work that went into it I put on the best fake smile I could muster.
“Wow thank you mother this is unexpected. Father, Max and Aaron couldn't come?” I say as mother greeted us.
“Something came up earlier and there had to be an emergency war council I am sure they will be here soon. Anyways back to you, Kara you look absolutely breathtaking. You clean up really good, it would be nice if you allowed yourself to get done up like this a lot more often. You would have all the princes fighting to the death for your hand in marriage.” She said very pleased that I was all dolled up for her.
“Father told you I was already bound to someone right? I am afraid that all the princes are just going to be disappointed they fought over nothing.” I say causing Skyler to blush quite visibly.
“Well your father did mention something of the sort but as you know things don't always go as you plan them. I was at first going to marry another person other then your father but yet I am here married to him. He never did tell me who specifically you were bound to.” She tried catch me off guard with her latest question.
“All will be revealed in time.” I simply deflected the question.
Other then having to be done up as a pretty princess the party was good. All the food was my favorites, the entertainment was from my bard sensei who easily was the best in the country. The gifts were hit or miss. I got a lot of fancy jewelry that I didn't care for. There were several interesting gifts however.
Abbot the court mage gave me some alchemy equipment he said that it was just extra stuff he had. But I could tell that he was just being humble about how amazing his gift was. This equipment was all top of the line, and even included a rig for transmutation a branch of alchemy I haven't really explored a lot yet. With this equipment my alchemy skills can now extend beyond just potions, poisons and elixirs.
My gift from Max was of note as well. He knowing my love for weapons asked me what I wanted for his blacksmith to craft for me as a gift. Alistar Stoneheart a renown dwarven blacksmith who calls Termain his home, was his blacksmith in fact he crafted my first dagger given to me when I was 5. I have never met him but everything I have seen of his was extremely high quality it is quite possible he is the best dwarven blacksmith outside of the red mountains.. In fact the only superior weapons other then his I have encountered are my katana and wakizashi I won at the summit tournament.
Max told me to custom order anything I wanted. At first when he approached me about this I flat told him it was too much and to save his money. But he insisted and wouldn't take no for an answer. Onii-sama needs to find a woman that's not me to blow money on. I wonder how his relationship with Felicia is coming along.
This lead me to describe a set of daggers I had envisioned. Basically I wanted a set of daggers made of Mithril that were adamantium edged. Mithril in this word was a rare metal that was slightly stronger then iron but a lot weaker then Adamantium. So why would use an inferior metal in terms of tensile strength? It is simple Mithril has one quality that Adamantium doesn't, it can work as a conduit to magic. To make up for its weakness I asked them to be adamantium edged.
The end result was a pair of extremely expensive daggers I suspect my brother spent a small fortune on. The were nicely done and a lot better then my old set of daggers. I was building quite the arsenal for my self. I named them Mahou Tanto.
As my party was coming to end I couldn't help but notice that Siena was not here. Its weird that she would pass up a chance to see me in such princessy attire. Something is up if she is not here. That is when my mother came up to me.
“Oh Kara its time for my gift.” She said with a huge smile across her face, this is guaranteed to be some kind of dress or jewelry.
“Kara royalty who attend Mahouren have always been given 2 servants to assist them while at school. Customarily there is a maid and a guard. Your friend Libby has been fully trained to be a maid, I am told she was an exceptional trainee.” She said and motioned Libby who was dressed in a cute maid outfit to come over she came up to me and curtseyed. I couldn't help but smile how cute she looked. Ok I have my own adorable automaton maid, I promise you this wasn't a fantasy of mine back in my Taiko days....... Back to the topic of servants, I don't want a guard. They will most likely just get in my way.
“I don't think a guard will be necessary mother. Mahouren has its own guard regiment not to mention the teachers are all powerful mages easily able to defend their students.” I say to her trying to sway her from making me have a personal guard.
“Oh I wont hear it Kara, I have already lost you once I will not have it happen again. This is non negotiable. Anyways I have the perfect person for the job. There just so happened to be a trusted S ranked adventurer in Lorrington who is a personal friend of mine and when I approached them they agreed to take the position without even asking how much it paid. Come here Siena Amberwood” …........... Siena my guard? What the hell is she thinking? She is an S ranked adventurer being a personal guard seems beneath her. Siena walked up to us and bowed to Mother.
“Princess Kara I will be watching over you from now on.” Siena acted very formal and polite.
“May you excuse us for a brief minute, I wish to talk to my 'guard' in private?” I ask hiding my apprehension to this whole thing.
“Certainly take as long as you like” My mother excused us. I quickly led Siena out into the hallway and then to a place we couldn't be heard.
“Siena you are making a mistake, following me around is going to get boring for you quick. Plus I am sure that it doesn't pay as good as being an adventurer.” I say to Siena.
“You would be surprised how well it pays, anyways remember back in Atlus when you made me stay behind during the final assault? I promised I would get you back didn't I?” That was the reason? Yeah nice but I don't think that is it.
“That's not the reason you are doing this. You and I have a close friendship but that can't be the real reason either. There is something else right?” I say trying to get a read on my new bodyguard.
“Kara did you know you are scary? The way you read people is almost on par with how you can manipulate them when needed.......Other then you and Zyra I have one other person that I am close to. Do you remember how I told you the Amberwoods are a big family?” I simply nodded remembering the conversation about Siena's family who were elven nobles.
“Well I didn't lie but I didn't tell you everything, one of my siblings and I are identical twins. Her name is Reina and she is a teacher at Mahouren. We were inseparable growing up but since she started teaching and I have left Rivenvale I haven't seen her.” Siena cheeks were slightly flushed and she was shrugging her shoulders back and forth.
“So this whole time since I told you wanted to go to Mahouren you were playing me so you could get to be my guard.” I say in upset tone, seeing as though I have been used by a close friend.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“No, No I promise you I did not plan the guard part. I was just going to visit her for a bit after escorting you to Toulia but then your mother approached me about this job. With this job I will be able to be close to my 3 favorite girlfriends!” 3? Then Zyra is..... Seeing my shocked expression Siena confirmed my suspicions.
“Yes Zyra is coming too she told me she was sick of how corrupt and dangerous Zyrus has become. Also rich students from Mahouren are going to love her shop I just know it. I am sorry I didn't tell you.....we wanted to surprise you.
“You don't think being a guard is going to be too boring for you?” I ask seriously.
“Typically yes, but trouble seems to follow you around like peddlers around rich people so I doubt it will be as boring as you say.”
“Well atleast you have a good reason. Anyways people will get upset if we are absent any longer.” I say and turn to leave.
“Uhh Kara I have one important question before we go back .” She asked looking extremely serious.
“Sure what do you want to know?” I say waiting for her question.
“Do you think this guard uniform makes my butt look big? ”
I turn and leave sighing as I put a hand in my face in frustration. Does she take anything seriously?
We returned to the party and enjoyed the rest of the evening. Everyone seemed to be having a fun time except for Claire she just spent the evening looking annoyed before an early departure to her room. I wonder if this rift between us will last forever. Several people said there goodbyes as tomorrow we would be leaving for Mahouren. It got late and we finally left the party. Tomorrow was going to be the start of another journey. I was pessimistic at first but the party was a welcome distraction.
As I laid down from the fun I found myself drifting off easily tonight.
Black.....
Black.......
So Black.........
Two red eyes amonst the dark so close now it must be mere feet away. No wait there are actually six red eyes, the two I saw were just one among the three sets. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness the picture of this beast became clear, it was an enormous hellhound with tree heads. Killing intent filling air along with the rich smell of death. I recognized this creature. It was not of this world, it belonged to deities of my old world, a three headed beast who guarded the gates of hell for Hades, Cerberus. If I fight this monster I will surely die but I don't think I will be able to escape either. Wasting little time the beast took initiative and lunged at me.
“Ouch!” somehow I had literally jumped out of my bed destroying it and hit my head on the ceiling. The dream was so vivid it has to be dream vision. My physic power was minimal compared to my other powers but nonetheless useful.
Why am I seeing a demi-god beast in my dreams? Knock Knock
'May I enter princess?' Who is this? Her voice sounds familiar
“Enter” I say and in walked the cutest maid I had ever seen. Its Libby oh my gosh! I knew it was a good call to have her become my maid. I cant help but smile ear to ear thinking about how I had my own automaton maid. Tehehe
“Princess good morning.....” it looked like she was going to mention the bed but she didn't.
“You wanted to know why the bed is broken right?” I say as I notice her looking at the destroyed bed.
“No need princess I overheard the other maids discussing a broken bed before and the details surrounding it. It is an event that occurs when you invite a boy to your bed to spend the night. What occurs with you and the boy causing the bed to break they didn't share with me specifically........ So anyways who was the boy you invited?” Libby said as matterfactly as possibly.
“IT MOST DEFINITELY WASN'T THAT!” I yell with both cheeks tomato red.
“I just have been having bad dreams lately they seams so real and so vivid.” I say to her.
“Mistress Grena had dreams like that too, does that mean you are able to communicate with her again?!” Libby's interest in the conversation had increased.
“No I am afraid I haven't been able to communicate with her yet. She was very drained from our previous ordeal in Atlus. I am sorry Libby.” I say to her feeling bad I couldn't talk to Grena for her.
“I know. Anyways we have to hurry princess our carriages are departing soon. Here lets get you dressed.” Very swiftly I was dressed by Libby the outfit that was most likely picked out by mother was a bit too frilly for my likes but I suppose I will only have to endure it for a short period.
The front courtyard this morning was packed every year the country of Termain sends large escort party to guard the students and potential students of Mahouren. Atleast 200 soldiers of the army are going to escort us lead by my brother Max. Any bandits who would attack us would be utterly destroyed.
“That outfit looks really cute, I am glad I picked it out for you.” Mother sat there fawning over me. Claire tried to sneak past mother but it didn't work.
“Claire I cant believe you were going to get in the carriage without saying goodbye!” Mother seemed decently upset at her.
“Bye mom, dad, and Aaron........there you happy?” After saying that coldly she walked up to an elegant carriage not too far away.
“Kara could you watch over her? I know she is not weak but I can't help worry for her.” Father asked me.
“Of course father.” I was going to do it anyways. Aaron wanted to say something but couldn't muster the words. I just took the initiative and gave him a hug.
“Aaron do your best while I am gone and I will do mine as well. Bye everyone love you” After that Libby, Siena, and Skyler all got into our carriage. The journey to Mahouren had begun.
There were 7 different carriages for students that left the palace courtyard, 2 of them were for my sister and me the rest were for the other five nobles that wanted to join our escort. After making it just outside the city our group grew as there were 10 wagons large available to non nobility. These wagons were no where as comfortable as what we were using but non-the less it was a free service given by Termain. Mahouren only allows a certain number of children in each year and nobility doesn't give you any extra sway on the entrance examination. These wagons are provided free from the country of Termain For these children getting into Mahouren is a once in a lifetime chance, for if they can become mages they will be set for life. Incidentally if they become mages it is a great benefit to Termain too either militarily or economically. Families would invest there who fortune to pay for tuition if they happen to be accepted.
The cold reality was only a fraction of these children will actually be accepted. I hope I can get Skyler in tip top shape for the test otherwise she may not even make the cut. That why I have to do my very best as sensei to her. its too bad it will be impossible to get Claire to help her, since she clearly realizes that Skyler and I have some sort of connection, and she still hates my guts.
The journey started off very boring. I basically was cramped into a carriage with Libby, Siena, and Skyler. I was trying to teach Skyler the basics of magic history but my 'personal guard' found it appropriate to gossip up a storm with Libby who was now being corrupted be her.
Ride, teach, camp, ride, teach camp. Why cant I just fly there, this is so irritating! Not even a monster came close enough to attempt an attack on our group. After about a week however something interesting finally occurred.
As we entered the country of Jabel and made camp. Our escort was encountered by a couple of bounty hunters or so that's what they claimed. After looking at their statuses I realized they were no ordinary bounty hunters in fact it was a brother Elric and his twin sister Suzanne. Elric was a level 70 Scout and his sister Suzanne was a level 70 hunter. They both were from Rendil the country that Darius was king of, a cold and desolate county to the northwest.
“Bounty hunters or Rendilian operatives? I What business do you have with us?” Max was impressive as ever he quickly put together that they were from Rendil probably from the tattoo of a fist on Elric's chest a symbol on the Rendilian flag. They are concealing there status with enchantments.
“Yea former Rendilian military now just working as a simple bounty hunter. Aye we have been tracking a beastkin who murdered a diplomat from Rendil. We had tracked her all the way to Lorrington where her trail disapearred. Then we found out about your guys escort to Toulia we figured she snuck into your guys group.” Elric replied scanning our camp from a safe distance.
“Well assure you we don't harbor assassin's everyone here hails from Termain.” Gulp.....We are harboring me so that last line was definitely not true but Max doesn't know that so it cant be helped.
“Oh I have no doubt about that would you entertain us by letting us search the camp?” After clicking his tongue Max realized that it wouldn't be wise to straight up deny them as relations with Rendil were already quite fickle to begin with.
“Fine but I need to see your guys arrest warrant and credentials first. Anything you guys damage while searching will be paid for right here and now as well.” Max definitely was annoyed by this but this was a legitimate thing.
“Of course Prince Max that is fair.” Elric replied. Weird that his sister didn't say one word the whole time. I guess her brother was the one who was good with words.
Slowly but steadily the two began to search the camp. As they went along every possible spot that someone could be hiding in was searched. Finally they made themselves to our carriage. As with the previous carriages and wagons we all emptied out.
“I am terrible sorry noble girl this will just take a minute.” Elric said to me unapoligitically and at same time checking me out.
“Not noble lady. Its Princess Kara we let you into our camp as a sign of good faith the least you can do is to show your proper respect!” Skyler spoke up angrily. Her stepping up for me there made me blush but it was stupid of her do that as these two had a very high chance of still being Darius's operatives.
“Please let me apologize myself Princess Kara. So I suppose the rumors are true you really are alive. And your beauty certainly lives up to its reputation, now if you'll excuse me....” Elric played it off really cool but now his intrigue on me went up substantially. Dammit Skyler-chan! Oh well since the cats out of the bag I guess I play around a little bit here.
“Oh its no problem sir. Catching criminals is an important thing after all if that is truly your intention.” I say to him catching him off guard a little bit.
“I don't think I follow you princess Kara I assure you that finding our target is our goal.” He replied now seemingly somewhat irritated.
“Oh I have no doubt about that. I just have one question how much is the bounty?” I say curious because it might confirm my suspicions and also I wanted to compare it to my own bounty which is now up to 1500 gold dead or alive.
“250 gold alive or 50 gold dead.” He said showing my the paperwork quickly and then taking it back after I confirmed the bounty.
“Hmm how interesting the bounty is 5 fold more if you get her alive.” I state the obvious.
“Yes I imagine that they want to interrogate her to figure out whom she was conspired with.” He said again acting all cool.
“If you want her alive then why does your hunter friend over there have her arrows poisoned lethally. Death adder poison right? I am familiar with it as I made an antidote for it once as an alchemy project, there is no mistaking its greenish color and odor.” Well I did kind of lied about making an antidote for it but I truly could recognize it even without my gift as it is one the favorites used in the assassin's guild.
Elric held his composure even after this.
“Very perceptive of you Princess Kara there is more to you then just your beauty. Yes it is unfortunate but we have had to fight several bandits in the area. My companion and I have had to defend ourselves from them lethally.” I really want to scream bull shit but I don't I just smile.
“Whatever hurry up and finish your search I am sure you and your sister are going to busy with finding your cold trail again after you are finished bothering us.” I go and leave to get some food where we are making it in the camp my companions go to follow me but I tell them to watch the carriage to make sure they don't break anything or steal anything.
“I don't think I mentioned that Suzanne is my sister.” Elric said to himself as I left shocked a bit still.
I wonder why they are going through such extremes to find this person. Tracking her through 3 countries with a couple of skilled soldiers. Oh well its not like I can do anything about it. As I approach the campfire people literally go silent looking at me. I guess this is the first time I came here myself I forgot that I normal just have Libby get me my food and bring it back but even still most of these people should have never seen me before. There should no way they could tell who I was. It didn't help that most of the people here were kids my own age.
“Who is that girl? I think I have seen an angel.”
“I have never seen her before she must be some noble!”
“I wonder if the rumors are true is it the Songstress Princess?”
Calmly I walked up grabbed a some meat from the fire. I peek back to my carriage that is getting rifled through. I have nothing to fret about all my important stuff is kept in my spacial ring. Then I felt a presence looking at me almost like a sixth sense. It was coming from a barrel in the food wagon.
I cast an illusion that I am heading back to my carriage while in actuality I am going towards this presence. Shadowstepping gracefully behind the particular barrel that I felt the presence from. Inside the barrel I can hear very slight breathing who ever it was is very skilled at hiding there presence, in fact I only noticed them barely just now. I lean over the barrel and look into a small hole in it within I can see a single green slanted eye before it quickly disappeared and I could hear the breathing inside suddenly stop. A cat's eye...... this must be the beastkin they were looking for I guess they were hitching a ride with us after all. Well fortunately for this beastkin I really despise Rendil.
“Shhh” I put my finger to my mouth the universal signal to stay quiet. Ugh This is probably going to get me in trouble. I grab the barrel that is quite big with ease and shadowstep away to the shade of a nearby tree.
I looked back at my carriage. The two Rendil scouts had already finished and were moving on. The stowaway in the barrel was now trying wiggle the barrel to tip it over but I simply held the barrel still. Looking again to make sure no one was looking I shadowstepped even further from the camp. Briefly looking around to make sure no one could see us I pulled off the lid of the barrel. Immediately as I did a shortsword stabbed up at me.
“Huh” I swiftly dodged it but if I didn't have such quick reflexes then perhaps it would have landed. Leaping out of the barrel was a skinny but lanky catgirl. Other then her green eyes her fur was mainly white with black markings. Her name was Melody Lionheart age 12, and she was a level 25 fighter specializing in shortswords.
She instantly started to run deeper into the forest. She was fast but no match for my speed especially since I changed out of that frilly get-up I was in when we departed, in fact it was the first thing I did. I quickly ran out in front of her.
“Out of the way or I will hurt you!” She said to me while looking around to see if anyone else was around.
“Tsk, tsk taking your eyes off an opponent.” I said clicking my tongue as I had walked right up to her. Now just feet away.
“I warned you!” She sliced down at me. She probably assumed that since I was unarmed currently I would have to dodge her swing giving her a path to run ahead but I didn't dodge I instead went with option B. I caught her sword as she swung it at me using just two fingers. When I did this her eyes went wide with shock, this had to have been most unexpected to have your attack so easily countered.
Still gripping her sword I then ripped it from her hand, then using her forward momentum from my pull to throw her down on the ground using Judo. Landing hard on the ground she rolled to her stomach and layed there for a few seconds having the wind knocked out of her thoroughly. Then she looked back at me as I was looming over her. She clearly understood now that I was well beyond her current strength. Her face wore a disgusted look on it.
“You are obviously super strong so just who are you?! And what do you want from me?” Still shocked but realizing that her best attack was easily thwarted she decided running was futile.
“Ah sorry I am Kara. I am an aspiring student to attend Mahouren School of Magic.” I say to her bowing gracefully as I do my introduction.
“Mahouren? You want to be a mage? Ok who are you really? I doubt your human even though you look human.” She said still with her focus entirely upon me.
“I am indeed human well mostly at least (I had some draconic blood in me now but I wasn't going tell her that). Believe me or not I don't care. In truth I am wondering why a couple of highly skilled trackers are chasing you from Rendil. They have a warrant for you charging you with murdering a diplomat. I don't think they mean to take you alive.” She sort of gritted her teeth when I said that.
“Its complicated look. I don't have time to play around, those two are searching your camp now so I have an opportunity to gain some ground on them now.” She started to get up but I was still in her way.
“Please understand!” She begged.
“Look you seem to be in trouble. If I let you go there is a decent chance you get tracked down by those two....... Why don't you stay in my carriage until we get to Toulia.” I offered.
“I cant get other people involved. If they got hurt or killed because of me.....” Ugh this is so stereotypical. I am getting annoyed. I grab her tail and start petting it. At first she tried to get away from me but the pleasure of having her tail petted must have been too much for her to resist.
“St...st ..stop. My tail is very sensitive! This is indecent! ” She protested with a face that was blushing, I could tell this felt good to her.
“But I cant help it. You are so cute and like petting cute things. Also the face you are making is very cute as well” I couldn't help but smile deviantly.
“Purrrr....lease stop it is very demeaning for a beastkin to be purrrr..etted like this.” She pleaded desperately.
“Only if stay in my carriage to Toulia. Deal?” I ask. She started shaking her head no so I started petting her even quicker. Within a few seconds I could tell her willpower gave in.
“Fine!” She shamefully agreed.
“I never gave you my name.” She said now looking back at me.
“Oh I already know it from reading your status. You are Melody Lionheart your father is Simba Lionheart also known as the beastking. Like I said earlier I am Kara, Kara Rosewood its nice to meet you.”