As Demi's carriages were swiftly moving on the roads and the scenery was changing at impressive speed, Melton and the gang were desperately trying to kill time. There was a lot of arguing between Henry and Mathias, to the point that others could hear them from their carriages, Demi was riding along with a man the prince assigned as a helping hand. It was a young man, with brown eyes and hair, medium height, and a decent build. It was just a knight that was informed about the things and was sent to help them until they reach their destination.
The man was acting quite calm but you could notice that deep inside there was fear and anxiety in his soul. He was sitting with the grand duke who is known as someone showered in both glory and infamy. A man of immense wealth, astounding power, deadly mysteries, and many more. Despite it being quite a controversial topic, he openly supports slavery and uses them in many of his businesses. He also controls the majority of the underground guilds and organizations with an iron fist. At first look, he seems like just a guy with a lot of free time but he is a force everyone in the upper circles fears the most. Even some of the royals do not dare to oppose his opinions and decisions the solider thought to himself while keeping his composure.
Once the night set the gang settled down and spent the night camping. Since there was no village around they had to camp outside but it seems like no one complained. Henry and the guard sent by the royal palace were keeping the guard at night while switching shifts, the others were sleeping soundly around the campfire and everything seemed peaceful. Looking at the broad night sky and observing stars in peace. How long has it been since Henry was so calm and mesmerized by the sight? The memories of those calm and peaceful days in the village he loves long ago were filling him up and made his heart ache ever so slightly.
Once the sun rose the gang started waking up. First were Demi and Mathias who had habits of using the day to the utmost, at least when Mathias was not on a health hazard level of alcohol, next were Melton and Niha who were awakened by their friends. The last was Henry who was sleeping soundly since he was the one who got the first shift. He was a bit hard to wake up but once Demi and Mathias threw him in the carriage he was wide awake.
"What the hell" Henry screamed as he was getting thrown in like some sort of cheap luggage or a bag of potatoes.
"The road is long dear, and you we will have to reach our destination as soon as possible if we want to make it worth our time," Demi said confidently. You could even say his tone was meant to mock him for failing to wake up. In Demi's mind, if you cannot do things properly then don't waste others' time.
Mathias jumped into the same carriage they threw Henry in and the moment the doors were closed you could hear them start arguing again. After checking everything and making sure their journey can continue, Demi threw all the stuff in one of the carriages and they began the next stage of their long trip.
The trip was mostly consistent and monotone. There was not much to see outside the carriage even if you were to try your best. After a while, they set their sights on the waterfalls. They were enormous and the mist created from the falling water would go up tens of meters. Everyone but Demi was amazed by the sight in front of them. The water was a crystal clear stream flowing into the endless azure lake. Everyone felt the beauty and thrill of witnessing such a peculiar sight and the excitement of getting close to them were making their cheeks blush. Even Melton who is usually not interested in such things, since he experienced quite a lot in his first life, was taken aback by the sheer size of the picture in front of him.
"Wow. I sometimes forget how beautiful the world can be. For all this time I was stuck to my mission and forgot that I have my right to enjoy the time spent here. I hope I can more of this world's majestic wonders" Melton thought to himself as they were passing by the waterfall that was more than a kilometer tall.
As the carriages were going they eventually lost the waterfalls from their sight as they continued off into the distance. Somehow most of them felt like the days they spent preparing and traveling were paying themselves off.
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After about three days of mostly monotone and boring riding, while stopping to get supplies from time to time, they finally arrived at the northern border. It was a large city that goes by the name of Ricca. It was a beautiful city with a prosperous economy both the inside and outside looks showed pretty well. It was stationed near the northern border and the extremely dangerous forest. The forest was full of precious herbs and exotic monsters so a lot of people were willing to go to and even live inside the city to get close to the goods. There are also sapphire mines east of the city who were ranging across the mountains. The economy of Ricca was massive and you could say it was the best-developed city outside the capital.
Once our gang was about to enter. The guard noticed the crest and immediately opened to gates so there were no issues in getting in. Inside you could see everything you would expect from a first-class city. Even the first streets and houses you cross are as clean as the ones in the inner circle of the capital. People were dressed well since the temperatures tend to be lower but their outfits were beautiful and embodied with various symbols and signs. There was also various stands and shops ranging from blacksmiths and fisherman to elite stylists and scholars all living in unusual harmony. Melton was thinking to himself that it must be nice that people can settle in a city like this and enjoy their lives without the troubles.
As they were passing the streets they finally arrived at their designated location. It was a huge mansion made especially for higher-ranking nobles when they have jobs to do in the city. When they entered the mansion butlers picked up all their stuff and welcomed them. They were all ready to finally take a proper rest after so many days and they deserved it.
Upon unpacking and resting for the rest of the afternoon, everyone gathered for dinner where Demi explained what their plan is.
"I am glad everyone is here. I called you all here so we can formulate a plan to research abnormalities and irregular activities with the utmost efficiency. But of course, I also prepared the meal for us all to share. It would not be nice of me to just order around and let you all wait hungry. "
"Gentlemen!" Demi said as he clapped their hands. The moment the second clap landed, butlers started bursting with various foods. From rotisserie chicken to the various soups and salads you would not even know existed. There were also unusual meats collected from exotic animals and prepared with the utmost attention. It seems like Demi never disappoints but instead, just one-ups the previous, already high, expectations you had of him. He truly is a great man but also a man who knows how to choreograph and orchestrate every event to the utmost perfection but that is who he is. The man who never seems serious yet the work he does cannot fail nor disappoint standards despite the height they were set on.
And so the dinner began. Everyone was amazed by the culinary masterpieces that were brought in front of them. Melton began with a creamy soup and a glass of goat yogurt. The soup was very smooth and creamy. Despite it being made purely from vegetables, the texture was tender and the taste was delicious.
Niha started with a salad. It was made from specially picked vegetables and cheese that compliments them along with herbs. It was the best dish she had ever tried but she liked the cookies she ate at the royal palace a bit more.
Henry directly went for the meat, chopping drumsticks with his bare hands and stuffing all he can in his mouth. It was a comedic sight since it looked like he did not notice that he was being in the center of attention. Next to him was his pal Mathias who was chugging down the steak with all the booze he could. Melton was surprised someone like him managed to survive past the age of 16 with that level of consumption. Demi, unlike the other two, was quietly eating lamb chops while admiring the comedic view in front of him. Even if he could get better food at his own house there is no way it would taste as good as it does when there is a play happening.
After finishing the meal everyone decided to go to their designated bedroom to properly rest, after all, tomorrow they have the job to do. Mathias managed to somehow drag himself back to his room and the others quietly went to sleep.
The next morning everyone somehow woke up on time, even the drunkard of the priest that calls himself Mathias, and went to breakfast before they begin the investigation. The breakfast was easy on the stomach and way lighter than the last dinner: sunny side eggs, vegetable soup, toast along with many varieties of jam that range from pomegranate to strawberry followed by tea. After a nice and calm breakfast, the gang was ready to once again deal with Demi's pesky jobs.