“No! I don’t want to go back!” Robyn shouted. The capital was nice. It was better than any city she had ever been to. The people were kind, although that was because of the king’s ceremony with The Unnamed Team. The food was always amazing, although that was because the team could finally afford such luxuries. The prince always looked at her in administration, although that was because of Robyn’s status. Thinking more on it, everything good about the capital came with stipulations. Maybe it was best to leave. Not that Robyn would ever admit that.
“Stop being so childish! Both of you!” Nicholas said. He was trying his best to wrangle the two that wanted to stay in the capital. Both of his hands were occupied holding the collars of Robyn and Rex. The struggle continued for several minutes, much to the disappointment of plenty of bystanders. They had all gathered to wish their heroes a safe journey home. Instead, they got to see a show money couldn’t afford. It was a fight between differing opinions, but it mostly just looked like a tired father trying to restrain his children. Laughter ensued as the audience thought it was all simply an act.
“Just one more sweet!” Rex said. He was clearly not acting. There was a surplus of items that could only be found in the capitals. Sweet treats were one of those things, and it was also the most noticeable. Robyn and Rex made sure to grab a box of their favorites, but it wouldn't hurt to have extra snacks. Making yet another visit to Dios’ Confections shouldn’t have been difficult. The team still had a few copper coins worth of store credit. Who were they kidding? The fifty gold coins worth of credit Greed had given them disappeared after a single visit. They just couldn’t get enough.
“I hate you- Xander! Help, please?!” Nicholas said. He turned his head over to the second carriage. The initial ride to the capital was a tight fit, so the team had requested another transport for their venture home. Fitting six people into the first ride was difficult, and Eins’s insistence on staying summoned only made that more difficult. Then, there was the other new passenger. Thankfully, the king was an understanding man. He provided another carriage free of charge. The only problem was getting every member of The Unnamed Team into it.
Heavily contrasting the struggling was Xander and Lust. The two were standing with their hands intertwined. Their eyes were full of infatuation. Their minds were full of thoughts that ranged from fluff and snuggles to long nights of holding one another in each other’s arms. It was…sickening. The Unnamed Team had to sit through all of their gushy conversations ever since Lust lost her sin skill. She had always thought that her skill was her sole reason for living, but that changed once she actually lost it. Now, she was starting to find a new purpose and would tell anyone who would listen. It was by pure misfortune that Oliver and Emma were stuck riding in the same carriage as those lovebirds. Listening to Xander and Lust compliment each other was exhausting, and the ride home was sure to be a long one.
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“Eins, a little help would be appreciated,” Nicholas said. One avenue of assistance was shut down. The only hope was in the second person with enough power to help. There was just one problem. This familiar was more than willing and able to deny their master’s request.
“Appreciation doesn’t mean it's mandatory,” Eins said. It was refreshing to say no once again. The recent encounters with sins and the ball were all too stressful. Eins was forced to either hide or play second fiddle to Nicholas. Now, it was different. They could enjoy the ride home with no issues. They propped up their feet onto the seat across from them and let out a sigh of relief. It was a peaceful moment. Getting up from this position would ruin the mood. That, and Eins simply wanted to refuse their master.
“Just one more night,” Robyn said as she clung to the carriage door. Quarters De Royale was unlike any place they’d ever lived. It was practically heaven to them. Needless to say, they didn't want to go back. Not even Nicholas was eager to leave such a paradise.
“We can afford it,” Rex said with a strained voice. He wasn’t wrong. The Unnamed Team had more than they knew what to do with. They could easily stay in the capital for quite some time, free from worries. They could relax and rest from their time as adventurers. Why shouldn’t they retire early? Of course, it wasn’t that simple. The team still owed debts to people like Sean, the merchant, and The Feral Tomcat. Linn deserved to have her forge and store paid off. Countess Marisol was never paid for her help during the trial, even if she asked for nothing in return. Then, there was Genesis, who would probably force The Unnamed Team into situations to further their goal and the Genesis Program as a whole.
“We don’t live here. We have to go home!” Nicholas shouted before pulling with all of his strength. Normally, this wouldn’t have much effect. They may have all had high levels but Nicholas had the lowest strength. He had to slide around his teammates during the scuffle and jump out of the carriage before slamming its door shut. [Frost Touch] was used to freeze the handle as an added measure.
“Uh, if the fair lady doesn't want to go back I'd be more than happy to-” Prince Morgan tried to say.
A glowing hand, likely the aftereffect of a skill, shot out of the door’s frame. It reached out and wrapped around Nicholas’s neck. Vines sprouted from the earth and wrapped around his torso. Now that skills were being involved, Nicholas would have a much harder time reigning in the team. He opted to use the quickest solution instead of the best one but not before a few parting words to the dashing prince.
“Sorry princy, you two should spend some time apart. It might do you good.” Nicholas said. He reached down and grabbed one of the vines. A quick yank was all it took for it to snap. Then, he whipped his arm toward the front of the carriage. The vine extended his reach and smacked the horse’s rear. The horse whined before galloping off, taking the team out of the capital in the most dramatic of fashions.