Finally, look in the distance, it's a village. Oh great, I can't wait to sleep in an actual bed again, Alina says. These past weeks she barely had any sleep, she was unaware of how many bugs one would find in the wilderness at night, and sleeping in a bag was something she had never experienced, but in retrospect would've been glad to have never experienced at all. Yet she pushes through, anything is better than being inside her boring castle all day learning about etiquette. She has plenty of time to sit around when she gets older.

Who might you be, fair maiden? A sleazy looking bard asks her.

I'm princess Alina Ayla Tristana von Blauwald. And I'm not entertained by your escapades.

Maybe this will cheer you up, the bard starts playing some upbeat song on his exotic instrument and he signs along with it. It's a song about a beautiful lady. Alina isn't charmed by it however. She sees herself as above these types of guys, a mere bard, just a lowlife homeless person in her eyes. They party and drink and lack any sense of intellectuality, usually. And she recognises the instrument, it's from the Hiatum republic. I never liked the Hiatum republic's culture. They despise monarchs and value nothing above technology and democracy. Yet their cities are crime and disease infested hell-holes, lacking in beauty and purpose. She had to go there once on a diplomatic trip and the awful smells is all she remembers.

I'd be most delighted if you would play that music somewhere where it wouldn't reach my ears, maybe the outhouse would be more suitable, she tells the bard.

The bard, not used to rejection, makes another attempt. Hiatum songs not your taste princess? He says jokingly, not realising she is actually a princess. How about something more local, I recently wrote this song after an encounter with a barmaid.

I'm not interested in tales about barmaids.

Kilian decides to get involved. Maybe you should play for someone else, she's a real princess, you'd just annoy her, he whispers in the bard's ear.

Oh a real princess you say? The bard makes one more attempt and starts playing a classical piece that's quite popular in the former Ocilon empire, written by a famous composer; it is often played in theaters across the empire.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Alina recognizes it, she sways a little to the music.

Ah see, I got something for everyone, I accommodate all tastes, the bard says, and he winks at her.

Alina looks away and turns her subtle smile into a stern, annoyed expression. She's too proud to admit defeat.

What's a princess doing all the way over here in such a small town? he says, trying to strike up conversation.

Nothing, she replies. And she walks away to the bar to buy a drink, but more importantly to get away from the annoying bard.

Kilian involves himself again, it's not going to work, don't you know how these princess types are? They think it's degrading to conversate with people below them. You don't stand a chance, just try someone else.

Why does she travel with you then, you aren't nobles either.

She wanted to go on an adventure so she travels with us. But she doesn't see us as equals you know, we're just like servants to her, we get the minimum amount of respect. Anyone that's not a servant to her might as well not exist.

Honestly I think she will grow bored of our travels soon enough, she hates sleeping in the wilderness or eating dried meats and fruits instead of the freshly prepared warm meals she's used to.

So where are you going then? the bard asks.

We're looking for my brother, we're tracing his steps, he's a scout but he recently stopped communicating.

I see. Well the name is Ennius. I'm from the Hiatum republic, I traveled the Pheoqaviel isles, the Ocilon empire and now I'm on my way to the Serpensius empire, to amaze people with my music. Especially the ladies, if you know what I mean. I've heard that the Serpensius empire has plenty of golden haired beauties.

I'm from there, originally, but I grew up in the northern regions. Kilian says.

Oh really, you got any cousins you could introduce me to, Ennius says, before laughing.

It's true what they say about bards, they really only care about one thing, and it's not music.

We're actually heading the same direction, Baldric adds.

We should travel together, Ennius says. I'm not a fighter so I always have to be extra careful around bandits, but I could help you guys too, I've never been rejected from an inn, as soon as people hear my music they welcome me with open arms. Well most people anyway, except that princess friend of yours I suppose.

Kilian and Baldric don't have to consider his offer for very long. This bard may be a bit annoying and overbearing, but his songs and stories would be a great source of entertainment on their boring travels. Although Alina.. she probably wouldn't like it.