The forest that seemed to last forever shone like green jewels under the sun. Sunlight and green silhouettes danced as a soft breeze blew signifying mid-spring. And under these magnificent towering trees, we’re traveling towards the neighboring kingdom, Eloheim.

These past few days have been the worst and my most wariest yet. Because the one and only Aureate Prince of our kingdom, Prince Theo Eurig Argente of Aurelis, has taken in a stray or rather, an ominous woman. Yes, I admit, she has a surreal beauty that compliments the weird dress she’s wearing, but her beauty, as it is a charming weapon, is the least scariest part of her.

Aside from her purple hair and her quite convenient memory loss, she possesses monstrous strength, unmatched speed and magnificent sword skills that led her to kill almost fifty bandits in the forest, and yes, just by herself. As ungrateful this may sound, coincidences such as - a beauty with no memory to speak of, conveniently falls on the river right in front of his highness and has formidable skills in the sword - is an inevitable trap! And pray tell, she might be an assassin! Every time I see her innocent expressions and interaction with my master - sigh, I just can’t help this scowl in my face.

“Hey. Stop showing such unsightly face to a lady.”

His highness, who might’ve been reaching his limit to my - rather excessive complaints and worry, called me out.

“I am sorry you’re high-“

“Theo.”

He cut me mid-sentence with an annoyed face that seems to be his default today as well. He pouts every time I forget, I am sorry but your highness, please act your age.

“Ah. Yes, I’m sorry Theo, but I just can’t help but be wary.”

I rectified myself and stood beside him whispering my words. He gave me a complicated smile that wants to give me a reassuring smile but at the same time, his continuous exasperated expression seem to be permanently plastered on his face. I really am sorry, however, it is my job to be wary as his highness is too carefree.

I called his highness in such a rude way due to his decision of traveling incognito towards the bordering fief in Eloheim, Marquis Mastris’ fief. Although the two countries’ relationship had been on edge this past generation, the marquis is still the former Aureate King’s good friend. And as proof of his relations to the former King, he tried his best to stop the wars from ever happening. Though I fear that once Lord Mastris is gone, an all out war would dawn on both countries.

“Henry, I know you’re wary of the lady. But needless worry will lead to stress and right now, we really need to raise morale as it seems we’ve been stuck here in this forest for almost 3 days already.”

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We continued to walk while the leaves crunch underneath our feet. Our group consists of 4 of the royalty’s elites excluding his highness. Though we all wore inconspicuous light armor, walking continuously for days and our dwindling supply which was not much as it is, causes the others to worry.

Meldrid forest was the biggest reason for this, the forest is very hard to navigate even if you take a straight direct route. It is said that there are magic barriers that makes travelers lose their bearing in order to hide the forest-kin’s settlement.

“Theo, why don’t we look for the river again and find our way by following it.”

A soft voice that sound like a soothing bell called to his highness and spoke informally. My brow twitched unconsciously at her suggestion. Then—

“We would’ve done that if we knew where the river is! If it wasn’t for you running after that last bandit, we would’ve been able to-!”

(Find our way!) is what I wanted to say, then realized I unconsciously raised my voice. I clicked my tongue and looked away. His highness let out another weary sigh and tapped my shoulder.

“Calm down Henry. Here, cool yourself.”

The prince handed me his leather water bag. The water bag is a magnificent magic tool that converts mana into water. As long as the surrounding area has mana, water will continuously fill and pour out of the water bag. I drank from it feeling my throat parched from worrying. I glanced at the woman and surprisingly, she was unfazed by my sudden outburst.

“I see… If it’s that, I remember where the river is and where we’ve been.”

The woman answered in thought. She turned and faced behind us. Speechless, the knights accompanying us looked at her in doubt. I found myself agape and water pouring out of my mouth, but followed her as she led the way.

Half an hour later, we were able to hear the sound of the river right ahead of us.

“The river’s there but I can sense some movement near it. Animals maybe?”

She lowered herself and hid behind a tree, we all followed suit and readied ourselves for another group of bandits.

“Milady, how did you know where to go earlier?”

His highness asked lowering himself near the woman. She raised her fingers to her lips, beckoning us to keep quiet. Through the trees, we saw a group of people resting near the river. There were 3 men and one woman.

“They’re wearing armor. Are they enemies? Should I kill them?”

The woman placed her hand on the hilt of the very same sword she used to kill the bandits that attacked us a couple of days ago. Theo immediately held her arm and shook his head.

“Milady, calm down. They might be harmless.”

He turned to me and tilted his head towards the group of people, ordering me to find out who they are. I gave the woman a glance, her hand remained on the sword but she was calm, then I nodded in agreement to his highness’ order. I took two knights with me and we deliberately rustled the surrounding leaves.

“. . .”

They all turned towards us readying to attack.

“Greetings.”

One of the armored men, a young man that looked similar to the red-headed girl with him eyed us from head to toe.

“Do you have the parcel that’s supposed to arrive in Mastris territory 2 days ago?”

Parcel. That would be his highness then. I breathe a sigh of relief, the marquis must’ve sent them.

“You are?”

“We’ve come to receive the parcel.”

The red-headed young man calmed his companions and bowed his head. Finally, we’ll be out of this forest.