Chapter 6
As we arrived to the kingdom's gate, we then got greeted with the [Kingdom's Guard], that were stationed in the gate. Elen, the [Kingdom's Guard Leader] welcomed us personally. After he greeted us, we then entered the [Kingdom of Entel]
"...amazing"
"Beautiful"
As both spoke with astonishment to the scene before them. Large houses were built with fine woods and sturdy stones. The road was well-built and maintained. Street lamp shone the evening time, dying it with its yellowish glow. Evening stalls, and cheery people crowded the night. Bars and taverns light their store, opening their delightful shop. Folks were still lively even in the night. It was such a scene that you can't felt bored to see
"Here's the pass"
I said at the stable owner, as I gave the [Renting Pass] that was given to us at the port. The owner then took the pass and returned 20 silver coins on us, before we continue moving, I asked Ellen to take a detour to the kingdom's stable, he then nodded in response. After we have given the pass, Natsumi then asked
"Why didn't we used the [Traveler's Badge], darling?"
"Stable only allowed cash not badges, neither written documents nor such. Except of course, if you are a noble and have some authority over them. Even if it's written by my uncle, they won't still take it as a payment, if they did, their business should already been closed as many will try"
I said, as I answered Sheryl. I then looked towards Elen, and asked
"Are we heading to the palace?"
"Forgive me, but the King has already taken a rest inside his chamber, so for now, we shall take you to your quarter to one of the famous, laxurious inn in this kingdom. You will be having an audience with the King tomorrow morning. So I suggest you to sleep early tonight, to have a delightful morning"
He said, I then look at him before I spoke
"We never did introduce ourselves. I'm Creeper, the leader of this party. The one at my right is Sheryl, and next to her is Natsumi. Hope we get along during this quest, Sir Elen"
"As do I too, Sir Creeper"
Sir Elen responded. After a few exchanges, we then continued, as the [Kingdom's Guard] guide us.
.....
A 5-storey building then greeted us, as we arrived to the inn that the [Kingdom's Guard Leader], Ellen, pointed. A midtone, gray, concord purple with a plum undertone wall, with 6 darkest brown window each of the floor. A brownish-orange door that could fit 3 people in, with a half-moon glass atop, stationed at the bottom center, with a white gold knob, and a reddish pink roof, welcomed us to the inn that we are about to accommodate, located south-west from the gate.
"[Moon Surface Inn], is one of the most reserved and recommended inn in this kingdom, even her majesty the Queen herself said so. The 5th floor shall be your quarter, as the king already reserved the whole floor for the 3 of you. We shall be stationed at the 1st floor of the inn. We will act as your arms and legs during this Quest"
I was awed to his remarks, booking the whole floor just for us 3 is truly astonishing. Elen then took a small wooden box, coated with grayish-black. He then opened it and showed us a thin rectangular card, with a golden seal at the center, with a shape of a upside-down heart (note: spade in cards)
"You just need to show this to the inn keeper, they shall know what to do. It's a present from the king, a [Royal Spade]. I ask you to keep it safe and never lost it, as only a few could obtain such item"
After he gave me the card pass, the [Kingdom's Guard Leader] Elen, then stared at me a bit, before bowing down, it was quite peculiar for him to do so. They then bowed at us and walked. Elen told me that they needed to report our arrival to the [King's Advisor], of course we understood such, and went to the inn just the 3 of us.
"Oh my~"
"We should really need to buy a house soon, darling"
The two then gave each their opinion to the inn's interior, a reddish-orange floor with a yellowish-white wall. The receptionist desk was placed at the right corner of the inn, coated with rich, light brown next to the light, whitened taute gray stair case, and a hexagonal brownish orange window at the left of the inn's exterior, and a small chandelier that was hanged above. It was a beautiful inn, totally deserve the praise of the queen.
After we have examined the beauty of the inn, we then went to the receptionist desk, and give the [Royal Spade] card that was given by Sir Elen. The receptionist then called someone out, and asked to guide us to our quarter. The receptionist then bowed to us, after welcoming us to their inn.
"Honoured guest, the whole 5th floor shall be you quarter. You can freely choose any room for you to accommodate. Please call us if you have anything you need, we shall do our best to assist"
The man spoke and instructed us
"You just need to ring the bell to call us. As you have the [Royal Badge], you shall be served with highest output and serenity"
After he opened the door for us, he then gestured us to enter
"This shall conclude my service. May you have a pleasant stay to our humble Inn"
He then leaves after he told us, all the things we should know. It was quite a fancy room. The bed was comfy and big, it could fit 3 or 4 people in, coated in both black and gold paint. It has its personal chandelier, the hallway has too. The inn truly deserve such words of praise. We then started packing our baggage. It was quite a hassle to always unpack and pack your things all the time. We should really need to obtain even one [Storage Gem]
"Darling"
I then looked towards Sheryl, as she called me with a bit of disappointed, and doubtful voice
"Is this the extent of the kingdom's "serenity"?"
She asked, a bit straightforward question ofcourse
"If they state that "its already evening, and we only have the guard to guide you" bullshit, I'll vomit"
Natsumi said, in a quite piss off tone. Can't blame these two though
"Might be, I hope it is"
I answered
"I thought the king himself, PERSONALLY, asked for our help. This is quite a welcome I say" (note: nat)
"For them to let us walk quite a distance from the gate to this inn, rather than a carriage, is such a pure "serenity". I won't complain much if it's only a walk, but a personal request from a king, such a thing is quite, personal" (note: she)
As they complain towards the kingdom's pleasant greet, I was just there staring at them. Looking, and gazing as they took their clothes one by one. Sheryl was wearing a black lingerie, showcasing her porcelain soft skin. While Natsumi was wearing a red hot flame underwear
As Sheryl saw me looking at them like a ravenous hungry beast, she then smiled as she swayed her ample, shapen butt, and walk at me
'Oh girl'
She then bended over, as she open wide her beautiful legs, and wrap her slender arms to my neck
"What are you looking at, pervert~?"
Sheryl asked me with those lovely, alluring lips.
'I was only thinking how to bite those, and let my lips touch it- oops, got little side-track'
"Don't worry about it, what so high and great about a king anyway?"
I said, as I took those seducing lips of hers to mine
"Hey! Why it's always that flat, big ass loli first?!"
Natsumi complained, as she hug me and press her big breast to my back
"First wife priviledge, cow-tit"
Sheryl said, as she detached her lips from mine. Natsumi then pouted. She then leaned her head to my shoulder's back. I just giggled and kissed her.
...
"What should we do then, darling?"
Sheryl asked as she clinged on me. After a few rounds with them, we then rested on the bed, quite a fluffy and soft bed. Natsumi hugs me at my left, while Sheryl took the right
"...well, we can't know what fish we might hook, if we don't rail it up"
I said. Sheryl then smiled and kissed my cheeks, before she clings on me and took a sleep. Right now, we don't know what's the kingdom up to. Rather than a royal Knight, we were greeted by a guard, won't complain on that unless if it's a normal Quest, but as it was a personal quest coming from the King, well, I can't just really blame these 2 if they do get irritated like that. And rather than a carriage, we walked till we reach the inn, which is really a distance, a far distance
"To fish them, is to make the fish, fish not fished" ha…. I might starting to get that uncle's word of wisdom..... maybe?"
I smiled and closed my eyes. King and Queen, Prince and Princess, what people they might be I thought, as I let the comfy bed wrapped me with its fluffy feel.
....
"Here's our inn's top seller breakfast meal, a [Cockerel Egg Toast] and [Milk & Honey Cocktail], please do enjoy"
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It was already morning as the bell of the inn rang. We were woken up by the guard that was stationed below us, and was given the authority to guide us until the completion of the quest. After a couple of minutes, after we got ourselves sober up, one of the inn worker then came, as he delivered our breakfast meal upstairs, which gives us a thumbs up.
A toasted egg which is harvested from a {Playmouth Rock Cockerel}, which is a huge barred black and white feathered bird, with a fiery-eye, a wingspan that could cover the inn whole, is a mid-platinum rank monster. Captured for its tasty meat and delicious giant brown egg, and a honey drink that was obtain from a {Giant Bubble-Wasp}, a giant insect that produce sweet and delicious honey, with its sharp stinger, and big fat black and yellow belly. A monster that roamed in the west is a peak platinum rank bug.
We took our luxurious meal in our 1st day of the [Kingdom of Entel]. After we have taken our meal, and drank our sweet morning drink
Knock Knock Knock
"Dear travelers, I apologize for the sudden call, but as we have an uptight schedule, we would like to ask for you and your team to be prepared and dress up. The carriage shall be here any minute now, as we don't want to be late for the King's summon"
Elen then spoke as he greeted us in a hurry, but in a pleasant tone. We then responded with "we shall be there in a minute". After we have dress up and went below, Elen and the other guards then greeted us. It was quite a very pleasing moment after you have woken up. Some of the people who stayed in the inn were quite shock, and awed to such greeting, and look at us with high expectations and astonishment.
Elen then opened the door for us and was then greeted by a dark, cool, carribean black with a turquoise undertone carriage, coated with a midtone, bright glowing firefly yellow-green, with a chartreuse undertone, that circled the carriage and its window, leash to a light, whitened taupe gray stallion, a {Equus Carrier}, (note: horse carrier, latin) a mid-platinum rank monster.
The coachman then came down, and greeted us as he bow down. The 3 of us were quite amaze to such transportation that the king gave. Sheryl still wasn't happy or excited by such "gratitude", but we still entered. We then moved north-east from the inn to the palace, which is qute a ride, a luxury ride. From the gate to the inn was 2 and half Portch village wide. But as we arrived to the palace, it only took as a minute or two, or half an hour if we walk, truly the kingdom might have overlooking something, or they already have look over, and just truly giving us such service.
'The kingdom might have knew our rank or-'
Something else, I thought. After we have arrived to the palace, the coachman then opened the carriage door. We then get off and greeted by 4 Knights, that guided us to the palace. Like a beautiful portrait, we were amaze, as a pale, gray yellow off-white, with a green undertone walls coated the whole castle, with a brownish-red roof, and a shade of green windows, and a silver charm door. It was a well-built palace as it deluge us with its charm
"Dear travelers, this way"
After the Knight called us, we then entered the castle door. A light, whitened taupe gray staircase then greeted us, with a red velvet carpet and chandelier atop. We then went up the handrail, which were well polished. We then arrived to the chamber the king wanted us to meet.
Knock Knock Knock
"Your majesty, the guest has arrive"
After the Knight told us to wait, he then knocked to the room's door, and told the King about our arrival. After he got his answer, he then looked at us and nodded, indicating we have the permission to enter. As we entered the room, a heavy atmosphere of disheartened doused the room. It might not be seen in their faces, but their eyes spoke as such. The 2 were clearly pissed, for we were confronted by something, unexpected
"You must be the adventurers that the guild master Eric "personally" sent unto us. Welcome travelers, to our kingdom"
The one who spoke wore a dark, cool carribean black with tarquoise undertone attire, His majesty Antoine de Monet van der Entel, or should be, stood and greeted us. We then started our discussion for the king's personal quest in the [Council Chamber], or supposedly
"..."
Silence befall the room as the 4 of us looked at each other eye. We are at the right side of the [Council Chamber], a little room and quite spacious too
"I am the [King's Minister], Aluc"
The king's personal advisor spoke, as he tried breaking the deluge silence. I then stared at him a bit before responding
"I am Creeper, the leader of the party. Sheryl is on the right while Natsumi is at left"
"Are you, the one shall take this quest? If I may ask"
He said. The 2 were in silence as they were both, quite dispirited
"We are persoanlly requested by the guild master to look, and see to it what kind of entity that your kingdom is facing. We may or may not be the takers, unless we know the rank for this quest"
I replied in no round out manner. The minister then looked at me at the eye, in a gaze that I know so well, calculating if we are worth it or not. The minister then spoke
"In the east side of the kingdom, there's a forest that we hold jurisdiction to. We sent capable men and Knights there, but sadly none came back. We are trying to explore a new ruin inside the forest, deep inside to be precise"
He then look at the 2 with me then continued
"The King was in dismay as to what to do, so I suggested to ask assistance from the guild master in the [City of Palawan], so.."
He then look at us, dead in the eyes, analyzing if we do possess the ability to do so
"So I ask you to assist us on this matter, by the request of the King, and by the authority as a Minister, I do ask"
"Oh"
I exclaimed in silence, as the last part wasn't a request, but rather an order. Only guillible people wouldn't notice that, his quite good I say. I then smiled and nodded. After we have our discussion, if you call that, we then went back to our inn. I've ask the Minister for all information about the forest and that said ruin. He was able to give us a full detail to what they know, but unfortunately it didn't help even a bit. All the things he keep repeating was "apology, by I can't somewhat disclose that information" or "we lack the necessary information about such, I do apologize", which indicates that he, and the kingdom
"Don't have high hopes on us"
"And that was a hell of a King's summon, if that what it was"
Sheryl said
"Maybe, but I'm pretty sure it's more than that"
Natsumi replied, both were in thought as they cling on me, as we took a nap in our inn. I was also lost in thought
"We lack information"
We then took a nap until lunch.
....
"2 tusks from a {Tusk Devil Demon} for 1 big silver coins, and 30 silver coins. As you have 8 you will get 14 big silver coins, and 30 silver coins. 2 tusks from a {Giant Sand Boar} are 2 big silver coins, and 25 silver coins. You procure 6 for 16 big silver coins, and 10 silver coins. In total, you were able to obtain 31 big silver coins, and 5 silver coins"
[Adventurers Guild] calculate the price of a monster base on how useful the materials they will give or get. The difference between a {Goblin Champion}, and {Tusk Devil Demon} is 30 silver coins only, even though both are early gold rank, though it was only thanks to the Guild Master Eric, that they gave it to us for additional 20 silver coins, back at the city. After we took a nap, we decided that it's better to procure information in the guild, as theirs a lot of adventurers here and there, but
"It's all the same darling, none had any information" (she)
"They are either scared to tell, or none seriously could tell" (nat)
"Sigh~" (she)
The 2 made a big sigh, as we eat [Skewered-Mushroom and Meat], after we only got are repeatitive of "I'm sorry, I don't know". We are sitting atop of an old building, just a distance away from the guild. We then move
"Hmm…. good one, 2 legs of a {Devil Worm} for 25 silver coins, so 12 for 8 big silver coins, and 20 silver coins. And as for the {Tusk Devil Worm}... I can only give you 1 big silver coin. The flesh were mostly tattered, there's even scratches"
She said as she looks at me, I then nodded
"That would be 4 big silver coins. 2 livers for 10 silver coins, heart for 25 silver coins, and a bladder for 30 silver coins, all in all you will have..... 42 big silver coins, and 10 silver coins….. that be all" (note: 4.20 for liver, 11.15 for heart, and 13.25 for bladder)
The one who was attending us has the definition of a "Busty Witch", as she has the same size as Josh mother, quite a bonkers too. With reddish-orange curly hair, black pointy hat, and quite the nasty look she give, as if she's just pushing herself to greet us. We then left
"Darling"
As Sheryl called my name, and cling at me at my left, and stared in front
"Was it a great show?"
She asked as, she pressed her chest on me - oops, she's jealous. I just then kissed her head with a simple peck, and teased her.
"Might be, why? Jealous?"
She then pouted, cute
Cough Cough
"N-never mind that, let's move"
"Running are we flat-loli?"
Teasingly provoking as Natsumi asked, while she clings on me at my right. I just chuckled as the two went on their usual cat-fight.
.....
"3 {Long Horned-Skinny fish} for 20 silvers each, 2 {Red-Eyes Long Horned-Skinny Fish} for 30 silvers each, 3 {Bubbly Fish} for 2 silvers, and 40 coppers, 4 {Stream Fish} for 70 coppers, and 1 {Dizzy Fish} for 30 coppers. A good catch I say, that would be 1 big silver coins, 18 silver coins, and 40 copper coins"
The man stated. Right now we are at the [Wet Market], to sell the meat and fish we able to procure during our 4 days journey
"A good meat from a {Giant Sand Boar}..... hmm….. I'll buy this for 2 big silver coins"
So that would be 6 big silver coins. I then nodded and received our payment. So all in all today, we have 77 big silver coins, 20 silver coins, and 40 copper coins, or 3 gold coins, 2 big silver coins, 20 silver coins, and 40 copper coins, quite a money for a 4 days venture. After we have sold our loot, we then went back to our inn. I then ordered a snack and our dinner for later.
"Not even a hint ha…."
From noon to almost evening, we still couldn't able to obtain any information for this quest.
"That busty-lady only told us about how 7 of her helpers didn't come back, after they tried looking for some goods to sell in that forest, and that's..... 4 days ago" (nat)
"After we arrive from the port"
Sheryl spoke
"The guy from the [Wet Market] told us that some of the people, adventurers to be exact, were all silently went missing, never been heard afterwards.... they went inside the forest" (she)
"2 days ago" (nat)
"Quite new"
I said after Natsumi muttered. Right now, we don't know what was lying inside that forest. Most of the folks here doesn't know a thing or two about this incident, and most of all
"The kingdom is using us...either as a bait, a lure"
"Lure?"
Sheryl asked
"The kingdom was expecting someone, someone that is much better, dependable, and quite frankly speaking, for whatever reason, with whom they could get a connection to"
This is base on how they welcomed us in the letter, and in person, and how that Minister looked at us
"Who?"
This time Natsumi was puzzled
"Well…. I don't know. Uncle got a lot of associates, and the guild is quite big. An organization that I, myself, can't fathom, so... I can't say I know"
"How about Isabelle?"
Sheryl suggested
"Isabelle might be popular in our city, but she's only at mid platinum, and the kingdom has those people. She's a beauty, I can't deny that, I was already allured by her for long time now, but uncle got more than a platinum in our guild, so she might not be the one"
I replied. Right now, we don't know what those royal ate that they are boiling with disappointment on us, what we do know is
"This won't be like the [Village of Portch] surprise event"
Knock Knock
As we were discussing our action, a knock then came
"Honoured guest, the snack you have ordered is here"
After the server assistant gave us our snack, a [Honey Toast], and [Red-Berry with Honey Drink], he then bow and leave. We then continued our discussion, and took a rest afterwards.
...
"....Sheryl, Natsumi"
I called, the two then made a serious look
"Gear up"
It was already midnight when we woke up, some of the inn worker was already in slumber. The kingdom was in silence, as the 3 of us silently roam the evening. We jumped from one house to another, swiftly and stealthy. As the guard was tightly guarding the gate, and patrolling the surrounding area atop of the wall, so we waited in the east side of the kingdom, as we use Sheryl as our lookout. Even if she was an assassin, we still told her to be on guard and be cautious. After they turn their back as they roam around, we then strike and climb the huge wall
"Natsumi"
"On it"
"[Gales Embrace]"
After we climb the kingdom's wall, and cross the area between the kingdom and the forest, I then asked Natsumi to use her [Gales Embrace], and scan the area, to find any clue around the vicinity
"Now, let's go"
The forest was quiet, only breeze of the midnight winds mutter and pass on us. [Firefly] illuminate the area. As we walked down the forest vicinity, no whisper neither howls were heard.
"...peculiar"
I said
"Wait"
As Natsumi halted us, we then went to our battle stance.
"There's something that's blocking my [Gales Embrace], just far ahead from us"
She reported. I then nodded as she looked at me. We then continued
"Darling"
"A.... mist?"
"No, it's a [Mist]" (note: no [] means it's natural, common, or usual)
I said, as a thick white fog blocked our pathway to the deep of the forest, stopping our investigation. Right now, if we dare venture inside, we will be good as lost
"Let's go back, we should retreat for now"
I said as the 3 of us then turn around, and went back to the kingdom. If I tried to forcibly go inside the [Mist], it will only make our situation grim, as this skill will cut all our senses, even our sense of direction. Retreating is much better decision than going in like an idiot.
<><><><><>
Mist is a natural phenomenon, while [Mist] is a used skill, the difference vary of their thickness. Mist is much thinner, while [Mist] is thicker and denser, due to magic
.....
Growl!
Paw Paw
Red eyes glittered, as an unknown beast lurks the forest. Deep inside the [Mist], it hid.
Snort Snort
As a heavy breathing resounded the area, an entity then came
"Sshhh"
A deep voice, clad in armor spoke
"We just got visited by our new guest, but quite unluckyly, they can think"
Growl!!