Chapter I

Since they departed before dawn and steered clear of the main roads of the city, the carriages were able to avoid traffic and succeeded in passing through the gates of Erika within roughly twenty minutes of leaving the Academy. When Abigail had first come to the city only a mere two weeks earlier, she and Grunly had entered through the northern gates, but this time, Ilirianna and Nakoma took them through the southern gates, in the direction of the Nintaros Mountains and the highway that would take them through the range and into the riverlands.

The young nature mage’s heart was pounding with anxiety, and this anxiety was caused by a variety of reasons. For one, she was now entering uncharted territory since she had never been further south than Erika, and on a secret assignment, no less—one that required her to go undercover with the others in one of the Great Cities of the Ijirian Empire. And on top of that, sitting within her carriage, just across from her, was Princess Ilirianna Iiji, the heir to the throne.

When Abi spared brief glances at Ryokumo, who sat on her right up against the window, she couldn’t tell exactly what was going through his mind at being in such close quarters with a woman as powerful as Ilirianna. Ryokumo was the type of person who often managed to adapt to whatever was thrown his way, something that was already very obvious even in the short time she’d known him, so she wouldn’t have been terribly surprised if he wasn’t feeling anxious in the slightest. But Abi was having trouble calming down, and she feared making a fool of herself. However, if her fears were obvious, Ilirianna made no move to acknowledge them as she leaned back in her seat and smiled pleasantly.

“Alright then,” she began casually, her blue eyes slowly moving between her and Ryokumo. “I know we’ve technically already met, but since this is far less formal as opposed to when we spoke back in the Headmaster’s office, I thought it could be a perfect opportunity to properly get to know each other. In addition, now that we’re out of the city, I can answer any questions you might have about this assignment.”

Questions, huh? Yeah, I’ve got a bunch of questions, but I don’t even know where to begin! My mind’s just spinning around in circles…

Thankfully, Abi could always rely on Ryokumo to step in when she couldn’t.

“Well, in that case, I do have something I’d like to verify,” Ryokumo began with a charming grin, practically proving Abi’s earlier hypothesis that he was, in fact, quite comfortable.

Ilirianna nodded. “Go right ahead, Caeli.”

“Back in the office, you told us that the only ones who knew about this mission were the Masters, the Iijis, the Headmaster, and us.” The wind mage furrowed his brow in curiosity. “So then am I right to assume that the High Council doesn’t know what we’re up to? I mean, I’m not terribly educated on the governmental regulations of Ijiria, but I was under the impression that the Council was supposed to authorize any missions involving the Masters.”

The princess’s smile shifted into one that seemed almost amused, as if she were pleased that Ryokumo had asked that particular question. “No, you’re correct. Normally, the Council would be aware of something like this, but times have been changing. Have Nigreos or Album mentioned anything about the current state of the Masters and the Elders?”

“Yes, Nigreos mentioned all that drama with Kloras Glaus,” Ryokumo confirmed. “But he said he wasn’t completely certain, and so I thought I’d just confirm it with you now that we have the chance. Does this then mean they’re under the impression that we’re merely traveling to attend this ball?”

“It does, yes,” Ilirianna stated. “And with any luck, it will stay that way.”

“B-but then…” Despite her nerves, Abi couldn’t help but cut into the conversation, her curiosity now getting the better of her. “What exactly are we doing? What’s happening in Hiriech that would be so important that King Markreas and the Masters would risk lying to the Council like this?”

The princess chuckled softly then crossed her left leg overtop her right one, her eyes once again seeming to be sizing them up. Then, regardless of whatever came to her mind in that brief silence, Ilirianna proceeded to finally provide them with all of the details of this assignment. She began by revealing the mysterious combustions taking place in Hirech and the surrounding riverland villages, describing how certain individuals had been suddenly and inexplicably blowing up from within. It was something that Master Nakoma Taurus had already been investigating when a report came in that a member of Lord Malloway’s castle guard, Dreek Willow, suddenly met the same fate. In the days after, the blacksmith who witnessed Willow’s death supposedly killed himself, but the King and the Masters suspected that there was more to what was going on.

Ilirianna then moved on to informing them of what their purpose in Hiriech would be. In roughly one week after they arrived, the coming-of-age birthday ball for Aeyir Malloway would be taking place, serving as an excuse for them to travel to Hiriech, and in that week leading up to the celebration, they would do their best to investigate what Lord Malloway knew regarding the mysterious deaths. On top of all that, the princess also informed them that Master of Water Nyx Rana was already in Hiriech and would be secretly investigating the city itself.

As they listened, Abi and Ryokumo asked questions here and there, attempting to get the full picture of what they were up to, and once the debriefing ended, Abi wasn’t even sure what to think. In many ways, they would be relatively safe since any fighting would be left to Nyx, but on the other hand, the thin line they were walking was even thinner than she had feared. One misstep from either her or one of the others could reveal their true intentions to Lord Malloway, and if that happened, the consequences would be disastrous for the crown. If the other City Lords ever found out that they went behind the Council’s back like this, trust in the Iijis would become strained, proving that they were willing to go around the checks on the Masters and act as they pleased. She didn’t even want to dwell on how widespread those consequences could be.

Which means there is a lot of pressure on us to not screw up, Abi thought with a sickening feeling. Oh my gosh, one wrong move… It only takes one wrong move…

“So there you have it,” Ilirianna finished. “The four of you don’t have to do too much aside from just helping me blend in, but keep your eyes open and report anything suspicious that you come across. That is your purpose here. Otherwise, you can merely enjoy a free trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the empire.”

Ryokumo grinned with anticipation and excitement despite everything they had just been told. “Perfect! You know, I’ve always wanted to visit Hiriech anyway! And to attend a lord’s ball!? Well, I’m just getting pampered, now aren’t I?”

Just like before they got in the carriage, Ilirianna seemed a bit thrown off by Ryokumo’s silly demeanor, but Abi could tell that the princess wasn’t necessarily put off by him, rather she was simply interested in him.

“Well, I’m happy you’re excited, Caeli,” she said after a moment. “And in many ways, so am I. I’ve been dreaming about my royal team ever since I was old enough to understand it, and this assignment is going to be my chance to get to know you four. I look forward to working alongside you.”

“As do I, My Princess!” Ryokumo chirped, giving an over-the-top salute alongside a dopey grin that yet again caused Ilirianna to cock an eyebrow.

However, while Ryokumo seemed to be having the time of his life, Abi couldn’t help but sit there in silence, pondering all of the implications of her situation, and as a question that had been on her mind for the past week suddenly popped back into her head, she decided this would be the most ideal time to ask it.

“Princess,” she began, raising her head to gaze back at her. “If you don’t mind my asking, why did you select us? I mean, I’m sure there were plenty of choices among the first years so…well, I guess I just struggle to see what was so special about us.”

Ilirianna considered the question, and in those few seconds that she thought about it, even Ryokumo turned somewhat serious as he awaited her response.

“Well, I’ll be perfectly honest with you,” the princess began. “I can’t say politics didn’t play a role in my decision. For the past few months, my parents were in my ear about choosing Nigreos and Album regardless of what team they had or how they performed. My mother, especially, insisted upon it because she knew it would appease Master Viiro and Master Acostav.”

“Ah, that makes sense, I suppose,” Ryokumo commented. “From what I’ve heard, Noctalus is an important ally to have.”

Ilirianna shrugged nonchalantly. “It is, yes. That being said, while I certainly had my eye on you because of my parents’ urgings, I also would be lying if I told you that I wasn’t still ridiculously impressed by your skill. After all, it’s not Nigreos and Album sitting in this carriage with me, now is it?”

Abi frowned, having been confused by the fact that the princess opted to ride with them rather than Nigreos and Album. In addition to that, she hadn’t really paid the Noctalus much attention back in the Headmaster’s office either, as if she really wasn’t terribly interested in them.

But, were Ryokumo and I really so impressive at orientation that she would want us at her side for something as important as the royal team?

“Simply put, much like most of those who witnessed it,” Ilirianna went on, “I was enraptured by the skills the two of you displayed in that match. It’s not everyday mages without any reputation or significant family names walk into the capital and make such an impact. When Album was eliminated, I truly thought the match was decided, but you, Caeli, managed to fend off and overcome a two-on-one. And Abigail, you crafted a situation in which Nigreos’s powers could be used to the fullest. It became a powerful upset, and at that moment, I knew that I had to get to know the two of you—to learn what your stories are and who you are as people.”

Abi swallowed back the surge of pride that suddenly formed in her chest, for she truly hadn’t expected the princess to say such a thing about her. Throughout her life, Abi struggled to see herself as anything special, and that was mostly because she was just an average girl going about her life. She wanted to help people, and she dedicated herself to that craft, but at the end of the day, she was just Abigail. Who was she when compared to the powerful and prestigious mages of the Great Cities? Who was she when compared to the woman sitting just in front of her? And yet, Ilirianna Iiji, Edwar Grunly, and others in the Citadel all expressed how impressed they were by what she accomplished.

And now I’m in the royal team—one of the highest honors a mage can be bestowed.

“Thank you, My Princess,” Ryokumo said, recollecting himself faster than Abi could. “That means quite a deal coming from someone like you, and I hope we don’t disappoint you. I, too, look forward to serving you in your team.”

Ilirianna chuckled, a rather cute sound that seemed in sharp contrast to her mature and beautiful presence. “I don’t think you will. That being said, my only fear is what might happen with Album given her condition. If something like what happened at orientation happens on this assignment, the consequences could be worse than a mere school rank. She could die…”

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“She won’t.” Ryokumo spoke with utmost confidence, surprising even Abi as he faced the princess with a determined smile. “I believe in Album, My Princess. I think she struggles with her self-esteem, but there is no doubt in my mind that she will serve you as well as anybody. She is a strong young woman, and she will not fail like that again. I’ll make sure of it.”

“You…” Ilirianna leaned forward, her eyes gazing straight into Ryokumo’s, who didn’t once turn away or break their eye contact, as if insistent upon making his point known. “You have a lot of certainty for someone who hardly knows her.”

“Perhaps,” Ryokumo admitted, “but even so, I believe in her.”

Seeming to conclude that Ryokumo wasn’t merely saying that, Ilirianna’s eyes shifted to Abi, who wasn’t really sure what she was supposed to say. However, not wanting to appear like she didn’t have faith in Album, the nature mage nodded firmly in silent support of Ryokumo’s assertion.

“Very well, then,” Ilirianna finally said. “ I will hold you to that. Now…” Turning to gaze out of the window at the passing forest, the princess then smiled pleasantly. “We’ve got a long day of travel ahead of us, so I would like to take advantage of this time. Please, tell me about yourselves. You, Abigail, I have heard some about from Master Grunly, but I know nothing of you, Caeli. Let’s remedy that, shall we?”

Once again placed in the position of having to talk about herself, Abi felt her hesitation return, so she sent a silent plea to Ryokumo to help her, and whether he picked up on her desire for him to take control of the conversation or it was simply his nature, the wind mage began to tell Ilirianna the same story he had told the team at Morwhat’s Den just a few nights prior. The princess listened with interest, seeming surprised and engaged in the stories of Ryokumo’s past, from Sukon to Jeysa to Erika, and Ryokumo was clearly reveling in the fact that the princess of Ijiria was giving him any attention at all. He spoke with far more of a theatrical tone as opposed to the more somber and serious one he had back at the Den, as if telling a wondrous tale rather than a tragic history. Nevertheless, Ilirianna listened while Abi awaited the inevitable shift to her own backstory.

When that time came, Abi did her best to give as interesting of a telling as she could, though she knew her time traveling the north was far less engaging than Ryokumo’s stories, but even so, Ilirianna seemed just as interested as she had been with the wind mage. She especially seemed intrigued by the details of Abi’s spell creation and the fact that she truly had been primarily self-taught. As time went on, Abi became gradually more comfortable in Ilirianna’s presence, for spending as much time together as they did made her seem far more down-to-earth and human as opposed to the legendary and powerful princess Abi knew her to be.

They traveled for the duration of the day, stopping only to eat lunch around noon before hopping right back on the road. There were travelers that they passed, mostly merchants on their way to the capital, and Abi couldn’t help but notice that Ilirianna shrunk back from the windows whenever there was somebody else on the road. When Ryokumo inquired about it, she merely responded with,

“It’s always best to not allow anybody to identify me while we’re outside of the cities. Of course, we’re perfectly safe should we be attacked, and there are few bold enough to assault the princess, but for the sake of simplicity and caution, it’s just better to conceal myself.”

Abi wasn’t terribly surprised by the answer, and time continued to pass until the sun was preparing to set below the horizon. It was around that hour that they arrived at their destination for the night—a small hamlet in the mountains that Ilirianna told them was called “Rikalla”. It was there that they would find an inn they could rest at for the night, and with that, their first day of travel came to an end.

***

Rikalla consisted of around ten houses, a few shops run by the locals, and the inn at which they would be spending the night. Album had been there numerous times in the past, with the most recent visit having been on her trip from Noctalus to Erika for the beginning of the school semester. Despite being so small, it was rather prosperous due to its location roughly fifteen hours from the capital, and often served as an ideal spot for travelers on that particular highway to rest for the night. The innkeeper was a man that Album and Nigreos both knew by name since they had come this way plenty of times over the course of their lives, and though it wasn’t the most comfortable of inns, she far preferred it to sleeping on the side of the road, something she knew would be inevitable in the coming nights.

They had no qualms about any of them being recognized aside from Princess Ilirianna, who put on a cloak to conceal her hair when they entered, and so it was Nakoma who took charge purchasing their rooms. At first, he had planned to buy four of them—one for the carriage drivers, one for the boys, one for Abi and Album, and one for Ilirianna to have to herself, but the princess was insistent that she didn’t need her own lodgings and that it was a waste of time, so in the end, she opted to room with the girls, a thought that instantly terrified Album.

Back in the Headmaster’s office, when they were officially declared to be the royal team, Ilirianna hadn’t paid her or Nigreos any attention whatsoever, and Album found herself deeply embarrassed at the fact that it practically confirmed that Ilirianna only selected them for political gain. She probably didn’t have any expectations of Album at all, and Nigreos’s defeat by Faye at orientation might have dragged him down with her. Ilirianna’s decision to ride with Abi and Ryokumo only furthered that impression. She could clearly tell that Nigreos was disappointed and hurt, but Album was relieved to have been able to avoid being close to her.

But now we’re going to be in the same room? What am I even supposed to say to her? After being such an embarrassment, how am I supposed to talk to Princess Ilirianna? She’s probably disgusted by me…

Nevertheless, she didn’t have a choice, and so she opted to try and make the best of a bad situation.

The Rikalla Inn was a two-story structure, with a restaurant on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second, alongside a rather luxurious room for bathing—a room that Album always used to its fullest whenever she stayed there. Since she was anxious about being in Ilirianna’s presence, the moment they brought their things to the room, Album excused herself and rushed off to take a bath. After making her way into the women’s changing room where a handful of magically-charmed lockers were placed for her to store her clothes, Album stripped out of her travel wear and gratefully entered the next room over, where the bath itself was located.

It was a giant tub that spanned almost the entire twenty yard length and width of the room, leaving only a small area around the edges to walk. Steam rose from the hot water, which was kept warm by fire-powered mechanisms beneath the tile floor. Normally, such complex magic was rare in hamlets as small as Rikalla, but because of its prosperity, the innkeeper was able to have such a bath constructed for his customers, and it was a more-than-welcoming sight given how stiff and tired she felt from the day.

Grateful that nobody was there, Album didn’t waste any time before proceeding forward and lowering herself into the tub with a relieved sigh, taking a seat on the small step just against the wall. She could already feel some of the tension on her muscles easing up and since she knew letting her mind wander to anything would just make her anxious, Album shut her brain off altogether and just reveled in the relaxing sensations that the water caused, allowing herself to fade into a meditative state of calm. She wasn’t sure how long she was sitting there like that before the sound of the door opening behind her reached her ears. She was mildly disappointed that her monopoly of the tub had already come to an end, but the disappointment was all but forgotten when she glanced over her shoulder to see the princess, naked, making her way toward the tub.

Princess Ilirianna!

“Good evening, Album,” Ilirianna greeted with a pleasant smile. “Mind if I join you?”

Having come to the bath to avoid the princess, she was easily the last person Album would have wanted to suddenly show up, but since she obviously couldn’t ever tell her to go away, the light mage reluctantly nodded and motioned for Ilirianna to step in.

“O-of course not,” Album said with as calm of a tone as she could get. “But were you not going downstairs for dinner first?”

Ilirianna shook her head as she stepped into the tub with a relaxed sigh, the water coming all the way up to her shoulders. “No, I think you had the right idea. I’ll get something to eat once I’ve bathed. It’s been a long day.”

“Ah, okay then.”

The princess moved to take a seat on the same step that Album was on, though there was still a comfortable distance between them, and they soon fell into silence as Ilirianna leaned back and closed her eyes with a smile. Even though she didn’t say a word, just having her there caused Album’s anxiety to exponentially increase, and the serenity she felt earlier was next to impossible to recover. To make matters worse, the silence didn’t last long before Ilirianna attempted to spark up a conversation.

“How was the trip for you guys?” she asked without opening her eyes. “I hope Master Taurus was good company?”

“Oh, er, well…” Album stuttered, doing her best to keep composed. “Master Taurus pretty much went to sleep right away and didn’t wake up until we stopped for lunch. But then after that, he went back to sleep, so…well, it was a very quiet and boring trip.”

Though, I’m sure he was awake, she internally remarked. He probably just didn’t want to talk to us… Father says he usually keeps to himself, more or less.

“That’s a pity,” the princess murmured. “Well, perhaps you can join me tomorrow. I’d like it if you and Nigreos rode with me since I’ve now gotten to know Abigail and Caeli quite well.”

“Oh, yes, of course, My Princess. That would be wonderful.”

Nigreos, especially, would be grateful for a chance to speak with her. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled when he hears…

Of course, to Album, the idea of spending the entire day with Ilirianna was utterly terrifying, but at the same time, she knew that it was something she would have to do sooner or later anyway. The simple fact was that, despite everything, she had actually managed to achieve a spot on the royal team, and so she knew she needed to go above and beyond to retain that spot. There wasn’t a doubt in Album’s mind that the princess would see her as the weakest link by far, so if she wanted to make her father happy, then Album needed to prove herself to Ilirianna, and that could only be achieved by interacting with her and putting in the effort. That was why, despite her apprehension, Album forced herself to say something that she knew needed to be out in the open between them.

“My Princess,” Album began with a bit more confidence in her tone. “I hope you know that, well, what happened at orientation is not going to happen again. I know I messed up, and I know that mistake gave you pause about choosing us, but I promise you that I won’t make you regret it. You have my word, as a daughter of the Luz family.”

She turned her head to stare back at Ilirianna, who remained in the same position with her eyes closed. In fact, she reacted so little that Album almost feared she had fallen asleep and hadn’t heard a word she said, but finally, the princess sat up and gazed back at Album with an expression that betrayed nothing of what she was feeling.

“That is not the first time such a promise has been spoken to me today,” she said, to which Album merely frowned.

“H-huh? What do you mean?”

Ilirianna grinned wryly. “Earlier in the carriage, Mr. Caeli was very firm in his stance that I could rely on you despite your condition. In fact, he was so confident in his declaration that I could have believed the two of you were childhood friends.”

Ryokumo…said that about me? And to the princess?

She could feel her cheeks turning slightly red from embarrassment, for as much as she knew Ryokumo could be quite outgoing and confident, she never would have imagined that he would speak in her favor like that. After all, he really didn’t have much of a basis for his claims. He only met her two weeks ago, and the only thing he saw from her was her pathetic failure in their battle. He had more right to be disgusted by her than anybody, and yet he was the one who stood in her support of her? It just didn’t make any sense to her.

“Now, your father also assured us that an incident like orientation won’t repeat itself,” Ilirianna went on, “and so with both his and Caeli’s assurance, I’m perfectly willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Live up to those expectations, and I won’t even take orientation into account again. We all have bad days, after all.”

“Er, thank you, My Princess,” Album quickly responded with a bow of her head, finding a modicum of relief in Ilirianna’s willingness to give her another chance.

“That being said, it is not me nor your father that you should be worried about disappointing anyway,” Ilirianna stated. “As your teammate, Ryokumo Caeli believes in you, so he is the one you should try not to disappoint. Understood?’

Unsure of what she was getting at, Album still nodded her affirmation.

“Yes, My Princess.”

Naturally, she couldn’t have any clue what was really going through Ilirianna’s mind, but from what she could tell, Ryokumo’s words actually managed to hold some weight, and so Album was immensely grateful to her friend for speaking on her behalf. Time after time, Ryokumo just continued to prove how sweet of a soul he had, and she couldn’t help but find herself enamored by his confidence and his personality. He had everything she wished she had, and she made a mental note to thank him the next time she got a chance.

I’m glad. I’m so glad I have someone like you on my team, Ryokumo.