If anything, the smoke of the fire had been enough to overpower the scent of human blood. Besides lower-class demons prowling the tree lines, there were no actual instances. They weren’t bold enough to encroach on dragon territory, especially now since I had used mana earlier. I’m sure they could sense the small traces around the encampment.

I had been up all night under Serlon’s unending watch. He didn’t say a word once Edwin had retired for the night, only glaring from his seat on the carriage. That human dared not to get a blink of sleep like the others.

I couldn’t blame him either. In fact, he was smart about it. Who was to say that I wouldn’t run away during the night? Or worse. Discovering your enemy hiding under your nose probably wasn’t the most comfortable feeling in the world.

After a few hours, Serlon had gotten up to wake the others who had fallen asleep around the fire. The whole encampment groaned as they packed up, erasing the traces of the fire that had long burned out. Trent had walked over to refasten the mules into their harnesses. The only ones left to sleep were Edwin and Gunnar, who had rested in the carriage.

Obviously, I was considered fine to continue for the rest of the trip. My hand had stopped burning, but the wound would take a while to properly heal. I’d be damned if I’d let this much stop me. The fates know I’ve been through worse.

Because of Gunnar’s absence, Eran took the flank with Daniel. I was positioned on the side, nearest to what would be closest to Serlon’s surveillance if he so much as peered back slightly.

“We have no time to waste. Let’s move before the merchants run through here. I don’t feel like running into those travelling gossipers,” Serlon yawned, as he walked towards the front, and nodded to Trent.

Trent picked up the reins, sending the mules into a slow walk. The carriage creaked to life; its wooden frame slightly battered from the attack. I sighed, following along, and peering out at the darkened woods that passed us.

Since the ogre had fallen off the cliff, the demonic energy of the forest returned to what it had been earlier. I’ll admit that I was shocked at the appearance of the demon myself. It was premature to say that it was strange to find that type of demon this far into human territory. After all, the world had a hundred years to change from what I used to know it.

Still, with the demonic race fighting the angelic tribe on the other side, I doubted my brothers or Dagon would allow an ogre to slip through the front lines. Additionally, most of the demons outside of the Morningstar rule were lower ones. That ogre was lower-middle class if I were to categorize it.

I would never bring this up to the humans. They didn’t need to know that the army that was attacking the West kingdoms wasn’t the strongest it could be. Depending on the other situation, it could only get worse from here. Edwin and I may have made a “deal,” but my blood was still demonic. Even if my loyalty was unaffiliated, I knew better than to blindly comply with a human kingdom.

And they knew that too. Honestly, I was fine with how things were for the time being. My exposure was bound to happen eventually. One encounter with the high mage at Trane and I would have been overseen. It was ideal for the Crown Prince to have my back.

The same Crown Prince now stuck his head out from the window of the carriage. His golden hair frayed in all different directions from his slumber, and his eyes drooped and locked onto mine.

“…Good morning, Asta,” He yawned, resting his chin against the wooden frame, “How did you sleep?”

“I didn’t,” I replied, narrowing my eyes at the drool still in his mouth. If only the people of Trane could see their future ruler now.

“…Oh. Then how’s your injury? Are you capable of completing the trip?” He asked.

I raised my eyebrow, “Am I capable? Did you really just ask that?”

“Ah! I suppose you’re right,” He sighed, rubbing his eyes, “You just seemed in a lot of pain yesterday. I wasn’t sure if you’d rest for the time being or not.”

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“I’ll admit that my hand isn’t in the best condition. But that much won’t impend me from performing my duties,” I sighed, “Rest assured Edwin, I’m adhering to our agreement from yesterday if that’s what you’re bothering me about.”

He shook his head, “No, it was nothing like that. I trust you to hold your end,” Edwin poked his head out further, peering around at our surroundings,” Anyway… How long have we been traveling?”

“Not long at all, Your Highness,” Eran chimed in, now making his way over to the side of the carriage, “Did you have a nice rest? I’ll have to ask you to not hang out of the carriage though.”

“I slept well. Thank you, Guard Eran,” Edwin smiled, climbing back into the window, “I was fine! But you have had enough to worry about already, so I’ll comply.”

“That’s what you said last time before you toppled over into a passing mud puddle. I nearly lost my job, Your Highness. The visiting sovereignty had been convinced that you were mocking him,” Eran reminded the prince, who had gone red in the face.

“And I explained it well. It was a trade deal and it ended up passing through. If he were really offended, he wouldn’t have signed the papers,” He defended himself with no avail.

“Your father threatened them might I add. He didn’t have much of a choice, Your Highness.” Eran sighed.

“…I still explained myself,” Edwin muttered, “The trade has flourished since then.”

I spotted a wet patch in the trail ahead of us.

“You know. On second thought, you should lean out of the carriage,” I countered, receiving an elbow from Eran. He and Serlon had a nasty habit of doing that. He was like a Serlon Jr. but less of a bastard.

“Let’s refrain from doing anything of the sort,” The guard warned, sending a glare to both of us before sighing, “Your Highness. It’s best if you stay in the carriage. You may be dressed in civilian clothing but you’re still royalty. I must ask that you close the window.”

“Fine, fine. I will,” Edwin obliged, giving one last comment to me, “Asta, if your hand hurts, you’re welcome to ride inside with me.” He added, before closing the window.

“That’s the last thing I’d do if I was unwell,” I muttered under my breath.

Eran remained at my side, his eyes now dropping to my bandaged hand, “Now that I think of it, how did you hurt it? You seemed like you were in pain yesterday.”

“I injured it pretty badly while throwing Edwin up to the roof,” I lied, “But it’s fine now. I can hold a sword if I need to.”

He nodded, “We can treat it at Leton. Gunnar will need to be taken to a clinic anyway for his torso injury. You might as well tag along.”

“I should be fine. But I’ll let you know if that changes,” I dismissed his offer. One look of my hand by a proper healer and it would be obvious what caused the injury.

“If you insist, Asta. You’re only 16. I’d recommend that you keep your health,” He looked a little disappointed, “Anyway, have you ever been to Leton before?”

I shook my head.

To be honest, I didn’t recall a kingdom with a name in the past. We focused more on the East territories because of my father’s conquest. Kingdoms like Trane and Leton weren’t relevant enough.

From what I could concur, Trane hadn’t really prospered till they received riches after their hand at the demon’s loss, which had probably been the start of our downfall in battle. Ignorance.

“I know that they’re not fond of nobility which is why we’re going under the radar,” I offered what I knew of it.

“That’s correct. Leton is a kingdom with a higher crime rate. They used to be a prosperous marketing economy. Honestly, they still are to an extent, but their trade routes are limited nowadays because of their location. Few merchants want to travel to a place near the West.” He informed me, keeping stride with me.

“Because of the demons?” I asked, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but the demonic attack focused on the outer western kingdoms first. Leton wasn’t entirely safe. But they were still protected while the outer kingdoms held their ground.”

“We faced the ogre near Trane border. It’s not known to the public, but higher-level demons have started to appear deeper into human territory. I’m sure that Leton’s forces have seen an increased number in the last few years since the attacks started.” He explained.

This couldn’t be right even if there were demons outside Morningstar's control. For higher-level demons to appear this far without being under leadership was unheard of. Not only was it a risk for humans, but it also presented drawbacks for Hellion.

I thought back to the discarded horn that lay in the estate when I got the mana stone fixed. Now that he mentioned that I suppose it made sense. Humans would have more chances to study demonic bodies if these appearances were true.

I’m not sure if I could sit comfortably at the fact. How much could they learn about demons if they received enough material to study from? If they were able to down a dragon a hundred years ago, how about now?

“Do you know how they’re slipping this deep from the borders?” I questioned. Even I was puzzled because it was unlike higher demons.

Eran shrugged, “It picked up after the attacks on the East ended. But it’s gotten worse lately. This stays between us, but it’s not the first time troops have met ogres in the woods. We weren’t aware of this one though.”

“I see.” I nodded.

He patted my back, chuckling, “Don’t worry about that though. Let’s focus on finishing our escorting mission. Leton isn’t the safest, but it’s not like it lacks in culture.”

“If you say so.”

Serlon peered back, cupping his hands to yell, “Since we didn’t get our training in, how about we pick up the pace and jog? If we’re fast enough, we’ll arrive at Leton by tomorrow night.”

No one answered directly. Instead, Eran dropped back to his position in the flank and picked up into a light jog. I followed his lead, pacing myself till the mules were transitioned into a trot. Soon enough, the carriage picked up with everyone jogging on their sides.

From the other side, I could hear the complaints of Lars and Daniel bickering with each other.

“First, we’re attacked by a fucking ogre. Now, I have to run before the sun is even up.” Lars groaned through heavy breaths.

“Shut up, Lars. You’re complaining because you’re always last anyway for the morning training.” Daniel scoffed from the back.

“That’s because you snore! I can’t get enough sleep because of it,” Lars scowled behind him.

“Is that so? Because when I wake up in the middle of the night, you look like you’re dead asleep.” Daniel scoffed, “I’m bothering your sleep, my ass.”

“If you don’t both shut up, I’m going to make sure you run till you throw up.” Eran threatened them. Sure enough, that’s when I ceased to hear any more come from the twins.

I picked up my pace, hoping to be in Leton as quickly as possible. It was going to be a long day.