I made a cautious step towards the gathering. That was such a stressful environment that I almost passed out. How do they keep their calm under such duress? I might have blurted out my eyeballs and saliva if I had been in that state. But the two Princes were unfazed. There was tension, and it was palpable, but they stood as if nothing was wrong. And it astounds me! When tensions between men rise in the first district, expect a riot within seconds. How am I able to spend a day with these individuals who are actually aristocrats?
Prince Zavan was ultimately successful in capturing me.
Corinthians was taken aback when I couldn't settle down and asked, "What's your problem?"
I gave her my full attention. "I— I don't have anything," I murmured hesitantly, although it would be difficult for me if I didn't.
Corinthians took a moment to examine my entire body. They're all dressed in black suits, which I'm convinced are bulletproof due to their tough appearance. To protect their feet, they are wearing boots with 2 inch thick heels. They have long, black bottoms that are tucked into their boots and thick enough to keep them from slipping. And here I am, a poor woman on foot, dressed in a white blouse and large shorts, my foot bandaged. Embarrassing. As in, really humiliating.
Even Corinthians couldn't seem to figure out what to do.
Nathalia's furious voice roared behind us: "What's your problem? Let's go?" She also doesn't like me being here. I'll only be joining them as a pawn, like she recommended.
"Look at her! She has nothing! We're responsible." Corinthians exclaimed. Nathalia appears to have picked it up right away and recognized the issue.
Nathalia murmured softly, "You're a serious problem," and went away. "Come on, I have some clothes in the truck that will fit you," she said as she climbed into the enormous truck, which I believe will be used for forest service. I didn't want to comply since I felt humiliated. Laura and Marcus have never made me feel humiliated, but these aristocrats make me feel ashamed.
Corinthians yanked me back into the truck, exclaiming, "Let's go!"
We rushed into the truck since the Prince would become enraged if we took our time. That's why, even on foot, I practically raced down the palace hall simply to get out of there.
As she rummaged through her items, Nathalia murmured, "Oh here, wear them. I'll hunt for other things here."
"I'll also look through my things; maybe I still have spares," Corinthians said, rummaging through her large suitcase. "Zavan will be angry if we go back to the palace just to get you things; the things I brought are for me, but I can lend them to you."
I simply waited inside the truck for whatever they would give. It's weird to consider that at some point I'm just a poor person asking for things that aren't mine. Where has my delicatessen gone?
In the driver's seat, Chrysler said, "Are you okay there? We're leaving."
Corinthians said, "We're okay now!"
Chrysler questioned again, evidently referring to me, "Is that woman with you? Is she already there?"
"Yes, she's here!" Corinthians said once again, and the focus shifted back to finding her spare items as well as Nathalia. When the truck started going, I almost fell. Fortunately, I was able to maintain my balance and did not fall.
"Pfft, witch, you can sit now!" Nathalia exclaimed. Wow, before I was instructed to sit down, I got to chuckle first. I sat comfortably on the filthy floor. Who am I to be picky and act mighty when the two ranks that have fallen on the filthy floor aren't acting any differently?
"Here, use this blouse, and it looks like these boots will fit you as well. Get dressed, and we'll look for the stones right away tomorrow morning when we fix everything," Nathalia remarked as she handed me her possessions.
I just wanted to stare at first, but I reached for it right away.
"Here," Corinthians said, handing me the black and thick bottom. "I'm sure it will be useful to you; it has a lot of pockets. Don't worry; there is no hole in it."
I waited for them to turn around, but I was wrong because they had no intention of doing so.
I looked down, hesitant to speak, "Can you turn around?"
They both looked surprised, but they did nothing but turn away. "Your guts--wow! You haven't even introduced yourself to us, I can't believe this! I'm with a stranger, and yet I'm very comfortable with you when I don't even know you!" Said Corinthians.
I simply ignored her. I began to undress and change into the white t-shirt that Nathalia had given me. Is it a shirt if it doesn't have any sleeves? Fortunately, my armpits were white and spotless; otherwise, I'd feel embarrassed in front of these nobles. The Echelons were all over me. Because it was too perfect for my size, my chest and body curve were sculpted. I then removed my shorts and replaced them with the one Corinthians had handed me. Because our sizes are similar, their suits fit me perfectly. The black pants I'm wearing are comfortable, and I feel confident in what I'm doing. They have six pockets. Perfect for my lengthy legs.
"Wow!"
I ceased to dress. When I realized they were watching me get dressed, it was too late! What the hell happened? My eyes widened, and I threw my shirt over them automatically.
"What the?" Their faces were flushed with surprise at what I had done. Hello, I just tossed my shirt at them! Me? A pauper? Who would dare to challenge these aristocrats? However, Corinthians subsequently laughed at what I had done. I'm not sure whether I'll be humiliated or enraged.
"Witch! You have such a wonderful physique and you're still embarrassed!" Corinthians laughed and threw the shirt back at me. My cheeks began to flush. With her compliment, my heart pumped loudly.
"Badass. Keep it, I have shorts too!" Nathalia remarked as she tossed my shorts to me, which I quickly caught. They made fun of me till I started laughing too. We became silent in the middle of our laughter.
"Crazy," Nathalia murmured, laughing. I had just finished putting on my black boots. Because of what I'm wearing, I feel like I'm about to enter an action movie. Black 6 pocket slacks, white fitted shirt with no sleeves, and black boots with 2 inch broad heels I know I'm just wearing them for the sake of appearances, but I'm confident I won't be overlooked.
"Bitch, do you even know what you're going to do?" Nathalia asked, her face solemn. In answer, I shook my head. "I'm sure you won't just announce yourself, so let's skip that part and get on to the facts; one day, your name will come out of your mouth, I'm sure."
I fell silent since I had been through so much. Many people have attempted to enter my life and meddle with me, but no one knows my true identity. Even grandma calls me by a different name. But, in her opinion, that's just my name. Veluriya and Verulia are nicknames for me, but they are not my real names.
"Do you know about the Eclipse? Do you know about the nobles? Do you know about the jewels?" Nathalia questioned, but I answered "no." I mean, I have no idea.
"Gosh, you have so many things to learn," Nathalia grumbled, "I don't know where you are in the Eufrara, but you are extremely brave yet very innocent. You know what? You're a headache!"
I was gradually becoming accustomed to their behavior at this point. And I'm sure they are as well; we just need to get used to one other's habits. So whatever Nathalia says doesn't bother me; instead, I believe our approach will bring us closer.
Corinthians replied, glaring at the mender sorceress, "OK! I'll explain, don't lecture her." Corinthians let out a breath of relief before eventually revealing everything to me. I readied myself to pay close attention.
"First and foremost, you must become acquainted with the nobles;
Our present ruler, King Zildon, now wants to find out who will succeed him on the throne by searching for the twelve gems and other precious stones. Well, according to tradition, the firstborn must assume the throne, but because the King and Queen's firstborn, Princess Savannah, is a woman, two Princes of differing abilities must compete for the crown by discovering the gems."
"Queen Rubylita did not agree with what the King wanted; she didn't want to use the two Princes in the search because she was afraid something bad might happen to them, but because we had to find the stones, she just agreed. Princess Savannah is in a deep coma; she is just lying in her room and has been unconscious for a long time. The doctors in the palace said that only the gemstone can bring her back to life, which is why the Royal couple's decision to include the two Prince."
"Prince Zandrus was the second born; he is more mature than our dear Prince, and like us, he and his Echelons will search at these times, though I'm not sure where they went first. The ranks do not interfere as much with their fellow ranks, unless the group is to be discussed in individual meetings."
"Prince Zavan, the youngest prince is also determined to take the throne. If the previous Prince was determined, Zavan was already determined and still persevering. We are the Echelons he has chosen to accompany him on his journey. And yes, I don't know what happened but you got hurt and things changed. We needed more people to make the search easier, but nothing seems to have happened when the officials went to the Districts. They brought nothing to the palace. So we'll just search, with you. "
I just nodded with every single words Corinthians had said. After a long explanation, Corinthians stopped to rest.
Oh gosh. Everything was beyond my comprehension. Why is it that my mind isn't working right now? What was it, exactly? The Princess is ailing during this time, and she requires the stones to help her awaken. As a result, the Royal couple agreed to let the two Princes lead the hunt to make it simpler to find the stones. Also, who would be the next monarch to sit on the throne? That is why, as soon as possible, a statement was made in the second District.
"I thought it was simply one of three reasons, aside from the objective of establishing the kingdom, there was also the treatment of the Princess, and the choice of who would be the next king," Corinthians explained. You could see she enjoys telling stories, so keep listening to learn more about her.
I never expected to have such an experience; all I wanted was to make our lives better. My goal of living in or at least standing on the palace has been forgotten. But here I am, still conversing with the upper echelons.
"Triple kill," Nathalia abruptly interjected, "I'm sure the other gang will start hunting tomorrow morning sunrise, we need to work hard to make Zavan King and fulfill one of our requirements." Ani Nathalia. "We only have one month."
A request... yes, I should get my request ready.
"How about getting two stones? Is it possible for you to make two requests as well? " I asked.
Is there something wrong with my question, the two frowned?
"Bitch, it'll be difficult to find one. I've never seen a gem in person, so it'll be difficult. But, if you ever get two, maybe two requests, you'll want them to be fulfilled as well. You worked hard for it," Nathalia said, yawning.
This long ride is teaching me a lot.
"Where do the stones come from, and how do you find them?" I inquired once more. Now I'm totally committed. It wasn't a joke that I signed up for this; perhaps it's time to urge that the first district be recognized, and that I be allowed to return to my grandma.
Corinthians handed me a large map that had been carefully rolled up and said, "I have a map here. I've memorized almost every detail here, you can study."
"We'll be here early tomorrow! Get some rest!"
Oh sh*t! When Chrysler yelled at the driver's seat, we were all taken aback.
"That crazy fool!" Nathalia said, her fingers clutching her chest in surprise.
Corinthians, irritated, turned her bag into a cushion.
"Chrysler is correct; we should get some rest before tomorrow's adventure," Nathalia said.
I still have a lot of questions. But, since I don't want to bother them any longer, I'll just let them sleep and study until morning.
"Goodnight, witches!" Corinthians exclaimed as she yawned.
"Tsk. Night," Nathalia answered, preparing herself to sleep as well.
Only moonlight provided illumination for studying the map I had opened in the middle of nowhere. I sighed, knowing that I could handle it. This is something I need to do.