Toward Groacia

Evening, Francia.The messengers who had gone to Groacia had finally returned.
At Alexander’s chamber:
Alexander: So, he just tore the letter right in front of you?Messenger 1: Yes, Your Majesty.
Eidrin clenched his fist.Eidrin: That’s an insult to us. Such disrespect...Alexander: Yeah. At least he could’ve been a little polite.Eidrin: I can’t tolerate this.Romero: Calm down, Eidrin.Eidrin: So you’re saying we should stay silent even after being disrespected like this!?Alexander: I understand how you feel, Eidrin. I feel the same way. But if I make a move against them, it’ll lead to war.Eidrin: …Okay, I understand.
Eidrin turned toward Romero with a serious expression.Eidrin (seriously): Just tell me honestly—do you truly love her or not?Romero: Wh… What? I just…Eidrin: Just say it.Romero: Okay… I love her. But if they don’t want it, what can we do? If we act recklessly, it’ll only make things worse.Eidrin: Fine then. If you still love her, I’ll bring her here myself.Alexander: What!?Romero: What!? Are you insane!? You’re going to abduct a princess and bring her here? That’ll definitely cause a war!Eidrin: That’ll only happen if I go there as a soldier. I’ll go there as your friend—and bring her for you.Romero: Eidrin, you don’t need to take such a risk for me. It’s dangerous and foolish.Eidrin: I know. But they insulted us and disrespected us. I’ll bring her here—for both of you.Romero: But Eidrin, don’t force her. She’s innocent.Eidrin: I know. But you said you’re sure she’ll love you. If she does, she’ll come with me when I tell her I’m here for you.
Eidrin then left the room.
Romero: This Eidrin… How foolish can he be? He acts so mature, yet acts without thinking. Xander, you have to stop him! Please.Alexander: You already know he doesn’t listen to anyone once he’s made up his mind. He won’t back down from his plan.
Eidrin began preparing for his journey to Groacia. He packed all the essentials and his weapons.
Romero: So you’re really going, huh?Eidrin: Yes. Do you have any doubts?Romero: I’m telling you again—it’s foolishness.Eidrin: I don’t care. In this whole world, if I’d take a risk for someone, it’d be for you and Alexander.Romero: Then… let me come with you too.Eidrin: No. You always cause problems during missions. This time, I want to do it alone.
Eidrin walked away.
Romero: That guy…
Alexia noticed Eidrin preparing to leave.
Alexia: So, where are you going this time?Eidrin: Oh, this time it’s something personal—a sort of… private mission.Alexia: Then will you bring something for me this time?Eidrin: If I can, I will.
Eidrin then mounted his horse and set out for Groacia. It would take almost a week to reach there from Francia.
On the road...
Eidrin grew hungry and decided to stop by a food shop (a kind of roadside inn).The place was crowded and noisy. Eidrin found a seat and ordered some food. A man was sitting opposite him.
Eidrin: Hey, Groacia is quite close from here, isn’t it?Man: Yes.Eidrin: What’s your opinion about Groacia? I’m heading there, so I’m curious.Man: It’s a beautiful country. I’ve also heard the ruler is kind—a righteous man.Eidrin: Oh, really? Thanks for your words.
Suddenly, a little boy, around ten years old, entered the shop. His clothes were torn, and he looked like a beggar.
Boy: Hey, can I get some food?Shop Owner: First, do you have any money?The boy took out a single bronze coin.Boy: I only have this. Can I get some food with it?Shop Owner: With one bronze coin!? What do you expect to get for that? Get out of here, kid!Boy: I haven’t eaten in two days. Please!Shop Owner: Didn’t I tell you to get out!?
The shop owner tried to kick the boy out and pushed him, making him fall onto another table. The food spilled all over the customers seated there—three tall, muscular men. Clearly, they weren’t ordinary people; they looked like bandits.
Customer 1: How dare you fall on us and spoil our food!?Customer 2: He even spilled it on our clothes!Boy: It wasn’t me—it was him who pushed me!Customer 3: What!? How dare you talk back, you brat!?
The third man grabbed the boy by his neck.
Eidrin had been watching all this calmly. He stood up, his expression cold, and placed his hand on the man’s shoulder.
Eidrin: Hey. You’d better leave that boy alone.Customer 3: And if I don’t, what’ll you do?
The man glared at Eidrin, but Eidrin’s piercing gaze made him uneasy.Without warning, Eidrin kicked the man away and caught the boy safely. The man crashed into a table, breaking it apart.
Customer 2: How dare you!?He tried to punch Eidrin, but Eidrin knocked him out with a single blow.
Customer 1: What’s your problem!? We didn’t even touch you!He lunged forward, but Eidrin drew his sword and pointed it straight at the man’s throat.
The entire room froze. The onlookers stared at Eidrin with fear and awe.The boy was amazed by Eidrin’s skill.
Man 1: Hey… isn’t that Eidrin of Francia?Man 2: Yeah… I think it is!Man 3: I’ve only heard of him—so this is really him!?
The murmurs spread through the crowd: “It’s Eidrin… the hero of Francia…”
The bandits heard it too—and froze.
Customer 1 (thinking): If that’s really Eidrin, we don’t stand a chance. We need to run!Customer 2 (thinking): It’s him… I’m out of here!
Eidrin sheathed his sword. The bandits bolted out of the shop in fear.
Eidrin then turned to the shop owner.Eidrin: Is that really how you treat a customer?He pointed at the boy.Shop Owner: Customer? He’s not a customer if he doesn’t have money.Eidrin: Is that so?
Eidrin took out a pouch full of gold coins and placed it on the counter. The golden glow left everyone speechless, including the boy.
Eidrin: From now on, all this money belongs to the boy. Now he’s a customer, right? So give him whatever he wants.
He then went back to his seat.
Boy: Hey… thank you for saving me.Eidrin (smiling): No problem. Eat as much as you like.Boy: But… why did you help me? You don’t even know me.Eidrin: You don’t need to know someone to help them. If you ever need anything, just send a letter to the Palace of Francia. It’ll reach me—and I’ll help you.Boy: Thank you so much!
Eidrin (thinking): I didn’t realize I’d become so famous that people recognize me this easily. I need to disguise myself better—and hide my sword more carefully.
After a week of traveling, Eidrin finally reached Groacia. The country was breathtaking—lush, peaceful, and filled with smiling people.
Eidrin (thinking): This place is far more beautiful than I imagined. I just hope its rulers are as noble as the land itself… and that they’ll choose alliance over enmity.
Eidrin made his way near the royal palace. The palace was enormous—almost the size of Francia’s—and heavily guarded by thousands of soldiers.
Eidrin (thinking): How can I possibly enter when there are this many guards? Even if I get in, I’ll need to know the palace layout… otherwise, I’ll just get lost inside. I’ll have to come up with something.
Continue........