Chapter 30: Sandsreach Kingdom

The morning sun spilled its rays all around the Astravina Capital as Shawn checked their belongings.

“We have water here, extra bandages, and food. I also have a compass... I guess we have everything,” he muttered to himself.

“Aren’t you worrying too much?” a voice called from behind. “At least enjoy life sometimes.”

Shawn turned to see Celestia standing with one hand on her hip and holding a bag with the other. She was wearing light clothes suited for a warmer climate, complete with leather boots, a tunic, and a light cloak.

“Here!” She tossed the bag toward Shawn, who stumbled slightly but managed to catch it.

“What is the meaning of this...?” He stared at her, confused by her attire.

“Huh? Didn’t you see what I’m wearing? I’m going with you guys.”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, why are you coming with us? We aren’t going on a picnic or something.”

“I know that!” She raised her voice before calming down. “I overheard everything this morning—that you’re going to Sandsreach to investigate the Crimson Orb relic. Since I’m also curious about it, I spoke with my father.”

“And he agreed to it?” he pressed.

“Of course not. But when I mentioned it to him, I said Aria personally asked me to tag along. As soon as I name-dropped her...” She averted her eyes in frustration and tightened her fist.

“Okay... I guess if he agreed...”

“Anyway, there’s one more thing... I... I—” Her eyes fluttered, and her face turned red. “I... I want to learn how to use a sword. Would you teach me? Regarding payment, I’ll act as a diplomatic figure so you don’t have to carry that burden there.”

“Really? You’d do that? That would lift a huge weight off my shoulders. But why learn the sword? You’re a princess—with a snap of your fingers, you could call thousands of soldiers.”

“I... Back in the celebration hall when Zenjo attacked you, I couldn’t do anything. If I at least knew how to protect others, or what to do at that moment, I...”

He noticed her frustration. Even though she was prideful, she was making a genuine request to someone like him.

“Okay... but don’t expect too much. I’m no Sword Saint or the strongest person around, so I can’t properly teach you how to fight. Instead, I can teach you how to survive.”

“Hmm...” She nodded.

“Celestia—!” A voice called out from behind.

Before Celestia could react, Aria tackled her to the ground, rubbing her cheek against hers.

“Wh—What are you doing?!” Celestia screamed, trying to pull her face away.

“But... but I’m so sad! I’m leaving my Celestia behind all alone! What if she cries out loud and feels lonely?!”

“Hehe...” Rikka giggled, bowing politely to Celestia. “Celestia-sama, thank you for everything you’ve done for a nobody like me... I’m honored to have spent such precious time with you.”

Shawn sighed, grabbing Aria by the back of her collar and lifting her off Celestia.

“Don’t trouble Princess Celestia. And don’t worry, she’s not staying behind. She’s traveling with us.”

“Huh? Really...? Celestia-sama, is that true?!” Rikka gasped in surprise, jumping for joy.

Shawn looked around, his gaze searching for someone, which Rikka quickly noticed.

“If you’re looking for Leo-sama, he left recently. He said he needed to travel back to the Verdantis Kingdom to discuss the relic incident with Prince Cernan.”

“I see...”

Aria managed to slip out of Shawn’s grip and jumped right back to hug Celestia—this time even tighter. “I knew it! You love me too, Celestia! Right?!”

“IT’S CELESTIAAAAA!” she screamed aloud, her face turning crimson.

After their brief moment, the carriage rolled out through the city gates. The streets of Astravina gradually faded as they made their way past open fields and toward a distant forest.

From inside the carriage, Rikka watched the landscape pass by, amazed by the beautiful scenery.

“I’ve never been this far from home before.”

“That’s the spirit we need—unlike others.”

“You know we can hear you,” Celestia said flatly. She then turned to Shawn. “When are we going to arrive?”

“In about four hours, I guess... I’ve never traveled there before, so it’s my first time as well,” he replied.

Hours later, the verdant landscape changed dramatically. Green fields gave way to drier terrain with golden grasses and the faint scent of sand drifting through the air.

“We’re approaching the border,” Shawn said, peering out the window. “Don’t open the doors or windows now.”

Aria leaned forward as she felt a shift in the flow of mana around her. “The air is getting thinner... and harder to breathe.”

“It might be because of the desert,” Shawn replied.

“Aria-sama, here.” Rikka handed her a water bottle and passed another to Celestia.

As the carriage passed through the border checkpoint, a squad of Sandsreach guards approached. Their light uniforms were specifically designed for warm climates.

“Halt!” the lead guard called out. “State your business in Sandsreach!”

Celestia pulled back the curtains and displayed a royal seal. “I am Princess Celestia of Aquallia. I am traveling here on diplomatic business with my companions. These documents have been approved by my father, King Markus himself.”

The guard scanned the document. Upon verifying the seal, he bowed deeply. “Forgive me, Your Highness, for stopping you. Given our current situation with Frosthold, we will clear your route to the capital so you may travel safely.”

“Hey, you!” the senior guard called to a subordinate. “Escort our guests safely to the castle.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Thank you,” Celestia said, her voice carrying the practiced authority of royalty.

As the carriage resumed its journey into Sandsreach proper, Rikka leaned closer to Celestia. “That was amazing, Celestia-sama! You handled that so well!”

Celestia allowed a small smile. “Being a princess has its uses. That’s why I’m here.”

Aria added cheerfully, “I knew it! Celestia has her own talents, hehe!”

“Don’t act proud of me like you’re the one who taught me!”

The sun climbed higher as the carriage traveled deeper into Sandsreach. The greenery vanished completely, replaced by endless plains of sand. The heavy scent of dust filled the air, and everyone began to sweat.

Eventually, the sun started to sink toward the horizon. Through the window, the capital city of Sandsreach, Savana, appeared ahead. The entire city was built with unique architecture designed to stay cool during the day and retain warmth at night.

As they entered, a rich scent of mixed spices filled the air—a sharp, mouth-watering aroma.

Aria opened the window slightly, leaning out to inhale deeply. “This aroma...! I love it! What is that? I’ve never smelled anything like it!”

“What are you, a dog?” Celestia commented before explaining, “Sandsreach Kingdom is famous for its spice trade. What you’re looking at is their largest market, which deals exclusively in spices.”

“I see...” Rikka marveled, looking outside as well.

The carriage soon came to a stop at the palace gates. The structure was adorned with gold and intricately carved ancient patterns. Dozen of guards stood outside, and in their center stood a man in his early thirties. He had dark hair and tan skin, much like the locals.

Shawn opened the carriage door and offered a hand to support Celestia and Aria as they stepped down, while Rikka hopped out on her own.

“Princess Celestia,” the man greeted, his voice smooth and measured. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been quite a while.”

Celestia bowed formally. “Your Majesty, thank you for receiving us on such short notice. I come bearing a matter of great importance.”

King Malakor’s gaze shifted to Aria, his expression flickering with recognition—and something else. Wariness. Perhaps even fear. He bowed toward Aria.

“Aria-sama, I have heard a great deal about you from my father. It is an honor to finally meet you.”

Aria tilted her head, sensing the tension in his voice. “Your father? Ah... I see. How is Luckes? He was quite big-mouthed, but a good person.”

“Hey, Aria!” Celestia whispered urgently.

“Ahaha... He really was something, wasn’t he?” Malakor gave a soft chuckle. “Well, he passed away a few years ago...”

“I see... And your name?” Aria asked.

“It’s Malakor,” he answered.

“I see... My blessings are with you, and I pray your father has found peace.”

“Ah... thank you. You really are like the rumors I’ve heard—a truly descending goddess.”

Don’t fall for her sweet words, Your Majesty! Shawn and Celestia thought in unison.

Noticing that Rikka looked exhausted, Shawn stepped forward. “Your Majesty, if you don’t mind, could we rest for a bit? I believe Aria-sama and Celestia-sama need time to recover after such a long journey.”

“I see. And you are...?”

“Ah, my apologies. I am Shawn Falcon, attendant to Aria-sama, the Sword Saint.”

“Shawn... Ah, so you’re the one who defeated Zenjo!” Malakor looked surprised.

“Huh...? You know about that?”

“Of course. Because...” Malakor turned toward a massively built figure standing nearby.

“He’s...” Celestia’s eyes widened.

“Zenjo,” Shawn finished.

Meanwhile, in the Verdantis Kingdom:

Leo knelt before Prince Cernan in the grand hall of Verdantis Palace. The prince was young, with sharp green eyes and blond hair.

“I understand,” Prince Cernan said, his tone measured. “But as you said, Aria-sama and her team are heading there, so we shouldn’t need to worry, right?”

“That’s right. That’s why I want to investigate the opposite side—Frosthold. Could you assist me with that?”

Prince Cernan remained silent for a long moment before nodding. “Granted. I will send Vaeloria with you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Leo bowed deeply. “I won’t disappoint you.”