Chapter 30

The sky’s colour had changed ever so slightly, and a few men had entered the orphanage. They managed to unlock the door from the kitchen and a few windows from the side. At that short time, everyone had gathered around the orphanage, and around the walls, looking for any suspicious movements. The mages that arrived the day before were ready to open the entrance and some already prepared the spells near the orphanage. Only a matter of minutes did the sky brighten up and at that same time, the signal was given by those inside. With a deep breath, Osar, who was in front of the gate, shouted.

“Eisa, the keeper of the orphanage in the eastern district, you are hereby under arrest for criminal acts against the feudal lord, Count Garthus Felk Idende, His Majesty the King, and against humanity! Surrender yourself and you shall face fair judgement! If you wish to resist, then we shall use force to subdue you!”

As soon as Osar yelled, almost everyone in that area had awoken in surprise. Some windows opened and were shocked to see the orphanage surrounded by what seems to be an army. The mages who were stationed outside had started pouring mana into the wall where the entrance had said be located. The more mana they poured, the more they doubted that such magic existed. Until the very last second the entrance was found and opened up. The stones were moved aside and a dark corridor was out on display for the mages and soldiers to see. Without further delay, soldier holding up large shields entered first followed by hunters, mages, and regular foot soldiers.

On the surface, a crowd of civilians were forming and wondering what happened. Some already began to panic, wondering what the orphanage, or rather Esia, had done. After a few minutes after declaring, the main door slowly opened. The soldiers and hunters outside all expected Esia to make a run for it but their expectations were destroyed. Aniem and Frianne had exited, confused of what was happening so early in the morning. Even the soldiers and hunters that surrounded the orphanage were baffled.

But as soon as they exited, the other soldiers had rushed inside regardless. It was as expected, civilians had tried to force their way in assuming they were there to harm the kind and hard-working Esia or maybe even the adorable children. Both Aniem and Frianne were also restrained and their hands bound on the backs. They were brought near Osar once they had no means of escaping.

“Lord Osar?! Just what is happening?!” Frianne could not help but glaringly ask Osar.

“It’s as we said. Esia has committed crimes again the feudal lord, the crown, and even against humanity. She is to be captured and brought in for questioning and be judged fairly.”

Frianne couldn’t comprehend what he said. Crimes? Against the Count, the King, and Humanity? That eccentric girl who works hard for the children? What’s more, she knew Esia wasn’t in the orphanage. She had disappeared into the darkness last night.

“I don’t know what kind of conclusion you came up with, but Esia had already left the city.”

Osar had looked at Frianne with surprise and confusion.

“What do you mean by that.” Osar demanded an answer as he spewed out a killing aura.

Aniem struggled, demanded to let Frianne go but he was brought down to the ground and his face pushed against the floor. Even when faced against such an aura, she showed no fear nor signs of backing down.

“Didn’t Esia tell you? Have you forgotten?” Frianne asked back, telling him to remember. But Osar was just staring blankly.

“I never made contact with Esia in weeks. What is it you’re on about?” Osar tilted his head, trying to read more into the words of Frianne.

Frianne, too, was puzzled by what came out from his mouth. Had he forgotten that Esia was to travel to another country? But none of it mattered as Esia had already left a few hours ago. Their bewilderment grew as a man came running towards Osar looking panicked.

“Lord Osar, no matter how much we looked, Esia was not in her room nor in other rooms above.” As he gave his report, Osar immediately tuned back to Frianne and glared at her, wanting for answers.

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At the gate border was a line of carriages wanting to hurry outside and groups of furious merchants, civilians, and travellers. They spouted profane words, trying to argue with other soldiers nearby while demanding answers as to why the line is suddenly moving at a snail’s pace. The sun was already rising yet the line is almost reaching the central district. Normally, this time has only a few carriages passing by but with the sudden announcement of the Count, only one carriage can exit the city at a time after a rigorous inspection conducted by the soldiers. Products and body searches would be conducted. Besides that, the people exiting would need to show a document of their proof of identity. If they cannot do so, then they are unable to leave.

“AAARRGGHH!!!” A man with a large macho build expressed his displeasure as he sits on the driver’s seat. “The meat would spoil if this keeps up.” He continued.

“We can’t do anything about it. It’s the Count’s decree. Although I don’t know what brought this up.” A man who looked like he was close to being a senior surmised. “What about you lasses over there? What do you think caused all this?”

“Well, something must’ve happened. Like crime.” A woman with a large pack with her and a sword by her side spoke, voicing her simple speculation.

“I have to agree with her. Maybe something along the lines of theft? They are conducting a thorough search no matter who it is.” A woman who wore a long dress and had a large leather pack beside her agreed to the earlier woman’s speculation.

“That’d be true. But if this inspection or whatnot lasts any longer, then the fish I’m transporting would smell. I bet all of you don’t want to smell like rotten fish.”

All three of them voiced their disgust. It would be better to smell like wild game but not rotten fish.

“This might be a long journey, so might as well get to know you all. Might be catching myself a great potential customer.” The old man laughed heartily. “This old man’s Dalemey. Just call me Dale. A Sneipas of the Human race.”

“Slanney. Well, I’m just an Elf.” The woman with pointy ears spoke next while showcasing her ears.

“Almika. Also a Sneipas from the Humans.” The woman in a long dress introduced herself.

“Gielle. Drunhum of the Dwarves.” The macho driver spoke last.

Everyone turned silent and were wide eyed upon hearing that he was a Dwarf. He was tall, very muscular, and large. Unusual from a Dwarf.

“I can feel your gazes and surprise. And there are many races of Dwarves out there. Like Humans and Beast-kins.” He spoke with a slight annoyance in his tone. After which, the three only laughed.

As the band of four chatted away, soldiers and hunters started to behave a bit strangely. They moved from one place to another quite frequently. Only moments later did the line start to move at a quicker pace. They rejoiced.

“Maybe they found the thief?” Almika thought. Slanney also agreed to it.

“Well, as long as we’re moving, we don’t have to worry about smelling like rotten game or fish.” Dalemey spoke as he laughed.

The line moved increasingly fast, almost to the point where they didn’t need to stop. But the three noticed something. There were many people rushing to the western gate. They thought that the thief or whatever ran towards there and is causing trouble.

“I don’t think it’s just an individual. It might be a group they are dealing with.” Slanney placed her arm on the carriage wall and leaned her head on it as she tried guessing what happening.

“I concur. And what’s more, it seems like the soldiers in this north district also rushed there. Maybe an invasion from neighbouring lands?” Dalemey wondered.

“Please don’t say that. Just as I was able to escape a war, I don’t want to end up in one again.” Almika spoke dejectedly with her head down.

“Tsk tsk. Making a young lass cry. What a bad elder.” Gielle said jokingly.

“That aside, we’re finally out of the gates!” Almika rejoiced as she stretched her arms and legs.

“Yes. I can finally go home as well.” Slanney spoke as she leaned comfortably on her arm.

“Where are you folks headed to?” Gielle asked. “I’m pretty sure you know my last destination is the capital and a few towns in between.”

“I’m also headed to the capital.” Dalemey responded.

“Sa~~me.” Slanney lazily responded and beside her, Almika nodded.

“It seems we’re all headed for the same place.” Gielle spoke as he slightly shifted his body to the side, facing the rest.

“My, you have such a grand beard.” Almika praised Gielle’s beard. The other three had also praised it.

From then on, they only made small talk. Views on certain products and even regrets of thigs they have left behind, especially they all plan to stay in the capital long-term.

“There’s... quite a lot of things I’ve left behind.” Almika spoke with such a melancholic tone that even the other three could feel it.

“If it’s okay with you, we can listen all the way. It’s going to be a long journey anyways.” Slanney said as she made herself more comfortable, as if she’s waiting for a bed-time story. The other two agreed as well.

“Well, I’ve had to leave behind my garden. They had quite the nice fragrance as well, like a natural perfume. There were also other valuables that were lost as I had to leave, like memoirs and the like. Friends and family are gone in the process too and there is a high chance I may never see them. Same is true with the children I used to play with.” Almika closed her eyes, reminiscing of the people she spoke of

“Shy ones, lazy ones, eccentric ones, and even those who were separated from their own family. There’s this one I particularly hurt. Well, two, actually. But I hope with the presents I left behind, they would soon forgive me. Well, even if they won’t, I’m fine with that. I’m just glad they found a family elsewhere. And this person who I consider as my younger sister and best friend. She really sticks to me like glue ever since she was a kid. And now, even she will have a kid of her own. The place I grew up in was quite a fantastic place. It’s as if everyone helped everyone, not leaving anyone behind. There are plenty more regrets but that’s the gist of it.”

As she ended her reminiscence, the other three were tearing up so bad it made them look ugly.

“Um... no one has died so...”

“That’s... such a sad story. Come to my shop in the capital and I’d be happy to serve you some meals if you ever feel down.” Dalemey spoke as he gave a thumbs up and nodded a few times.

“I’d give you high quality meat as well. Just drop by if ya ever feel down.” Gielle also offered as he teared up.

“Like I said, no one died...”

“And I’ll... I’ll...” Slanney could not think of anything else. But stutter in place.

*Sigh* “Don’t worry Slanney. You remind me of another friend of mine who I met just a few months ago after years of not seeing each other. Sadly, we had to part ways again. Talking to you feels like talking to her.” After Almika said such, Slanney only pushed her head to Almika’s belly.

Their sweet time didn’t last for very long. A large group of soldiers on horses dashed towards the carriage and demanded them to stop. Four horsemen stopped at their location and the rest continued on. They were ordered to step out of the carriage and present their documents. As the other soldiers patted the four down, the remaining ones checked their bags, the carriage, and anything above or underneath it.

“I can’t understand this. What language is this?” Said the one inspecting the papers.

“That’s a letter of recommendation from a noble in the southern part of Gusam Empire. It’s written in the Zherve language.” Almika answered politely and honestly. All her papers were written in the language but it was fortunate that someone among them could read and speak the language.

“It really is a letter of recommendation and its from Duke Krandrel. The others are official documents relating to accommodation, work conditions and expectations, and... food recipes?

“Yes. I’m travelling to the capital to work as a chef.” Almika nodded in confirmation and gave a small explanation.

“And the employer is...!!!” The soldier was surprised. He immediately handed the papers back to Almika and confirmed that it’s all authentic.

The other soldiers also confirmed that they have official documents, and nothing is wrong with their luggage. With that all done, they returned back to their horses and galloped away, catching up to the other horsemen. The three were stunned, wondering what her identity is. To be recommended by a Duke of a powerful nation and to even let a soldier be wide eyed upon seeing who the employer was. Slanney couldn’t help but ask who it was she was going to work for.

“My employer? It’s His Royal Majesty, King Elphord Iyudas Alrus.” Almika spoke so indifferently as if it was an everyday conversation or topic.

The three couldn’t help but laugh.

“So, you’re going to be a chef then. Then buy my products and I’ll give you the best quality you’ve ever seen.” Dalemey boldly declared, and behind him Gielle also said the same thing.

“Cook for us then, Almika!” And Slanney also boldly declared while laughing.

“Well...” Almika walked towards the carriage and opened her bag.

In it was her knife, a special kind of blade. A knife that she has used to cut object several times. The blade she has used for over several years as if a part of her soul was in it. She took it out and held it just above her eyes and adored the sharpness and make of it.

“I have some freshly packed meat I got from Heom. We can use that for our lunch.” She smiled sinisterly with expressionless eyes as she stared at her blade.

The three had not noticed it. They wouldn’t know what kind of ingredients she would use. They don’t know of her past. And they certainly don’t know of her true self. They just blindly rejoiced as they made a connection with someone like her.