Chapter 4 - Part 31 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

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Valessandria pressed and rubbed her thumb into her eye, trying to push out the build-up of fatigue after the long night and traumatizing events from the night before. Flashes of images, blood, limbs, and unspeakable facial expressions from beyond the pyramid invaded her thoughts. She couldn't help but flinch as she pushed back the memories that attempted to flood her psyche. Pulling in a shuddering breath, the world around her slowly came back into focus.

"Lady Knight?"

"I am fine." Valessandria attempted a smile as she looked to her second.

William pressed his lips together, holding back his words.

"Once we return to Illumin, I will make sure to get some sleep." She chuckled, knowing that William wanted to chastise her on how she wasn't taking care of herself.

A corner of William's lips raised, "My Lady, why do I not believe you?" His lips slowly flattened and brow furrowed as his eyes shifted towards the large chest in the corner of the Slumbering Traveler's dining area, hidden as much as possible from curious eyes. "I do not care for how we must take on the role of a delivery service, especially with something as dangerous as that."

Without even needing to look at the chest, Valessandria felt the item was exerting enormous pressure, monitoring her and ensuring she fulfilled her role. She didn't even enjoy considering how much wealth was contained inside, making her value her humble background. If she ever coveted wealth, such dreams would've immediately faded from her mind upon receiving such an absurd amount of platinum. It was a quantity that, if leaked, would have every underground organization place a bounty on her and her men's heads.

"Feel free to let the young noble know you have no desire to deliver his funds to the Academy," Valessandria smirked as she glanced at William before returning her attention to everyone in the immediate area.

William shivered, "Based on what you told me, I think I am okay with not doing such a thing. I also have no intention of earning the ire of the Treasurer."

Snorting, Valessandria watched those under her command laughing and alleviating themselves of the mental burden placed on them as they raced to Leaf Village. Even though they didn't need to fight the Empire, heading into an environment where death was a possibility wasn't something easily forgotten. Many of them were still students and in training, volunteering due to their own personal beliefs in justice -- desiring to protect the helpless.

She felt guilty, making them head back without even having a chance to rest after helping the village try to return to a semblance of normality. It was why she had paid for them to have a hot meal before they began their travel back to Illumin -- the least she could do for them. There was the thought of allowing them to enjoy the baths, but it was dismissed due to their situation.

If things had gone as predicted, the journey back to Illumin would've been peaceful as they traveled at a slower pace. The problem was the thing behind her. Having the item in their presence was now more dangerous than if they were to go against trained soldiers.

Already, Valessandria detected a few glances from guests of the inn at the chest, curious about the contents. It was evident with the security of it that the likelihood of something valuable being inside was high. Even if the guests, many of them merchants, didn't have any immediate intentions to find out, there was the real potential that they could gossip about it. Unfortunately, gossip was far faster than a horse could travel. Now, their safety depended on whether anyone was curious enough to go against an armed group associated with the Academy.

Valessandria placed a hand on the sword at her waist, reassuring herself of its presence.

"It seems like we are attracting more attention," William casually placed a hand on his mouth while lowering his voice. His eyes looked forward, making sure not to make any eye contact.

Agreeing with his thoughts, Valessandria pushed her chair back, causing a low groan as the legs rubbed against the dining area's floor. Standing, she couldn't help but wince at the attention.

Seeing their leader standing, the others in their group immediately quieted as they stood -- knowing it was time to leave.

Even if they were trainees, it was difficult not to ignore the heavy mood. The moment the chest appeared, Valessandria and William had a change in their demeanor. She appreciated that they didn't ask any questions and followed their training. Leaf Village may be a relatively peaceful place, but it didn't change that they were far away from their home and the security it provided. Though they did relax in the dining area while eating their meal, none forgot to keep their sense of situational awareness at an appropriate level.

William pointed, "The four of you bring the chest to the stable."

Saluting to William, four students quickly moved from the group towards the chest in the corner of the room. Two lowered themselves, and making a grunting noise, they lifted it while using the strength of their legs. The chest trembled as it was raised, but the other two immediately placed their hands below the chest between the handles.

"It only took those two dainty maids," William shook his head.

"I have no doubt that even one of them would have been enough." Valessandria shivered as she remembered how effortlessly the young noble's maids carried what would take trained grown men considerable effort to move.

"And the master of those things will attend our Academy?" The blood drained from William's face.

"Silence!" Valessandria hissed. She couldn't help but check to make sure none of those things were within earshot.

After encountering the young lord and his attendants, knowing how easily they could've eliminated her, she couldn't help but tremble. Even though the area had only the other guests and her men, Valessandria couldn't help but think she was being watched even as they spoke. It felt as though even the shadows listened.

William immediately snapped his mouth shut. Even though he didn't experience what Valessandria had gone through, just seeing the cheerful and polite women casually carry something that could bludgeon a grown man to death was an image that would haunt him.