The Infamous Crown Prince

It was a tranquil night and a group of merchant’s caravan is currently taking a rest in one of the clearings within the Feywild Grove. This grove was known to be a safe haven for travellers who wished to stay the night in the open. There were no dangerous beasts due to the existence of a certain mushroom growing around the area. Beasts seems to dislike the scent the mushroom was emitting. The merchants gathered around a campfire, seeking warmth and companionship amidst the stillness of the night.

As the fish cooked over the crackling flames, one of the merchants eagerly shared the latest news that he had heard in passing. “Hey, did you hear? His Highness the Crown Prince Theodore had once again subdued the Orc Tribe that tried to invade our Northern Border once more!”

His words, sparked interest among his companions and immediately, they entered into a state of discussion.

“I’ve naturally heard of it! It’s what everyone is talking about lately. Our kingdom is blessed to have His Highness as our protector,” replied a fellow merchant as he gazed into the dancing flames. “I reckon by the time we returned to the capital, we would be in time to see His Highness’s return from his expedition!”

Another merchant chimed in, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “Right? So we should try to pick up our pace tomorrow! Every Time his Highness return, the capital would be bustling with business! So my boss has been asking me to quickly return with the goods.”

“What about you, young man? Are you also travelling to the capital in hope to take a glimpse of the Crown Prince?” the first merchant turned his head to another person who had his head covered in cloak.

“Originally, I was supposed to go directly to Astral Academy. But with how festive the capital is, I thought that I might as well go. It won’t be too late to go to Astral Academy after I visit the capital,” the cloaked young man responded.

Realization dawned upon another merchant and he slapped his own lap in excitement. “Ah, yes! It’s almost that time where they accept new students! Wait, wasn’t the Crown Prince also going to enrol this year?”

“He was supposed to join during the last registration two years ago. But due to the Orc Invasion, he was called over to defend the border so it was delayed,” a merchant who had always been focusing on the fish decided to join in the conversation as to not feel left out.

“True. But I also hear that as long as he performs well during the admission test, he can skip grades. The academy is willing to open a special door for this Crown Prince due to his merit.”

A sense of intrigue filled the air as the merchants exchanged information. Some might only be rumours but nonetheless, it is enough to keep them entertained while they’re waiting for their meal. The conversation then took an unexpected turn when one of the merchants mused.

“Say… if the academy does open a special channel for the Crown Prince then, wouldn’t that mean he joins and will graduate in six month?”

The young man chuckled when he heard the merchant talk. His hand played with the hilt of the dagger that was strapped to his waist. His brown eyes narrowed as he stared at the dancing fire before him while his thought veered into a different direction. ‘Graduate in six month? That would depends if he could even live that long.’

Breaking the flow of conversation, the first merchant turned to the cloaked figure with admiration. “Speaking of which, young man. I still haven’t gotten your name yet. Tell me your name so I can report it to my boss. That way, you can enjoy a very good discount at our store,” he said with a big smile on his face. “If it weren’t for you, our caravan would’ve been ransacked by bandits and worse, we probably would’ve lost our lives by now.”

“I was just passing by. They were not that troublesome so…”

“No. That is not how it should be. Please, allow us to repay this favor. It may be not too much for you but for us, you are our benefactor,” the merchant said earnestly.

“It really isn’t—“

“Please, Benefactor!” he insisted the young man.

“… You can call me Silas,” the young man, who was actually Silas, finally relented. He wasn’t lying when he said it was a coincidence when he met with these group of merchants. He was on his way to Astral Academy where he will begin his task. Then he heard about the news of the Crown Prince’s return to the capital so he decided to take a quick detour. It was then that he met with these merchants who were almost raided by bandits.

“Silas? That’s a great name!” the merchant said with a big smile on his face. “Oh, I believe the fish is cooked now. Here, have a try! I assure you, our secret seasoning is second to none!”

Silas accepted the fish off the merchant’s hand and took a bite off it directly. He was present when the merchant prepared the fish earlier and already knew that the fish had already been de-boned completely. Now, he can eat them without any fear of choking from the bones. The moment the tender fish meat enters his mouth, the rich flavour exploded upon his palate, sending waves of delight rippling through his sense. He has to admit, the fish is indeed perfectly seasoned. With each bite, the soft and tender meat melted in his mouth, and by the time he swallowed, the flavour lingered on his tongue.

Several bites later, the fish was no more. A sense of contentment washed over Silas as he licked his lips, savouring the after taste.

“Well, how was it?” the merchant asked.

A satisfied smile formed on Silas’s face as he nods in acknowledgement. “Very delicious!”

The merchant couldn’t help but beamed with pride, exclaiming, “Right?! So when you’re in the capital, make sure to come over to our restaurant! It is called Twilight Bistro,” the merchant said. “Or better yet, how about we just travel together?”

Silas stared at the excited merchant and couldn’t help but recognize his shrewdness. ‘Indeed, the mind of a businessmen,’ he thought helplessly. First, he tempted Silas with food, then introduced his establishment, and now he invited him to journey together. Not only did he advertise his business, he will also get a free bodyguard for the rest of the travel.

“Is there any benefits that I would get if we journey together?” Silas asked. If he were to be someone’s bodyguard, he may as well get paid to do so. After all, he had enough of free labour.

“Of course! Although we cannot offer you monetary compensation at this moment, we can discuss about it more once we arrived in the capital. In the meantime, we can certainly provide you with other advantages during our journey,” the merchant replied.

“Such as?”

“Free meal!” a grin formed on the merchant’s face. “Come on, Comrade Silas, you have to admit that my cooking is very delicious. I promise that I will give you a taste of different kind of dishes every meal time! And each one will be more delicious than the other!”

Silas was listening attentively and then his mind went back to the fish that he had eaten earlier. His mouth couldn’t help but water. ‘Well, it’s not like we’re gonna meet bandits every single day, right? I think the free meal sounds good. I’ve never had any good meal ever since I arrived in this world so let me just indulge myself…’

“Alright. I agree,” Silas said before he reached out his hand to the merchant. “In the next few days, my meal will be left to you. Happy cooperation!”

“No, no. We’re the one who should be in your care. Thank you for agreeing to this,” the merchant was eager to take Silas’s hand for a handshake.

The merchant smiled, feeling relieved with Silas’s decision. But after a while, Silas added: “If we do meet with bandits along our way, I expect everyone to listen to my counsel. As long as everyone obeys, then I can guarantee that everyone will stay safe. If not, then… your life and death are not my problem.”

“Don’t worry. You have my word!”

Silas nodded his head in satisfaction. And as if to please Silas more, the merchant gave him one more fish for him to eat as well as a mug of ale. “This ale came from the far eastern country across the desert called Eldoria. You should know that the dwarves loves their drinks.”

Staring at the mug, Silas couldn’t help but frown at the strong smell. He had always disliked alcohol. Especially since his occupation requires him to be clear minded at all time. But he also knows how precious alcohols from Eldoria is and since the merchant is willing to give him some to drink, he should accept this kindness.

With a strong determination, Silas took a deep breath and moved the mug to his lips. He tilted the mug, allowing the ale to cascade into his mouth. However, the unfamiliar sensation caught him off guard. The ale tickled his tongue, and the taste, while not unpleasant, was stronger and more bitter than he had expected. He managed to finish the drink in one go, smacking his lips together when all the ale was gone.

As the night continued to envelop the Feywild Grove, the merchants settled in for the night while eagerly anticipating their arrivals to the capital. Silas offered to be the first one on the night watch and while the merchants were resting, he stared at the night sky above. Unlike his original world, the sky was filled with stars. He had made a hobby of counting them or connecting them to make a picture. Before long, the first night watch is over and Silas could finally catch some sleep.

Before he succumbed to the night’s rest, Silas was thinking that if he could have a chance to assassinate the crown prince in the capital, he should grab his chance. ‘The earlier I finish it, the faster I can be free. After that, I’ll just escape this country and find refuge elsewhere. I hear there’s a good place on the southern continent across the ocean. I can go there once this job is done.’