Chapter 22 - The Mysterious Black Box

As I turned toward the source of the voice, my eyes caught sight of a figure I knew well. The silhouette of a man, waving from across the river. Near the barrier fence that separated the great stone bridge, he swiftly ran across it.

When the distance between us closed, I recognized him at once. The man dashed past several merchants with their carts, most likely on their way to sell goods in Elvian territory. For a brief moment, the man grazed a cart, and naturally, its owner became angry. He quickly apologized.

That impatient man! He could have been more careful while running. But that's Dimas for you, my one true friend.

Seeing him rush toward me with that joyful expression made it impossible for me not to run toward him. Dimas immediately embraced me tightly. The mix of worry and longing he had been holding back flooded through his embrace. It felt as if he never wanted me to disappear from his sight again. After everything that had happened, I understood his feelings clearly. I felt the same way. I was so happy to see him again after such a long time. Without thinking, I returned his embrace gently. I felt my cheeks growing warm, and tears streamed from the corners of my eyes.

"Is it really you, Anggi?" Dimas whispered, his voice slightly hoarse, his breath tickling the back of my neck. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too. How did you know I was coming back today?" I asked, curious. Slowly, I pulled myself out of his embrace, wiping the wetness from my cheeks.

"I've been waiting here for you since that day. Hoping you'd return." His voice was heavy in my ears. His breath, still warm, brushed against my exposed neck. "My thoughts have been a mess since that day. I kept thinking about chasing after you, but everyone stopped me. I was just so scared you wouldn't come back."

"But I did, didn't I?" I replied with a small smile.

"What happened to you after that? Did something bad happen? Why did you take so long to return? Are you okay?" Dimas looked at me with concern, bombarding me with questions.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you when we get back to the headquarters," I said casually, trying to calm my friend, who was too worried. "You can see for yourself that I'm fine. I'm okay."

"Good, good! As long as you're okay." Dimas glanced behind me, where Prince Keylan and some of the mounted soldiers were. "So... who are these people? Does this Elvian have something to do with you?"

"They're the people who helped me while I was in Elvian city. The man with the tied-back hair is Prince Keylan, the Third Prince of the Western Elvian Kingdom. The woman over there is Airi, Prince Keylan's maid," I explained as I introduced the two who had helped me.

Dimas stared at us, wide-eyed, unable to speak. His eyes flickered between me and the two Elvians.

Seeing his expression, I couldn't help but tease him a little. "I know you won't believe that I've been to Elvian city. But believe it or not, it—"

"I'm more surprised that the Elvian prince is here than by that," Dimas interrupted.

"Are you Dimas?" Prince Keylan asked. "Anggi has spoken about you many times. It seems you are the one she considers her best friend."

Dimas only nodded, still staring in disbelief at the Elvian prince before him. Meanwhile, Prince Keylan studied Dimas from head to toe, taking note of my friend's worn-out clothes and his old sword.

The way Prince Keylan scrutinized him made me feel uneasy. His gaze was sharp and intimidating, filled with an air of hostility—so different from the warm smile and gaze he always gave me.

"S-So... this is a farewell then. Thank you for all the kindness you've shown me over the last two weeks, Prince Keylan!" I said, feeling a little awkward with the situation. I made sure to bow as a sign of respect.

The sound of footsteps on the ground broke the silence, echoing clearly amidst the sound of insects rustling in the bushes. I looked up when the footsteps grew nearer.

"No need to thank me. I'm just giving what I should give to someone in need," Prince Keylan said, patting my shoulder. "From now on, be careful in every action you take. Especially since you'll be going on your own adventure soon. Don't get involved in problems that you could avoid."

"Understood."

"And... I also want to give you something."

Prince Keylan reached behind his cloak and pulled out a black box about 30 centimeters long. Its surface glimmered as if it were made of marble, and the golden engravings on it gave off an elegant and luxurious impression. I had no idea what was inside, but whatever it was, it seemed far more impressive than the box itself.

Sure enough, as the prince opened the box, my eyes widened in amazement. Inside lay a thick viglet with a cream-colored shaft and black markings at its base. I didn't know what material it was made of, but it seemed to be a rare item, its texture smooth and refined—unlike the typical viglets I had encountered.

"Wait! That's—" Airi gasped, her face filled with surprise, as did the mounted Elvian soldiers.

"This is my personal viglet. If you're about to embark on a grand adventure, you'll need proper equipment."

"Is that... alright, Your Highness!?" Airi asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

"Of course," Prince Keylan answered gently, reassuring Airi before turning to me. "Take it!"

"Is this really something valuable?" I asked carefully.

"Yes, it's very valuable. That's why I'm giving it to you. Think of it as a small farewell gift from me."

At first, I hesitated. My hands seemed torn between rejecting it and accepting it. After all, aside from the place to stay and the food they had provided me in the past few days, I felt uncomfortable accepting more kindness. But at the same time, I really needed a new viglet since the previous one had broken. It would be a lie to say I didn't want this sturdy-looking viglet.

I glanced between the golden-engraved black box and Prince Keylan's face. He only gave me a warm smile. Honestly, I still couldn't believe he was willing to give me such a valuable gift. I worried about what might happen later, but deep down, I knew he was a good person. For the past two weeks in Elvian territory, he had always shown me kindness and sincerity.

That's why I took the black box, despite the lingering doubt.

"Thank you so much!" I said once again, bowing deeply in gratitude.

"I told you, no need for all the formality," Prince Keylan said, smiling warmly.

We locked eyes for a moment, gazing deeply at each other, before he finally tossed me a smile.

"Well then, we part ways here. I hope you find what you are looking for."

Prince Keylan waved his hand, turning to leave with his men. But I stopped him by grabbing his arm. He seemed slightly surprised to see me.

"Thank you for everything, Prince! I won't forget all your kindness," I said enthusiastically. "And also, I hope we can meet again someday."

I threw him a faint smile. My words were true. I wanted to meet him again to repay all his kindness.

Prince Keylan didn't say anything else and immediately turned away. I watched his back as he walked away, and once he and his cavalry had disappeared into the forest, I turned to Dimas, and we began to walk back into the city.

"Seriously, how did you meet an Elvian prince?" Dimas asked as we crossed the bridge.

"Just curious, or really want to know?" I teased with a mischievous smile.

"Hey... tell me already!"

"I'm not telling you."

I burst into laughter, running ahead of him as we entered the peaceful city of Glafelden. The morning sun bathed the city, refreshing my mind that longed for the familiar atmosphere of home.

I thought I could live peacefully for a while, postponing the search for the Crystal of Souls until I was strong enough. But little did I know, my grand adventure was about to begin in just a few hours.