[Ch. 36] Arriving in the Kingdom Sadon (Past)

....160 years ago...

Today was the day Raylon, Korph, Amanda, and I would visit the Kingdom Sadon.

A golden white carriage pulled by four magic spirit beasts appeared in front of us. Raylon and Korph stared at it in jealousy. Of course, only the Baron would have such expensive things and make sure to flaunt them around. These beasts looked similar to horses, but their manes were translucent with star-like dots that would glisten in the light. They were pale white with black beetle-like eyes.

I moved to pet them and Raylon and Korph could have sworn they saw them shake before relaxing. Mona stood off to the side biting on her handkerchief enviously as she watched. Amanda loaded our suitcases into the carriage with the help of the driver. Raylon began to pat Mona to quell her anger, "We won't be gone that long. Only for a week."

"But, why can't I come with you at least? It will be so boring here without you."

Korph muttered to himself, "I'll give you my spot."

Raylon gave a comforting smile, "Moao seems to have something in mind. You know it would be rude to ask for you to come as well."

"It's not fair." Mona muttered watching Amanda as she spoke to the driver. Korph and Raylon knew she was only upset about being away from Amanda.

"Next time you can come."

They all jumped to see me standing behind them.

Korph spat out, "When did you get there?"

I ignored him and reminded them, "This trip isn't for pleasure."

Mona looked down in disappointment, "Oh, I see."

"In a few months, we will celebrate the birth of the Baron. You are welcome to come with us then." They all made faces of disgust at the name. I continued, "They have a parade during the day and then after everyone drinks."

Amanda came over after finishing with the luggage. She looked at me flabbergasted, "But, Lady Moao, don't you hate that day more than anything? You have never gone to it willingly."

I motioned to Mona, "Which is why you will show her around."

Both Amanda and Mona blushed simultaneously.

Raylon and Korph stood wanting to ask to tag along, but they also didn't want to appear as if they wanted to be involved in anything concerning the Baron. However, everyone has heard of the Baron's birthday celebration. It was known for being so festive and lively that it attracted the jealousy of all neighboring nations.

Mona noticed Raylon's and Korph's fidgeting and smiled, "Oh, but what about my brother and Prince Korph?"

I answered flatly, "I don't care."

Amanda beamed, "Of course they can come! And, don't worry. Although our nations are not allies, Lady Moao will be more than enough protection. Oh yeah!"

She fished out two white ribbons with a three-headed lion medallion in the middle. She started to clip them onto Korph and Raylon. Korph looked at it in confusion, "What's this garbage?"

"It's my Lady Moao's symbol. Everyone in our Kingdom will know that you are under Lady Moao's protection. Not only will they not give you trouble, but you will also be able to enter the country for free. It's a very rare and valuable gift from Lady Moao. You can use it anytime you'd like to visit our Kingdom." She looked at Mona and handed her one bashfully, "Please don't lose it."

Raylon was shocked. One of the most well-known things about the Kingdom Sadon was the ridiculously high entrance cost. Only rich merchants could even dream about entering legally. Korph stared at the medallion thinking about how he would never willingly go into the Kingdom Sadon. He was doubtful, "Oh? And how can we be sure it will protect us from someone who wishes us harm?"

I answered in a chilling tone, "Because I will kill them otherwise."

"Huh." Raylon whispered out unconsciously.

Amanda chuckled dryly, "She isn't lying. Don't be surprised if someone notices the medallion and runs away from you."

I nodded at Amanda and moved to climb inside the carriage. The driver helped me up and turned around revealing his pale face. The group noted the exchange and realized my words held some truth. Raylon spoke carefully, "Are people really that terrified of her?"

Amanda made a pained expression, "You have no idea. We are ready to go now, so I will let you say your goodbyes."

She curtsied politely before climbing inside the carriage. Mona smiled at Raylon and Korph, "Please stay safe brother and keep an eye on Prince Korph."

"What?" Korph shouted in disbelief, "Why me!?"

"Please Prince Korph, do not cause trouble. I imagine Lady Moao is taking on a lot of responsibility by having the two of you there. After all, the Baron isn't too keen on our nations." She looked at Raylon, "Especially after the bombing disaster."

Raylon snickered, "If we aren't back in a week you will know they took us as prisoners."

Mona gave a soft smile, "I'm sure Lady Moao will be able to protect you. There's no need to worry about her selling you out either. She would have done that by now." She patted him reassuringly, "Now! I'm going to go ask for us to have time off to go with Lady Moao to her parade."

"But that's not for another few months."

Mona ignored him and happily skipped off to the headmaster's office. They both sighed and climbed into the carriage. It was a four-seater with Amanda and me on one bench facing Raylon and Korph on the other. We each had small windows on the side. After the door closed, I stared blankly ahead at Raylon who shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. He looked out the window and watched the fast passing scenery. Korph began to moan as soon as the carriage began to move.

Amanda looked at his abnormally pale face, "Are you okay Prince Korph?"

He groaned in response.

Raylon spoke on his behalf, "He has never ridden in a carriage or anything similar. The Dragon clan doesn't use things like this for traveling. He probably has motion sickness."

"Oh my." Amanda said, covering her mouth. She looked at Korph with pity, "Well, this is one of the fastest carriages so we should arrive in four hours. Just hold on until then."

Korph groaned.

We traveled along the bumpy road passing a few villages. Finally, the carriage came to a giant wall made of brick and concrete. It stopped and we could hear the driver speak before the carriage started to move again.

Amanda smiled at Raylon and Korph, "Welcome to the Kingdom Sadon."

"Can we get out now?" Korph moaned.

She gave a weak smile, "It'll be another few hours. We've only arrived at the entrance, but we still have to travel to the city."

Korph groaned in response. He now knew what it felt like to be tortured. Raylon looked out his window and could see the lower-class people and farmers looking at the carriage in terror. He glanced at me in curiosity, but I didn't explain as I stared at him silently.

After a few hours, we had finally arrived at the Villa.

Raylon recognized the endless forest before the gate as he had been there not too long ago. After the gate opened, a giant castle came into view. We came to the entrance and felt the carriage stop. Korph rushed out as soon as the door opened. He leaned against the carriage and began to heave. The rest of us exited behind him and made sure not to step in the splash zone. Raylon began to pat Korphs back as the servants grabbed the luggage and carried it inside hurriedly.

As we walked inside the castle, two lines of servants bowed towards us, "Welcome back Lady Moao."

I gave them a glance before leaving, "I will be in the garden."

The servants all shook as I walked past.

Amanda turned to the two men, "I will show you to your rooms and let you get situated. Then I will give you a tour of the castle."

They nodded as they followed her. They both looked around trying to memorize everything. Raylon had recognized it and realized not much had changed since he conducted his undercover work. He felt strange being back since he was the mastermind behind the bombing. Amanda showed them to their respective rooms. Their doors were across from each other as planned by Amanda. She knew Korph would probably complain constantly if she didn't put them close together.

Korph opened his door and shouted, "How am I going to sleep in this?"

He pointed to the extravagant bed. Amanda looked at him in confusion, "Uhm. Laying on it?"

He shook his head, "Don't you have trees or canopies here? I've never slept in a bed before. They are uncomfortable."

She sighed, "I don't think that will be allowed… But I will see what I can do? After you get settled, I will be waiting in the hall to take you on the tour."

Raylon and Korph retreated to their rooms and began to unpack. Korph threw his items out of his bag while Raylon neatly organized his things. They both briefly took care of their needs before returning back to the hall where they found Amanda waiting.

She began to give them the tour, "I will only be showing you my Lady Moao's villa, but not the entire castle. The Baron doesn't concern himself with the Lady, but in order to visit the other parts you need an invitation from the Baron."

"Does he ever come here?" Raylon asked.

Amanda shook her head, "Not so much."

Korph snickered, "So he's a deadbeat dad."

Amanda made a face, "I can't speak ill of the Baron, but I suppose he isn't particularly fond of Lady Moao."

Raylon raised an eyebrow, "Why is that?"

She looked away with a guilty expression, "O-Oh... Who knows?"

Amanda showed them to the dining area and then to the library. She motioned to the library with pride, "My lady spent her childhood here reading. Did you know she actually read everything inside by the age of 10? We had to mass order books and import them just to keep her busy."

Korph rolled his eyes, "Who cares about that?"

They walked outside passing by a pavilion and saw the intricate furniture. The Kingdom of Sadon valued light colors full of complex designs. Everywhere they looked they could see gold items in the castle. It was an obvious waste of taxpayer's money.