Chapter 17 – Screams From Afar

“Have you been here at The Capital before, Agnes?” she asked her hand maiden who’s busy organizing her clothes. Agnes looked up for a moment and slightly nodded.

“Yes, my lady. My family lives at Chase Oaks. If you haven’t been there, it’s the further east of the palace.”

She just nodded fervently, forcing herself to remember where and when she heard of that place. Agnes noticed her deep in thoughts.

“If you haven’t heard of that place my lady, it’s the part of the empire where the poorest of the poor are residing. It’s a place which is a complete opposite of this,” Agnes supplied with a sheepish smile, feeling ashamed of what she just said but Aurora did not say anything to that.

She finally remembered where she heard Chase Oaks. Her father used to tell her stories where imperial knights would frequently visit that place due to the high number of crimes in a daily basis but regardless of their efforts, they can’t seem to change anything. The residents there are wary of anything related to the imperial family so they’re rarely cooperative.

Like what Agnes mentioned, Chase Oaks is where the poorest of the poor gather. It also equates to the fact that there are a lot of criminals there due to poverty. If her knowledge serves her right, it’s also a place where mercenaries stay and use it as a hideout from the authority.

Chase Oaks may not be an ideal sight for the aristocrats because of the hideous things that happens there and the filth surrounding it, but for those who wants to live like a shadow, it’s just the perfect place because of its streets that seems to be like a labyrinth, that even the imperial knights could only wander some parts of it since no one could figure out what dangers are lurking at every corners.

***

Aurora had an early lunch which is just right on time because she was told that she must visit the tailor shop who will be making her uniform. Even though she is a lady, the empress regnant see to it that she would still be wearing the same uniform like the rest of the students which is a pair of pants and a long sleeve white polo under a black blazer.

She did not complain about it. After all, she did not intend to wear a skirt or even dress differently to attract unwanted attention.

“My lady, her majesty will have our heads if you will go outside alone and something unfortunate is to happen,” one of the servants said when she announced that she would like to go alone.

“Let me at least accompany you, my lady. It is my duty after all and that is the reason why I am here,” Agnes added who’s also just as surprised as the rest.

She almost rolled her eyes. “Do you think her majesty will allow my transfer to Xenon if I can’t at least protect myself?

You’re all fussing for nothing. I promise to be back before dusk. I also want to explore the shops around.”

“But my lady –”

“I said I will be fine,” she said in a low voice but Agnes knew better not to stretch on the discussion anymore. The lady may be nice even to those people whose ranks are below her but she’s one whose patience is not supposed to be tested especially if she has already decided.

Aurora changed into a pair of pants and a plain tunic so she could move around freely. Holding the parchment where the address of the tailor shop is listed, she started her adventure.

It would take her an hour to reach the place so she decided to ride the carriage and let the coachman stayed at the suburbs. She allowed him to roam around as long as he can go back before dusk like what they talked about.

Like what she expected, the tailor was surprised seeing her, specifically a first female student ever of Xenon but the man was still modest enough to take her measurements.

Once she’s done, Aurora was suddenly hit with a realization that she’s already free to roam around. She went to various shops that sells different things. She spotted an old man selling a confectionary that looks odd because of its very soft texture and cotton like appearance. It was too sweet that it gave a burning sensation on the tip of her tongue though nonetheless she’s amused that such thing exists. She doesn’t usually act like a child, but she can’t help but enjoy the thought that she’s like eating clouds.

She’s at the midst of enjoying it when she heard collective screams from afar. She looked around to check where it came from but she can’t find it.

“Oh, my lady, you don’t have to worry about it. That’s just the sword fights being held at the square every weekend,” the old man told her when he saw her seems to be worried hearing the screams.

“Sword fights? Is it approved by the empress?” she asked curiously because it is the first time that she heard of it.

The old man laughed while nodding at her. “It is even being organized by the imperial knights. Some say that it’s their way of provoking the criminals at Chase Oaks but there are also some who claims that the imperial knights do it to scout any potential gentlemen to join them. But no matter the truth is, it’s a good money for the last man standing since aside from the prize money, the winner also gets a percentage from the wagers of the audience.”

Aurora raised a brow at that as her curiosity intensified. It’s not her plan at all but it’s been so long since the last time she’s seen a sword fight so after asking for directions, she went on her way.

When she has reached the square, a lot of people has already gathered and there is a man practically yelling at everyone asking who they will be betting for. It turns out that it’s already the last fight. In the middle, there are enclosed barricades that serves as an arena. She darted her eyes to check the contenders and she felt her breath hitched.