Chapter :7 new adventure

It had been a few hours since Kael woke up. He stepped out of the inn and began walking toward the center. When he met Beatrice and Ywain, the atmosphere was tense and silent. The silence was broken by a young man—the one who would take the group to the capital.

"I'm Kutsi. Nice to meet you."

The heavy silence lifted slightly. Beatrice, eager to move, said, "Alright, let's go!" She climbed into the carriage first, followed by Ywain, and finally Kael. Kutsi took the reins and set the horses in motion.

The tension lingered, but Kutsi spoke again, trying to break the awkwardness. "So, what business do you have in the capital?"

Beatrice was about to answer when Kael cut in. "None of your concern."

Subi smirked. "Whoa, calm down, man. I was just trying to lighten the mood."

Kael simply replied, "Fine," and turned his gaze forward.

As night approached, Kutsi stopped the carriage. "We should set up camp," he said. They moved to a spot near a river, set up camp, and lit a fire. This night would be spent in the wilderness.

Subi pulled out his saz and started playing, the melody blending with the aroma of the stew cooking over the fire. The atmosphere slowly became livelier. Kutsi poured beer into cups, Beatrice began dancing to the rhythm, and Ywain clapped along. Kael, leaning on his sword, smirked slightly before slowly closing his eyes.

When he woke up, he found himself back in the carriage. The first face he saw was Beatrice, smiling at him.

Ywain turned his face away, while Kael, still groggy, felt his cheeks warm slightly.

Subi chuckled. "Hey, hey, what's going on back there?" He grinned and added, "We're almost there."

Kael straightened up and watched the scenery through the carriage window. The capital was coming into view—majestic, imposing, and magnificent.

They arrived at the city gates, but a long line awaited them. Security had been doubled due to recent world events and the upcoming coronation.

When they finally entered, Beatrice's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Kutsi grinned. "Welcome to the capital—impressive, isn't it?"

The streets were packed with merchants, knights, and children playing games. A festival atmosphere filled the air. Seeing the lively streets, Kael was reminded of Aetwa before its fall. For a brief moment, he smiled.

They made their way toward the city's center. Subi guided the carriage into a stable-like garage, tied up the horses, and turned to the group.

"I have things to take care of. See you in the evening," he said before disappearing into the bustling city.

The trio spent the day wandering through the festival. According to tradition, a festival had to be held before the succession war, and the entire city had declared a holiday for the occasion. Beatrice, like an excited child, bounced from stall to stall, grabbing food from every stand she could.

Ywain trailed behind her, keeping watch.

Evening arrived, and the group reunited with Kutsi at the stables. They rented two rooms at an inn—Ywain, Kutsi, and Kael shared one room, while Beatrice had her own.

As Kael and Ywain sat in silence, Ywain suddenly spoke.

"Kael."

Kael responded, "I'm listening."

Ywain hesitated before saying, "Lately, I've had a bad feeling... I think I might die soon."

Kael scoffed. "Are you trying to make me feel sorry for you?"

Ywain chuckled. "Just listen." He took a deep breath and continued. "I'm worried about Beatrice. I don't want anything to happen to her. If I die... promise me you'll protect her."

Kael sighed. "Fine."

Ywain smiled sadly. "I hope I live long enough to see her get married."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You don't love her, so why don't you want her to marry someone else?"

Ywain let out a bitter laugh. The calmness he usually carried was gone.

"I love her more than anything," he admitted. "But she deserves better."

He looked down as he continued, his voice filled with emotion.

"When I first met her, I was nothing. My family was dead. I was a starving thief, barely surviving. One winter night, I nearly froze to death in the streets. But she came—stepped out of her carriage like an angel. She took my hand and brought me to her home. She fed me, clothed me, and even hired a tutor just for me. She taught me how to read... she gave me a life."

Ywain looked at Kael with tears streaming down his face.

"My heart beats only for her."

Kael was stunned. "Ywain...?"

Ywain wiped his eyes and forced a smile. "I hope... it's just a feeling."

Kael didn't know what to say. Words failed him. Instead, he silently reached out and placed a hand on Ywain's shoulder.

Ywain looked at him, tears still in his eyes, and gave a warm, childlike smile.

"Thank you, Kael."