Chapter :6 A Royal proposal!

Reincarnation of the magicless!

"No magic?, No problem!"

Chapter :6 A Royal proposal!

The forest air was thick with tension as the bandits closed in on Rolien and Sophia. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath their feet echoed through the trees, a cacophony of chaos. Rolien's eyes darted towards Sophia, his mind racing with a plan to keep her safe.

With a swift motion, he detonated a Light Stone, releasing a blinding flash of light that temporarily disoriented the bandits. The sudden burst of radiance illuminated the dark forest, casting eerie shadows on the trees. Before the bandits could recover, Rolien activated an Earth Stone, conjuring a wall of earth to block their path. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the earth wall rose, its surface rough and unforgiving.

Then, with a calculated move, Rolien inserted a Fire Stone into the earth wall, detonating it and causing the earth to scatter in all directions like projectiles. The explosion sent rocks and dirt flying, pelting the bandits with a deadly hail of debris. The bandits cried out in pain as the earth and rocks pummeled them, their cries echoing through the forest.

Meanwhile, Rolien loaded his air gun with small marbles and used a Wing Stone to propel them at high velocity. The marbles shot out, hitting some of the bandits who were rushing towards them. The bandits stumbled, giving Rolien and Sophia a brief window of opportunity to escape.

"Let's go!" Rolien shouted, grabbing Sophia's hand and pulling her forward. They sprinted through the forest, the bandits' cries and shouts growing fainter as they put distance between themselves and their pursuers. The trees blurred together as they ran, the only sound the pounding of their feet on the forest floor.

But Rolien knew they couldn't stay ahead forever. He needed to come up with a new plan, and fast. He glanced at Sophia, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of safety. Where could they hide? The trees seemed to close in around them, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground.

Just as they thought they'd escaped, Grimgold appeared with a smirk. "Oh shoot!" Rolien muttered, his eyes narrowing. The bandit leader sneered at him, his face twisted in a snarl.

"Hate to admit it, kid, you're quite impressive to do all of those things to us, injuring many of my men and almost rescuing that kid," Grimgold said, his voice dripping with malice. "But I think your luck runs out now. Prepare to die!"

Rolien smirked, his eyes flashing with determination. "Heh, as if I'll go down just like you said. Fuck around and find out, bruh." Grimgold's brows rose in surprise, momentarily taken aback by Rolien's bold words.

The air was electric with tension as the two faced off. The trees seemed to lean in, as if sensing the impending clash. Just as they were about to engage, the sound of approaching horses echoed through the forest. Rolien's smile grew wider. "Guess my luck never runs out, but yours does."

With a swift motion, he dashed forward, sliding under Grimgold's feet and slashing his thighs with the small knife. Grimgold fell to his knees, his face twisted in pain. Rolien followed up with a few shots from his makeshift airgun, but Grimgold was not going down without a fight. With a swift motion, he blocked the bullets with his sword, his eyes blazing with anger.

The two engaged in a fierce battle, their movements lightning-fast. The sound of clashing steel echoed through the forest, the only sound the pounding of their hearts. Meanwhile, Sophia hid behind a nearby tree, her eyes fixed on the commotion. She held her breath, hoping Rolien would emerge victorious.

As the fight intensified, Grand Duke Edric, Elian, and the knights arrived on the scene, their swords drawn. "Men! Surround the bandits; don't let any of them escape! Elian, Sir Marcellus, on me; we're going to save Rolien," Grand Duke Edric bellowed.

Grimgold's eyes darted towards the newcomers, and for a moment, he hesitated. Rolien took advantage of the distraction, landing a series of swift kicks that sent Grimgold stumbling backward. The bandit leader snarled, but he knew he was beaten. With a final glance at Rolien, he turned and attempted to flee.

But it was too late. Rolien already fired a shot on both of his kneecaps, making him unable to run or walk. "Fuck, curse you!" Grimgold shouted, his face contorted in pain. The knights closed in, surrounding him and ending the fight.

Rolien stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion. "Yeah, yeah, good luck with that, man! (Sigh…) I'm beat."

As the knights took Grimgold and his men into custody, Grand Duke Edric approached Rolien, a proud smile on his face. The sunlight filtering through the trees highlighted the lines of exhaustion on Rolien's face, but his eyes shone with triumph.

"Well done, son," Grand Duke Edric said, his voice filled with admiration. "You're a true noble." Elian grinned, clapping Rolien on the back. "Yeah, bro, you're a hero!"

Rolien's face flushed with pride, but he knew the real heroes were the people who had come to their rescue. Sophia emerged from behind the tree, her eyes shining with relief. "Rolien!" she exclaimed, rushing towards him.

Rolien smiled, his eyes meeting hers. "It's over. We're safe." Sophia's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she threw her arms around Rolien's neck. "I'm so glad you're okay," she whispered.

Rolien's heart skipped a beat as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I'm okay, Sophia. We're safe now." The tension and fear of the past hour melted away as they held each other, the warmth of their bodies a comforting reminder of their safety.

As they pulled back, Grand Duke Edric cleared his throat. "Let's get you two back to the manor. You must be exhausted." Rolien nodded, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him.

"Yes Father, I'm beat."

The ride back to the manor was quiet, the only sound the clinking of armor and the soft rustling of leaves. Rolien's eyes drooped, his head nodding forward as he struggled to stay awake.

When they arrived at the manor, Lady Lerien rushed out to greet them, her face filled with worry. "Rolien! Thank the gods you're safe!" She enveloped Rolien in a warm hug, holding him tightly.

Rolien smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his mother's arms. "We're fine, Mother. Everything's okay." Lady Lerien pulled back, her eyes scanning Rolien's face. "You're hurt, wait? We're?" she said, noticing the scratches and bruises on his face. Then look at Sophia. "Who's this?"

"Ah… that's Sophia; she's the real target of those bandits, and I was just swapped in. Haha." He said, and his mother just smiled and hugged him even more. Look at you; you're full of dirt and scratches and bruises. Are you sure you two are ok? "She asked again.

Rolien shrugged. "It's nothing, Mother. I'm fine." Lady Lerien's eyes narrowed, but she knew better than to argue with Rolien when he was tired.

As they entered the manor, the servants and guards gathered around, eager to hear about the adventure. Rolien smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Tell you all about it later," he said, winking at Sophia.

For now, he just wanted to rest, his body aching from the exertion of the past hour. He glanced at Sophia, who was watching him with a soft smile. "Let's get some rest," he said, offering her his arm.

Sophia nodded, taking his arm as they walked towards their rooms. The warmth of the manor's interior enveloped them, a comforting respite from the dangers they had faced. As they disappeared into the corridors, the sounds of the manor's activity faded into the background, replaced by the soft murmur of their conversation.

The adventure may be over for now, but Rolien knew that there would be more challenges ahead. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of anticipation and excitement. Bring it on, he thought, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Rolien's siblings burst into his room, excitement radiating from their faces. "Rolien, wake up! The emperor is here, and he brought the third princess with him," Elian exclaimed. Rolien groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them.

"What time is it?" Rolien asked, still disoriented.

"It's early morning," his sibling replied. "The emperor wants to thank you personally for saving the third princess."

Rolien quickly sat up, his mind racing. "Sophia's with him, right?" His sibling nodded. "Yeah, she's the third princess."

Rolien's eyes widened in shock. "Fuck the what?!" he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sophia's a princess?"

His siblings exchanged amused glances. "You had no idea?" Elian asked, chuckling.

Rolien shook his head, still trying to process the revelation. "No, she never mentioned it."

As they entered the grand hall, the emperor and Sophia were already seated, surrounded by guards and nobility. Rolien's eyes locked onto Sophia, his mind reeling with questions. Why hadn't she told him? What else didn't he know about her?

The emperor's words faded into the background as Rolien's thoughts swirled. He forced a bow, trying to compose himself. "It was my honor, Your Imperial Majesty."

Sophia's eyes met Rolien's, and she smiled warmly. Rolien's shock began to give way to curiosity. What would being a princess mean for Sophia's life and their relationship?

As Rolien bowed, his mind reeled with questions. Fuck the what?! Sophia's a princess? Why didn't she tell me? What else don't I know about her? Is everything about her a lie? No, she's not the type to deceive... Or is she? Rolien's thoughts swirled with uncertainty.

The Emperor, a stately figure with a strong jawline and piercing brown eyes, regarded Rolien with a warm smile. His imperial robes, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, seemed to shimmer in the morning light. A delicate golden circlet rested upon his brow, a symbol of his imperial authority.

As Rolien bowed, his mind reeled with shock. This is awkward. Why didn't she mention it? Is she embarrassed about her title? Or was she trying to keep it a secret? Did she think I wouldn't be able to handle it? Rolien's thoughts swirled with questions as he tried to process the revelation.

The Emperor's words washed over him, but Rolien's attention was focused on Sophia. She seemed calm and collected, but Rolien couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. Was she worried about how he'd react? Or was she used to people treating her differently because of her title?

As the Emperor finished speaking, Rolien straightened up, trying to look dignified despite his inner turmoil. "It was my honor, Your Imperial Majesty," he said, hoping his voice didn't betray his confusion.

The Emperor smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think we'll have to discuss the details of your reward later. For now, let's just say I'm grateful."

Rolien nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. As the Emperor departed, Sophia approached him, a small smile on her face. Rolien's eyes met hers, and he felt a jolt of uncertainty. What now? How would things change between them? Rolien's mind whirled with questions as he tried to navigate this new development.

Rolien shook his head, feeling a sense of humility wash over him. "I don't need any rewards, Your Imperial Majesty," he said, his voice sincere. "I just did what needed to be done."

The Emperor's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You refuse rewards? Most people would jump at the chance for imperial favor."

Rolien shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I'm just 8 years old, sir. I didn't do it for rewards. I did it because it was the right thing to do."

The Emperor's expression softened, and he nodded thoughtfully. "A capable 8-year-old. I'm impressed to learn that a kid like you will willingly risk his life for someone he didn't know. And I'm very moved by your actions, young Rolien."

Sophia smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "That's why I like him, Father," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. And Rolien heard it, and his face began to flash red. Dang, what is this kid saying? What if the emperor makes her marry me instead of a reward?" he said inside his head.

The Emperor's gaze lingered on Rolien, his eyes filled with a deep appreciation. "I think we'll have to keep an eye on you, young Rolien. You have a sense of courage and compassion that's rare in people of any age."the emperor said with a bright smile.

Rolien felt a sense of pride and humility wash over him, touched by the Emperor's words. He glanced at Sophia, who was watching him with a soft smile. For a moment, he forgot about the imperial titles and formalities, and it was just the two of them, connected by a shared moment of understanding.

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, a hint of a smile on his face. "Alright, young Rolien. I'll halt your reward for now. But I want you to know that it's not forgotten. Come and claim it when you're ready or in need. You have the Emperor's word on that."

Rolien nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the Emperor. "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," he said, bowing his head slightly.

The Emperor's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm sure we'll meet again, young Rolien. Until then, take care of yourself and remember that the Empire's favor is not something to be taken lightly."

With that, the Emperor turned to leave, Sophia by his side. As they departed, Rolien watched them go, feeling a sense of wonder and awe at the unexpected turn of events.

As the imperial entourage disappeared from view, Elian clapped Rolien on the back. "Well, bro, it looks like you've made a pretty big impression on the Emperor himself."

Rolien shrugged, still feeling a bit dazed. "I just did what needed to be done," he said, smiling slightly.

But deep down, he knew that this encounter would have far-reaching consequences. The Emperor's words had been more than just a gesture of gratitude - they had been a promise of future possibilities. And Rolien couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him now.

The Emperor's expression turned contemplative as he stopped and turned back to Rolien. "One more thing, young Rolien," he said, his voice measured. "What if...you and Sophia were to get engaged?"

The air seemed to freeze as Rolien's eyes widened in shock. Sophia's face turned a deep shade of pink, and she looked like she was about to say something, but then hesitated.

Rolien's mind went blank. Marriage? To Sophia? He hadn't even thought about that possibility. He looked at Sophia, trying to gauge her reaction, but her expression was unreadable.

The Emperor's eyes sparkled with amusement, but his tone remained serious. "Just a thought, young Rolien. Something to consider for the future."

With that, the Emperor nodded and turned to leave, Sophia following closely behind. As they departed, Rolien stood frozen, his mind reeling with the unexpected suggestion. Engaged to Sophia? What did that even mean? And what would it mean for their relationship? Rolien's thoughts swirled with questions as he watched them disappear from view.

To be continued