“This way. She is waiting for you.”
The moment I walk through the gate to the capital, I’m stopped for some reason.
I’m sure Kalin sent them a message via the communications device, so apparently they were waiting for me at the gate.
There is even someone here to guide me, who is wearing plain clothes, but clearly moves like someone who has knowledge of military arts, while at the same time not feeling very knightly.
This is probably a subordinate of Princess Floren, who is rumored to have control over the underground side of things.
And I’m not being taken to the castle.
We exit the noble side of town and walk through an intricate alley for a while, which leads us to an open area with a large tree and a building that looks like it’s resting against it. It’s not a design I’ve seen a lot, and it feels kind of old-fashioned. My guide keeps walking towards this building with retro charm.
The guide then says the same thing as before, and opens the door.
“Excuse me.”
I say as we go in and see that much like the exterior, the interior design is very charming.
Sunlight passes through the trees and heavily slanted skylight, and I can see a woman standing beneath this gentle light.
A calm and elegant air surrounds her, and she has golden hair, much like Princess Lily. If I remember correctly, she is two years older than Princess Lily, but doesn’t look like it, probably because of her gentle expression.
She looks very different from what I pictured when I imagined the person who controls information in this country along with the more obscure side of it. Someone who is both mocked as the shut-in princess and feared.
No… I can definitely feel something deep beneath those dark indigo eyes.
“Princess, I have brought you Master Rust.”
The guide says before disappearing.
It was basically just a matter of leaving through the front door, but it was done with impressive agility.
How much would I have been able to see if I didn’t have some memories of battle from the shaman? Would I have even noticed anything?
I feel impressed as I take a knee and greet Princess Floren, before she starts speaking.
“Master Rust, I am Floren Kalzart. Thank you for coming. This is an informal location, so there is no need for such formality.”
“Understood, Princess Floren.”
“Come this way. I will prepare something to drink.”
I follow her through the door on the other side of the room.
The way this building was constructed is strange. There is a root of the big tree behind that door, and Princess Floren points to the table and chairs placed in that room.
I take a light bow before I pull the main seat, and Floren shakes her head with a light smile. She then starts preparing a drink, and I move to another seat.
So she’s actually going to prepare something herself? I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone in such a position of power like this.
She does it very quickly too, like she’s used to it.
“This is tea based on the seeds of a special plant type monster from the south. Its bitterness can feel a little strong, but it is very flagrant. I can add something sweet if you dislike the bitter taste, so would you prefer it that way?”
She asks as she slowly pours hot water. It does smell very nice.
“Yes, I will take mine with some sweetness.”
“That honesty of yours is a virtue. Here you go.”
I feel like her indigo eyes get darker as she says this.
Did she ask me that just as a way to evaluate me? Like she’s going to match my honesty with her own?
“Thank you.”
I take a sip. The fragrance that was strong enough for me to feel from a distance suddenly becomes a lot richer and overpowers everything else.
The taste that follows feels wonderful, like a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.
As I think about how impressed I am with it, Floren also takes a sip, and starts talking about the request.
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