Elizabeth sighed, as she walked off stage. Although her speech was short, she was somehow exhausted. Her friends did not share in her exhaustion though, since they were discussing their bizarre new titles. Shirley was particularly upset.
"Crazed Demon… You don't think they're talking about me, right?"
Freon chuckled. "Who else could it be? You fight like an animal! Ow! You didn't have to hit me."
She pouted angrily. "Yes, I did. You get a cool title like 'Ash Bringer', while I get 'Crazed Demon'. It sounds more like an insult than a compliment!"
He suppressed a low chuckle. "To be honest, my title doesn't make much sense either. I don't bring ash. At most, my spells are mostly fire-related, but I can choose other spells too. I'm not sure why they called me that."
"I'm going to find the people who called me 'Crazed Demon', beat them up, and force them to change my name!"
Elizabeth laughed. "You probably shouldn't do that, Shirley. That might make things worse."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"The best way to stop something is to ignore it."
"…I still think my way is better," she grumbled.
"What about you, Benedict? Do you like your title?" Freon changed topics.
"You mean the 'Sword Prince'?" Benedict asked wryly. "It's arrogant, far too arrogant. There are many swordsmen superior to me, like my two older martial brothers or my father. I can't compare to my master, the true Sword King."
"Well, if your master is the Sword King, then being his disciple, I think Sword Prince is appropriate. I'm curious though. You didn't tell anyone else you were the Sword King's disciple. How did they know?"
"Both of them are swordsmen. It might have been a lucky guess," Shirley added.
"Maybe," Freon shrugged.
Elizabeth did not know how to feel about being called the 'Guardian Angel' of the Alzar Kingdom, so she remained silent. If anything, that title should go to the Sword King or Protector Avin, who had the power to truly defend the kingdom against threats like the Featherwind Sect… She was helpless against them, in comparison. Whatever. She said, "Let's go tour the stalls. I saw some interesting ones a few streets over. The banquet party will be after dusk, so we still have plenty of time."
"Let me get my family. They're over there," Shirley said.
"Sure, we're wait here."
"I'll call my sister and Yuna."
"Did you make up with Nassandra yet?"
"No… but we're on speaking terms now, at least," Freon scratched his head and sighed. They left, leaving Elizabeth and Benedict alone.
Elizabeth looked at him. "You're not going to invite anyone?"
He smiled. "I don't know anyone else."
"What about Sir Melvin, that Arcane Knight? I saw you two talking about something before."
"He wanted to know more about my Hawken Style and Cloud Sea Style. He asked if I could demonstrate it for the Arcane Knights later."
"I thought they would've been more interested in Martial Energy," Elizabeth wondered. "Lady Kalasena was also curious whether you would be willing to spar with her again. Apparently, she improved her technique, and she wanted to test it."
"Really?"
Benedict was a little hopeful. Lady Kalasena was arguably one of the most talented swordswomen of their generation, achieving both Perception Realm Novice and Minor Sword Form in under twenty one years. She was expected to reach the heights of Lady Valentina or Sir Sebastian, the current two strongest Royal Guards, in due time. Honestly speaking, Benedict thought she should have been the Sword King's next disciple, and not him. He wanted to see how far she could go. Little did he know, Elizabeth was watching his face very closely. Her chest tightened when she saw his eagerness.
"I'll let her know then," she paced her words.
"Thank you."
"…"
They looked at each other awkwardly, not knowing what to say. It was baffling! This was not the first time they were alone together, but for some reason, the feeling was different. Elizabeth could not understand. Benedict was supposed to be her best friend, yet she was counting the seconds, praying that Shirley and Freon could return faster. Thankfully, her prayers were soon answered. Shirley returned with Charles, Robert, and her mother. Freon with Nassandra and Yuna. Sharp as always, Shirley sensed the unusual air between Elizabeth and Benedict and smiled knowingly. Freon noticed as well, and he refrained from commenting. He was not that curious. The others did not sense anything amiss.
"Your Highness," Shirley's two brothers and mother bowed in unison. It was clearly practiced.
Elizabeth smiled sweetly. "Please, you don't have to do that."
"See? I told you she wouldn't mind," Shirley hmphed.
Her two brothers grinned, but her mother was hesitant. The woman stammered, "But, Your Highness, this… this is inappropriate!"
Elizabeth stepped forward and lifted the poor woman. "Shirley saved my life almost too many times to count. We're best friends, and she's my Protector now. If anything, I should be bowing my head to you instead."
"But…" Her lips quivered.
"You should listen to her, mom. It's what she wants," Charles nudged.
"I… Alright, I'll try."
"Once more, it's an honor to finally meet you, Lady Adel. Shirley told me much about you," Elizabeth said. She offered her hand. "I hope we can get along."
"Yes! Of course, Your Highness! It would be my pleasure!" Adel hurriedly shook her hand.
"Charles, Robert, I haven't seen you both in nearly two years. Robert, you've grown taller since we met! How old are you this year?"
"Fourteen! I'll be turning fifteen in December."
"At this rate, you might grow taller than your big sister," Elizabeth laughed.
"He wishes," Shirley rolled her eyes.
"Ahem. I turned eighteen," Charles interjected.
"Hm? That means we're the same age! When's your birthday?" Elizabeth replied.
"May."
"That's the same as me!"
"Haha, I guess we have something in common."
"Stop it." Shirley jabbed him with an elbow. Question marks appeared above Charles's head. What did he do wrong?
"Is Lord Avin not going to join us?" Adel asked Freon.
"My uncle? I haven't the slightest clue where he is."
She clicked her tongue in disapproval. "I hate people who disappear randomly. Freon, make sure you don't take after your uncle."
He spread his hands helplessly. "I don't intend to."
"Good."
"Shall we go then?" Elizabeth asked, to which everyone agreed.
To avoid being noticed, Elizabeth, like in the marketplace, swapped out her fancy clothes for plain wears. She complimented it with a large coat and hood that covered her iconic red hair. Nobody would reconcile her current appearance with the princess who delivered the opening speech. Benedict and Shirley were less recognizable, and when they changed out of their Royal Guard armor, they blended in with ease. That said, they did not forget the risk involved. There was no telling what might happen during the celebrations. Who knows? A crazy person might try to attack them. That was why they kept their weapons at hand. And with Martial Energy, their armor was more of a hindrance than an aid. It was unnecessary. As for Freon, he did not bother changing. He honestly doubted anyone could recognize him in a crowd. He was not that outstanding. Their group of nine descended on the streets together. Their smiles and joy lasted for hours.
As the twin suns bathed the world in a vivid orange glow, Elizabeth regretfully ended their adventure. They had to head to the banquet party. After parting ways with Yuna and Shirley's family, Elizabeth, Benedict, Shirley, Freon, and Nassandra, their band of five changed into formal clothes, boarded a carriage, and departed for the central district. Countless other carriages could be seen heading in the same direction. Although the Second Sage mentioned that the banquet party would host heroes from the war, these 'heroes' clearly required a minimum in status and power to participate. Not everyone could be invited. The 'lesser' soldiers would have to settle with their celebrations elsewhere. Nearly every great person in the Zino Kingdom would be present tonight. Elizabeth hoped that nothing would go wrong. She was tired of surprises. For once, she would like to be bored!
The banquet party took place in an open garden called the High Gardens. It was a haven of trees, which at this time of the year were a myriad of golden, orange, or crimson leaves. The grand array of colors, the rich earthy scent, combined with the carefully placed braziers and the setting suns, created for a breathtaking view! It looked like a painting jumped into real life! People admired the scenery while sipping fine wine and chatting softly. It was calm and peaceful, a stark contrast to the dense chaos of the city streets. It was basically an entirely different world… When Elizabeth stepped off the carriage, she immediately straightened her back and adopted a regal disposition. She became Princess Elizabeth, the Royal Ambassador! Aside from Benedict, who was used to these noble parties, the others were lacking in grace. Elizabeth did briefly tell them what they should do or not do, but proper etiquette needed practice. They quickly stood out.