The next day, in the beautiful morning at my inn.
Looking at the invitation they gave me, it seems the event will be held at 4:00 PM, and most likely ...
It will end at night, precisely at 8:00 PM.
Well, it looks like I'll be back late, but where did they go?
In the Muhacir settlement, Leon was training himself with his new martial arts techniques, using the sword I gave him in Scarthage.
He started slashing various training tree trunks to improve his agility and strength.
This intense training was also reinforced by working on his physical fitness.
"Huh ... Alright, time to rest. I want to prove to her that I'm strong and not weak like she thinks."
"Krak—krak!"
"Wait for me, crow."
"Could that sound be coming from ..."
Leon looked toward the source of the noise.
And he saw Qia chasing a crow that seemed to have escaped its nest.
"Hey, don't go too far, my crow!"
"Oh, it's Qia. Alright, I'll help her catch that crow."
"Krak—krak!"
Leon climbed onto one of the tree branches and started leaping to catch it.
"Krak—krak!"
"Finally, you can't escape anymore, little crow."
"Brother Leon? Thank you for helping me catch the crow."
"You're welcome. Here's your crow. What's its name?"
Leon handed the crow back to Qia.
"Brother, you're asking its name?"
"Yeah, do you remember?"
"If I'm not mistaken, its name is Raven. What are you doing here, Brother Leon?"
"Oh, its name is Raven. Actually, I'm training myself for the royal palace training event this afternoon."
"Oh, I see."
Leon invited Qia to go to his house, carrying the crow on his shoulder.
"Yeah, you should come to my house."
"Alright, let's go."
[New message confirmed.]
"Huh, a message?"
"Are you one of Sister Zira's channel members, Brother?"
"Yeah, of course, because I want to help her. Alright, I'll open the message."
Leon pressed the button on the system notification.
[Message opened:
Leon, would you like to go to the Ashtil Kingdom with me and Kaito?]
[Response:]
"Going with Zira and Kaito to the Ashtil Kingdom for the joint training event with the royal warriors is fine, but ..."
"Why do you look confused, Brother Leon?"
"W-well, it's fine, but I won't face that thief!"
[Alright, I'll go there.]
Leon pressed the send button to submit his message.
"Click!"
[Your response has been sent.]
"What will she reply?"
[Zira: Alright, thank you, and I want to let you know I'm not home. I hope you can take good care of the house.]
[Response:]
"Ah, why did she leave the house! Well, like it or not, I'll just bring this girl to keep me company at home."
[W-well, alright, I hope you won't be gone too long.]
"Click!"
[Your response has been sent.]
"Alright, Qia, let's speed up our steps. I've picked a nice spot for Raven."
"O-okay, Brother, let's go."
Leon and Qia quickened their pace and hurried toward the inn.
In Heavy Ashtil, the grand residence of the kingdom's nobles.
Kaito was seen meeting someone.
"You know, Lord Stark, that Kimera could slip out of your sight, and he's more cunning than we think."
"I know that, and that's why I put him in Xavier's Prison as a precaution in case he escapes."
"But I'm still curious—what will happen if all the warriors focus on this sparring training event?"
"For sure, not everyone will join, and I'll guard Kimera. If he tries to escape, my hands will be the ones to end him."
"Alright, I'll trust you with that."
Kaito began to leave the place.
Before going too far, Kaito glanced back slightly.
"Let me remind you again—the presence of Kimura's smoke could mean he's disguising himself and planning to free his friend."
"I know that."
"I hope you can handle it, and if you can't, I'll end him myself."
Kaito disappeared from Lord Stark's sight.
Lord Stark clenched his fist.
"I'm not as careless as you think, Kaito!" said Lord Stark with a slightly angry tone.
At the Ashtil Royal Palace.
At the Ashtil Royal Palace, all the warriors were preparing for the grand sparring event.
They also set up food and drinks as a resting area for the guests.
And they prepared a venue for the party.
In the palace courtyard, Yulian and Kibomba were facing Prince Falman.
"Have you all prepared what I ordered?"
"Yes, Prince, we've prepared everything you commanded, even setting up a place for the people's party."
"Good, but that's not satisfying enough for me."
"Huh? Why, Prince?"
"You know, Kibomba, there will also be Scarthage immigrants coming, so the number of visitors will definitely increase, right?"
"Yes, Prince."
"I want you to really prepare what's still lacking here."
"Yes, Prince!"
Prince Falman left the backyard and returned inside the palace.
Yulian and Kibomba started looking for what might still be missing from their preparations.
They were confident that their preparations were fully ready, even for the immigrants.
"Could it be that the Prince meant him?"
"Huh? What do you mean by 'him'?"
"N-no! It's nothing. It seems we should increase our food supplies and tidy up the outer courtyard again."
"Alright."
"Have you fixed what I asked you to?"
"You mean the warriors' uniforms?"
"Yes, I hope you didn't forget. Alright, goodbye."
Yulian left Kibomba to prepare what was still needed, while Kibomba still looked confused about what Prince Falman and Yulian had said.
At the Inn.
"I'm home. Qia, don't forget to take off my shoes, okay?"
"Yes, Brother Leon. Excuse me, is anyone here?"
"Come in, Qia. Zira and Kaito are out."
"Alright, so you're staying together here?"
"More or less like that. Why?"
"It's nothing, really."
[Message received.]
[Zira: Kaito will return to the inn, so I hope you can welcome him nicely.]
"It's him again!"
[Zira: Have fun!]
"I've had enough!"
"Huh? Why, Brother Leon? Are Sister Zira and Brother Kaito coming here?"
"No, alright, I'll get you some food and drinks. Wait a moment, okay?"
"O-okay."
Leon went to the kitchen to get some food and drinks for Qia, while Qia seemed confused by Leon's reaction to the message.
[Points received: 4000 points.]
Alright, it seems I've completed today's quest. Okay, let's head back and prepare what we'll bring to the palace.
I started hurrying toward the inn.
I hope I'm not late again.
I quickened each step to reach the inn on time.
But then I saw someone.
Could it be ...
You! Kaito, where have you been?
"Oh, it's you? Zira, I was just taking a short walk."
No way you were just walking around.
"You're such a pain!"
At least we need to get ready to go there.
"Huh? Go where?"
The Ashtil Royal Palace.
Don't you remember?
"Huh? So sudden like that?"
Oh my gosh. I took the invitation letter out of my jacket pocket and showed it to Kaito.
Here, you can see it, right?
The sparring training event with the Ashtil Royal Warriors will start at 4:00 PM.
And you're still acting so relaxed?
"Well, what's the big deal? You seem to be forcing me."
You shouldn't waste my chance.
"For what?"
To train with the great warriors there.
What else do you think, huh?
"I'm already strong, and besides, it's just a normal training session."
Just normal, you say?
This might be my first chance to prove I can become a tough warrior.
And to show you and Leon that a woman like me can do extraordinary things like men usually do.
"Yeah, yeah, if you keep talking like that."
Hey, what are you doing?
Why are you holding my hand?
"Click!"
"Or you'll be late."
"Whoosh."
"Now we're at the inn. Alright, go get ready; I'll just change my clothes."
Hey! You!
Wait a minute! There's Leon and...
"And what?"
"Clack!"
"Huh? Brother Kaito's back?"
Oh my gosh, Qia, you're here? Hey, you! Why didn't you tell me, huh?
Didn't I already contact you through the Channel?
You should've gotten notifications.
"Huh? Wait a sec. System, open the channel now!"
[Channel 777 opened.]
[Number of notifications: 4 unread messages.]
"Hehehe, turns out it's just a chat between Zira and Leon."
"Oh, it's you! You thief!"
"Huh? What do you mean, huh!"
Don't fight like this, you two.
Can't you see Qia is here? You should set a good example for Qia and not act so childish here.
"Uh, alright."
"Uh, alright."
Now, Kaito, go change your clothes.
"Uh, alright, little miss."
Hey, what do you mean by that, huh!
Kaito went inside the inn and started changing his clothes.
Oh my gosh, Kaito, you really are!
"Weird thief."
And you, Leon? Are you ready to go to the palace?
"Oh, not yet. Why?"
I told you to get ready!
"Uh, alright."
Leon hurriedly started preparing what he would bring.
"I didn't expect Sister Zira to be this strict."
Qia, you ... Why do you think I'm strict?
"Because of your tone earlier, Sister."
Oh my gosh, I forgot Qia was here, and it seems I need to watch my tone going forward.
Alright, Qia, come with me.
"Yes, Sister Zira."
Qia followed me out of the inn. I wanted to take her back to the Muhacir settlement.
And I hope that after I leave Muhacir, those two will be done getting ready.
"Hey, you! Why are you just getting ready now, huh? Where were you earlier?"
"Where I went and how I got ready is my business, not yours. I hope you don't meddle in this."
"Watch out!"
"What, am I supposed to be scared of a weak guy like you?"
"THUD!"
Kaito was thrown far from where he stood, and it seemed he was starting to get angry at Leon.
"Watch it, Leon!"
"Come on, huh."
"Clang!"
[Message received.]
"Huh? Don't tell me that's a message from Zira."
[Notification from Channel 777.]
"Open that message!"
[Message opened.]
[Zira: Hey, you two aren't fighting again, are you? I'm waiting for you outside the Muhacir settlement.]
[Zira: I hope you can come here soon.]
"That's a message from Zira, huh? Alright, I'll go first. You need to clean up that wound of yours."
"Hey! You!"
Leon left the inn, and Kaito, still annoyed with Leon, started tending to the bruise from the punch.
---
Outside the Muhacir settlement, I was observing the activities of the Scarthage immigrants who had adapted to the surroundings.
They were engaging in trading, farming, fishing, painting, and other activities they could turn into livelihoods.
And I was happy to see them smiling and feeling comfortable living in this kingdom.
Even though their place was a refugee settlement and they were immigrants from their sworn enemies, they still connected with one another.
Yes, it seems I didn't misplaced my high hopes for this continent, and perhaps that time will come.
"Zira, sorry I'm late getting here."
Oh my gosh, Leon, you!
Huh? Where's Kaito? Don't tell me you two fought again!
"N-no, we didn't ..."
Suspicious!
"Hey, Zira, I'm here."
That voice is coming from ...
I looked behind Leon, and the voice was coming from ...
It's Kaito.
"Huh ... Huh ... Sorry I'm late."
Oh my gosh, you two are the same. Both late for things like this.
Huh? That's a bruise ... Don't tell me you fought again!
"Forgive me, Zira, because of me, Kaito got that bruise on his face."
"N-no, it was just a minor fight. More like, just wait, Leon, I'll beat you next time."
[Item purchased.]
"Huh, that's ..."
I applied the medicine to the bruised area on Kaito's face.
Calm down, this wound will heal soon.
"Zira, you ... That cold herbal medicine is..."
Yes, I'm using this so you can heal quickly.
Alright, that should be enough.
"T-thank you."
You're welcome.
"Forgive me, Kaito, for that punch that gave you this bruise."
"Yeah, I forgive you, but more like you're lucky Zira's here. Watch out!"
Alright, it seems the horse has arrived.
"Horse?"
"Horse?"
Yes, look over there.
"Hrrrhhh ..."
"Hey, kid, you're the one who got the invitation, right?"
Yes, sir, I'm the one who received the invitation.
"Alright, hurry up and get on the seat. The limit is three people, okay?"
Alright.
Come on, you two, get in.
"Alright, Zira."
"Uh, alright, Zira."
Leon got into the seat first, then I followed, and finally Kaito climbed in.
"Alright, hold on tight."
"Hiiiigh!"
The sound of the horse signaled that the journey to the royal palace was about to begin.
And I couldn't wait to see just how grand the palace was and meet their strongest warriors.
In the royal horse carriage, Kaito started a conversation about something.
"Zira ..."
Yes, what is it?
"Do you know the reason these timelines exist?"
Timelines? What do you mean, huh?
"Just open that message after we arrive later."
"Hey! What are you talking about, huh!"
"This is just a special conversation meant only for me and Zira."
"You!"
Don't fight again, let's focus on what's important.
"The training?"
Yes, what else?
"Clack-clack!"
"You three, it seems we'll arrive soon."
Yes, that's great then.
"I hope nothing happens like I'm thinking."
"Hiiiigh!"
"Alright, we've arrived. At the Ashtil Royal Palace, you may step out."
Alright.
Kaito got off the seat first, followed by me, and then Leon.
How much is the fare, sir?
"It's free since the kingdom has already covered all payments for honorable guests."
Thank you, sir.
"You're welcome, go ahead and enter the palace. I'll follow shortly."
Alright, come on, Kaito! Leon!
"Alright."
"Alright."
The three of us began entering the Ashtil Palace grounds.
From the outside, the palace looked huge, majestic, and beautifully stunning.
No wonder they're called the smartest nation, the Archien.
And when we reached the palace gates, we were approached by two warriors.
"Show your invitation, miss!"
Alright, here it is.
I handed over the three invitations that Yulian had given me.
"Alright, you're permitted to enter."
The three of us then stepped inside the palace, marveling at its beauty and grandeur.
I wonder if the training courtyard is even more luxurious than this?
"Hello, Miss Leonhert."
Huh? That voice came from my right side.
I looked to my right and saw the prince, Yulian, and Steve standing there.
We approached where they were standing.
What are you doing here?
"We've been waiting for you."
"Yes, Miss Leonhert, the three of you are our special guests."
The three of us?
"Tch, don't tell me they only want Zira."
"Alright, let's head to the training courtyard."
Okay, come on, Kaito, Leon.
"You go ahead."
Huh? Why you?
"I want to take a short walk."
Uh, alright.
"Where are you going, huh!"
"That's none of your business."
Oh my gosh, you two.
Kaito left us, and I invited Leon to head to the training courtyard.
Come on, Leon!
"Alright, if you insist."
"Come on, follow us."
Okay, I hope this can be my first moment of happiness, or maybe there's something big hidden here.
[Greatest threat detected.]
"Yes, I know for sure one of those three is Kimura in disguise."
(Small smile)