Suddenly, a giant bright square light announced its presence before me. I couldn't help but massage my temples.
'Not this damned place again!'
No–
'Calm down.'
With that in mind, I closed my eyes and breathed in and out slowly, steadily. After calming myself down, I opened my eyelids and took a deep breath.
Somehow I preferred Alexander's earth dome rather than this place.
'But whatever, all I have to do is watch some scenes, right?'
But, wait–what happened to my body outside? The last thing I remembered was… I heard Fedel's ridiculous voice and–uh, did I faint?
Well, It seemed that way.
'Will I be up for another three months this time?'
Nonetheless, I shook my head. It would be best if I finished all this nonsense and returned to Gaia. Without beating around the bush, I shouted.
"I'm ready, now play the damn movie!"
As if heeded my words, the screen swirled and showed a landscape of a city. However, upon seeing it my eyes stretched wide, it was the most beautiful city I had ever seen!
The beauty of the city was unparalleled! This one was far more gorgeous and glamorous than Axton City!
If my guess was right, then this city was without a doubt, Agatha; the Capital City of the Chrono Empire. I was sure because the description in the novel fitted this city perfectly.
<strong>[Agatha was also known as the 'White City'. It was due to having uniform white walls; all houses were built with white-colored walls, and contrasting blue doors. It was a picturesque city with many water features and running water.</strong>
<strong>In the plaza, there was a gigantic water fountain, and in the center of it stood the golden statue of a man. This statue was made by a renowned artist, it was said to be a statue of the founder of the Empire; Chrono.]</strong>
But before I could enjoy it anymore, the screen changed to a black-robed boy walking around the bustling street, and subconsciously, my brows furrowed.
Now that I thought about it, this was like a continuation of my previous dream. The last thing I remembered was Damian running away from the Palace, and now it seemed he had reached Agatha.
He was seen skimming through the area and entering a store. He sold his jewelry, then looked for an inn. After that, he visited many mercenary agencies every day.
His actions were repeated day after day and if I counted correctly, then he had been looking for information for almost a week.
But I assumed Damian didn't get the information he wanted because he kept sighing, and his face was painted in disappointment every time he got out of each mercenary's agency.
The Mercenary Agency was an independent organization. Filled with professional soldiers, they provided information and received quests such as joining the war regardless of their political interests, aiding monsters' subjugation, escorting merchants, bodyguarding, etc.
Damian kicked a stone on the ground and heaved a long sigh. I pitied him somehow, he looked tired, and his figure was now turned stick-like.
Only.
–Boom!
A loud explosion roared across the city and the ground shook violently. The screams of the citizens filled the space.
Damian hurriedly reached out to the nearest wall and leaned his body against it. His blue eyes swept around and people were seen doing the same action, some plummeted to the floor.
–Boom!
The explosions continued and crumbs of debris fell on them. However, the corner of his eye caught black smoke rising in the air. He traced it and Aeon Castle came into view.
"Ah…"
His eyes widened upon seeing it and unbeknownst to him, he started to run.
–Tap –Tap –Tap
Realizing something, his brows furrowed. Nonetheless, his speed slowed down and he finally came to a stop. Damian stood blankly as if rooted and his mind drifted.
–Rattle –Rattle –Rattle
The clatter of armor roused him from his reverie. Damian lowered his black hood to hide his face then moved to the side.
"Hurry up!"
"Move! Move!"
The Knights ran towards the Castle gate. Damian looked at them indifferently as they dashed past him. He turned and started walking away.
"Kyaaa!!"
"Honey! Hurry up!"
"Mommy!!"
Unlike the chaotic situation where people were running and screaming all over the place, Damian rolled his feet in a leisurely manner.
He stopped at the inn's entrance when he saw the lounge was empty. His blue eyes darted left and right but he found no one.
It looked like they had all run outside, and without much thought, Damian walked in and up the stairs, but…
'Whoever it is, they're quite daring in my opinion.'
Also, I started to question the title of 'The strongest military on the continent.' at this point. How come the Castle's security was easily breached like that?
Now that I talked about the military, wasn't this day the execution of the Aeneas Family? Wait–were they… linked?
If they were connected then it would be understandable as to why the Castle's defense was penetrated! Because some of the Knights knew the interior of Aeon Castle.
But… who? Were they Aeneas Knights? Or was it another variable?
.
.
.
The next morning Damian checked out of the inn. Since he didn't get the information he needed in this city, I assume he was trying to move to another one.
He went to the plaza and sat by the fountain. But he did something strange, even after hours had passed and the sun was already over his head, he still patiently waited.
'Is he waiting for someone?'
Not long after, a knight appeared and he placed some papers on the notice board in the plaza. As soon as the knight left, people started to flock.
Damian got up and walked over to join them. Luckily, he was small so he could slide through without difficulty. His eyes immediately skimmed over each letter in the announcement.
'Hmm, I see. Albeit he acted like feigned ignorance, deep down in his heart, he still cared for the Imperial Family, huh?'
<strong>[Yesterday, a force under the command of Gideon Aeneas stormed into the Castle to thwart his family's execution. He managed to escape with his family and kidnapped the Second Prince, Damian Atreilight.]</strong>
The boy's forehead wrinkled when they named his runaway as kidnapping. Still, his lips tugged and his expression lit up, it looked like he was quite delighted that his Grandfather and his family didn't end up under the guillotine.
<strong>[As the crimes of Gideon Aeneas could no longer be tolerated. With this, the Empire announced that he was now the most wanted person on the continent.</strong>
<strong>Whoever tried to hide him would be considered against the Empire and would suffer the same fate as him. </strong>
<strong>Anyone who reports the whereabouts of Gideon or Prince Damian will be handsomely rewarded.</strong>
<strong>Following this matter, every entry to or exit from cities throughout the Empire's territory would be thoroughly inspected.]</strong>
Nonetheless, Damian was bewildered as he read the last sentence. He could see Gideon and his portrait displayed below the notice.
Also, if every entrance and exit needed to be checked, then this was his last chance to get out of this city.
Wasting no more time, he quickly slipped out of the crowd. Damian immediately sped up his feet as he saw the knights starting to pile up on the square.
'It seems Dariush intends to tighten the security.'
Damian pulled down his hood and quickly rolled his feet toward Agatha's entrance. His blue eyes busily turned to every side to ensure that no one noticed his presence.
However, he stopped his steps after seeing people lining up at the city's entrance; the Knights had begun their inspection.
"Tsk."
He clucked his tongue in annoyance and turned around. But, as if struck by lightning, Damian froze. He was beyond surprised when a black-haired boy with golden eyes entered his view.
"Dammit."
He cursed in a low tone and hastily gave his back to Alexander on the horse. But before he could take a step, a familiar voice pierced his ears.
"Halt."
–Thump –Thump –Thump
And for some reason, his heart skipped a beat. Ignoring the voice he resumed his stride, however…
"Yes, you. The black-robed boy."
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢