Chapter 1316: Complaints and Threats ( 1316 )
Delya glanced at Liana, a soft smile on her lips as she asked gently.
"Big Sis?"
"Hmm?" Liana tilted her head up. "Yes, Delya?"
"Do you know when Felicia will be back?"
"Ah... I believe she’s on her way here now."
"Really?"
"Mm... She contacted us yesterday evening when we were still at the Elven Royal Palace. She said she would be returning this morning on her pekko. She should be arriving soon."
Meanwhile.
Armand Eastern Border.
People from all races lined up, waiting to be checked and processed at the gate, turned their heads as three pekko riders approached, with Felicia leading at the front. She pulled her pekko to a graceful stop at the main gate, her silver-white hair catching the morning light.
The Armand Guard Captain noticed them from his post and moved forward, placing his fist over his left chest and offering a respectful nod.
"Welcome back, Princess Felicia. It’s an honor to have you return to Armand."
Felicia smiled, her expression warm and gracious. "Thank you for your kind welcome. I trust everyone here is doing well?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Everything has been running smoothly." The captain smiled.
Felicia glanced around at the long line of people, noticing the Beastkin folk in the crowd bowing toward her with respect. She responded with a graceful and beautiful wave, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she acknowledged her people who were there to conduct business inside Armand Nation.
Felicia glanced at the captain, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation.
"Has my husband, Prince Javier, returned yet?"
The captain smiled and shook his head. "Not yet, Your Highness. If he were close, he would have contacted us. Or, as usual, his pekko Buddy would be causing a lively commotion around the town or even outside the gate."
Felicia let out a soft laugh, raising her knuckle to cover her lips as she smiled. "That does sound like Buddy. He’s always full of energy."
The captain nodded warmly. "Indeed, Your Highness. We all know how the prince’s pekko behaves. Buddy’s spirited nature is well known among the guards."
Felicia nodded, her expression composed as she glanced toward the road ahead. "I’ll take my leave now. I don’t want to disturb your work any further."
The captain nodded before tapping his mana talkie. "Princess Felicia has arrived at the Eastern Gate. Requesting escort and clearance for travel to the Armand Estate."
A soft crackle followed before a voice replied. "Elite Pekko Rider Units are on their way. Estimated arrival: three minutes."
The captain looked up at Felicia, still seated on her pekko. "Please step inside and wait for the Elite Pekko Unit to arrive before continuing your journey to the Armand Estate, Your Highness."
Felicia offered a gentle smile, shaking her head. "You shouldn’t trouble yourselves for me. I already have two Armand Special Unit members escorting me."
The captain smiled and shook his head politely. "I’m simply doing my job, Your Highness, and following orders from higher up, specifically from Her Majesty Queen Francesca, the First Queen of Armand. She insisted on ensuring your safe return."
Felicia smiled and nodded gracefully. "If that is the order from Her Majesty, then I shall comply."
She guided her pekko through the gate, followed closely by the two Armand Special Unit members, but paused to wave gracefully toward the people in line, who bowed respectfully in return.
The captain nodded, watching her pass before returning to his duties.
Meanwhile.
Beastkin Nation.
The second route.
"Oi, beggar!"
Javier glanced back over his shoulder, his expression casual as he looked at Gorak, who was leaning out of the carriage window with an impatient scowl.
"What?"
"How much longer is this journey going to take?!" Gorak shouted, his voice sharp with irritation. "We’ve been traveling for days! Are you leading us in circles?!"
Javier rubbed his chin thoughtfully, while Buddy continued walking with a smug, strutting gait, his head held high and his beak slightly open, looking every bit the proud, oversized monster bird.
"Armand is far," Javier said casually, his tone light. "We still have a ways to go."
"I’m sure you’re lying, you dirty beggar!" Gorak shouted, his voice rising with frustration. "You’re deliberately stalling so you can charge us more!"
"Wooo~" Javier pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes with a mock offended look. "The payment was already agreed upon earlier. I’m not that low to add extra charges." He paused, then wiggled his eyebrows with a sheepish grin. "But... if you’re willing to add more, well... ehehehe... that would be... appreciated~"
Jaigar, who was in the other carriage, lost his patience and leaned out the window, shouting toward Javier with a sharp, angry tone.
"Oi, beggar! You better find a shorter way to Armand right now, or I won’t be paying the remaining five gold!"
Javier pursed his lips before narrowing his eyes toward them and letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"Man... this is why I hate taking jobs like this, especially with assholes like you all. Man~ It’s better for me to sit at the elven fountain and beg for money... easy and peaceful."
He shook his head, mumbling in complaint. "First, they want speed, so I give you the fastest speed, which could have taken us straight there by now, but you complained. Now I give you a slow pace, and you still complain. Can’t please anyone these days..."
"You better do your job, or I’ll make sure you regret it, lowly scum beggar."
Javier shook his head before glancing at the two coachmen. He subtly raised his hand, scratching the back of his head while his fingers formed a quick, discreet signal.
"We’re going to use the shortcut."
The coachmen nodded, hiding their smirks as one of them replied, "Yes, Mister Jee."
Javier glanced back at Gorak and the others with a flat expression. "There? Happy?"
Before they could respond, he turned his head and focused on the road ahead, a mysterious smirk curling on his lips.
Well...
Since these assholes asked for it, I should give them what they want.
And this is also the best way to test their real power.
If they can endure this route, then they’re stronger than I thought, and I’ll need to take precautions. But if they fail... then they’re just weaklings with big mouths.
Javier’s smirk widened as he patted Buddy’s neck.
"Alright, Buddy. Let’s take them through the scenic route."
Buddy let out a low, excited squawk, his beak curving into a knowing grin.
( End Of Chapter )
