The steamships glided smoothly through the calm waters, their massive forms casting gentle ripples in their wake as they approached the port of Bideford, the capital city of Ryntum.
Audrey stood on the deck of one of the ships, her eyes fixed on the horizon, eager to catch the first glimpse of her homeland.
She felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as the city gradually came into view, its buildings and spires slowly taking shape against the backdrop of the sky.
The salty breeze tousled Audrey's hair as she took in the sights, the familiar scent of the sea mingling with the earthy scent of the nearby land. After spending so much time in the north, her heart swelled with nostalgia as the ship glided closer to the bustling port.
"I'm finally home," Audrey murmured with a sense of relief and contentment.
As the ship docked, she gracefully disembarked and stepped onto the land of Ryntum. After the long journey and time spent away, she relished the feeling of solid ground beneath her feet.
The gentle sway of the ship had become a familiar sensation, but nothing could replace the stability of standing on dry land. Audrey stretched her limbs, savouring the freedom of movement after being confined to the ship for days.
Her dedicated assistant, ever faithful and efficient, followed closely behind, carrying her bag. "Miss, how do we go to the capital?" she inquired, awaiting her instructions.
"Well..." Audrey gazed at the bustling scene before her, everyone bustling around with a sense of purpose.
Merchants hawked their wares, porters hurriedly carried goods, and sailors attended to their tasks. The port of Ryntum was a vibrant hub of activity, a reflection of the kingdom's prosperity and importance.
"Obviously we'll take a carriage to the government complex," Audrey replied with a warm smile. "I believe there are carriages available nearby. Let's go and find one."
Her assistant nodded, and together they navigated through the bustling crowd, making their way to find any carriage that would offer to take them to their destination.
As they stepped away from the port, Audrey embraced the liveliness around her.
After a few moments, her assistant pointed towards a carriage with a sign indicating it was available for hire. "Miss, I think that guy over there is offering a ride service," she informed Audrey, gesturing towards the carriage.
"Let's go and ask," she said.
They approached the carriage, and the driver, a friendly-looking man, greeted them with a warm smile. "Good day misses," he said. "Looking for a ride?"
"Yes, we need to go to the government complex," Audrey replied. "Are you available for the journey?"
The driver nodded. "Of course, miss. I can take you to the capital right away. Please, hop in."
Audrey and her assistant climbed into the carriage, settling into the comfortable seats. The driver signalled to the horses, and with a gentle tug on the reins, they set off towards the heart of Bideford.
The carriage rolled smoothly alongside the Givry River, and Audrey couldn't help but admire the picturesque scenery that unfolded before her. Lush trees lined the riverbanks, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Colourful flowers bloomed in vibrant clusters, adding bursts of beauty to the landscape.
As the carriage headed towards the city centre of Bideford, the surroundings became more lively and bustling. The once tranquil streets were now filled with a throng of people going about their daily routines.
The carriage slowed down, navigating through the crowded streets as pedestrians hurried along their way. Vendors lined the sidewalks, calling out their wares to passersby, and the air was filled with the cheerful chatter of the city's residents.
Finally, the carriage arrived at their destination, and Audrey gracefully alighted, paying the fare to the driver with a warm smile of gratitude.
Once he was out of their sight, her assistant couldn't help but express her concern, "That was pretty expensive, isn't it?"
Sigh-
Audrey nodded. "Yes, it was," she replied, "but what else can we do? Considering the urgency of our journey and the limited options available, we had to choose him regardless."
Her assistant understood, "I suppose you're right. It's just that I'm used to bargaining for better prices."
With their conversation settling, Audrey and her assistant made their way towards the towering government complex.
As they stepped inside, Audrey's eyes roamed over the familiar surroundings.
There were a lot of people bustling to and fro, yet there was an air of quiet efficiency that permeated the atmosphere. Government officials and staff moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing softly on the floors.
Instead of heading directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey walked towards the part of the complex where the king's office was located. She navigated through the maze of corridors and hallways until they reached her intended location.
A staff member stationed at the entrance desk looked up as they approached. She greeted them politely, "Good morning. How may I assist you?"
"I'm here to meet the king," Audrey replied calmly, her demeanour radiating confidence.
The staff member's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Sorry to inform you but not anybody can meet the king. Meeting the king requires prior authorization," she explained. "May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
ραΠdαsΝοvel.cοm "I'm not just anybody though," Audrey said with a slight smile. She signalled her assistant to bring her bag closer.
Rummaging through the bag, Audrey retrieved a slightly crumpled piece of paper, carefully stamped with the royal insignia. "I have been sent by the king himself as a diplomat to Barlia. This letter confirms my claim."
The staff looked at the paper and then back at Audrey, seemingly taken aback. "Ah, I see," she said, recovering quickly. "Please wait for a moment. I will inform the king."
Audrey and her assistant patiently waited, a mix of excitement and nervousness building within them.
After a brief moment, the staff returned with a smile on her face. "The king is waiting for you. Please follow me."
With the staff leading the way, Audrey and her assistant were escorted through the corridors of the government complex before finally they reached a door with intricate carvings, adorned with the royal emblem.
The staff knocked softly before opening the door and gesturing for Audrey and her assistant to enter.
Inside the king's office, Riz sat behind a large desk, poring over various documents. He looked up as Audrey entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Audrey, it's good to have you back. If I know you have arrived at Bideford, I would send someone to pick you up," he said warmly.
"It's good to be back, Your Majesty," Audrey replied, bowing respectfully. "I am lucky enough to find an available carriage that takes me here."
Riz nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I'm glad to see you returned safely. Now, tell me about your progress with the peace deal with Barlia."
Audrey reached into her bag and retrieved a stack of paper and handed it to Riz, "Your Majesty, these are the terms agreed upon by both sides."
Riz took the paper and began to read the written words on his own. "Please take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of his large oak desk. "Let me go through the terms one by one."
Audrey nodded respectfully and took a seat across from Riz's large desk. She patiently waited as he carefully read through the written words on the paper.
The room was filled with an air of seriousness. She had already successfully negotiated the best term that she can and hoped the king would be fine with them.
Riz silently perused the document and Audrey watched him closely, trying to gauge his reaction. It was hard to say since the king's reaction doesn't change for a second.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Riz looked up from the paper and met Audrey's eyes. "These terms are acceptable to me. It's a bit uncomfortable having to sell agricultural products without imposing any tax. But, it's not a big deal. We can get by with it." he stated. His expression was grave yet approving. "You've done a commendable job, Audrey."
A sense of relief washed over Audrey, and a small smile of gratitude formed on her lips. His praise meant the world to her, and she felt immense pride in her work.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Audrey replied humbly. "It has been an honour to represent Ryntum in these negotiations and work towards a peaceful resolution. By the way, this means the war has ended right?"
"Yes, the war has indeed ended," King Riz confirmed. "It came to a conclusion shortly before your return. We manage to retake the Eikadir region. Rumours probably have spread among the citizens but I simply haven't made any official announcement yet."
"That's good to hear," Audrey said with a smile, unable to contain her happiness. "I hope there will be no more war of this scale."
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