Ronin of course wanted to go to Phoenix Mountain to hunt phoenixes, who he have read to have the highest Flame of all divine animals.
The Diamond Phoenix was once known to be Diamant’s familiar, as a creature of fire and rebirth, but later became extinct after the Creator God’s death.
But even normal phoenixes have high Flames despite not being a familiar of a god, and was considered so divine that any human that slays it will immediately be punished with death in many kingdoms.
And in the kingdom of Aurion’s patronage stood the Phoenix Mountain, known by the locals as ‘Fotia’ in their native language. The home of phoenixes itself, where they can be most found.
And yet, phoenixes were being spotted less and less as the years go by. In fact, Ronin was basing his information on very ancient books, and the records of phoenix spotting and encounters were too few and far in between.
Finding one would be like finding a needle in a truck of haystacks.
And yet Ronin intend to find a whole nesting ground and kill them under the prince’s nose itself.
Thanks to having the prince of Scirocco himself to sponsor his journey, he was given all the money he requested to make the trip, and so all his transportation, food and equipment were paid for him.
He bought hunting equipment at a local store and set forth to travel in the Ouranochrous Sea that flowed between the two kingdoms.
He and Cermin were supposed to rendezvous on the port, and ride a royal carriage straight to the palace..
As he observed the ‘Kingdom of the Golden Sun’ from the bower of the ship that was slowly landing on the docks…..
He can’t help but notice how much better and prosperous it really was compared to Sephyrine, which was already peaceful and serene in itself.
Everything and everyone was embellished in pure luxury. People, even the middle class, were dressed in fancy silks with intricate and colorful patterns.
The architecture boasted of its extravagance the most. Spheres were a recurring theme, and many houses have domes made of pure gold, often having the motif of the sun.
In this sheer landscape, he can see another bit of gold frantically moving at the fanciful port.
It was Cermin jumping up and down, waving excitedly.
“Ronin! I see Ronin! Hey! Can you see me, Ronin???!!!!”
Everyone at the port, both the people waiting for their loved ones and the workers, could not help but take notice of this loud prince, wondering what kind of guest would make him so excited like this.
Another prince from a distant kingdom, perhaps? Wait, no, it’s…..
“Your Highness, please don’t be so loud.” Ronin said as he walked alongside the passengers down the wooden stairs of the ship.
Cermin immediately tackled him to a hug. “You’re really here! I missed you, you know!”
Ronin sighed. “It’s only been about a month, Your Highness.”
“Felt like forever, man! Come, come! The castle’s wayyyyy too far so the ride will take long, you should have some food with me inside the carriage and tell me all about your travels!”
The bystanders muttered amongst themselves at this reunion between their prince, who they could obviously tell from the crown he was wearing along with the parade of guards accompanying him…
And this Commoner with a Coal Heartstone, wearing simple clothes, carrying simple bags and bearing a simple, unassuming face.
“Must be his new butler.” One guessed.
“Or a court jester.”
“I won’t be surprised if its a eunuch.”
They do not regard him in the same disdain as nobles in Sephyrine usually does, thinking of him lowly as commoner…
But there was still this look of curiosity to him, like he was some exotic object to ogle at. They were not hateful of his presence.
The were entertained, found it strange or funny.
Ronin gritted his teeth but kept a neutral face. This kind of treatment was more dislikable than if they simply yelled “AHHHH Commoner filth!” or “Don’t let him touch you, he might have the plague!”
His observations about the general impressions of these rich bastards towards the Commoners were right. Out on the streets were many Commoner street vendors, performers, and even….
Prostitutes.
They waved and made seductive glances at the prince and even his guards, wanting to be noticed by a nobility to take them away and turn them into wealthy noble ladies.
After all, Scirocco was also known for having the largest kings’ harem in the history of Magecia, and the kings were notorious for not being picky with who they favor.
Seeing a fellow Commoner from the prince’s side gave them extra hope of having a chance to be a concubine….
But unluckily for them, the dense as a rock prince only waved back and went on to talk to his friend.
“People are welcoming your arrival, Ronin! Isn’t Scirocco great!?”
“They’re more concerned of your appearance out in the streets than me, Your Highness.” Ronin pointed out. “Also, they want to sell themselves to you.”
Cermin almost choked. “Oh…. So that’s why they were dressed like that. Well…..”
He noticed ho much Ronin was staring at them, and so he asked:
“Are you interested in buying their service? We could stop by there if you want—“
“I have no interest in such a thing, Your Highness.” Ronin quickly said.
He wasn’t looking at the prostitutes, but at the Phoenix Mountain that loomed over at a distance. They just happened to be in the way.
“Haha, don’t be shy. You’re at that age already, And I never really seen you with anyone all these years so you must be pent-up. I’ll help rent one for you, I bet many of them will also find you attractive—“
“Again, Your Highness. ” He said with a slight glare. “Not. Interested.”
‘I’m not a pervert like you.’ Ronin added in his head.
Cermin just laughed and raised his hand. “Okay, okay! Well, if the beauties don’t interest you, how about the jewelry shops instead? I can buy you all the clothes you want, just ask for it.”
“No, thank you.”
“How about books?” Cermin asked, really desperate to buy something for Ronin. “I know you love books!”
He had this childish desire to show-off to his friend about all the lavish things in his hometown that he could easily afford. He wanted to give them all to him, just in exchange for his company and to see him even smile a bit.
Ronin’s eyes did lit up at this, and asked. “Can you give me….. A book that’s specifically for phoenixes?”
Cermin nodded profusely. “Your wish is my command! We happen to have many books in the Royal Library, you can look aroun there and you can just take whatever book you like!”
He saw Ronin’s lips quirk up a bit and can’t help but feel his heart warm up from it.
“Just ask me anything and I’ll give it to you, Ronin. I want you to have the best vacation, we’ll have so much fun together!”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel