The town was under the extensive silence. There are people, but they were all cautious. The guard did even interrogate them before letting them in, questioning about whence they came, and what they did before they came here. Of course, they have to remove from the formula that they’re members of the Glade. They’ve only told a version of the truth, that they’re travellers and come to take a quest before leaving. The guard was suspicious but seeing no hostility, he allowed them to get in.

Ken brought bread back to the carriage and had learned what’s happening in the town.

“Apparently, this town was terrorized by some group of people.” Ken started, before filling his mouth with water. “It all started in the adventurer’s guild. They came barging and interrogate, but the adventurers, as they were always been, did not comply and the rest is history.”

“Whoever they are, its either they have the balls of steel or dumbly brave.” Alastor stated.

Taking a wide turn, they saw the charred ground and some houses damaged by the fight. In the middle between armory and potion shop, the tavern which is the guild was under construction.

When they parked their carriage on the back, they mustered their courage and went inside. The moment they stepped in all their gazes gathered at them as if they’ve felt unfamiliar presence that walks in their turf.

“Uh oh.” Ken muttered.

A man wearing tuxedo steps in the scene. His dark sunglass glinted for a moment. He has warm aura, but because of this they raised their guard.

“They’re not enemies, calm down.” He spoke with such formalities. “I suppose the three of you are adventurers?”

Linda nodded. “Yes. We came here for a request before moving on.”

“Is that so?” The man’s more like asking himself. “Is this related to any political envoy?”

They all paused, shocked and astounded. Alastor held Ken before replying. It’s all convenient for him to asked them about that, it’s either they were testing by the man or just a plain trap by the enemies.

The man nodded and said, “I understand. Come, follow me.”

They followed the man through the back door and to their carriage.

“Quite perceptive bunches. I take that you’re from the Glade?”

They didn’t reply.

“I understand your silence. Until you’re not certain of my identity you can’t carelessly leak any kind of sensitive of information, but your suspicious behaviors are obvious, you need to act better next time if you don’t want to get caught. Well, don’t worry, I’m not an enemy. I’m the one who enlisted your help.”

“So, it seems.” Linda said.

Their impervious attitude settled down.

“My name is Mr. Funny man.” He introduces himself and removes his sunglass.

“Are you shitting on us?” Alastor asked. “What kind of name is that?”

“The one that is funny.” He said with a blank expression.

They don’t know if he’s joking or not. They all been frozen at that time.

“Come on. I’ll be leading you to the house.”

Mr. Funny Man hop in front and held the reign. They all resign of talking to him as they’ve been stuck of his words earlier. They went inside and heard only Liber’s cheery cry.

A moment passed. Mr. Funny Man parked the carriage outside the house. It’s small, made in cement and bricks and appeared to be old.

The furniture inside were simple. A cushion seats, fireplace in the front, paintings that were hang on the edges. The lady of seems to be cooking something and appeared wanted not to disturbed as she locks the door leading to the kitchen.

They went further to the lounge and Mr. Funny Man press a slab that is invincible to their eyes due to the color, hence, camouflaging. The floor seems laced in four corners and elevated, heading to the underground. It was one level kind of floor and didn’t take them long to reach it. The road was split into two.

“Where to now?” Ken asked.

Mr. Funny Man went to the right.

“Don’t get confused, it’s real. All the doors have different functions, but all you have to know is that we’re heading to the lounge where the political envoy rest.”

It may be seconds when they came here, but it feels like forever trekking. The cold, and the grey walls along various colors of doors indulge them by vertigo.

“It seems you guys can’t handle ‘by long’ effects. It seems we have to hurry.”

“By long effects?” Linda asked.

“It’s a secondary effect of my Inquiara magic.”

“Wait,” Alastor paused and used his hand to hold on the wall. “All of this are Inquiara Magic?”

“Yes,” He nodded. “Inquiara Magic, Minecraft.”

“What a troublesome ability.” Linda muttered.

“Man, I think I’m gonna barf all of those breads.” Ken broke down and kneeled.

“Get a grip. It’s not that far. Come on, you’ll get used to it.”

The moment they came inside, it felt like heaven. All their nauseating feeling had ease and felt overwhelming warm welcome.

“This lounge can heal ailments, mostly.”

Alastor smelled a familiar scent and he began looked around as if he’s obsessed by it. A woman came out in a room, she wore a dress and apparently drying her dark hair with a towel. The scent became stronger, stimulating him, but he remains in composure.

The moment she hung her towel, her eyes traveled and caught his gaze. It locked for a brief moment and they both break it. They sat down in the couch. In front of them is Mr. Funny Man and the lady.

“I would like you all to meet the political envoy, miss Caroline.”

Caroline bowed, “It’s a pleasant to meet you everyone.”

They assumed that she would be straight and strict, but her humble behavior told them that she’s gentle as a babe. She exhibits of what nobles would normally behave, elegant, well-mannered and perfect response.

And in return they formally introduced themselves.

“Yo, my name is Ken.”

“You can call me Linda, your majesty.

“The name’s Alastor.”

Alastor began to asked himself about her existence. She’s fairly young to be a politician and certainly the last time they met she’s leisurely enjoying her free time, and the fact she told him about wanting to visit her sister harbors no lies. Her decent and trustful attitude makes him felt reassured when he first met her.

And the fact that the second princess is nowhere to be found… it couldn’t be it, but it’s too convenient that she’s a political envoy for such a young age. Alastor’s thoughts scrambled, but he can’t jump into conclusion without confirming.

He dared to raised question, “Mr. Funny Man, could that be that miss Caroline is the…”

“Yes, she is the second princess, the second line heir of the throne, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Without a second thought he told them the truth.