Chapter 59 - 2.20

She moved closer to the man, scooting over to his side and sitting down. Zenith didn't know how to respond, so he just awkwardly stayed still. Xu Jiaqi extended her little claws and leaned against Zenith. Immediately, his magic power came flowing into her, like a cold ice cream in a hot summer day that made her feel refreshed.

(A/N: Qiqi, you know what would be a tastier ice cream? The d- No no no, we are a family friendly group. Right?)

Xu Jiaqi finished her meal and the recharging also made her mood improve slightly. She got off the rock where they sat and stretched her body, smiling at Zenith. He was still unaware of the energy he possessed and the effects he had on Xu Jiaqi, so he was totally clueless as he stared at her in confusion.

Xu Jiaqi didn't explain anything and changed the topic to their plans onwards.

Zenith did have experience in controlling a carriage, so he wasn't all too worried about it. The horse that drove the carriage wasn't killed in yesterday's confrontation, but it was given a sedative needle that made it stop moving for a while. After a good night's rest and some care, the horse was already ready to go albeit being a bit frightened. The horse was calmed down a lot by Zenith, who seemed to have a natural knack for literally anything.

This horse was just a random horse picked to bring them to Palla, there was nothing special with it. However, under the care of Zenith, it seemed to have given birth to a bond that the two creatures learned to share somehow.

"Let us depart for a nearby town and give the two corpses to them. Although I don't really like the people of Palla, we are not in a position where we can just ignore the weight of their authority.. for now. So we will put up a play, we will honor their deaths and condemn our assassins. We will play the victim thoroughly and speak of an unmentioned guardian that saved us from demise." Xu Jiaqi explained as she got up the coach deck, followed by Zenith who picked up the horse's reins.

They set off for the nearest town carrying two dreadful corpses in the back. As they drove the vehicle, Xu Jiaqi further elaborated on the plan, making sure that Zenith would be able to keep up the act and wouldn't slip later on.

When they arrived at the city, they were naturally questioned. The guards could smell a strong stench of blood and death, so they were overly suspicious at these two people.

"Halt!" The two guards simultaneously brandished their spears to create a cross, preventing the carriage from passing through. "You two seem to.. reek of blood. State you identity, purpose, and answer our questions if you want to enter the town!"

Instead of panicking, Xu Jiaqi barred Zenith off from speaking and got down the carriage. She went closer to the guard and whispered with a clear and crisp voice.

"My name is Ariel Maine, the daughter of the Maine Duchy who is set to go to Palla for the Saintess candidate position. The man there is my knight. We are in danger, so we ask for you to keep our arrival as a secret for the mean time. We don't know if they are still tailing us, but they should all be killed by now. In the back, there are two bodies of the Palla representatives that were killed in the struggle. I sincerely request the help of a superior in this town. The Maines will not forget about the kindness if you cooperate with us."

Xu Jiaqi made sure that her speech was filled with grace and elegance so that the guard would fall into the play. She also showed parts of her intricate features. Thankfully, she did carry a similarity with the all famous Duke Reginald Maine.

There was not much who knew of Ariel Maine's existence in the first place. However, the most important thing is that they will not be aware of Reginald's unjust treatment towards this noble lady.

As long as Xu Jiaqi was able to convince them that she was a noble, the civilians of this small town would not be able to resist or ignore her orders that easily with how much importance the empire placed on noble lineages.

The guard's gaze turned serious upon hearing the mention of nobility, in addition to Xu Jiaqi's convincing act as a prim and proper noble lady. He kept his eyes on the pair as he drew backwards to speak to his other colleague. He seemed to be considering Xu Jiaqi's words and its integrity. After a few sessions of back and forth debate, the two guards finally directed the carriage to the side, wanting to check it with some more people.

After waiting for some time, a robust man came to approach them with hasty steps.

"A noble, you say?" His eyes bulged out, extremely shocked at the appearance of someone like a duke's daughter in a small town like this. He asked his subordinate in disbelief.

"Yes, captain. The hooded girl claimed that her name is Ariel Maine, and she is the rightful daughter of the Maine Duchy.. Whereas the man is her Knight. Apparently, inside the carriage would be two corpses.. Both came from Palla as representatives to seek the lady out." The guard reported to who seemed like the person in charge for the infantry of this town by looking at his badges.

The man took one glance at her, then one at Zenith. Then, he immediately widened his eyes in shock and surprise.

"This one greets the Lady of Maine. My name is Alvarez, this town's Knight Captain. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Alvarez made a tense salute, bowing down in a ninety degree position to show his utmost respect.

The guard that brought him here immediately raised a brow in doubt.