Chapter 349 (Patreon)

Boris had been awake long before sunrise, already working through a series of spear drills in the grassy field before the mansion. The unusual heat had driven him to train bare-chested, sweat streaming freely down his broad shoulders as he moved from one form to the next. Despite the estate's carefully maintained lawn, patches of green struggled against the ever-present red sand that seemed determined to claim every corner of the capital. Nearby, Thorne darted excitedly through the grass, chasing insects with the tireless enthusiasm only a lizard could possess.

Not long after, Suri and Chelle wandered outside, staying just within the mansion gates. Suri carried a mug of what was probably milk, taking slow, contented sips as she watched Boris train. She tilted her head before letting out a dramatic sigh.

"Look at this guy. Where did all that food even go? I heard he ate enough to feed everyone here for days."

Chelle coughed into her hand, unable to hide a smile. "That's exactly what I've been wondering about you. Where does all the food you eat disappear?"

Suri immediately straightened her posture with exaggerated dignity. "I eat modestly," she declared. "Unlike that muscle-headed beast."

Boris paused in the middle of a thrust just long enough to glance at them. He let out a quiet sigh that somehow carried years of disappointment before returning to his practice without another word.

Suri took another drink before looking around the estate. "The empire even smells different," she muttered. "Everything feels... hotter."

Chelle nodded slowly as she breathed in the morning air. "There's heat everywhere, even this early. And..." She wrinkled her nose. "Does the air smell metallic to you?"

Before either could think further about it, the heavy gates creaked open. Several knights stepped aside as a carriage rolled into the courtyard. Unlike the wooden wagons they had traveled in, this carriage was reinforced with polished metal and pulled by a pair of magnificent stallions. Horses of that quality were uncommon in the empire, where the slower but sturdier desert lizards who could stand the hot weather were far more practical.

The coachman climbed down gracefully and offered a respectful bow.

"I am Naldi," he introduced himself. "I've come to escort our honored guests. Kana, Boris, Suri, Chelle, Ryle, and Rose."

Suri blinked toward the sky. The sun had barely risen above the horizon. "Isn't it a little early?"

Naldi chuckled, his thick imperial accent softening the laugh. "That's exactly what I'd expect someone from the north to ask. We conduct the most important business in the morning. By noon, the heat becomes unbearable, and by afternoon only fools choose to travel."

Boris pulled a shirt over his head and nodded. "Alright. We'll get everyone."

For reasons known only to themselves, Suri and Chelle suddenly sprinted back inside the mansion.

Several minutes later, Boris returned with Kana sleeping peacefully across his back as though she weighed nothing at all. Rose Light walked beside him in full armor, while Ryle followed quietly behind.

Rose glanced around the courtyard. "Where are Suri and Chelle?"

Boris scratched his cheek. "I thought they were already outside."

The answer came moments later.

The mansion doors opened, and Suri and Chelle stepped outside wearing traditional imperial dresses. The fitted garments followed the natural lines of their figures without being excessive, Suri dressed in deep purple trimmed with black, while Chelle had chosen elegant white accented with gold. Thin veils covered the lower halves of their faces, leaving their expressions visible beneath the delicate fabric. Their hair had been gathered into neat high buns, each secured with slender pieces of colorful metalwork that shimmered in the morning light.

"I suppose that's why they took so long," Ryle observed and let out a long sigh. Whatever they did was not worth the wait.

Suri spun once with a grin, letting the loose fabric flow around her. "Well? How do I look?"

Boris studied the outfit with complete sincerity before asking, "Not sure but is it comfortable?"

Rose slowly shook her head, though there was more amusement than disappointment in the gesture.

"I forgot," she said, "you're all still children." Her expression became firmer. "But I'd like to remind you that we're not here as tourists."

The two girls exchanged guilty glances before nodding obediently, though neither looked particularly convinced.

"Let's go," Rose continued. "I'd rather not leave a poor impression on the governor especially in our first meet up."

Chelle brightened immediately. "You should wear one too, Commander. I'm sure you'd look stunning."

For the first time since their battle with the Heavenly Jhings, the corners of Rose Light's lips lifted into a small, genuine smile. "I already look stunning enough."

"I agree," Boris answered without hesitation. Thorne who already moved on top of his head seemed in agreement as well.

Rose reached over and affectionately patted his head. "You have excellent taste, boy."

Suri and Chelle exchanged another glance before simultaneously shrugging. Neither of them could argue with that. Naldi stepped forward and opened the carriage door. Just before everyone climbed aboard, his eyes settled on Kana, who remained fast asleep across Boris' back.

He hesitated.

"Are you certain that young lady is still breathing?"

Suri waved dismissively as if the question had come up every day of her life.

"Don't worry," she said. "She just has a habit of sleeping whenever the sun is up."

….

The streets were even busier than they had been the previous day. Merchants had already opened their stalls, workers hurried between districts, and groups of people gathered beneath the shade of the towering buildings, chatting before the afternoon heat settled over the city. The carriage rolled steadily through the crowded avenues, taking nearly half an hour before it finally stopped in front of the governor's office.

The building surprised Kana's companions. Compared to the lavish mansion the empire had provided for them, the governor's residence looked almost modest. There were no towering gates or decorative walls surrounding it. Empire citizens walked freely in and out of the building, giving it the feeling of a place meant to serve the people rather than impress them. Massive trees surrounded the property, their wide canopies shielding the stone structure from the relentless sun. Three stories rose into the air, each supported by thick marble pillars that gave the building a quiet dignity instead of extravagant luxury.

Several food stalls had been set up beneath the trees, their aromas drifting lazily through the warm air.

Suri's eyes immediately locked onto them.

"We'll come back later, I will taste everything." she muttered, almost drooling.

The coachman climbed down first and personally escorted the group inside. Judging by the way the guards straightened and bowed respectfully as he passed, he clearly held more authority than an ordinary coachman. Without hesitation, he led them up the wide staircase to the third floor before stopping outside the last office at the end of the corridor. He knocked twice.

"Come in."

The old, slightly raspy voice carried easily through the wooden door.

Inside, an elderly man sat comfortably behind a large desk. Unlike most nobles Kana had seen, he wore nothing extravagant, only a simple shirt suited for the empire's heat. Thick white hair framed his weathered face, and his smile was warm enough to soften the authority the room naturally carried.

"Please," he said, gesturing toward the chairs. "Have a seat. I am Sanki Espada, the current governor of the capital city."

Rose Light paused. "Sanki?" she repeated. "Not General Sanki... the one I used to know?"

The old man chuckled softly. "That was a very long time ago." He shook his head with amusement. "These days, I doubt I could even lift a sword properly. I've been retired from military service for years."

Rose's expression immediately became more serious. Suri and Chelle exchanged curious looks. Neither of them remembered hearing his name during their studies, yet Rose's reaction alone suggested the old man had once been someone extraordinary.

Governor Sanki folded his hands together atop the desk. "The Emperor himself invited your present here," he explained. "His hope is that this year's King of Kings Festival will strengthen the friendship between our two nations through this simple showing of cultural exchange."

He looked around the room before continuing. "All of you are simply here to observe the festivities. However..." A faint smile crossed his face. "Kana has been selected to participate in an exhibition match."

He leaned forward slightly. "So then..." His eyes swept across the room. "Which one of you is Kana?"

Without a word, Suri, Chelle, and even Ryle all turned in the same direction.

Their eyes settled on Boris.

More specifically...

...on the sleeping girl slumped peacefully across his shoulder.

Governor Sanki blinked once. Then twice. He rubbed at one eye as though convinced his age had finally begun affecting his vision.

"She..." He hesitated. "She looks rather frail."

He glanced between Kana and the others. "My grandson described someone... somewhat different or are my eyes that bad. Is she injured?"

That was all it took. Chelle and Suri burst into laughter at exactly the same moment.

"No," Suri managed between giggles. "She just has a habit of sleeping whenever morning comes."

The old governor threw his head back with a hearty laugh. "Now that's a habit I've never encountered before."

He wiped a tear from the corner of one eye before smiling again. "I was hoping to speak with her." He looked toward Boris. "Would it be possible to wake her?"

Rose Light gave an awkward cough. "Believe it or not..." she said, "...we spent the entire carriage ride trying."

That only made Sanki laugh harder, until he had to wipe the tears from his eyes a second time.

Post note:The sun is more in the empire I guess? 

3rd chap of the week.

Hope you enjoy the chap! 🙂

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