Day 2: Going to the Border
I woke up very early. I couldn't sleep well in this carriage.
I looked outside the window of the carriage. The sun hadn't come out yet, but the view of the blue moon was special as always.I remember in my younger years, I would always wait for the blue moon to appear...so that I could just sit under it and relax.
It helps me think clearly.
The demon who attacked the carriages and killed the diplomats...I'm sure he didn't do it by accident.I'm sure someone told him to do it.
I told Ichoru to hide.That means I can't communicate with him for now.I also wanted him to scan me so I'd know what rank I am.I don't really care about this human ranking system... but it could be useful to know my rank.
While I was deep in thought, the sun rose.It was nice and warm.This feeling... of the sun...
It's something new to me.
The sun's warmth didn't feel like this when I was in my demon body.But now, in this human's body... it actually feels different.
MONSTERS! MONSTERS!!!
The carriage immediately stopped.
I heard screaming noises.I opened the carriage door to see what was happening—but a hand blocked my way. It was a soldier.
"Wait, my prince! Please stay in the carriage for your safety."
"Tell me, soldier, what's happening?"
"We just entered the Zorija Forest, my prince."
"And?"
"It's a dangerous forest, and the front carriages were attacked by goblins.But no need to worry—the A-ranked heroes will take care of them."
"Alright."
I went back inside the carriage and waited.
After a while, the carriages started moving again.
Goblins, huh…?And this forest... I've never heard of it before.
__________
The carriages stopped again.Apparently, we made it outside the forest.We got attacked by monsters about five times... what a forest.
Finally, it's break time.I went out to get some food.
"HEY, HEY! Prince Kagen, come join us!"
It was the swordsman from yesterday. His name, I think, was... Renzo.
I slowly walked toward him.But he wasn't alone—the girl from yesterday was with him too, and many heroes.
"Good morning," I said.
"Hey, good morning, Prince.""Morning.""Hello, Prince."
"Hello, Prince, here—take this. You must be hungry."
The girl from yesterday handed me a bowl with meat and soup.
"Thanks... Ayuna, right?"
"WHOA! You remembered my name, Prince!"
"Yes, why wouldn't I? Also, please—everyone—just call me Kagen."
"Wow, what a humble prince.""Yes, he's humble... but did you hear?""Hear what?""They say he's the weakest in the royal family…"
They whispered to each other.
"HEYYY! Shush, everyone!" Ayuna screamed loudly at them.
They immediately went silent and looked away.
"I'm sorry for these heroes' bad behavior, Princ— I mean, Kagen."
"Don't worry. It's okay."
So... Kagen is really the weakest in the royal family, I thought.
"Yoo, Kagen, I have a question…"
"Yes, Renzo?"
He got closer to me and whispered into my ear:
"WHY IS THERE A DEMON AURA AROUND YOU?"
wait... what...he can see it...?!
He took a few steps back.
"Never mind, Kagen. I think I wasn't seeing clearly, haha," he said with a foolish smile.
After the break, I went back into the carriage, and we continued on our way.
This swordsman… he really is special.I haven't even gotten 10% of my powers back… and he still noticed it.
Renzo...He's around 180 cm tall, red hair, red eyes, and probably in his twenties.HE REALLY IS SOMETHING.
Day 5 – Location: Vera City
A few days have passed.We stopped many times in cities along the way to get supplies, and then continued on.
This time we stopped at the city of Vera.It's the closest city to the border.Beyond this city lies only forests and open land until the border
It's a really huge city, though.We left the carriages at the city gate and went inside.I went off on my own to look around, but five soldiers followed me from a distance.
Being followed around is really annoying.
As I walked, I saw many heroes buying weapons or magical items.I'm sure the heroes are used to fighting monsters...but clearly, they're not ready for war.Even the soldiers—they don't seem to know anything about it.
On the way, I saw a magic store. I went inside.
It was full of magical items.
"How can I help you, sir?"
Probably the store owner.
"I'm just looking around," I answered.
While browsing, I saw blue mana bottles and red mana bottles.
HMMM... these might be useful.
"Hey, old man—can you give me two boxes of the blue mana bottles, two boxes of the red mana bottles, and also one box of fire magic stones, please?"
"Oh wow, that's a lot. I don't have that many here in the store, but I'll check the storage. Just wait a minute, sir."
I went outside the store and waved at the five soldiers to come.They didn't expect me to have seen them.
"Yes, Prince Kagen—do you need anything?"
"Yes, but wait here, soldiers."
I went back inside and gave the store owner a small bag full of gold coins.
"All right, soldiers—come in and carry these boxes back to my carriage."
"Yes, young prince. Will do."
They slowly took the boxes and went on their way.
I turned to leave—
"Wait, sir—I mean, Prince Kagen. Sorry, I didn't recognize you, haha. But... you gave me too much money."
"Oh yes—it's okay. Just keep the rest."
I left.
"Whoa... 30 gold coins... I must be the luckiest man."
"Hey, what do you think these boxes are for?""Shhh. Don't say anything. Just do what Prince Kagen says. Don't stick your nose in everything."
Finally, we went back on our way and left the city.
Just one more day...