The Last Princess of the Kingdom of Verdant
7.
The sun began to set when Anne realized that her stomach was ringing. This was so embarrassing and so ungraceful, Anne could feel her face begin to blush in embarrassment. It seemed that Kent was unaware of it, as he was still focused on looking around as he drove.
Moments later Kent slowed down and stopped. Kent then dismounted and dropped Anne off the horse.
“Sorry miss, I didn't realize that miss hasn't eaten since morning.”
“Aah, uh, it's okay Kent!” Anne stuttered, in shock and shame.
“I've been used to not eating for days on the way. Forgive me miss.”
Kent helps Anne to sit down and then picks something out of her bag.
“This lady, I still keep this bread, but I do not bring jam.”
“Oh, it's okay Kent! Vein has prepared some bread in my bag. Kent also has to eat something because the journey is still long.”
“I'm okay miss, I'm not hungry. Please miss eat and rest, I will keep watch here.” Anne was forced to accept the bread Kent offered.
'Why would he not eat? did he feel guilty for not realizing that I was holding back hunger from earlier?' Anne was worried because Kent had a thin and small body, unlike Hans.
Anne could feel her face still red and hot. He could hear Kent examining the horse not far from where he was sitting. Slowly Anne's vision grew blurry, as the sun began to set.
Usually Anne will start to feel anxious, especially if there is no one near her when she can not see. But Anne was so happy that Kent kept making noises around her that she knew Kent was always nearby.
Kent seemed busy checking the supplies and the contents of the bag on his horse. Kent also occasionally whistled while walking around Anne. Anne ate as fast as she could, it was strange that only she ate and rested. Finally Kent stopped and sat quietly nearby.
“This is miss, I have prepared water.” Seeing Anne finished eating her bread Kent immediately gave her a glass of water.
“Thank you Kent.”
--
They were still resting for a while as Anne was still very tired after riding for more than five hours. Kent must be tired, even if he says nothing. They sat quietly while enjoying the afternoon breeze that was blowing slowly. Anne was finally able to feel calmer after resting and enjoying the calm atmosphere.
Despite the chaos, Anne tried to think positively and trust her family and aides. Hans was a trained warrior, they could definitely survive and find a way out.
“Are Kent not worried about the state of the Kent family?” Anne suddenly asked after a long silence.
“No, I have no family. I've been living in an orphanage since childhood.”
“Ah, Sorry Kent, Anne don't know ...”
“Hahaha it's okay miss, having a family is not necessarily a fortune. Many other bodyguards who run away from home because they are often beaten by their parents.”
“Yes, Anne is also very grateful to have a very good family. But how did Kent get to the Kingdom of Verdant?”
“When I was thirteen I ran away to Verdant when I was going to be sold as a slave by my foster parents. The Yull Kingdom is filled with mountains so I can easily escape and hide.”
The Yull Kingdom was north of the Verdant Kingdom and the Terra Empire and most of its territory was surrounded by snow-covered mountains for most of the year. Although it can escape easily, survival is very difficult. Kent must have experienced various hardships and circumstances that threatened his life.
“Thank God Kent got away. Did Kent directly register as a knight in Verdant?”
“Acomers from outside the Kingdom of Verdant are very difficult to be able to become knights. Previously I worked as a gardener and after officially becoming a citizen of Verdant, I was only able to attend training as a knight.”
“There are still many knights who are better than me. We better continue the journey so that we can arrive before late at night.”
“Iya, let's go.”
--
It was almost late at night when they arrived at the border gate. Anne could feel the existence of the magic wall shrouding as it let out strange noises. Although it already has a magic wall, the Kingdom of Crotta is still surrounded by a fairly high stone wall.
Never being close to the source of the enormous mana made Anne slightly nauseous. Even though Anne was about to vomit, Kent looked fine. Anne could see two guards standing guard in front of the gate and two more on top of the watchtower.
“Show your identity!”
The guards came forward and blocked the gate. Although the Kingdom of Crotta was not a large kingdom, they had very strict guard. This also made the citizens of Verdant choose to flee to the Terra Empire rather than the Kingdom of Crotta.
Before getting off the horse, Anne gave her inspiration to Kent. Kent handed over the insignia and said a few things Anne could not hear. The guards then retreated and slightly bowed in salute to Anne.
Kent then led his horse through the gate. Surprisingly Anne did not feel anything when passing through the magic wall. Looks like the gate part of the magic wall can be temporarily shut down.
The atmosphere inside was very quiet, as it was almost midnight. They walked in silence while looking for a place to spend the night. There are several food shops and shops that have closed.
Kent finally stopped somewhere, Anne could only see a faint glow. It seems like there are no large inns around here.
“Nona, we've arrived.”
Kent helped Anne down from the horse and then carried her. After getting inside the inn and getting better lighting, Anne could already see a little.
“Is there an empty room here?”
“Yes, there are still several empty rooms available. How long do you want to stay in this village?”
“I need two adjacent rooms for one night sa-”
“Ah, Kent don't leave Anne alone.” Anne stopped Kent who was talking and tightly grasped Kent's robe.
“Ah but ..., good miss. One room for one night.” Kent was hesitant, but given Anne's circumstances, it was better not to leave Anne alone at night, especially in a foreign place.
“Good, for one room the price is one silver. Here's the room key. Will you have dinner first or take a break?”
Fortunately, the currencies used in various kingdoms on average are the same, namely gold, silver, and bronze. This was done to facilitate trade between the kingdoms.
“Please just deliver warm food and warm water.”
“Good, let me deliver to the room first.”
They started walking again to the second floor. Anne was already feeling sleepy and yawning. Unknowingly Anne began to fall asleep while leaning on Kent. When he reached the room, Kent lowered Anne slowly. Anne wakes up and releases her bag and dagger and gives it to Kent. Kent led Anne to sit on the bed and then stored their luggage.
--
*Although Kent often looks uncaring\, it turns out Kent is a reliable person.*
