In the hot summer, the sun was at its peak position. Droplets of water trickled down under the blazing sun. A troop was taking a break on a vast grassland. Biting into a square loaf of bread, the girl watched as the camp team skillfully set up camp for the troop, her eyes indifferent to it all. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but even so, the only thing the girl's mind kept returning to was the desire to get home quickly...
"It's no use, you've already taken the gold coins, so just do your job well this time," the man behind her replied directly to the girl's inner thoughts, as if reading her mind.
Sighing didn't help either, the man added teasingly. Even though she didn't speak to him and turned away, he still seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.
"Uncle, how much longer until we arrive?"
"Who are you calling uncle?"
Upon hearing the displeased response, the girl finally managed to smile and turned around.
"After turning twenty, isn't everyone an uncle? And you're way past that already."
Winking playfully, she said to the man in front of her.
"Miss Xue, when did you become so sneaky?"
Taking out another square loaf from the bag, Xue pointed at the man in front of her with the bread.
"Isn't it because I learned from you? The master of deception, Daniel, known as 'Sneaky Glasses' Allen," and she snatched off his glasses.
As he wiped the water stains off his glasses, Daniel continued, "You can learn anything in this world, but if you learn from me, it's a dead end."
"Tch!!"
She really wanted to throw the bag of ten loaves at Daniel's face and then pummel him with a series of right hooks. Of course, this thought was also noticed by Daniel, causing sweat to bead on his forehead.
"Don't worry, when we reach Kakarl, you'll have plenty to keep you busy," he reassured.
Muttering under her breath, Xue recited all the spells she knew.
Daniel didn't comment on this, as he was used to her antics.
505th year of Attersass, Shia day. The Great Dragon Festival was approaching its final stage. Due to the departure of demons and a ceasefire agreement with the Steel Tribe, the continent briefly enjoyed peace. However, with this peaceful time, the current Great Dragon Festival became a major event. Not just for Kakarl but also for the invitation of kings from across the continent to attend the annual event together.
"It won't be long until you meet the King of Dusk, so be careful with your words afterward." Whether a reminder or suggestion, Daniel felt the need to advise Xue. However, Xue paid little attention and turned away again.
"Um... Can I attend the event too?"
"Of course, you are a lord of a city, so it's only natural for you to attend," Daniel replied.
Xue looked at the two Royania beings in the distance, one being King Allen and the other the lord of Sunset City. Reflecting on their conversation, Xue expressed her thoughts, "Uncle, the Royania beings described in the book are said to be second only to the dragon race, but I don't see it that way..."
"Haha, maybe you're right," Daniel responded, "In general, Royania beings have a high success rate in using great magic, which might be why they are regarded so highly."
"...So small?"
"Yes, that's how it is."
"Great magic..."
"Great magic indeed."
"Hey! Why aren't you feeling nervous at all?"
After a round of conversation, Xue turned back and looked at Daniel. Daniel, feeling calm, showed no signs of nervousness.
"What's the matter?"
"Are you really not nervous? After all, this trip to Kakarl..."
Setting down his teacup, Daniel interrupted, "Don’t worry, Miss Xue, this mission should... unexpectedly go smoothly."
Pushing his glasses up, Daniel gazed into the distance. "Well, just be aware that sometimes, getting what you want too easily may not lead to the desired outcome," he concluded, taking a deep breath as he looked towards the approaching future.
