Chapter 232 - A Journey Of Misfortune

I groaned as I hiked up the tall mountain. I decided to go an alternate route for a few reasons. One, the border between the Sanki Kingdom and the Imperial Kingdom were filled with soldiers. I couldn't sneak out nor could I sneak in. In fact, the entire border along the Sanki Kingdom was heavily guarded.

I had to find another route that wouldn't be as obvious. Luckily, that stupid grandfather of mine had researched all of this beforehand. Of course, he had kept it a secret from almost everyone. Those who knew were dead, so I didn't have to worry about anyone else knowing about the secret path my grandfather had discovered. When I turned him in for treason, I nicely left out the hidden path between kingdoms. I like to plan for all possibilities after all.

Unfortunately... The path was quite the hike through the mountains and part of it was through a naturally formed cave. However, seeing that the border was well protected, I had no choice. The only option was the path through the mountains.

Which is why I am struggling to breathe while walking up this d*mned mountain. I stopped to get my breath back, "F*ck... I should have took the training with Dante more seriously..."

I pulled out the map as I looked around, "Alright. The cave entrance should be around here somewhere." The map showed a strange looking bush, a tree, and a pond. I walked until I found just that. Behind the bush was the cave entrance. It was extremely dark and eerie.

I gulped, "I-It's just a cave right? N-Nothing to be s-scared of..."

I stepped to the entrance and froze. Holy sh*t. It's dark. I really wish I had a flashlight right now.

I took out a candle and flint set and began to try to light the candle on fire. First time didn't work. Second time didn't work. Thirtieth time didn't work. Didn't they say that this is an easy fire starter kit?! Why am I having such a difficult time?!

I really want to cry. The original Seri wasn't joking when she said I would encounter misfortune.

After hours of trying, I finally got the flint set to work. I lit the candle and stepped into the cave. I walked slowly as I shuddered in fear. F*ck I forgot how much I hate dark places. The candlelight is reassuring to have, but it didn't illuminate the darkness as much as I thought it would. I can really only see a few inches in front of me. Well, at least it is better than nothing.

I walked and finally came to a fork in the cave. My face twitched as I looked at the map. Sure enough, there was no mention of a split path. I guess I will just have to choose one of the paths to go down.

Well, you can't go wrong by going right.

I took the right path and walked for a while. I stopped when I saw it was a dead end. I cursed under my breath as I turned around and backtracked. I turned down the left path and walked for a few hours. Then I saw another fork in the path.

Well this time I'm going left. I learned my lesson from last time.

Dead end.

There's not enough curse words in the world to describe how I'm feeling right now.

After taking the wrong path multiple times, and backtracking multiple times, I think I'm actually getting close to the end. Which is good, because I am claustrophobic as f*ck. Any longer in this annoying cave and I might start hyperventilating. I heard some eerie noises above me and froze. I swallowed hard and slowly lifted my head up to look. On the ceiling, reflected in the candlelight, were hundreds of eyes staring at me.

I want to cry.

Bats aren't birds... Right?

They let out a ear piecing screeches and started to dive bomb me. I screamed as I dropped the candle to protect my head. They all flew at me, getting tangled in my hair while others swiped at my hands. I ran around frantic in the darkness while trying to avoid the unseen creatures. Finally, after their long assault they screeched and flew out. I sobbed on the ground still cowering from their attack.

F*cking bats. They are just mammal-like birds.

I felt along the ground in the darkness and found the extinguished candle. Using only sense of touch, I went through my bag and found the flint set. After hours of attempting to relight the candle, I finally succeeded. My exhausted face that was covered in scratches appeared in the light.

At least I know what direction they flew. Usually bats don't go too far into a cave because they need to go out and hunt. So finding them could only mean that I am close to the exit. I shuffled out of the cave grumbling.

I was so tired, but I knew I couldn't rest. The more time I spent resting, the more likely something bad would happen to Dante. I had to get to him as fast as possible. So I forced my legs to continue. Eventually I saw a ray of light leaking into the cave. I squealed and felt the energy return to me.

I ran out to the opening and took a deep breath. Ahh. Fresh air. I stepped out of the cave and blew out the candle. I stuffed it back into my bag and looked around as I stepped closer to the edge.

In the distance I could see a giant wall surrounding a city. That must be the Capital. It's a well known fact that the Capital is almost impossible to lay siege to. If the giant wall wasn't enough, on two sides there is a swampy dense forest that would be difficult for armies to trek through. On the other side was a desert that stretched on for miles. You could really only attack from the front.

Well, looks like a long way to get down the mountains to the Capital City. I better start hiking down.

*rumble*

I blinked, "Well that doesn't sound good."

I felt the ground rumble and shake beneath my feet before suddenly breaking away. I plummeted off the side of the mountain. I screamed as I slid down on my backside with my arms flailing while narrowly avoiding trees and rocks. I threw my feet down in an attempt to slow myself down. It was working and I felt my speed start to lessen. I looked up and saw a large rock in front of me.

"Oh shi-"

*SMACK*

I rolled on the ground sobbing as I held my face. I sat up and opened my eyes. I could almost see the stars flying around my head. I ran my tongue along my teeth. Did I loose any teeth? No. Phew. I was worried about that.

I think I managed to get out of that fall unscathed. Except for the burn on my backside, I think I'm alright. However, my face feels a bit tingly. Actually tingly is an understatement; it stings so bad it's actually bringing tears to my eyes.

I reached up and felt my nose.

Well... That doesn't feel right.

I immediately pulled out my sword to see my reflection in the blade. I wanted to cry when I saw my nose sticking out in a position that was definitely not normal. It seems it had even pierced the skin causing the bridge of my nose to bleed.

The original Seri stood behind me wincing, "I said you would encounter misfortune."

I sobbed, "I know... But... No. I'm fine. All I have to do is put my nose back into place so it can heal correctly. This is nothing to be concerned about."

I took a deep breath and snapped my nose back into place.

*CRACK*

I shrieked in pain and rolled on the ground crying. The original Seri watched me writhe in pain and unconsciously reached out to feel her own nose. Once I was finished crying, I used some bandages to tape my nose. I started walking through the woods grumbling nasally with a bloodied nose.

After I trampled through the swampy marshes, encountering mosquitos and several birds that chased after me, I finally made it to the edge of the city. I looked at the wall's gate and cursed. They were checking each person for ID. They were even searching barrels to make sure nothing was being snuck in.

Seriously? Why are they so strict? My luck couldn't possibly get worse. How can I find my way into the city now?

My eyes moved down the side of the wall and focused on a sewer drain large enough for a person to walk through.

F*ck it all.

I guess it's a good thing that this society is advanced enough to use a sewer system?

Under cover of the night, I slipped my shoes off and rolled up my pants. I once saw a show whose characters took off their clothes and held them above their head so their clothes wouldn't get dirty as they walked through the sewer. Once again, I must thank television for the useful teachings.

I approached the entrance and was hit by the rancid smell. I gagged as I covered my nose.

F*ck that's bad. Like seriously bad. It smells like straight up like someone ate sh*t, then vomited it out, then ate it again to vomit once more.

As I stepped inside, I dry heaved at the squishy feeling between my toes. Nope. Can't hold it in this time. I puked out the contents in my stomach.

Why does my own vomit smell better than this?

I forced myself to keep walking. Good thing the sewage is only up to my ankles.

I sank down further.

Good thing the sewage is only to my knees.

Can I cry? I want to cry.

F*cking Dante. I swear to god. If I go through all this trouble and find him dead, I'm going to the afterlife to kick Dante's a**.

Also, note to self: I'm going to need a tetanus shot after this. Wait. Do they even have tetanus shots here?

I made it through the sewer and saw an opening above my head.

Sweet freedom! Wait. Is that an outhouse? Great. Wonderful. I guess I will just rise from the toilet like some kind of sh*t serpent.

I climbed up the side and stuck my upper body out of the opening. I breathed in the non-crappy air, "Oh thank god. Fresh air. How I've longed for you."

Good thing no one was using this outhouse. This would have been hard to explain.

The door opened and I froze still sticking halfway out of the toilet. The poorly dressed man stared at me with a deadpan expression. I cleared my throat, "Great weather we're having, aren't we?"

He spoke calmly, "Either I can call for a guard or you can buy my silence."

"I-I'll buy your silence... Thank you..."

He gave a nod, "Good. However, if the guards ask me about you, I will rat you out immediately."

"S-Sounds reasonable..."

After handing the farmer a large ruby, he escorted me to his home. Turns out, he was a goat farmer that lived on the outskirts of the town. His wife "nicely" allowed me to take a bath with the goats outside before dousing me in sweet smelling perfume to ward off the horrible smell. Once I scrubbed the crap from my legs, I sat at the table after paying them extra for dinner.

The man spoke, "So you're clearly not from the Sanki Kingdom."

I nearly choked on my meal. I forced a smile, "H-How'd you know?"

They both stared at me with blank expressions. Their tan skin made me look like a pale ghost in comparison. He answered calmly without expression, "You don't sound like us."

Does everyone from the Sanki Kingdom always look so stoic? Now I'm even more certain Dante is from the Sanki Kingdom.

The wife added blankly, "You also have a strange sense of fashion."

I looked down at my clothes. Is this really strange?

The man explained in a monotone voice, "It's not uncommon for pale skins such as yourself to come here."

Pale skins?

He continued, "However, if anyone asks where you are from, you should say you are from the occupied villages. We get those villagers from time to time. But you should wear our traditional clothes and try to hide your skin as much as possible. The city guards are known for discriminating against pale skins."

I spoke quickly, "Oh, I have a mask."

They both stared at me with blank faces. He turned to his wife, "Honey. Go get her one of my outfits."

"Wait. You knew I was a female?"

When I bathed I didn't take off my clothes...

She did what he asked and handed it to me, "You need to act more manly."

After getting taught on the mannerisms and basics to survive in the Capital city, I changed my clothes. Now I know how to act more "manly." Or at least, what they consider to be manly. The wife wrapped a lightweight scarf over my face so that only my eyes could barely be seen. I was completely wrapped head to toe in light fabric.

I feel like a desert ninja.

I asked, "You sure people won't think it's weird to see me dressed like this?"

"No." They answered simultaneously.

Well, either I'm going to get caught or I'm going to be fine. We will just roll the dice and see what happens. After thanking them for their help, I went to leave. I paused at the door and pulled out a few more jewels and handed it to them. They took it in confusion, "What's this?"

I answered, "My companion will probably rise out of the same toilet soon. If you could give her a heads up and a new outfit as well, I would appreciate it." They took the jewels without another question.

Millie rose from the toilet with a determined look and opened the outhouse door. The two were already waiting for her expressionlessly. One held out a new set of clothes.