Chapter 89: The Twins’ Identity

Chapter 89: The Twins’ Identity

Fran and the Dark Knight traded blow for blow. They repeatedly smashed their blades against each other and sent sparks flying throughout the slave traders’ hideout. The clash of blade on blade rang throughout the building, but Silence prevented even the slightest bit of sound from leaking outside.

「Nuoooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!」

「Hah!」

The duel was being dragged out. Neither Fran nor the dark knight could really gain an edge on the other. The status quo was nothing but a standstill - which only made sense. Both parties were swordsmen that had awakened to the divine arts, after all.

Alright, I guess I’d better make him drop his sword.

「Ha!」

「Argh!?」

I used Vibrating Impact and Thunder Blade right as I came into contact with his blade. As expected, the sudden shock made the man’s hands go numb; he couldn’t help but drop his sword.

But he didn’t give up.

He immediately raised his shield and began to chant a spell.

「Dark Arrow!」

Not that it mattered. We were completely immune to dark, so the arrow phased out before it hit us.

「Impossible!」

「Opening.」

「Guah!」

The man let out a shout as he flinched in surprise, and created an opening far too obvious for Fran to miss. She immediately turned her blade and smashed his legs with its flat. She then pointed my blade at the back of the man’s neck as he fell onto one knee.

And that was that. The man had lost, and so, he looked up at Fran with a face full of frustration.

「How regrettable.」

「Who?」

「A man who sees no reason to give his name to the likes of you.」

You know, he’s pretty energetic for a middle aged man. Oh well, either way, it’s time to rough him up a bit so we can get some info out of him.

『Urushi, out.』

「Growl growl!」

「What!?」

Heh. Looks like he’s pretty spooked. I was about to get the interrogation going, but the children came up from the basement just as I was about to suggest cutting off one of his arms. All seven peeked in from the stairwell, with the two noble-like twins at the forefront.

Well, I guess it only made sense. We’d left them in the basement, so they probably started feeling anxious. Thankfully, the battle had already come to an end.

「Stay back. Not safe.」

They fearfully stopped in their tracks as Fran warned them. The male twin’s face, however, suddenly twisted as he caught sight of the dark knight.

「Salrut!」

「My Prince! I see that you are unscathed!」

Wait what? That kid was a prince? The foock?

「You came to save us...?」

「Princess! I am glad that you too are well!」

Huh? Wait, so he wasn’t one of the slave traders? Errr, I guess we should heal him up then or something.

Ten minutes passed by in the blink of an eye as we got up to pace.

We healed the knight and had him explain what was going on.

「Really a prince and princess?」

「Veritably. The prince and princess that stand before you are members of the Fyrias Kingdom’s royal family. They are sixth and seventh in line for the throne respectively.」

「And you? Guard?」

A bit of time passed, and we eventually arrived in front of a super luxurious looking inn. A single glance told me that it was the kind that typically only served the nobility. In fact, just seeing it made me feel like apologizing to the prince and his party. Yeap, it is definitely not their fault we weren’t able to find a place to stay. I mean, I know we were trying to look for something a bit higher end, but this? This was way out of scope.

The children were all staring wide eyed in surprise as well.

The hotel’s gatekeeper stared at us with a suspicious look on his face, but, he didn’t bother saying anything and ended up letting us through.

「What are you standing there for? Come in.」

「Feel free to enjoy your stay.」

The prince and princess encouraged the other children to accompany them inside. After a bit of persuasion, they obliged and timidly followed the twins to the entrance.

「Well if it isn’t the prince. Welcome back to our humble lodging.」

We were greeted by the inn’s staff despite the fact that it was already really late into the night. On second thought though, I guess we should’ve expected it. We’re travelling with royalty, after all.

「And who would these children happen to be?」

「Simply put, a few things happened. Could you please prepare them rooms alongside hot water? I believe they will need baths.」

「Well...」

「Naturally, I will pay for their accommodations. You should be able to fulfill this request of mine, correct?」

「We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause. We are fully aware of how unreasonable our request may appear.」

「I doubt this will lead to any sort of complication. We’ll get everything ready immediately.」

Huh, you know, I don’t know what I should’ve expected. He really was a prince. He was able to deal with the inn’s staff without much issue despite the fact that they were adults and he wasn’t. The princess, on the other hand, had acted and apologized in a more modest, understanding manner. Having the two work together like that kind of made it seem like they were applying some form of the carrot and stick principle.

「Whatever is this fuss about?」

「Good evening Serid. I’ve just returned.」

「Ah, if it isn’t the prince. I was quite concerned over your safety.」

「Thank you. I apologize for the trouble. Unfortunately, I failed to navigate the city’s streets and lost my way.」

「You lost your way, you say?」

「Indeed. I was only just able to return because Salrut had managed to discover my location.」

Naturally, the prince didn’t make even the slightest mention of getting caught and collared by slave traders.

「I see. And who exactly are these children? Did you perhaps choose to purchase yourself a group of slaves?」

「That would be incorrect. There are mere helpers, so to speak. They assisted me in navigating the city’s streets.」

「I see. In that case, your business with them should be over, should it not? You lot, leave this place immediately once you receive your payment.」

The man speaking to us looked like your typical, stuck up, piece of sheet noble. He glared at us and the children in nothing but scorn.

「Serid! They are guests here, shut your mouth immediately.」

「What!? Prince, I shan’t accept that. Whatever are you thinking? Associating with these filthy peas-」

「Serid. I told you to be quiet. These children are my benefactors.」

「Tsk...」

Hah! Serves you right you piece of sheet chamberlain! The twins are on our side, b*tch!

Serid made one more hateful glare before turning around and leaving.

「Sorry about that. He’s pretty capable, but he lacks the ability to be flexible at times like these.」

「Don’t care.」

The children didn’t really seem to mind all that much either. Most nobles were like that, so they were used to it.

「What are your plans? You are more than free to stay the night if you wish.」

Salrut turned towards us with a generous offer.

『Sounds pretty good to me. I mean, it’s more than just a step up from a shabby little place that doesn’t even have a bath.』

「Nn. Will be in your care.」

「Splendid! I shall have a room prepared for you immediately after I inform the prince of this joyous matter.」

And so, we ended up spending a night at a super high class inn, all thanks to the prince.