[ The train has reached its destination ]
[ You have arrived in the Wiseburn Kingdom ]
[ Please safely walk out from the train and do not forget to take your luggage with you ]
[ We hope that you had a pleasant journey ]
[ Goodbye ]
The train's multiple notifications echoed through the station as the long-anticipated journey from the Tudor Kingdom to the Wiseburn Kingdom finally reached its conclusion.
After several hours, the train glided into the station, its arrival greeted with a sense of relief by weary travelers. As the doors slid open, a diverse array of passengers hurriedly disembarked, while others began boarding from the opposite direction with equal haste.
At the very last moment, just before the doors could close, Adam and Carl stepped out, each carrying a distinct object— one a finely crafted sword, the other a doll, both still meticulously wrapped. Their presence didn't go unnoticed. From a distance, schoolgirls and more mature women alike eyed them with a mix of curiosity and admiration, whispering amongst themselves.
"Wow! Look at them, they're so hot, aren't they?" one of the girls murmured, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Mmm-hmm, what I wouldn't give to experience just a moment with those rugged, chiseled faces— faces that clearly tell tales of countless hardships," another girl added, her tone filled with wistful longing.
Her friend, feigning disapproval, playfully swatted her arm. "Cut it out! Don't you have a boyfriend? Why are you saying things like that?"
"What? It's just harmless eye candy; there's no harm in looking. And you shouldn't be talking— you're the one who's been staring at that guy's butt when you've got a fiancé."
The friend fumbled for a response, blushing slightly. "W-well, as you just said, it's just eye candy— no harm in it."
As the girls continued their playful banter, they remained blissfully unaware that their every word had been overheard by the two men they were gossiping about. While one of the men visibly bristled with annoyance, the other nonchalantly flexed his muscles and flashed a self-assured smile.
"Aah, it's good to be young and attractive," Carl quipped, exuding an air of exaggerated confidence.
"Stop being such a scoundrel! We're here on a mission, and you're letting yourself get distracted by idle street chatter," Adam chastised, his eyes sweeping the surroundings, alert for anything amiss. He still didn't believe that they were safe here, his instincts never waning.
The driver didn't utter a word. He simply floored the gas pedal, accelerating away from the station.
The girl stood there, still trying to process the rapid turn of events, as she watched the car disappear into the distance. She remained rooted in place until an elderly woman approached and gently patted her on the head. "It's just not your day, dear," the old lady said sympathetically.
The girl stared in the direction the car had gone and finally muttered, "What the f*ck?"
[ Inside the Car ]
"You know, we could have at least spoken to her for a moment. I saw how she froze at the last second," Carl said, glancing back wistfully.
"I've encountered that type before. You engage them once, and suddenly they want your number, your hotel details— everything. It's better to keep your distance," Adam replied curtly.
Carl wanted to argue, but Adam cut him off. "So, where do we need to go next?"
"Home, apparently," Carl responded feeling satisfied after the long journey.
"The boss mentioned you might have encountered some trouble getting here, so he prepared something for you," the driver interjected, nodding towards a basket beside them.
Carl eagerly opened the basket and exclaimed, "Chicken!"
Adam glanced over, spotting the bounty of fried chicken. He couldn't help but smile. "Now, this is how you win a man's heart."
The driver chuckled. "There's more. The boss also had something else prepared for you. Check the compartment under your seat."
Adam followed the instruction and opened the compartment, revealing a small freezer stocked with drinks and beer. "Nice," he said appreciatively.
"Hand me one," Carl requested. Adam tossed him a beer and took one for himself. They both took long, satisfying sips of the cold beverage, letting out contented sighs as they relaxed into their seats.
Carl glanced at the driver, who was focused on the road, and offered, "Hey, want one too?"
The driver smiled but declined. "Thanks, but I'm driving. Maybe another time."
Carl nodded, then reached for some fries, but something seemed off. "Why do these taste... smoky?" he asked, puzzled.