Chapter 12: Kingdom of Eldoria

Chapter 12: Kingdom of Eldoria



Vincent kept his demeanor calm, his grip on Elinalese secure as she clung to his back. He raised a hand in a gesture of peace, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Hold your fire," Vincent ordered his team.

"What kind of weapon is that?" One of the guards commented as he glanced at the rifles of the special forces.

"Look, we don't want any trouble. We are commissioned by this lady on my back to escort her and her associates to the Kingdom of Eldoria. I'm sure you recognize her."

After saying that, Vincent lowered down to his knees, allowing Elinalese to gently slide off his back. She stood beside him, slightly wobbly but with a composed demeanor.

One of the guards squinted, recognizing Elinalese's distinctive features. "Lady Elinalese? Is it really you?"

"Yes, it is me," Elinalese replied steadily. "These men saved us from a dire situation. They are here to help."

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, but the recognition of Elinalese's identity began to break their hostile stance. The lead guard stepped forward, lowering his weapon slightly.

-And suddenly, the guard knelt down on one knee and bowed his head.

"Lady Elinalese, please forgive our actions. We did not recognize you at first. You have been missing for days, and an alert was issued to all guards stationed at the outpost," the lead guard explained.

Elinalese, her expression softening, stepped forward and gently touched the guard's

shoulder. "There is nothing to forgive. You were doing your duty to protect the kingdom. I am grateful for your vigilance."

The guard stood up, relief evident on his face. He glanced at Vincent and his team, then back at Elinalese. "We are glad to see you safe, my lady."

He glanced at his men behind him who were still raising their weapons at Lady Elinalese's

rescuers.

"Lower your weapons immediately," the lead guard ordered. "These men are our allies."

The guards hesitated for a moment but then complied, lowering their weapons and stepping back.

"We owe you our thanks," the lead guard said to Vincent, his tone now respectful. "We will escort you to the kingdom. Please follow us."

Vincent nodded, grateful for the change in attitude. He signaled his team to relax but remain vigilant. "Thank you for understanding. We are ready to proceed."

The guards formed a protective escort around the group, and they began the journey towards the Kingdom of Eldoria. As they walked, the tension eased, and the guards began to show curiosity about Vincent and his men.

One of the younger guards approached Vincent, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Sir, if I may ask, where do you come from? Your weapons and attire are unlike anything we've seen."

Vincent smiled. "We come from a faraway land, that is all that you need to know."

"Still...where is that? I'm curious."

"You must be the kind of man who loves to ask questions. Unfortunately, I can't answer them," Vincent said.

Vincent glanced at his men as he felt nervous of the forms. He had not discussed about making

up where they

came from and other details that might be difficult to explain. Vincent took a deep breath, deciding to keep their story as simple and consistent as possible.

"We'll fill out the forms," he assured Captain Aelric, taking the documents. He quickly scanned the questions, noting that most of them were standard for entry and security

purposes.

Vincent wrote his name, age, and simply put "a distant land" for the country of residence. He

instructed his men to do the same, ensuring they all gave similar responses to avoid raising

any suspicions.

The officials took the forms back and reviewed them, occasionally glancing up at Vincent and

his team.

"Distant land? Where is that particularly?" One of the officials asked.

"We are also going to need to inspect your weapons," another officials chimed.

"Look, we have rescued the Duke's daughter. I don't think he'll be pleased if you are going to

interrogate us like criminals," Vincent responded calmly.

"This is just a standard procedure, sir...Vincent," Aelric replied.

"I know...but I don't think we are comfortable sharing information about our origins,"

Vincent said firmly.

"Sir please do not make our job hard," Aelric pleaded.

"I am also asking you to respect us," Vincent responded. "Look, you can inspect us as much as

you like, but please stop the probing questions about our origin."

Aelric looked at Vincent and he could feel the menacing aura emanating around him. His

senses also told him that he shouldn't mess with this man.

"Fine...we will make exceptions, but you are to stay here until further notice," Aelric

conceded.

"Thank you," Vincent said, and he muttered under his breath. "The system is not yet rewarding me huh? I wonder what requirements I should meet to receive it..."