Chapter 11: The Daughter of her Father

[Cite de Reboldeaux]

Musketeer: Good Work Cyrus! Let’s hunt tomorrow again.

Cyrus: Okay! See you.

Cyrus: Now, while I’m waiting for that carriage ride, I can look for hero seals to sell.

Cyrus: Sir. How’s my reservation doing? It’s been several days since my reservation. Are there no carriages available?

Leonardo Expresso: Oh, forgive me sir. Recently, there has been a huge influx from Vespanola owned kingdoms. It has forced us to relocate our carriages here in Reboldeaux to Coimbra.

Cyrus: What do you mean? The war is over, why is Vespanola still getting lands? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Vespanola should be returning the lands by now.

Leonardo Expresso: Just between you and me, okay? But apparently, instead of returning the lands, Vespanola gets complete ownership and these lands become official colonies of Vespanola. The smaller kingdoms are in too much debt that the only way to relive themselves of this is by selling away their land. Pretty soon, the whole of Orpesia and Granado Espada will be Vespanola’s.

Cyrus: I…I see.

Leonardo Expresso: Oooh, pretend I didn’t tell you that, young man. My business largely depends on Vespanola, and for that I am thankful.

[After a few more conversations, Cyrus kept silent, pretending not to be affected. In his mind, all he thought of was the state of the Kingdom of Luxem and the Silva Family. Then he over heard loud conversations from the Civil Office building.]

Emilia: Sir, I know this is a big request but you really need to send a search party to the frontier to the north. My father may still be there.

Domingo: Forgive me madam, but that is not possible. It is suicide to go there. We cannot allow anyone to go there for that matter. A search party is impossible even if you ask a petition to the Princess Gabriela.

Emilia: But…my father…

Domingo: I don’t want to say this, but even if your father is there…the chances that he is still…

Cyrus: Sir please, stop now.

[Cyrus notices Emilia’s teary eyes. Domingo sees this also and stops. He takes a deep breath.]

Domingo: I am sorry madam. Please, maybe I can call someone to assist you back to your lodging?

Emilia: No. *wipes her tears off*. No, thank you. I can manage on my own. I will take my leave now. I apologize for taking your time.

Cyrus: Are you alright madam?

Emilia: Thank you sir. I am okay. It’s just that I become sensitive when I talk about my father.

Cyrus: Yes, I understand. I heard that you needed to go to the north?

Emilia: To the other side of the wall.

Cyrus: The wall?

[Emilia pauses for a while as if she didn’t hear Cyrus. Then suddenly, her eyes glowed.]

Emilia: To Auch.

Cyrus: Other side of the wall of Auch? *looking confused*

Emilia: No, I mean, the City of Auch is the territory of the Republicans. If the Royalist cannot help me, I can probably ask the Republicans.

Cyrus: I see. You know maam, I’m going to Auch soon. But my carriage seems to be coming late. If you want, maybe we can go there together. I don’t have anyone to go with.

Emilia: There’s another way. I know a shortcut by foot. I’m sure it’s faster. You see, when you use Leonardo Express, the carriage will only take to Coimbra then stop there. You will have to wait for another few days to get a carriage going to Auch.

Cyrus: What? I was never told that.

Emilia: And I think right now, it’s almost impossible to get a carriage from Coimbra.

Cyrus: I see. So when are we leaving?

Emilia: Oh no, please. I did not mean you should go with me.

Cyrus: It’s okay. I really want to get to Auch as soon as possible also. My name brother and sister are waiting for me.

Emilia. I see. Then, we leave tomorrow?

Cyrus: Okay.

Cyrus: My name is Cyrus, by the way.
Emilia: My name is Emilia, by the way. *in chorus*

*they gave off a short laugh and smiled*