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Lily and I were escorted to the castle. Torches and braziers lit throughout the castle. If you are in search for a creepy looking castle in the middle of the night, you got one right here. Why would the Queen want to see me right now? It doesn't make much sense. There was only one reason and I hope that is not the case.
The castle gate opened as we got closer. I guess they really were waiting for me. Should I send Lily away before I head in? But knowing her, she will be following me into the depths of hell. I am sure Rose will do the same. In the event that the worst scenario occurs, I will need to ensure that at least Lily is able to escape. Rose should be safe in my house for now, and I am sure the Light guild will protect her. I am certain that Rose is smart enough to know what to do.
As we walked into the castle, I can sense that the soldiers were tense. It is like they are prepared to act at a moment's notice. Lily sensed it as well and gripped my hands tighter. She will have difficulty running while wearing that dress and shoes. I might have to carry her princess style or piggy back should the need to run arise.
We reached a giant door, the soldiers opened it and inside was the throne room. As expected, the Queen was seated at her throne. Good thing the chair was not made of iron swords. I did not want to see her face as she always looked at me in disgust. No idea what made her act that way.
Both Lily and I kneeled to the Queen. Silence engulfed us. I instead focused all my attention on the little details while continuing to look downwards. The soldier's shoe on my right is untied, the soldier on my left is shaking ever so slightly while holding his spear, the smell of sweats filled the entire room. Tension is brewing here and it does not look good for me.
"Do you know why you are called here?" said the Queen with her evil insinuating voice.
"No, your Majesty. I know not the reason as to why I am called here." I said.
"Really? And here you were hailed as the genius of our era. Even capable of creating alchemical recipes where others could not. You think you can keep it a secret but the Queen alway finds out. There is no secret that I cannot uncover, Mister Zen," she said.
"And what secret are you referring to exactly, your Majesty?" I spat the last words out.
"Don’t play the fool, Zen Hawthorn?! Saying your name is heresy on it's own!" she shouted.
Woah, what is with the sudden enragement? As I suspected, someone leaked my last name to the Queen. But who exactly? There is only one person that I can think of that might betray me. Pietro Sorrel.
"I am sorry, your Majesty, but my last name is Bing. Zen Bing is my full name to be exact. I did not want to reveal it as people would laugh at that name," I said.
"Do you take me for a fool? I have evidence that you are indeed a Hawthorn. And, I can recognise your father's signature feature anywhere. That lazy hair of yours was a first dead giveaway," said the Queen.
What?! So that was face feature that everyone was talking about when they said that I looked like my father? It was all because of this lazy hair of mine that refuses to go down no matter what I did? O bloody hell.
“So what is the Queen planning to do with the son of a war hero? Lock him up in a prison? Or perhaps you will grant him a quick death?” I asked.
"Oh Mister Zen, you are definitely going to prison until the end of time. You can kiss goodbye to sunlight on where you are going. Perhaps if you're lucky, you might be able to see me every once in a while," said the Queen while licking her lips.
Ugh, what in the world is she planning to do with me in prison? I can sense the soldiers were just waiting for a signal from the Queen. Suddenly, I can hear some tearing sound at my side. Huh? What is Lily doing? She was tearing her dress all the way up to her thigh. Is she planning to make a run for it? What a waste of such a beautiful dress. I would had willing carry her while she kept that dress intact.
"Will you let my partner go? She is innocent and just so happen to be with me tonight. If you noticed her ears, you will know that she is in no way a Hawthorn," I said.
"Hmm, very well. Seeing as I am in a good mood now, I will grant you at least one wish. Your partner is free to go. You should say goodbye to him missy, as today will be the last you will ever see him," said the Queen.
Lily stood up while pulling my arm. She looked at me with conviction in her eyes. I am pretty sure I know what she wants to do next. Good thing I brought along my bag with me. However, I still need a bit of time to wear my gauntlets and cloak. She looked towards the Queen, bowed a little and smiled at her. Then she said something which I never thought she would ever say.
"Fuck you, Bitch!" shouted Lily.
I won't lie, I was certainly taken aback when she said that.
Lily grabbed my hand and rushed towards the door that we came in before. The soldiers were waiting for us. In a moment’s time they had already surrounded us with their spears. Damn it, I can wear my cloak quickly but I am still unarmed. Lily might be able to use her spells but there is no way she can punch against solid armour with her fist. No wait, is she going to? I can see lightning charging around her fist.
"That.. was some poor choice of words. Arrest them!" shouted the Queen.
The soldiers tried to apprehend us. But loud shattering of glasses can be heard from above. I looked up and saw a two figures coming down. They were wearing a mask. Are Anbu trying to save us? They landed in front of Lily and me which made the soldiers backed off a little. Who are these hooded figures? So much sus.
They tossed a small bag towards Lily and whispered something very softly. I am certain that her elven ears were able to catch what was said. Lily grabbed my hand. She looked at me and deliberately closed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks. Shit, that was really adorable but I doubt she is acting like this on purpose. Damn, I want to pinch those cheeks of hers but I take it that she wants me to follow what she is doing.
A few objects were tossed down from above. Oh boy I know what those are. Light and stink bombs were being thrown in batches. I better get a deep breath of fresh air while I still can.
Boom boom boom
Bombs were sounding everywhere. The soldiers who were caught off guard are either blinded or rushing away to get fresh air. There is no way that they can react properly under such condition.
I opened my eyes as I was dragged by Lily. We are following the two hooded figures. They seemed to know where to go. Who are these people? Why are they helping us and how did they know that I was about to be captured? Their timing could not be any better.
We ran along the corridors of the castle. I felt lost as I never had the chance to explore much here. I hated the Queen so I always left the castle immediately. Glad these hooded figures knew where they were going. Wait, do they? It looks like a dead-end up ahead. There is nothing there but a window. Are you expecting us to jump out of the castle when we are a few storeys high?!
One of the hooded figure threw something heavy and smashed the window with it. Ever tried running and slamming yourself thinking that you can break the glass with your weight? Yea, that doesn't work.
"Jump and grab on!" said one of the hooded figure.
Footsteps can be heard behind us. Those soldiers sure acted quickly despite the distractions that the hooded figures caused. Lily leaped out of the window first and I followed behind. Everything slowed down for me. My brain processor must be running at full speed now. I needed to see understood they meant when they said "grab on". It turns out there was ropes prepared for us to slide down from above. Those people who throw those bombs must have prepared the ropes.
The rope burns hurt but I shook it off. Now where to? The hooded figure continued leading us away from the castle. That was easy. We managed to leave the castle without so much as a scratch. Who are these people and how did they planned all of these so quickly?
We headed towards the Southern entrance where we stopped by a safe house. Some of them needed to scout ahead to ensure there are so surprises at the Southern entrance. Although I am certain that soldiers are already blocking all the exit entrances by now.
The safe house was small. Only a few of the hooded figure stayed with us. We were hiding in a small room when Lily approached one of the hooded figure and whispered something to the person. The hooded figure then went out of the room. What did she tell that person?
"Close your eyes, Zen," said Lily.
"H.. huh?" I said. I was caught off-guard by the sudden remark.
"Close your eyes unless you want to see me change," said Lily.
She started stripping without waiting for me. I immediately closed my eyes and turned my back towards her and sat on the floor. I had already worn my gauntlets and cloak by now. I crossed my arms while thinking about the reason on why Pietro expose my name now? If he had his secret mission before, it should not had taken this long for the Queen to take action. Something must have happened. It might not even be Pietro that exposed my name. But I highly doubt any of my friends would expose it along with the guildmasters. Hmm...
Lily hugged me from behind which made me opened my eyes. Is she hurt or something?
"What's wrong, Lily? You ok?" I asked her while turning my head to look at her.
It seems like she had changed to her adventurer outfit along with her gauntlets. Yes, the outfit that showed her belly area. What ridiculously unprotective gear she is wearing. I should get her a more proper clothing to protect all parts of her body.
"Sorry that your name got exposed, Zen. Now you can’t even stay in this city anymore," said Lily.
'What are you sorry about? It is not your fault. You didn't expose my name, right?" I asked her.
"Of course! I would never. To think that you would even suspect that I exposed your name," said Lily while feeling dejected.
"Hey hey.. I did not. You said sorry which caught me off-guard. I never suspected you in the first place. I had other people that I am suspicious of. Really," I explained to her.
Silence engulfed us. I can hear a lot of commotion outside. Soldiers were shouting and running around. Innocent people can be heard running away seeking cover or hiding in their houses. Soldiers banging on doors asking to inspect their houses. It was only a matter of time before I am found. Where do I even go from here?
"Where do I even go?" I muttered without even realising it.
"I'm bringing you to the elven forest. You can seek shelter there until you decide where to go," said Lily.
"E.. elven forest? Am I even allowed to go there?" I asked.
That was the last place on my mind to even considered a place to seek shelter.
"Perhaps. You alone should be fine. If you're thinking about..." she was cut short as we heard someone knocking on the main door.
That is odd. Soldiers should be banging on the door instead of knocking so politely.
I put all my focus on hearing what was the commotion about. I think I heard something like "go in" and "she can be trusted" or something. Our door opened and standing there was Rose. She was hugging Inazuma and Tengu-kaze. Wait, she can carry them? I thought legendary items was picky objects that does not simply allowed other people to carry them? No wait, how did Rose even find me yet alone bring my weapons to me?
She rushed in and passed me my weapons. I wanted to ask her on how she found us but she shushed me and told me her story immediately.
"We don't have much time. Soldiers are spreading around looking for you, onii-chan. The guilds are doing whatever they can to help you while not exposing themselves. You need to get out of the city before it is too late," she said.
"How.. did you know about all these that is happening? It was not long ago that my name was exposed," I said.
"The guilds had already caught wind about this before they even brought you to the castle. They had already planned this a long time ago should your name ever got exposed. This plan had already been in place a long time ago, onii-chan," she said.
Wait what? I looked at Lily and she sort of nodded. Why am I the only one who did not know about this?!
"Where will you be going, onii-chan? The Eastern continent?" Rose asked me.
"I was thinking the same but Lily suggested to bring me elsewhere," I said to her.
"I will be bringing Zen to the Elven Forest which is south of here. It will be quite some journey but if we get a head-run and use the cover of the forest, the soldiers will not be able to outrun us or escape our traps," said Lily.
"Should he wish to head to the Eastern continent after that is up to him. But he will need to use our ships to sneak across the ocean. Our ship can submerge and sail across," Lily continued.
I certainly remembered the elven ship that brought me to the City of Underwater Marrydia. Who can forget that crazy experience?
"Can I come along? I want to follow onii-chan," asked Rose.
"I am sorry, Rose. I am sure I can bring one person along into the Elven forest but I cannot be certain they will accept two humans seeking shelter there. We elves are quite.. secretive about our forest secrets," said Lily.
They both looked at each other. Rose walked towards Lily and held both her hands.
"Please take care of my older brother. He might be a bit useless at many things but he is a good person," Rose said and bowed.
"I will, Rose. Leave your brother to me. I promise you that I will keep him safe," said Lily.
Why does it look like a mother handing over her child to someone away for marriage? I am not being given away, am I?
Rose whispered something to Lily to which she flustered and said "No, no, NO!" loudly. Lily then whispered back to Rose to which she gave an "Ehh?!" loudly and squinted at my direction. What are these two talking about.
"I can't believe you, onii-chan. Is there someone else that we don't know about?" asked Rose.
"Huh? What are you saying?" I asked her.
As she wanted to reply, we heard another knocking outside. Lily put her ears against the door to hear. I dragged Rose to the opposite side and hugged her.
"Rose, this is where we part-ways for now. I WILL come back for you. Please, stay with your guild as much as possible and don't get captured by the soldiers. I shudder to think what they will do to you as they know you’re my little sister. You must stay safe," I said to her.
"Don't worry, onii-chan. I know what I need to do. I will find Pietro and interrogate him. He is the only one that I do not trust. Leave it to me, onii-chan. And farewell," she said.
The door opened and they gestured us to go. I nodded to the hooded figure and whispered to Rose.
"Here is some of my money, take it. Should you need more, you know where it is. I love you, Rose. Take care and goodbye," I whispered to her.
I hurried towards the door with Lily. The last thing I heard from Rose was an "Eh?" before I left the room. The hooded figures gave a quick check and ushered us out the door. They immediately started running and we followed after them. There was a few hooded figures located strategically on top of some key locations above the rooftops that pointed the way to us or telling us to stop. It was not long until we reached the Southern entrance. Unfortunately and as expected, it was barricaded. Seems like the soldiers will not to let anyone out of the city anymore. How do we escape from the city now?
The hooded figure lead us to another area that is quite some distance away from the entrance. We were facing a part of the wall that surrounds the city. Are they expecting me to climb up and down after that? I am not as nimble as Lily to be able to climb up a wall with such height. The hooded figures started pushing at the bottom part of the wall. A chunk of rectangular shaped rocks was being pushed outwards. It was not tall enough for us to crouch through so we will have to get through by crawling. Lily went first while I followed behind. I did not even realised that I was looking directly at Lily's butt. I slapped myself to force myself to focus on the more important things right now. Now is not the time, Mister Zen.
Once we were on the other side of the wall, the hooded figure asked us to push back the carved rocks. He told us that the bushes near the entrance are the only thing prevents us from being seen. After that, we will have to leg it to the forbidden forest. Over there, they will be people waiting for us. I told them not to worry as the forbidden forest is my turf. I survived there for so long without even knowing it.
Lily and I sneaked as best as we could until the end of the bushes trail. From here on out, we will have to run all the way. The soldiers can definitely see us running and will be calling for reinforcements to follow us. I looked back at the city one last time and whispered to myself "Goodbye, Rose" and started running after Lily. Little did I know that I won't be seeing Rose in a long time.
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Lily and I were escorted to the castle. Torches and braziers lit throughout the castle. If you are in search for a creepy looking castle in the middle of the night, you got one right here. Why would the Queen want to see me right now? It doesn't make much sense. There was only one reason and I hope that is not the case.
The castle gate opened as we got closer. I guess they really were waiting for me. Should I send Lily away before I head in? But knowing her, she will be following me into the depths of hell. I am sure Rose will do the same. In the event that the worst scenario occurs, I will need to ensure that at least Lily is able to escape. Rose should be safe in my house for now, and I am sure the Light guild will protect her. I am certain that Rose is smart enough to know what to do.
As we walked into the castle, I can sense that the soldiers were tense. It is like they are prepared to act at a moment's notice. Lily sensed it as well and gripped my hands tighter. She will have difficulty running while wearing that dress and shoes. I might have to carry her princess style or piggy back should the need to run arise.
We reached a giant door, the soldiers opened it and inside was the throne room. As expected, the Queen was seated at her throne. Good thing the chair was not made of iron swords. I did not want to see her face as she always looked at me in disgust. No idea what made her act that way.
Both Lily and I kneeled to the Queen. Silence engulfed us. I instead focused all my attention on the little details while continuing to look downwards. The soldier's shoe on my right is untied, the soldier on my left is shaking ever so slightly while holding his spear, the smell of sweats filled the entire room. Tension is brewing here and it does not look good for me.
"Do you know why you are called here?" said the Queen with her evil insinuating voice.
"No, your Majesty. I know not the reason as to why I am called here." I said.
"Really? And here you were hailed as the genius of our era. Even capable of creating alchemical recipes where others could not. You think you can keep it a secret but the Queen alway finds out. There is no secret that I cannot uncover, Mister Zen," she said.
"And what secret are you referring to exactly, your Majesty?" I spat the last words out.
"Don’t play the fool, Zen Hawthorn?! Saying your name is heresy on it's own!" she shouted.
Woah, what is with the sudden enragement? As I suspected, someone leaked my last name to the Queen. But who exactly? There is only one person that I can think of that might betray me. Pietro Sorrel.
"I am sorry, your Majesty, but my last name is Bing. Zen Bing is my full name to be exact. I did not want to reveal it as people would laugh at that name," I said.
"Do you take me for a fool? I have evidence that you are indeed a Hawthorn. And, I can recognise your father's signature feature anywhere. That lazy hair of yours was a first dead giveaway," said the Queen.
What?! So that was face feature that everyone was talking about when they said that I looked like my father? It was all because of this lazy hair of mine that refuses to go down no matter what I did? O bloody hell.
“So what is the Queen planning to do with the son of a war hero? Lock him up in a prison? Or perhaps you will grant him a quick death?” I asked.
"Oh Mister Zen, you are definitely going to prison until the end of time. You can kiss goodbye to sunlight on where you are going. Perhaps if you're lucky, you might be able to see me every once in a while," said the Queen while licking her lips.
Ugh, what in the world is she planning to do with me in prison? I can sense the soldiers were just waiting for a signal from the Queen. Suddenly, I can hear some tearing sound at my side. Huh? What is Lily doing? She was tearing her dress all the way up to her thigh. Is she planning to make a run for it? What a waste of such a beautiful dress. I would had willing carry her while she kept that dress intact.
"Will you let my partner go? She is innocent and just so happen to be with me tonight. If you noticed her ears, you will know that she is in no way a Hawthorn," I said.
"Hmm, very well. Seeing as I am in a good mood now, I will grant you at least one wish. Your partner is free to go. You should say goodbye to him missy, as today will be the last you will ever see him," said the Queen.
Lily stood up while pulling my arm. She looked at me with conviction in her eyes. I am pretty sure I know what she wants to do next. Good thing I brought along my bag with me. However, I still need a bit of time to wear my gauntlets and cloak. She looked towards the Queen, bowed a little and smiled at her. Then she said something which I never thought she would ever say.
"Fuck you, Bitch!" shouted Lily.
I won't lie, I was certainly taken aback when she said that.
Lily grabbed my hand and rushed towards the door that we came in before. The soldiers were waiting for us. In a moment’s time they had already surrounded us with their spears. Damn it, I can wear my cloak quickly but I am still unarmed. Lily might be able to use her spells but there is no way she can punch against solid armour with her fist. No wait, is she going to? I can see lightning charging around her fist.
"That.. was some poor choice of words. Arrest them!" shouted the Queen.
The soldiers tried to apprehend us. But loud shattering of glasses can be heard from above. I looked up and saw a two figures coming down. They were wearing a mask. Are Anbu trying to save us? They landed in front of Lily and me which made the soldiers backed off a little. Who are these hooded figures? So much sus.
They tossed a small bag towards Lily and whispered something very softly. I am certain that her elven ears were able to catch what was said. Lily grabbed my hand. She looked at me and deliberately closed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks. Shit, that was really adorable but I doubt she is acting like this on purpose. Damn, I want to pinch those cheeks of hers but I take it that she wants me to follow what she is doing.
A few objects were tossed down from above. Oh boy I know what those are. Light and stink bombs were being thrown in batches. I better get a deep breath of fresh air while I still can.
Boom boom boom
Bombs were sounding everywhere. The soldiers who were caught off guard are either blinded or rushing away to get fresh air. There is no way that they can react properly under such condition.
I opened my eyes as I was dragged by Lily. We are following the two hooded figures. They seemed to know where to go. Who are these people? Why are they helping us and how did they know that I was about to be captured? Their timing could not be any better.
We ran along the corridors of the castle. I felt lost as I never had the chance to explore much here. I hated the Queen so I always left the castle immediately. Glad these hooded figures knew where they were going. Wait, do they? It looks like a dead-end up ahead. There is nothing there but a window. Are you expecting us to jump out of the castle when we are a few storeys high?!
One of the hooded figure threw something heavy and smashed the window with it. Ever tried running and slamming yourself thinking that you can break the glass with your weight? Yea, that doesn't work.
"Jump and grab on!" said one of the hooded figure.
Footsteps can be heard behind us. Those soldiers sure acted quickly despite the distractions that the hooded figures caused. Lily leaped out of the window first and I followed behind. Everything slowed down for me. My brain processor must be running at full speed now. I needed to see understood they meant when they said "grab on". It turns out there was ropes prepared for us to slide down from above. Those people who throw those bombs must have prepared the ropes.
The rope burns hurt but I shook it off. Now where to? The hooded figure continued leading us away from the castle. That was easy. We managed to leave the castle without so much as a scratch. Who are these people and how did they planned all of these so quickly?
We headed towards the Southern entrance where we stopped by a safe house. Some of them needed to scout ahead to ensure there are so surprises at the Southern entrance. Although I am certain that soldiers are already blocking all the exit entrances by now.
The safe house was small. Only a few of the hooded figure stayed with us. We were hiding in a small room when Lily approached one of the hooded figure and whispered something to the person. The hooded figure then went out of the room. What did she tell that person?
"Close your eyes, Zen," said Lily.
"H.. huh?" I said. I was caught off-guard by the sudden remark.
"Close your eyes unless you want to see me change," said Lily.
She started stripping without waiting for me. I immediately closed my eyes and turned my back towards her and sat on the floor. I had already worn my gauntlets and cloak by now. I crossed my arms while thinking about the reason on why Pietro expose my name now? If he had his secret mission before, it should not had taken this long for the Queen to take action. Something must have happened. It might not even be Pietro that exposed my name. But I highly doubt any of my friends would expose it along with the guildmasters. Hmm...
Lily hugged me from behind which made me opened my eyes. Is she hurt or something?
"What's wrong, Lily? You ok?" I asked her while turning my head to look at her.
It seems like she had changed to her adventurer outfit along with her gauntlets. Yes, the outfit that showed her belly area. What ridiculously unprotective gear she is wearing. I should get her a more proper clothing to protect all parts of her body.
"Sorry that your name got exposed, Zen. Now you can’t even stay in this city anymore," said Lily.
'What are you sorry about? It is not your fault. You didn't expose my name, right?" I asked her.
"Of course! I would never. To think that you would even suspect that I exposed your name," said Lily while feeling dejected.
"Hey hey.. I did not. You said sorry which caught me off-guard. I never suspected you in the first place. I had other people that I am suspicious of. Really," I explained to her.
Silence engulfed us. I can hear a lot of commotion outside. Soldiers were shouting and running around. Innocent people can be heard running away seeking cover or hiding in their houses. Soldiers banging on doors asking to inspect their houses. It was only a matter of time before I am found. Where do I even go from here?
"Where do I even go?" I muttered without even realising it.
"I'm bringing you to the elven forest. You can seek shelter there until you decide where to go," said Lily.
"E.. elven forest? Am I even allowed to go there?" I asked.
That was the last place on my mind to even considered a place to seek shelter.
"Perhaps. You alone should be fine. If you're thinking about..." she was cut short as we heard someone knocking on the main door.
That is odd. Soldiers should be banging on the door instead of knocking so politely.
I put all my focus on hearing what was the commotion about. I think I heard something like "go in" and "she can be trusted" or something. Our door opened and standing there was Rose. She was hugging Inazuma and Tengu-kaze. Wait, she can carry them? I thought legendary items was picky objects that does not simply allowed other people to carry them? No wait, how did Rose even find me yet alone bring my weapons to me?
She rushed in and passed me my weapons. I wanted to ask her on how she found us but she shushed me and told me her story immediately.
"We don't have much time. Soldiers are spreading around looking for you, onii-chan. The guilds are doing whatever they can to help you while not exposing themselves. You need to get out of the city before it is too late," she said.
"How.. did you know about all these that is happening? It was not long ago that my name was exposed," I said.
"The guilds had already caught wind about this before they even brought you to the castle. They had already planned this a long time ago should your name ever got exposed. This plan had already been in place a long time ago, onii-chan," she said.
Wait what? I looked at Lily and she sort of nodded. Why am I the only one who did not know about this?!
"Where will you be going, onii-chan? The Eastern continent?" Rose asked me.
"I was thinking the same but Lily suggested to bring me elsewhere," I said to her.
"I will be bringing Zen to the Elven Forest which is south of here. It will be quite some journey but if we get a head-run and use the cover of the forest, the soldiers will not be able to outrun us or escape our traps," said Lily.
"Should he wish to head to the Eastern continent after that is up to him. But he will need to use our ships to sneak across the ocean. Our ship can submerge and sail across," Lily continued.
I certainly remembered the elven ship that brought me to the City of Underwater Marrydia. Who can forget that crazy experience?
"Can I come along? I want to follow onii-chan," asked Rose.
"I am sorry, Rose. I am sure I can bring one person along into the Elven forest but I cannot be certain they will accept two humans seeking shelter there. We elves are quite.. secretive about our forest secrets," said Lily.
They both looked at each other. Rose walked towards Lily and held both her hands.
"Please take care of my older brother. He might be a bit useless at many things but he is a good person," Rose said and bowed.
"I will, Rose. Leave your brother to me. I promise you that I will keep him safe," said Lily.
Why does it look like a mother handing over her child to someone away for marriage? I am not being given away, am I?
Rose whispered something to Lily to which she flustered and said "No, no, NO!" loudly. Lily then whispered back to Rose to which she gave an "Ehh?!" loudly and squinted at my direction. What are these two talking about.
"I can't believe you, onii-chan. Is there someone else that we don't know about?" asked Rose.
"Huh? What are you saying?" I asked her.
As she wanted to reply, we heard another knocking outside. Lily put her ears against the door to hear. I dragged Rose to the opposite side and hugged her.
"Rose, this is where we part-ways for now. I WILL come back for you. Please, stay with your guild as much as possible and don't get captured by the soldiers. I shudder to think what they will do to you as they know you’re my little sister. You must stay safe," I said to her.
"Don't worry, onii-chan. I know what I need to do. I will find Pietro and interrogate him. He is the only one that I do not trust. Leave it to me, onii-chan. And farewell," she said.
The door opened and they gestured us to go. I nodded to the hooded figure and whispered to Rose.
"Here is some of my money, take it. Should you need more, you know where it is. I love you, Rose. Take care and goodbye," I whispered to her.
I hurried towards the door with Lily. The last thing I heard from Rose was an "Eh?" before I left the room. The hooded figures gave a quick check and ushered us out the door. They immediately started running and we followed after them. There was a few hooded figures located strategically on top of some key locations above the rooftops that pointed the way to us or telling us to stop. It was not long until we reached the Southern entrance. Unfortunately and as expected, it was barricaded. Seems like the soldiers will not to let anyone out of the city anymore. How do we escape from the city now?
The hooded figure lead us to another area that is quite some distance away from the entrance. We were facing a part of the wall that surrounds the city. Are they expecting me to climb up and down after that? I am not as nimble as Lily to be able to climb up a wall with such height. The hooded figures started pushing at the bottom part of the wall. A chunk of rectangular shaped rocks was being pushed outwards. It was not tall enough for us to crouch through so we will have to get through by crawling. Lily went first while I followed behind. I did not even realised that I was looking directly at Lily's butt. I slapped myself to force myself to focus on the more important things right now. Now is not the time, Mister Zen.
Once we were on the other side of the wall, the hooded figure asked us to push back the carved rocks. He told us that the bushes near the entrance are the only thing prevents us from being seen. After that, we will have to leg it to the forbidden forest. Over there, they will be people waiting for us. I told them not to worry as the forbidden forest is my turf. I survived there for so long without even knowing it.
Lily and I sneaked as best as we could until the end of the bushes trail. From here on out, we will have to run all the way. The soldiers can definitely see us running and will be calling for reinforcements to follow us. I looked back at the city one last time and whispered to myself "Goodbye, Rose" and started running after Lily. Little did I know that I won't be seeing Rose in a long time.
