Chapter 2:
Ridley was with her father, Lord Jasne, in the throne room, along with Sir Cross, Lord Larks, Sir Lucian, General Dynas Stone, as well as King Jiolus and his daughter, Princess Bellflower. The King had summoned them to discuss the trade issues with the other races.
Or so the report said.
Ridley had no idea why she was here. Her father was here, so she couldn't be representing him. Not all the captains were here, although Cross was here, so this doesn't involve all the Knights. She shook her head, completely at a lost. Her thoughts returned to the past, when times were much simpler and Jack was still her partner. She blamed herself for getting him fired and longed for his companionship ever since. It just isn't fair, she thought, Jack didn't do anything wrong. In fact, if he wasn't there, that Blood Orc might have done worse damage! She blinked in surprise, a thought held in her head. Hang on…Blood Orcs aren't usually found up in the north. They prefer the warm south, not the chilly north. What were those two Orcs doing up there!?
While Ridley continued with her pondering, the princess was bored; she was there only to learn about politics, which, in her opinion, was rather quite dull. However, having been taught in etiquette since she was a child, she did not let her boredom show in either her face or her body language. Her thoughts turned to the fun she had the other day when she went to town with the squad from Vancoor. Even getting kidnapped was exciting, though it still terrified her, but she was, and still is, very grateful to the squad who had rescue her. On a whim, she decided to evaluate the squad.
The sergeant, Jarvis, she thought he was called, she immediately rejected in looks and he didn't seem to have much personality. He was also slow and quick to complain, not to mention completely absent-minded. He was, after all, the last one to learn that she was kidnapped. She decided that he was all bark and no bite, especially when it came to fights, cause he left all the fighting to the other two squad members.
The boy, Daniel, she remembered, that had talked to her for most of the time was nice and sweet, but never looked at her in the eye, which greatly annoyed her. It was already bad enough that hardly anyone gave her respect as an individual, but she did not like being treated as if she was some dangerous creature that won't attack if you don't meet its eye. Nonetheless, he had a wonderful personality, but it didn't make up for his lack of looks or strength. He was slower than a snail, not to mention a total klutz, and didn't have any brains especially when he almost overpaid for one of her trinkets. During the fight, he got knocked out in the first attack and didn't come to until the fight was over and the kidnappers escaped to their base. In the end, she decided that she liked him as a friend, but that was it.
The last squad member, on the other hand, was the one she liked the most. Although he gave a cocky attitude when they first met, she immediately felt all the pressures of castle life melt away, just by being near him. He was blunt and a tad arrogant, but his kindness and love of life far outweigh them.
At first she thought that he didn't like her very much cause her aristocratic upbringing and such, but that thought was quickly dismissed when he lent a helping hand when she couldn't afford an expensive item. Instead of trying to convince her to not get the item, he simply heaved a sigh, pulled out a badge of sorts, and showed it to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper, after examining it for authenticity, gave them a discount that cut the price by half, allowing her to buy it, smiling nonstop. When they left the shop, she asked him what the badge was and where did he get it.
"It's called a VIP Badge." He answered. "I got it after defeating a golden tortoise in the Dorse Region."
After that, she excitingly continued asking him questions about his life and his adventures and when she asked him if her questions were bothering him, he smiled and said he didn't mind at all. It really warmed her heart that he didn't treat her as if she was a strange unknown being, but as a person no different from anyone else he had met before.
Apparently, his kindness doesn't extend to just the nobles. Many people stopped to greet him while they were shopping and he always greeted them back with enthusiasm. When she was kidnapped, he was the first to learn what had happen and also caught up to her and her kidnapper. He did most of the fighting while the other two slacked, using all sorts of strategies during the battle, and quickly defeated the perpetrators. She finally decided that his gentle looks, good-natured heart, and combination of strength and brains earned him the crush of a princess. Ah, Bellflower thought, blushing, I hope the day that I will see him again arrives. I wonder if he would tell me of all his new adventures? I wonder if I will join him on his adventures!? Oh, that would be wonderful! Oh, I can't wait to see you once more, my sweet, courageous Jack!
As Princess Bellflower continued with her fantasies, oblivious to reality, the rest of the group were in the middle of a debate about the light elves, but when an attendant came in and whispered in the King's ear, Ridley paid full attention.
"Really?" King Jiolus said. "So soon? I only received the message of their visit just last week."
"Yes, sir. I do believe that it is them." The attendant conveyed. "I have never seen these people before and frankly, sire, these people are the most particular persons I have ever seen. I can only assume that they are the emissaries that you are expecting, your highness."
"Very well. You may grant them entry to the Palace. Please bring them here, Winston."
"As you wish, sire." Winston bowed, and left the throne room.
Lord Jasne took note of what Winston had said and, with a hint of worry, asked, "Your majesty, are you expecting someone?"
King Jiolus, knowing his chamberlain would worry and knowing full well he will have to put Lord Jasne at ease, sighed as his inference proved correct. "Yes, I am. In fact, this is the main reason I have summoned you all here, including you as well, Bellflower." He said sharply, taking a glance at his daughter, who was startled out of her daydreams.
"If it is one of the faerie races," Cross exclaimed with a hint of venom, "then why do we have to be bothered by them?"
"Calm yourself, Cross." Lord Larks said calmly. "This isn't an army marching towards us. However, you do have a point. If it is one of the faerie races, why are they coming here?"
"Because they are not native to this land." The King explained, shocking everyone. "They claim that they are of magical blood, but of which, I haven't the clue."
"What do you mean, your highness?" Lord Jasne asked.
"Indeed." Cross interjected. "There are only five races of faerie that are known. These…foreigners," he spat, "have to belong to one of these races."
"Under normal circumstances," answered the King, "I would agree with you. However, these foreigners are from the mysterious land of Nippon."
The reactions of the groups ranged from surprise to awe to suspicion and downright anger. Ridley was perplexed; she had never seen anyone from outside of Radiata borders before, especially unknown faeries! Especially from Nippon, the island country that has been isolated for centuries.
All sorts of thoughts flitted all over Princess Bellflower's mind. She was like Ridley, never having even met foreigners before. She wondered what were they like, if they really were faeries and what they could do if they were! She couldn't wait to meet them.
"But, sire," Dynas inquired, "what does this have to do with the princess?" Princess Bellflower gave her father a look of curiosity.
The King answered, "Well, the main reason of their importance isn't because they may be magical."
"It's not?" everybody said.
The King shook his head and said, "Not at all. The reason is because the emissary is the only prince of Nippon."
Everyone gasped. Out of all the news that the King gave, this was the most shocking. Nobody even suspected that the visiting emissary was a prince and not just any prince at that!
"Now why would these foreigners send their own prince as an emissary?" Lord Larks wondered.
"Who cares about that!" Cross yelled, "I want to know what they are planning!"
"Enough Cross!" Dynas exclaimed, "For all we know, they might want to make trade between Radiata and Nippon!"
"That is correct." The King said. Everyone turned their gaze at him. "This is a diplomatic visit to discuss trade agreements between our two countries. I wouldn't be surprise if they sent their prince as a show of sincerity toward peace, even if he brings his vassals with him."
"That would make sense." Lord Jasne agreed. "By sending their own prince to an unknown, perhaps even dangerous, country, it shows that they truly want to strive for peace."
"I agree." Sir Lucian said, quietly. "Because the emissary is the only heir to the throne, a country wouldn't risk his life by putting him in a dangerous situation such as this. His vassals are more than likely here to provide the heir with protection and serve as advisors."
Silence formed after he finished. Sir Lucian rarely speaks during arguments, but when he does, his vast knowledge of politics always supports whatever side he is on and gains victory.
After a long moment, Lord Larks sighed and said, "I say that we watch and learn. Cross' worry is not without thought and your argument, Sir Lucian, is valid as well. If we remain cautious, no harm should come to us."
Everybody nods in agreement, even Cross.
Princess Bellflower spoke up, though. "But, Father, you still haven't answered General Dynas' question. What does this have to do with me?"
"This doesn't just involve you, my dear. It also involves Captain Ridley." A surprised look spread on Ridley's face. King Jiolus beckoned her to come up.
"Why, sire?" Ridley asked when she arrived.
"Because the prince is closest in age to the two of you. He might feel more comfortable with people his own age since he will be unfamiliar with our lands. As such, I am leaving it up to you two to get him settled in the castle. Treat him well."
"Of course, Father."
"Understood, sire." Ridley said and went to stand beside the princess.
Before anyone could say another word, Winston the steward returned. "Your guests ask if they could be admitted."
"Admittance granted." The King answered.
I hope you are enjoying the story so far and if you don't, please review and tell me what's wrong.
Darknight Silver
Disclaimer: I don't own Okami or Radiata Stories