“I’m down the street. You can always visit.”
“It’s not the same.”
I smile. Of course it’s not the same. I’m not living under his roof anymore, seeking his constant guidance on every little issue. He’s taught me all I need to know to be the man Alessia and the people of Celestia deserve. I can’t grow any more than I already have among the halls of the Meadow Hills training ring. Now, as Prince of Celestia, I have every resource at my fingertips to reach greater heights; all I have to do is ask, and the path will be laid for me.
“I know. I’ll come see you as often as I can, Eren,” I promise.
“I’ll hold you to it. And you’re buying my drinks from now on,” Eren chuckles.
“Of course.”
I pull my hood over my head, open the doors, and start the walk back home—my new home, the palace, where my lovely wife is waiting for me.
***
“Aurelio, we’re going adventuring!”
I blink slowly. “…I’m sorry, what?”
“You heard me! Grab your cloak, we’re going to the Guild!”
I’ve only just walked into the bedroom, and Alessia is already walking out, beckoning for me to follow. The giddy grin on her face tells me she’s had this plan stewing for a while, probably since she left earlier. I never would have guessed this was her plan, however. There’s never been a queen in all of Celestia’s history that has become an adventurer, not even for a short time.
“Alessia, are you sure about this?” I question.
“Absolutely! Come on, we’ve got to hurry if we want to get there with time to go shopping!”
“Wait, we’re shopping, too?”
“Of course! How else are we going to get proper supplies?”
She seizes my arm, and I’m tugged out the door with her, forced to tag along behind her as she runs through the halls. The laughter falling from her lips is like music notes floating through the air. I’m not sure at all what she’s thinking, and she has no intention of explaining herself before she drags me along.
Ah, well. I don’t need to understand what’s happening. As soon as Alessia has an idea in her head, I’m powerless to stop her. At least this idea sounds like fun.
Alessia drags me all the way to the front entryway of the palace, where Mina is waiting for us, a giddy grin on her face. She dances on her tiptoes like an excitable school girl when she sees us coming.
“Ooh, he’s finally here!” she squeals. “I can’t wait!”
“You let the servants know that dinner is to be delayed three hours, right?” Alessia confirms.
“Yes, I just returned from the kitchens. Now, let’s get going!”
Three hours? My stomach protests at the idea of going even three more minutes without food, but once again, I’m powerless to change the situation. Alessia’s already put her plan into action, and all I can do is follow along.
We take off down the main street, passing by all the local taverns and shops until we cross the other main street, the one running east and west. On the other side, the Guilds bathe magnificently in the orange-red sunlight of evening. Alessia makes a beeline for the Adventurer’s Guild, and I’m tugged along inside. She runs right for the front desk, which at this hour, barely has a line. In fact, most of the Guild’s main floor is empty, the majority of the adventurers having gone home for the day.
“Queen—Queen Alessia!” the receptionist squeaks.
I cringe; this is the same blonde girl as last time, but she’s still just as flustered. Alessia’s going to give these poor Guild workers a heart attack if she keeps showing up unexpectedly.
“Good evening. I’d like to register myself and my husband as adventurers, please,” Alessia says.
The receptionist goes ghostly white. Her pen falling from her hand, she stares at Alessia with round eyes.
“Re—Register? As adventurers?”
“Yes, that’s what I said. Do I have to speak with your manager?”
