Ceres

9

"What did you say?"

The Emperor visiting the residence of the Ellion family is already a big ruckus in the kingdom considering that there is still an on-going political struggle between the princes. And right now, Dotrald said something that made the Emperor lose even more of his composure.

"I will not agree to such request!"

The third prince stood up from his seat and made sure to everyone in the hall that he detests the propose agreement of general Dotrald.

"But, even the royal matchmaker said that Beatrice and the prince is a match made in heaven. Surely, you wouldn't mind rumors circulating about you visiting our residence in the middle of the night, right your Highness?"

The Emperor looked at the third prince with disappointment. He clearly told him to stay in his room that night but never did he expect that the third prince not only broke his trust but also sneaked inside the Ellion family's residence. And this was all because of that trash! He didn't know whether to be thankful that the girl is already gone or not.

"I have the right to choose whom I should marry."

The third prince glared at Dotrald despite the pressure he is feeling from the general's aura.

"I don't care what other people think. I only need to see if Ceres is okay or not! That's the only reason I went here!"

The Emperor couldn't take all the commotion and finally made up his mind.

"Shut up! Listen to your father for once!"

Everyone was surprised with the Emperor's shout as it carries his royal Highness' majestic aura and might.

"I beg your Ellion family's forgiveness for my son's rash behavior. But, about this marriage agreement, I also cannot agree."

The Emperor clearly knows that Dotrald wanted more power through political marriage. He wonders why Arcyl was letting his son meddle with the kingdom's political struggles while other old families stay neutral.

"The Emperor would surely give us a rather suitable explanation for this, right?"

Dotrald is the only one talking and making the deal. Surely, he is the only one laying out everything.

What about Arcyl? He voiced his opinion at the beginning of the visitation. He evidently said that he would agree only if both children are willing. As soon as he said those words, he walked out of the hall. The old Emperor was the only one he had to respect and show loyalty so the current Emperor understood his actions and never took it by heart. He was pleased about Arcyl not taking sides but he was also displeased by Arcyl's behavior and tolerance towards Dotrald's plans.

Undeniably, everything that happened only showed that only those from the older generation of this household understand the conflict of such propose agreement.

"The third prince is still too young to decide who he's going to marry. Besides, marriage is something that both parties need to think about carefully. We also have a deal with another family from another kingdom to let our children take their time and get to know more about themselves. That is the reason why we can never let the third prince decide who he is going to take as his wife at this point in time. This is all for the prosperity of our kingdom."

Dotrald's smiling lips twitched as soon as he heard the Emperor's words. He thought about this plan and now the Emperor just needed to bring the kingdom's prosperity to disrupt everything they laid down. What bullsh*t is that 'take their time to get to know each other'? It is clearly an arranged marriage with some noble family from another kingdom.

The third prince didn't say anything. He also knew about such deal. He didn't make a fuss about it because it wasn't a marriage agreement in the first place.

"Very well, your Highness. We will respect your decision and judgment."

The Emperor finally breathes out.

"However, you may as well give the same chance to Beatrice, right?"

What Dotrald said made the Emperor clenched his fist. Why would he do that? Does this general think that Beatrice is on the same level as a princess of another kingdom? He was about to refute Dotrald when the third prince suddenly voiced his opinion.

What's surprising is how the third prince said it was alright. He will give Beatrice the same chance as the other girl from another kingdom. All of these for a little bit of information about Ceres.

"But, first and foremost, where is Ceres?"

The third prince never cared about anything except for Ceres. This is something which both families were well aware of. Thus, Dotrald began his storytelling abilities.

"Unfortunately..."

---

For the following the days, Ceres' started to train her body. She put on weights in different parts of her body and did an exercise routine every single day. She also went to the market a few times to check out some books. So far, her knowledge about this world grew a little. However, there were only few herbs and other stuff sold in this town so she was not able to stock a lot.

"Old Time Mage."

The old man almost tripped on his walk. This young lady pretending to be a young lad clearly doesn't know the weight of his nickname.

The old man faced Ceres and coughed.

"What should I call you, by the way?"

"Cerio."

"You don't even want me to know your real name? Fine. But let me tell you one thing, you shouldn't carelessly speak of my nickname. You don't know how problematic it is for the world to know about my location."

After his reminder, the two of them kept on walking to leave the town. He told her that they would be traveling to a city called Roguen. It is still located at Winsterein Kingdom and is the fourth largest city in it. His friend, a spirit healer, is currently residing in it.

After some time, they went inside a forest just outside the town. And when the coast is clear according to the Time Mage, he whistled. This action was followed by a loud bird's cry.

A large white owl landed in front of them. It was such a beautiful owl that Ceres couldn't help but be amazed although, it did not really show on her face.

"We will be riding this friend of mine since it is a long journey ahead."

Ceres only nodded.

"Well, how about your servant?"

Ceres called out to Gil and asked him if he will be coming with them to Roguen on the owl. Gil said that he need not ride the owl with them. This made the Time Mage think how weird Ceres' background is. Ceres, on the other hand, didn't think much since she already knew that there are a lot of mysteries involving Gil and that person.

Along the journey, Ceres learned a lot about spiritual bodies, magic, and spirit essence. These were mostly what she needed to learn. Also, as she consumes the medicines she makes coupled with her meditation, her physical body gradually became better and she would soon be able to get her peak condition just like in her previous world.-tbc

A/N: (As of March 11, 2018) I wonder how other people manage their time? I'm impress with those who can do lots of things and still have time for other things. I want to be that kind of person but sadly... My body needs enough rest. Health is really wealth. Please take care of your health, guys!