Broken logged into Immortal Legacy at the break of dawn in Deadbay City. The first thing he noticed was a private message from Kingsley, asking to talk. They agreed to meet by the city gate to wait for the rest of the team.
“So, Broken, you know I can transform into a panther, right?” Kingsley said.
“Yes,” Broken replied slowly, curious where this was going.
“I can run at high speed in that form. Probably the only one who could keep up is Polly.” “And…?”
Kingsley continued, “But can Polly carry three people on her back at once?”
“Adults? I’ve never asked.”
At that moment, Polly, the white fox, appeared beside him, immediately jumping onto his lap.
“Master…” Polly murmured softly.
“Polly, can you carry three people at once on your back?”
“I’ll do it, Master. I’ll do anything you ask.”
“I’m not asking if you’re willing-I’m asking if it’s possible.”
“Yes, Master,” she replied instantly.
“Would there be any penalties, like a reduction in movement speed or something?” “Master, I can fix this.”
“So… your movement speed would be affected, then?”
“Yes, Master, but I still want to do it.”
“It’s okay.” He gave her a reassuring pat on the head. Then he turned to Kingsley. “Polly can carry three people, but it would affect her movement speed. So, what’s the issue, Kingsley?”
“So, Broken,” Kingsley began to explain, “I’m sure that Ivana will be with you very often, riding Polly with you. But, if something happens and Princess Alora also needs a ride for some reason, I beg you, can Princess Alora stay with you and ride Polly? I’m okay with Ivana staying with me.”
Broken frowned. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re trying to say, Kingsley?”
“Broken… a lot of people idolize Princess Alora. Many people are crazy about her,” Kingsley explained. “Do you know what they will say if another man approaches her? I know I’m just a ride, but I don’t have the courage to let Princess Alora ride me in my panther form.”
“That’s…” Broken paused for a moment before continuing, his chuckle.
“That’s certainly an interesting proposition, Kingsley. But yes, I don’t think it would be too much trouble. If it’s pressing, Princess Alora can accompany me, and Ivana can follow you.”
“But…” Broken continued, “I actually have other ride options, two, even three if we count Ivana’s as well. I mean, I can summon the Gaia Beast separately-it just consumes a lot of Mana, so it’d be a last resort.”
“Ivana has her own mount? Wait, are you talking about those two fiery beasts from when you were being chased by the faeries?”
“Yeah… though we try to keep the two beasts we contracted in Hell under wraps in front of others.”
“I didn’t know about this.”
“But no worries, I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”
“Thank you,” Kingsley replied, giving him a kind smile.
“Why don’t we go meet the others?” Broken suggested. “I’m sure they’re ready.”
Princess Alora and her knights awaited them, alongside Elincia, Melliandra, Livelywood, Starfall, Orion, Oriana, and the other knights, all assembled for the journey.
“Good morning, Princess Alora,” Broken greeted calmly as he approached her.
“What do you think about joining me in my carriage, along with Ivana and Elincia?” she suggested. “There are some urgent matters I’d like to discuss, and I think we’d be able to speak more freely there.”
Broken nodded, agreeing, and followed Princess Alora into her carriage, with Ivana and Elincia joining them. And with that, the expedition officially began.
Princess Alora took a seat next to Ivana, while Elincia settled in beside Broken. The atmosphere in the carriage soon turned lighthearted as Ivana started a conversation, with Elincia enthusiastically keeping pace. Princess Alora, dressed in her battle armor, watched them with a hint of amusement.
“You all don’t look like people heading off to war,” Broken quipped with a smirk, interrupting the chatter.
Elincia raised an eyebrow. “Must be fun at parties, huh, Broken?” she teased, nudging his waist.
At that moment, Broken summoned two of his beasts, who had likely been waiting impatiently. In a flash, a small cat and a fox-not exactly small-appeared before them.
“Roar… I’ve got lots of food here. I’ll eat Polly… and Ivana, too! Hahaha!” Pawpaw declared, then dashed around the carriage as if on a playful rampage.
Alora caught the kitten mid-air, holding Pawpaw firmly as she looked him in the eyes.
“Hey, Pawpaw… you told me you’d work on being a good lord, remember? A good lord always shows proper manners and behavior in front of others.”
“Roar… how boring,” Pawpaw grumbled. “But I guess you’re right, Princess…”
Elincia sighed at the exchange. “Looks like Princess Alora can handle this kitten, too. You’re
the only one still struggling with him, Broken”
Ivana giggled. “Pawpaw’s boundless energy makes him cute, if you ask me.”
“Not even slightly cute to me, Ivana,” Elincia replied.
“Roar… you lowly mage, be silent in my presence,” Pawpaw retorted.
Elincia sighed but played along. “Alright, Pawpaw, it’s only because I know you’ll contribute tremendously in battle that I’m humoring you.”
Ivana laughed softly. Polly nestled quietly in Broken’s lap, watching the scene unfold from a safe spot.
Pawpaw began hopping playfully from Ivana’s lap to Princess Alora’s and back again, keeping everyone amused. Soon, the conversation resumed.
“So, do you think the Moonlight Fae will still allow you to form a bond with their tribe leader after all the casualties they’ve suffered?” Alora asked.
“It’s in their best interest,” Broken replied. “They came to me, after all, asking for help to lift the curse that’s plagued them. But there are some among them who are still skeptical about Elaine’s intentions, and that’s what’s led to all these conflicts.” He sighed.
“Elaine truly is a good tribe leader,” Ivana added. “I don’t know her well, but I can assure you none of this has happened because of her will.”
Princess Alora leaned forward, her gaze focused on Broken. “So, what’s your plan?”
“My priority is to obtain the Eternal Flame Eye and, if possible, a Fae Soul Stone. That’s the main goal. After that, I intend to make them pay for daring to threaten me like this,” he replied. “I’ll kick their asses so hard they’ll be begging for mercy.”
Ivana stifled a laugh. “Broken, I think you might have forgotten you’re speaking in front of Her Highness Princess Alora.”
Alora giggled, joining in on the teasing. “Oh, Ivana, I’m sure you understand Broken better than I do. He always acts differently when no one else is around. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Ivana paused, a little taken aback. “Oh… yes, I thought he only did that in front of me.”
Elincia sighed. “With all due respect, Princess Alora, has Broken done anything even more outrageous than what happened last time in your tent?”
“I think we agreed not to bring that up again, Elincia,” Broken murmured.
“That was nothing compared to what he did afterward,” Alora replied.
Broken sighed in resignation. “You’re far too good at making me forget you’re a crowned
princess, Your Highness. Makes me want to curse, if I’m honest.”
“See?” Alora laughed. “It’s almost too easy to draw out the true character of this ‘hero’ we all
admire.”
Ivana couldn’t help but laugh as well.
“Maybe it was a mistake to join this carriage,” Elincia muttered under her breath.