145: Assassin

Assassin

The carriage rolled down the road at a very slow pace. Surprisingly enough, the area around the castle was always very busy, it seems. At least, this was what Adel told me when I asked about it. Lance also added in that during the lunar year festival that was held in the capital at the start of each new year, that the streets were so packed that driving a carriage was impossible. It was only during the week of the festival that all nobles would walk to the castle.2

The lunar festival was the same thing as the new year celebrations you would have back on Earth. Only this was a new festival that the King came up with recently and had only been around for five years now. While it was popular with the nobles and others within the capital, it had yet to spread to the rest of the kingdom. Mainly because it would cost the nobles money to have their territories fund such events. Kind of a hypocritical way of doing things. While the King foots the bill for the capital and the nobles go to the castle with fanfare to enjoy the festivities, They ignore their own domains all because they're too cheap to spend money.

It took an hour to get to the castle gates. Luckily we did not need to wait in line as both Adel and Lance were in the carriage with me. I could see many carriages lined up, all fancy with different crests on each one.

From the castle gates to the entrance that was set aside for royalty only took another half hour. So in total, it was an hour and a half ride just to get here, and this was not counting the next fifteen minute walk I was about to undergo. 

As the carriage came to a stop, the knight at the second gate walked forward and opened the door to the carriage. He then placed a stepping stool for everyone to use when they got off before stepping to the side and bowing. "His Highness Prince Lance, and Her Highness Princess Adellia, It is good that you had a safe journey." 

I watched as Lance got off first. He did not even say a word to the knight. He just gave him an indifferent nod before turning around and reaching out with his hand. Adel was next as she took Lance's hand and lifted her skirt just enough to allow her feet to be free so she could step out of the carriage. Seeing these fluid noble movements of the two made me realize that they were indeed a Prince and a Princess. Sometimes I forget this fact because of how close I am to the two. We talk and joke around like we have been friends since birth, so it feels slightly strange when I see them acting this way.

"This way, please, Your Hingesses." The Guard bowed and went to lead the two away, but after taking a few steps, he stopped and turned around. "Your Highnesses?"

"We are not two but three," Lance said curtly. He seemed angry about something.

I went to make my way off the carriage when I heard the knight suddenly say: "Your Highnesses do not need to worry. I will take the demi servant to the servant quarters so they can get regis….."

*Slap!*

I was at the door of the carriage staring at Adel's stretched out hand when we both turned to look at Lance standing in front of the knight with his hand in the air. "Say that one more time!"

"Your highness!? What did I do wrong!?" The knight was confused and quickly dropped to his knees and bowed his head. But I could see a bit of reluctance in his expression as he did so. It felt like something was off. 

"Lance, get back here this instant!" I yelled out as I jumped forward while at the same time casting a barrier around Adel. I instantly arrived in front of Lance just in time for a dagger to lunge at me. I really had no time to think. I didn't even get to input up any form of barrier or mana shield. I only heard a cracking sound as the dagger suddenly shattered into pieces and fell to the ground. The knight was standing in front of me, still in the same pose he was in as he tried to stab forward with a shocked expression on his face. I guess he couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

""Faith!"" I heard two yells from behind me. Lance, who was directly behind me, drew his sword and chopped the knight's arm off that was still stretched out. Everything happened so fast that not even the other knights on duty had time to react. But now, they had run over and were pinning the bleeding man to the ground.

"Faith, are you okay!?" Lance asked. His eyes were full of worry. 

"I am fine. Luckily I have a sturdy body." I said with a wry smile. I looked down to see a small nick on my skin. Luckily no blood was drawn. But the skirt I was wearing now had a big stab wound on it. I actually liked this dress too. It was a sky blue color with white frills at the bottom. It was not overly extravagant but simple yet good enough to wear in front of royalty. 

But to think there would be an assassin here at the castle. Maybe it was a good thing that Lance and Adel were at my house. I looked down at the young girl who was currently giving my body a full inspection and sighed. "Adel, I am fine. I am a dragon kin, a simple knife will not do me any harm."

"I know but still…. Faith…. Thank you…." Adel said as she hugged me. "I may not show it but Lance is still my brother. I do not wish for him to die." 

"Yes please allow me to thank you, Faith. You saved me just now." Lance bowed his head to me. 

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