CHAPTER 320: UNDERWORLD

Raegar smiled when he felt the air against his face and the peace that settled over him as he thought. ’This is the life, traveling with them while experiencing the wider empire.’

Just then, Alice turned to them, suggesting. ’’We can take a carriage to my home, it shouldn’t take too long.’’

When the group heard this, they agreed with nods, but he interrupted their excitement. ’’I’m going to walk, I need some time to think.’’

As his words settled over the harem, their expressions changed to concerned ones as Drusilla questioned. ’’What’s brought this on?’’

’’Everything, Dru,’’ he replied.

Just then, everyone’s gaze snapped to Nivara, catching the Dark Elf off guard as Zahara’s grey eyes narrowed. ’’Niv. Will you travel with him? Make sure he stays out of trouble?’’

’’Why her!’’ Selene protested.

Dominique and Alice nodded in agreement as Zahara explained. ’’She’s quiet and can keep him safe from assassins. Also gives us a chance to have a harem meeting, there’s much to discuss.’’

The Vampress’s green eyes widened as she realized something and responded. ’’Sounds good to me,’’ she glanced at the tanned beauty. ’’What about you, Alice?’’

’’It’s okay with me,’’ the blonde answered.

Raegar watched this with a smirk as Nivara appeared beside him, giggling. ’’Looks like you’ve got a strong harem, Ael’varyn.’’

’’Call me, Rae or Raegar,’’ he said. ’’We’re beyond titles now, Niv.’’

The Dark Elf’s giggle intensified as the group turned to them. Zahara was the one to speak. ’’We’ll get the carriage from Willowford, you’ll follow behind and make sure not to get into trouble.’’

’’That’s fine, Za,’’ Reagar replied, a charming smile crossing his face. ’’And I don’t want to fight, I just want to relax and enjoy my time with you all.’’

The group’s faces glowed with delight at his words, their bright expressions making his heart race. Encouraged by their joy, Reagar stepped closer, surprising each with a kiss. Though surprised, they leaned in, returning it with soft smiles and sparkling eyes, their bond deepening in that fleeting moment.

After that show of affection, they continued their journey toward the village, the golden shades of late afternoon casting long shadows across the rolling hills. When getting close, the village came into view, a cluster of cozy, thatched-roof cottages nestled between vibrant wildflower meadows and a rushing river.

The air carried the scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers, mingling with the faint hum of laughter and chatter from within. As they stepped through the village’s wooden archway, a wave of warmth greeted them. Villagers paused their tasks, some setting down baskets of apples to offer wide, welcoming smiles.

A bunch of children, cheeks streaked with dirt from playing, darted forward, their giggles echoing as they tugged at Reagar’s cloak with eager hands. From the gathered villagers, an elderly woman emerged, her silver hair woven with wildflowers, her warm eyes crinkling with kindness.

The stranger dipped into a bow. ’’My prince,’’ she said, her voice steady and warm. ’’I am Margret, elder of Willowford. We are honored by your visit.’’

Reagar’s brow furrowed in confusion, a look so comically puzzled it drew soft laughter from his companions. Margret’s smile deepened as she explained. ’’Word travels fast, my lord. We saw you stand against that beast and the rebel forces. And when the empress made her proclamation, your name spread like wildfire across the empire. A young hero like you doesn’t go unnoticed.’’

’’Oh,’’ he replied, smiling. ’’We’re here to get a carriage to the Duke Manor.’’

Margret’s gaze fell onto Alice and bowed. ’’My lady. I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl.’’

’’It’s good to see you as well,’’ the blonde replied, a friendly expression crossing his face. ’’We haven’t passed through here in years. Father tends to take Airships when traveling.’’

The old woman waved her away. ’’I know the Duke is busy thanks to the chaos happening further south. Even the Demon General is there, putting a stop to the attacks.’’

When Raegar heard this, his expression lit up as the general was his father, Aldric Blackwood, causing Margret to notice the happiness, only for her to go wide-eyed. ’’You’re the Count’s son, how did I not notice?’’

’’He was here a week ago before traveling toward the capital, now I understand why he was in a rush,’’ she muttered.

Following that, she turned to them and spoke. ’’Come, everybody, I’ll have my personal carriage take you to your destination.’’

They were led through the village, collecting a crowd of people that swarmed them. He noticed Nivara standing next to him until she moved. The Dark Elf blocked a sudden attack, killing the assassin without anyone seeing or hearing a thing, and turned to him with a knowing smile.

Raegar was surprised, but Nivara explained. ’’The person who hired me is sending others; I recognized the man as one of his lackeys.’’

’’And what would it cost me to kill this person?’’ he asked, smirking as they continued when the body vanished in a puff of black smoke.

’’Maybe some of that love I see you give the others?’’ the Dark Elf replied, giggling before shrugging. ’’I don’t know, I want to kill him for targeting you, but it will ruin connections I have with the underworld.’’

’’Does that mean you still got me in your sight?’’

The silver-haired beauty shook her head. ’’Depends, are you going to keep teasing me?’’

’’Maybe?’’

Nivara gave Reagar a playful punch in the side, her laughter mingling with his as they shared a lighthearted exchange, hurrying to catch up. They crossed the village, weaving through bustling lanes lined with market stalls and cozy cottages while people went about their lives, until they reached the far side.

There, a large warehouse-like building loomed. Dozens of villagers scurried about, some hauling sacks of grain, others guiding carts piled high with produce, their movements cheerful. Margret turned to the group, her hair catching the light. ’’Wait here a moment,’’ she said with a warm smile. ’’I’ll fetch the carriage.’’

As Margret disappeared into the crowd, Reagar leaned against a sturdy oak fence, his gaze wandering over the vibrant scenery. The village of Willowford unfolded like a living tapestry: rolling hills framed the horizon, their emerald slopes dotted with sheep. Nearby, a crystal-clear stream wound through the meadow, its surface glinting under the golden sun.

Wildflowers swayed in the gentle breeze, their sweet fragrance blending with the earthy scent of freshly turned soil. In the distance, the rhythmic clanging of a blacksmith’s hammer mingled with the cheerful calls of vendors and the laughter of children chasing each other through the grass.

Reagar’s lips curved into a quiet smile. A soft creak of wheels drew his attention. Margret reappeared, striding alongside a young man with tousled brown hair and a confident grin. He wore a simple tunic, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms dusted with sawdust, hinting at his work in the village stables.

Behind them rolled a sturdy wooden carriage, its polished frame gleaming faintly in the sunlight. A pair of horses snorted softly, their harnesses jingling as they stepped in unison. Two villagers bustled around the carriage, securing a stack of supplies, sacks of flour, herbs, and a tightly packed crate, ensuring everything was fastened for the journey ahead.

’’This is Toren,’’ Margret said, gesturing to the young man, who gave a quick nod. ’’He’ll be your driver. The carriage is nearly ready, just a few last checks.’’

Toren flashed a friendly smile at the group, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. ’’Won’t be long now,’’ he said, patting one of the horses. ’’These two are eager to get moving.’’

Following that, Raegar turned to the women and kissed and cuddled each one, making sure they felt loved before they stepped into the carriage. He and Nivara stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the carriage as it rumbled away from Willowford, its wheels kicking up faint clouds of dust along the cobblestone path.

The soft clatter of hooves faded into the distance, leaving a quiet stillness in the air. Nivara’s hand brushed lightly against Raegar’s, her gaze lingering on the horizon where the carriage had disappeared. Margaret approached them, footsteps soft against the ground, her brow furrowed with curiosity.

’’Why didn’t you go with the others?’’ she asked, her voice gentle but probing, her eyes darting between Raegar and Nivara.

Raegar turned to her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. ’’I wanted to walk,’’ he responded.

His eyes flickered briefly to Nivara, a silent understanding passing between them, before he looked back at Margaret. The breeze stirred his cloak, and he adjusted it with a casual ease, ready to set off down the path. Shortly after, they left Willowford behind and began making their way toward Alice’s home.

While walking, the Dark Elf turned to him and suddenly revealed. ’’It’s a Count that neighbours your home, he’s threatened by you thanks to his daughter wanting to romance you.’’

This stopped Raegar in his tracks as he looked at Nivara. ’’Thank you for telling me, Niv.’’