By the time the parade had died down, it was well into the afternoon.
“I’ve never seen such festivities within Ishtarica’s long history,” Warren said.
“Indeed,” Lloyd nodded. “Even the castle itself can sense how cheerful everyone is.”
The two were beside Silverd as they gazed down at the castle district from the terrace balcony. The joyful mood was a splendid sight to behold. Naturally, they would visit the city later, but for now, they were allowed to partake in a short break and enjoy the view.
“Dear, I finally found you,” the queen said.
“Ah, Lalalua!” the king said. “Why don’t you come here and join us?”
“I’d love to, but I’m looking for Ein.”
“I spotted him restlessly pacing the halls ever since he returned. Is something the matter with him?”
“Well, I haven’t seen him.”
“Have you visited Krone or Olivia?”
“Olivia told me she hasn’t a clue, but she kept looking at me with a huge grin on her face.”
“Then she clearly knows something!”
It was clear that the princess had no intention of divulging the truth. It was the first day of the party, and yet the boy of the hour was nowhere to be seen. Silverd felt compelled to groan in exasperation.
“And where might Lady Krone be?” Warren inquired.
“You see, Krone is gone as well,” Lalalua replied. “The other officers told me that she just vanished.”
The three men came to the same conclusion.
“Your Majesty, perhaps Lady Krone is with Sir Ein somewhere,” Warren assumed.
“I had the same thought,” the king replied. “And it’s no wonder that Olivia seemed to know a thing or two. They probably told her just in case, but asked her to keep quiet.”
“On that note, I’m curious about Chris’s whereabouts as well,” Lloyd added.
“She’s with Olivia,” Lalalua said. “Chris said that she’d hold herself back with Olivia’s help... But I wonder what she was really going on about.”
Clearly, Ein and Krone had gone somewhere together, and it was imperative to find them as soon as possible. Lloyd headed for the door to find them when Warren suddenly opened his mouth.
“Your Majesty, I’ve just spotted Sir Ein and Lady Krone.”
It was by complete coincidence that the chancellor had managed to find the two as he gazed down at the castle district. Even from afar, he could make them out. Lloyd turned back around and smiled as he gazed in the same direction.
“That’s El and Al, Your Majesty,” the marshal said, knowing that there was nothing that he could do.
“Quite right,” Warren agreed. “I believe the two are dragging along a vessel of Agustos Trading Firm. And I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that they haven’t received the proper permission to use that ship.”
The king was at a loss for words. Where were the two headed? He had no idea, but it was clear that they were going far from Kingsland. Silverd jumped to his feet and approached the fence of the terrace.
“That...rampaging crown prince!” he shouted towards the ocean. It was rare to see the king panicking so clearly, and Lalalua and the others chuckled as His Majesty caught his breath. “Huff... Huff... That crown prince... I’d like to see who raised him! I know I see her every day, but good grief!”
There was a knock on the door, and Martha called, “Pardon me, but I’ve just received a letter from Sir Ein.”
Lalalua allowed the maid to enter as she knelt and handed the letter to the king. Silverd angrily tore it open and unfurled the note inside.
I would like to use my reward for defeating the red fox by giving myself a day off, the note said.
Silverd gazed at the ceiling as his cheeks twitched while Warren stroked his beard with interest.
“Lady Martha, perhaps a royal edict was issued so that you may remain silent?” he asked.
“That’s right, chancellor,” she replied. “The two also gave me strict orders to provide this letter after they set sail.”
Ein was shockingly well prepared today, it seemed. And unfortunately for Silverd, he wanted to scold the crown prince, but found himself unable to do so. Defeating the red foxes was a glorious feat, and merely asking for a day off would be nowhere near equal in value.
“Perhaps it’s you, Warren, who injected the hero with unnecessary intelligence?” Silverd inquired.
“I haven’t the faintest clue about what you’re on about, Your Majesty,” Warren replied.
The king could only lifelessly gaze at the ship that Ein was on. What king would deny a hero a single day to himself?
“Be back by sundown,” he said serenely. His voice was carried by the wind, towards the sea.