The Invincible Young Master

One of the crimson guards turned to Zarak, eyeing him with suspicion. "Do you know this old man?"

Zarak gave a small nod, his expression calm. "Yes, we're traveling together. Though… he has his own unique way of seeing the world."

The Emissary tilted her head, glancing curiously between Zarak and the old man.

"Princess asks where you two are headed?" she asked with a gentle authority in her tone.

"To the imperial capital," Zarak answered plainly, meeting her gaze with a respectful nod.

"The capital…" the guard exchanged glances.

"We were also returning to the capital," The emissary continued with a smile. "Princess says If that's the case, perhaps you could share the journey. The carriage has plenty of space, and it would be an honor to have both of you as guests."

The guards around her exchanged wide-eyed looks, caught off guard by her unexpected offer.

They eyed Zarak with a mixture of surprise and caution. It was unusual for the princess to extend such a privilege, especially to a stranger she had just met once.

The guards' suspicion seemed to intensify as they tried to figure out what had made the princess warm up to him so quickly, besides being a savior.

Zarak, however, shook his head slightly, looking hesitant.

"We will travel on foot," he replied firmly, about to decline.

But before he could finish, the old man cleared his throat with a pointed cough, leaning in with a twinkle in his eye.

"Now, lad," he said in a lighthearted tone, "You are not seriously considering turning down such a gracious offer from the princess, are you?"

The guards nodded along with him, approval in their expressions as if they, too, thought rejecting such an offer would be a waste.

Zarak shot the old man a sidelong look, raising an eyebrow. "Weren't you the one set on walking from the start? Now you are saying we should take her up on the ride?"

The old man shrugged, unbothered by his own inconsistency. "Circumstances change, lad. Even an old traveler like myself knows when to appreciate a fine opportunity."

Something in the old man's response made Zarak pause. He studied the elder's face, wondering if there was more behind his sudden change of heart.

"You wouldn't happen to recognize the person inside, would you?" he asked slowly, noting how easily the old man had also referred to the person inside as a princess.

The old man chuckled.

"Recognize her? Oh, indeed. I may be a traveler, but even I have my sources." He patted his chest proudly, then glanced at the carriage with a warm grin. "The lady inside the carriage is none other than the first in line to the throne of the Jul Empire, Princess Elize, known as the Lioness of the North."

The guards' expressions softened at the old man's words, the tension fading as they saw their princess recognized and honored.

The emissary looked at him in surprise but also with curiosity, clearly intrigued by this strange traveler who seemed to know more than he let on.

"First in line to the throne?" muttered Zarak. As someone who had stayed in the holy land most of his life, without much contact with the outside, he had not heard of this princess.

"Yes, she is the future ruler of this Empire." Said the old man.

The emissary's smile remained faint but respectful. "The Princess appreciates your acknowledgment. And, if I may say, she considers you and your companion welcome guests on this journey."

"As long as the princess doesn't mind my appearance," said the old man.

"Princess says that's fine," replied the emissary. "If he is with sir Zarak then he can also join."

The old man's grin widened, clearly enjoying the moment. He leaned in toward Zarak and whispered, "Not every day you're invited to share a ride with royalty, eh? Consider yourself fortunate!"

Zarak let out a resigned sigh, recognizing that the old man had already made up his mind.

With a hint of reluctance, he turned to the emissary and offered a slight bow. "In that case, it seems we will be accepting the Princess's hospitality after all."

Just then, the bald guard interrupted. "Madame, about those assailants-"

"We will about this once we reach safety," replied the emissary. "For now, carry these dead ones for inspection later."

The bald guard frowned, worry evident in his furrowed brow, and added. "Madame, are you sure it's safe to have these two share the carriage with the Princess? Under these... strange circumstances, it seems like a risk."

The royal emissary, calm as ever, listened quietly before nodding and relaying the Princess's decision. "The Princess has made her choice. She believes that if Sir Zarak had any ill intentions, he would have acted by now. His actions have only shown his goodwill... and his strength."

The bald guard hesitated, casting a doubtful glance at Zarak and the old man. But after a brief pause, he nodded in resignation.

"Understood," he muttered, though a flicker of unease remained in his gaze.

With a gentle wave, the emissary beckoned to Zarak and the old storyteller. "Please, come with me."

They followed her forward, escorted past a line of vigilant guards who watched them closely, eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

Very few people outside the royal family were ever permitted this close to the Princess, especially within the royal carriage.

Some of the guards, despite years of service, had only caught the briefest glimpse of her now and then.

They exchanged stunned looks as they saw Zarak and the old man being led forward, aware of how rare a privilege this was.

The emissary moved gracefully, opening the carriage door with a gesture, and inviting them to step inside.

Zarak glanced at the old man, who, despite his worn appearance, seemed oddly pleased, his expression almost smug as if he found the whole situation amusing.

With a small nod, Zarak climbed into the carriage, followed by the old man and the emissary.