The next morning, Cecilia woke up earlier than Robert. It was a habit she had picked up in her last life. Cecilia was studying to be an assassin. With such a background, sleeping soundly was not an option for her.
As usual, Cecilia woke up and got ready by herself, as if she had been used to living without the help of her servants. Cecilia said that she was exhausted. But at that moment, she looked more refreshed than anyone else.
When Robert saw Cecilia, he couldn't help but start to think. He apologized for not being able to wake up earlier. But Cecilia just smiled and said that it was only natural after Robert had been up almost all night guarding her tent.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Robert prepared his horse, tidied up his supplies, and then checked their route as soon as he woke up. The two of them only had time to wash their faces before they continued their journey back.
"If we move quickly, we will arrive at the capital of the Landis Kingdom when the sun is above our heads."
Cecilia pulled off her gloves with a smooth motion as she listened to Robert's explanation. Her mask had been cleaned. As Cecilia held it, the mask reflected the morning sunlight with a faint shimmer.
"Then we should move quickly."
"Understood, Your Highness."
Cecilia mounted her horse, followed by Robert. The two of them resumed their tiring journey. Thanks to their persistence, the journey that should have taken two days was shortened to one day.
***
They continued their journey southeast, where the borders of the Landis Kingdom stretched beyond the range of hills and forests. The terrain began to change, from wild mountains to well-maintained cobblestone roads, signifying a more controlled and prosperous region.
Around noon, Cecilia finally entered the more well-maintained cobblestone roads. They had entered the capital of the Landis Kingdom. There, everyone had to show their identification to enter.
Cecilia was stopped by a group of horsemen in light plate armor with the Landis emblem. Cecilia showed her identification. Upon seeing her, the men immediately directed her to their leader.
Their leader came quickly. He was a man in his forties. Hastily, he dismounted his horse and bowed lightly before Cecilia.
"Welcome to the Landis Kingdom, Prince Cecilion. His Highness Prince Damian has left a message regarding your arrival. You may meet him directly at the palace after this. I, Sir Lenton, will personally escort you."
Robert frowned and looked at Cecilia. It felt strange to see the Landis Kingdom that was not interested in anything treating them special to the point of sending the crown prince's knight to pick them up.
However, Cecilia remained calm. She had already guessed what would happen. After all, she had repeated Damian's 'route' several times.
"Before that, I hope you don't mind if I clean myself up to formally appear before Prince Damian, Sir Lenton."
Sir Lenton looked at Cecilia, who had come on a horse instead of a carriage, then nodded in understanding.
"Then, please follow me."
Cecilia and Robert were escorted into the city of Landis after that. Towering palace buildings with intricate architecture greeted them as they entered. They passed through the magnificent buildings until they finally arrived at the royal palace.
"Please help Prince Cecilion."
"Okay."
As soon as he arrived at the palace, Sir Lenton immediately asked someone to take Cecilia to the guest room provided in the palace. Sir Robert stayed with Sir Lenton. Although he was worried about Cecilia's safety, he still couldn't follow Cecilia to the guest room.
"I'll be back soon."
Cecilia did not break her promise to Sir Robert. She took a quick shower and then changed her clothes quickly. Fortunately, men's clothes were easier to wear than women's clothes. Cecilia took a deep breath, then put on the mask that covered her entire face except her eyes again.
Finally, after Cecilia looked much more presentable to attend the meeting with Damian, she and Sir Robert were invited to the meeting room.
There, Damian waited for her to come while standing in front of the large window with a view of the royal garden. His green hair swayed because of the air coming in from the open window. Damian did not wear a crown, but he wore a white robe with green edges and a brooch of the royal symbol on his chest.
Damian turned his head slowly when Cecilia entered. He didn't smile, but his eyes didn't leave Cecilia's every move.
"Welcome to Landis... Prince Cecilion," he said calmly but almost sounding like a test. Damian invited them to sit down. His eyes then looked at Lenton, who entered with Robert.
Cecilia understood the look, and so did Lenton. Only Robert pretended not to understand. His responsibility to look after Cecilia prevented him from going out and leaving Cecilia alone with Damian.
"I heard that Sir Lenton is the best in the Landis Kingdom. Sir Robert, what do you think about training with him?"
"Your Highness..."
"I'm sure it will be fun."
Robert frowned but no longer insisted on staying there. He went out with Lenton after they bowed respectfully to the two of them.
Only after they left did Cecilia's gaze return to Damian. Cecilia bowed politely, then replied to Damian's words that she had not had the chance to reply.
"Thank you for reading my letter, Prince Damian."
Damian did not answer. He simply crossed his arms and stared straight at Cecilia as if he wanted to penetrate the layers of the mask and find the secret hidden behind it.
"Your offer is interesting. But there is one thing that bothers me."
"And that is?" Cecilia asked in a soft yet controlled voice.
"How do you know the formula for making Elixir? That is not information that can be known by anyone, even those from Landis."
Silence hung in the room, but Cecilia remained calm. Cecilia picked up the cup of tea that had been prepared beforehand. Without fear of the tea being poisoned, she drank it.
Then she spoke, calm yet sharp.
"Information can be bought, stolen, or traded. But in the end, information is the cleanest weapon, isn't it?"
She turned, and even though her face was covered by the mask, her eyes flashed something that made Damian pause for a moment.
"If you are investigating me, why shouldn't I investigate you?" Cecilia continued. "Or perhaps Landis is not used to being faced with someone who knows how to play on the same field?"
Damian stared at her coldly while a faint smile formed on his lips. Cecilia knew something about him prying into the origins of Nerva's Blossom and Mira Root. Moreover, she knew a lot about it.
Damian had been caught red-handed. It was the first time someone had guessed his plan.
"Interesting," he murmured.
"Were you really an exiled prince before this? You seem... too smart for that."
Cecilia smiled, though her smile was hidden by the mask on her face.
"I am just an exiled prince, not a fool, Prince Damian," she informed him.