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Chapter 51 Night on the Road

Chapter 51 Night on the Road.

I pulled out my KORA card and terminal and searched for similarities to Gabrielle's new prophecy, but the only result was the one written down today when Gabrielle recited it. There also weren't any new references other than the ones from before. I then decided to look at what achievements Rei had to get accepted into the Fyreed Order of Knights.

What I found was quite astonishing. She had single-handedly fought off an extra-large Iron Thunder mammoth in order to protect her squad after escorting Princess Anne to Fortuna. She was able to seriously wound it and chase it off. There were multiple testimonies of her bravery and skill from other royal guards who were with her on the way back to Humana. She also played an integral role in defending Emperor Bantran coming down to Fortuna and was able to save a few of her subordinates. Which was why they needed new equipment when they arrived in Fortuna. So she had ordered a runner to commission Herrero.

By the time the girls got back, it was already dark, dinner was ready, the tents were set up, horses were fed and tied and the carriages were set as a defensive formation around the camp. I had read all about Rei's Fyreed works and was very impressed, but also kind of sad that she didn't feel any need to tell me, or even had said hello when she was in Fortuna the first time. The girls had a fairly successful hunt and brought down 2 giant sonic bats, and were in a celebratory mood. I helped them cut the ears off the two bats and put the carcasses into my infinite storage. Then I just grabbed some food that Alex made and went alone to the edge of the camp by the carriages.

It was Iris who found me. "You don't want to join your party members?" She asked softly. Her mask of indifference formed into a comforting half-smile.

"No, I want everyone to enjoy themselves. They accomplished something worth celebrating, I don't want to bring them down." I say back flatly

"And why would you bring them down?" Iris asks sitting down next to me

"I didn't contribute anything, I wasn't even with them. Also, I just felt conflicted. Rei was granted the title of Order Knight before I was given the Fyreed Order of Mages, yet she never told me. Yes, I am happy for her, but she was in Fortuna but didn't even say hi. I mean I get that Anne was hiding her identity then but still it hurts that my own sister didn't want to tell me about her achievements or say hi when she was home. On top of that my party just proved that they have no real need for me. I just take them into unnecessary danger and push them harder than I should in order to complete quests faster than required. I was able to monitor Anne, Cara, Lilin, and Gabrielle's conditions through their soul rings and they were even more excited and happy than when I am a part of the party on quests. They also came back more excited, and they all seem so much better off without me." I sigh ranting to Iris

"You really are the dumbest genius I know." Iris sighs

"Huh, what do you mean?" I ask

"First off your sister was the personal guard of Princess Anne. If she revealed to anyone that she was in Fortuna, the Black Prince would have found her immediately. By the time she was allowed to tell you about her achievements, you were already nominated for Fyreed Order Mage first class. She is really proud of you and even traded her armor piece to get one that you enchanted. How she could tell I have no idea, but she was very proud to show off your work, even though she will never admit it. Also what reason would she have to tell you about her title when you as her younger brother already outclasses her? Next, those girls love you so much. The reason they were so excited was they wanted to prove to you that they can stand with you, as your fiancees and party members. They wanted to prove that they were worthy of your affections, worthy of your love. You know how many people would kill or die for that kind of love, and you have multiple fiancees, and party members who love you to such an extent." Iris says angrily. She even begins to tear up.