End War

Chapter 8 : Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Ivra unfolded its picturesque scenery in stark contrast to the desolation of Diafroz. Vast stretches of verdant land extended as far as the eye could perceive. The melody of flowing water serenaded those strolling along the cobblestone path. Birds, akin to those chorusing in Yggdrasil, lent their voices to nature's acapella. Amidst this idyllic tableau, a collective hope resonated among the populace—a fervent aspiration that their cherished kingdom would not succumb to the fate that befell Diafroz.

In that land, two kids was walking along a river. "We still have to reach the nearest town in 3 days of walking. But since we are in Ivra now, we can ask for a ride if there is a group of traders passing by. If so, I think we can reach the nearest city in one or two days", Kido said.

Not long after that, there was a man riding a horse that pulling a cart. The cart was empty, looked like he was coming home after selling goods in Diafroz.

"Look there is a man passing", Jeanne said while waving her hand to the man.

"Should we just rob him?", Kido muttered to himself.

Jeane narrowed her eyes as if she already knew what Kido was thinking. She said, "Kido... we should try to ask him first as I said. At least, don't just give up on evil from the start." Kido exhaled.

The man stopped in front of them. He was an old man with a bend body posture. He was as tall as Kido and his stomach protrudes forward. His mustache was as white as his hair. He asked "Hey kids, where are you going?"

"Good morning old man, we are going to the nearest city. Sorry we disturbed your trip. Will you mind giving us a ride?" Jeanne asked kindly with soft voice.

"I'm heading there, too. Go on kids. Besides, I couldn't take my eyes off the two poor kids", the old man was kind. Kido got into the carriage while carrying Jeanne. They sat facing the back of the carriage.

"See. There are a lot of good people we can rely on", Jeanne proud with her action. He thought he managed to prove to Kido that they should do good things.

"There are more evil", Kido muttered again. He already had opposing thoughts to Jeanne.

"It's good being a kid. People pity us as a kid. They offer help even if we don't ask. If only Jeanne had told the old man about her condition. I'm sure the old man will do much better," that day Kido muttered a lot.

Jeanne seemed to be very happy. She used to ride a carry before, with lot of guardsman surrounding. She couldn't see the beautiful scenery around. At the time, she was in a carriage. She could see the greenland, the blue sky, and hear the sound of nature cleary while riding. Along the journey, she didn't felt like a princess, she felt like a traveller.

After a day of riding, they arrived at the nearest city. It was Tallin, the first barricade of Ivra. The city was seemed lovely. They wore clothes properly, just like all the people there were nobles. There were people talking in the sideways, people selling goods in the market, and guards on patrol with full armor. All of the buildings were in pastel colors. There were yellow pastel, green pastel, pink, and many more.

"Welcome to Tallin, one of the largest city in Ivra", the oldman spoke as if to welcome their arrival.

"Even I've never come to this city before", Jeanne said.

"I will take you to the city administration building. The people there will help you", then they arrived at the center administration building.

"The head of administration must be a noble. We can tell them about our situation then he will take care of us well", Jeanne told Kido.

"Thank you, old man. I won't forget you", Jeanne thanked the old man as he leave them. They approach the men guarding the building.

"Stop! Who are you?, a guardman asked.

Then Jeanne appeared from Kido's back, showing her face.

"I'm Jeanne V. Ivoria, the one and only daughter of his Majesty, James V. Ivor. Please take us to the nobleman here, we ask for protection", suddenly Jeanne became the first girl he met. She sounded like a real princess.

"L-L-Lady Jeanne?! We heard you were lost at the heart of Ygdrassil. How was your condition milady? How could you arrive here?", the guards shocked. They never thought that the princess would came there.

"I will explain it to the one who are responsible for this city", Jeanne said.

"Y-yes we understood milady, we will take you there. But my apologize, we can't take in the boy yet until we're sure he is safe", the guard didn't allowed Kido to enter the building yet.

"He was the one who protected me along my way. I can guarantee you that he is safe", Jeanne explained.

"My apologize milady, that is our procedure. I'm afraid I can't violate our code of conduct as guardman", the guardman insisted.

Jeanne exhaled her breath.

"I'm sorry Kido, would you mind waiting here for a while? I will ask them to give you some money for walking around and buying some food. I will explained the situation to the nobleman so you can follow me after then"

"Of course that doesn't matter, milady. I will be waiting for you", Kido said. Jeanne was surprised a little since it was the first time Kido spoke politely to her. But she had know already that Kido was just pretending.

Jeanne entered the building and met the nobleman while Kido waited outside the building. After an hour waiting, Kido felt bored then he walked around the building. He looked the detail situation around. He bought some food that looked interesting for him and Jeanne.

He was lost while enjoying the peaceful city. He passed through narrow alleys without knowing the direction. Then he shocked because of what he saw. Just a couple of minute before he thought that actually there was peace in some place, then he saw terrible sight in front of his eyes.

There were lot of abandoned women and kids at the alleys. They lay weak on the road, dressed in rags. Their bodies were so skinny that their bones could be seen. Their mouths were drooling. Their gazes were empty, as if they had lost hope in life. The babies were crying loudly, hurting his ears. They consisted of humans, dark elves, and dwarfs. It seemed they were war victims from Diafroz.

Kido walked slowly along the alley, observing their condition. He piles of corpses covered in flies. The smell can make someone lose their appetite. The sight was too terrible, even for him who used to be a bandit. Kido remained silent. He couldn't do much for them. But he knew someone who possibly saved them.

Kido left the food he bought, on the ground.

"You can eat this", he asked them to eat it then leaved. He climbed a building, observing the way to the administration building. On the road, he overheard the guards' conversation.

"Have you heard the news that Lady Jeanne had arrived in the city after being lost?", one of the guardman asked.

"I've heard it. Why did she arrived in this city among other city? Didn't she know that our lord is one of the royal defector. I wonder what our lord will do to her. Poor princess, poor girl...", the other guardman said.

Kido was shocked for the second time. Like a wolf in sheep's skin, it was a dangerous city even though it looked like a peaceful city. Kido was going to where he leaved Jeanne in hurry.

To be continued...