The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 46: Festival's Trials And Tribulations

Rem stood outside Kirito's room in the Crystal Chalet, her knuckles lightly rapping on the door. "Kirito-kun, are you there?" she called softly.

From inside, Kirito's voice responded, "You can come in, Rem."

Rem opened the door and stepped inside. "Good morning, Kirito-kun," she greeted him, her eyes catching sight of him practising moves with a rapier in an open space in his room.

Kirito paused his practice and turned to her with a smile. "Good morning, Rem. How are things going?" he asked.

Rem let out a sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Things are way too difficult, but I'm trying my best," she admitted, a determined glint in her eyes.

Kirito nodded understandingly and resumed his practice with the rapier, his movements swift and precise. "I can understand that very well," he said, his voice steady.

Rem walked over to a chair and sat down, watching him with a curious expression. "Why are we doing all this, Kirito-kun?" she asked softly.

Kirito paused again, lowering his rapier. He turned to face her, his eyes serious. "There is something I must do, no matter what," he replied, a resolute determination evident in his tone.

Rem glanced towards Kirito's bed, where a dress lay neatly folded. Picking it up delicately, she examined it with curiosity. "But why should we approach things this way?" she asked, turning back to Kirito with a questioning look.

Kirito paused, considering his words carefully as he sheathed his rapier. "It's the way with the least risk that I could think of," he explained, his expression thoughtful yet determined.

Rem nodded slowly, understanding his reasoning. "I will leave it that way, then," she said softly, placing the dress back on the bed. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she added, "Just hope it doesn't turn into a fetish for you in the end," and she chuckled lightly.

Kirito blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing. "I promise you, it won't," he replied with a grin, reassured by Rem's playful humour.

Rem smiled warmly at him, feeling a sense of camaraderie and understanding between them.

At city's gates...
Alexia leaned against a wooden post near the city gates, her gaze wandering absently over the bustling activity beyond. She idly kicked at a loose pebble on the ground, her mind drifting momentarily as Iris engaged in conversation with some guards posted there.

Iris, standing tall and composed, was deep in discussion with the gate guards about recent travel restrictions. Her voice carried a firm but respectful tone as she negotiated terms, her hands gesturing occasionally to emphasize key points.

As Alexia glanced over, she noticed another group of guards approaching a weathered carriage led by an elderly man. The guards wore expressions of alertness, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords as they exchanged words with the old driver.

"Seems like trouble," Alexia muttered under her breath, straightening up to observe the unfolding scene more intently.

"We'll need to inspect the carriage thoroughly before granting passage," one guard stated firmly, his voice carrying authority.

The elderly man nodded understandingly, though his face betrayed a hint of concern. He climbed down slowly from the carriage, his movements deliberate despite his age.

Alexia's breath caught in her throat as she watched the two guards cautiously approach the rear of the carriage. They moved with practised precision, hands steady as they reached out to lift the heavy cover. Just as their fingers brushed against the fabric, a chilling silence fell over the scene.