villainess'ss Secret Service

c156

Izaar

"So, this is Izaar..."

Rosalie gracefully unveiled herself, casting off the hood of her long, dark green cloak, and her eyes widened in wonder. As her consciousness merged with Meiling's, distinguishing between her vivid memories and the details from the books she had read became difficult.

Everything around her was enchanting. The journey from the moment they crossed the border to the gradual halt of their horse in Azarain, the Grand Capital of Izaar, felt like a seamless transition between strikingly different realms.

Azarain was indeed a great city. Nestled in the heart of the Empire, it unfolded like an ocean of wealth and natural beauty. Bathed in constant sunlight, its streets weaved through grand marble buildings adorned with golden domes and intricate mosaics. Lush greenery lined boulevards and squares, where vibrant markets bustled with exotic goods. Gardens of splendid flowers bloomed endlessly, creating peaceful oases amidst the lively city. Palatial avenues were adorned with flowing fountains and statues depicting legendary tales.

Azarain, the jewel of Izaar, stood as a testament to wealth, embracing both the riches of its people and the warmth of its sun-kissed landscapes.

Observing Rosalie's awe-stricken expression as she immersed herself in the city's beauty, Altair could not help but smile. Her ability to enjoy almost anything tugged at his emotions each time even the slightest flicker of emotion graced her beautiful face.

"You look enchanted, Lady Rosalie. Does this place charm you so?"

The man stood next to Rosalie, smiling lightly as he looked down at her bright face. She nodded in confirmation.

"This city looks magical. I wish we could stay here long enough to explore everything it has to offer."

Yet, both of them knew that enjoying the beauty of Izaar and its capital was not their top priority, not until they addressed more important matters.

With a somewhat sad smile, Rosalie turned to Altair and broke the silence,

"So... The person we have come here to seek help from, where do we find them?"

Altair reached into the deep sleeve of his black cloak, retrieving a small, folded piece of aged yellow paper. Carefully, he unfolded it and began to read, as if seeking the answer to Rosalie's question. Pausing to gather his thoughts, he looked at Rosalie, ready to respond. However, before he could speak, another man's voice interrupted,

"Have you lost your way, dear travelers? Care to accept a helping hand?"

They turned around, ready to refuse the offer, but froze in place as they recognized the man standing before them.

"Your Highness?!"

Indeed, to their great surprise, the man in front of them was none other than Rostan, a member of the Imperial family who had invited the duchess to visit his land.

The Imperial Prince stood tall and confident, his arms in front of his body, hidden inside the wide sleeves of his flowing silk robe.

Savoring the genuine surprise on the young woman's face, the prince smiled with both his lips and his eyes, his voice carrying a delighted tone,

"I am glad you have decided to accept my invitation, Lady Rosalie! But what is it that I am seeing here?"

Playfully, he scrutinized Rosalie's appearance, taking a brisk stroll around her like a curious dog. A smirk played on his lips as he continued,

"You are traveling rather modestly, I must admit! Or are you actually here..."

Rostan then shifted his narrow eyes to Altair, lowering his voice as he concluded,

"Incognito? Is this the case, revered Altair? Or is it 'just' Altair now?"

Altair furrowed his eyebrows, visibly displeased with this unexpected encounter. Despite being aware of Rostan's uncanny ability to see through people, it still irked him that his identity had been uncovered so swiftly.

Unfazed by Altair's hostility, Rostan positioned himself next to Rosalie, extending his arm in a gallant gesture, and continued,

"Whatever the reason for your visit, I am pleased to have spotted you before you vanished into the crowd. Please allow me to escort you to my palace. I am sure you are eager to rest after the long journey."

He was ready to start walking when Altair placed his large hand on the prince's shoulder, stopping him.

"I do not mean to be rude, Your Highness. Her Grace and I appreciate your concern, but we are in a hurry and cannot attend to the etiquette. Please accept our apologies as we decline your gracious offer."

"Altair, can we not--"

Rosalie sought to interject, fearing that rejecting the prince's kindness might sour their relationship with the nobles or create negative rumors.

Rostan, with the same politeness, offered Altair a fake smile and nodded. Then, he spoke in a somewhat mocking tone,

"But of course, Altair! I understand you are busy searching for the man who might aid Her Ladyship with her problem. However..."

He paused, and his face darkened,

"I am afraid neither of you can find him without my help."

"I beg your pardon?"

Altair widened his eyes, unsure if he heard correctly. Rostan looked back at Rosalie, offering her a warmer, more reassuring expression. He shrugged his shoulders as he explained,

"The name is Haemir Yuzura, the most renowned dark magus in Izaar, working for the Imperial family. Oh, pardon my haste!"

Rostan playfully slapped himself on the forehead, then fixed his sharp glare back on Altair as he concluded,

"Perhaps that name does not ring any bells. Then how about Amarath, the Demonic Judge?"

"What?!".