An Archer's Promise

Chapter 62: Your Fragrance

Beta read by Shigiya and Fluffy Slayer

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-Feoh-

(Levantine Estate, A few minutes earlier)

"Is that where she lives?" 

Archer's voice was barely a whisper as he stood before the imposing manor, his eyes tracing the ornate details adorning its façade. While not quite as big as the castle at the center of the kingdom, the sprawling estate did cover a considerable portion of the land, with a contingent of guards and knights standing watch at the entrance.

"I think so. She told me I could come over here anytime, just through the back door. Mentioned something about the staff letting me pass or something." the little tiefling said from beneath her large hooded cloak, that concealed her horns and wings from the outside world.

He shook his head, troubled by the thought. If she made a habit of this, her identity wouldn't stay a secret for long. It was only a matter of time before those with greedy desires or malicious intent caught wind of her existence. Perhaps that’s why Claudia insisted she used another entrance operated by those she trusted.

Still far too risky and reckless in his opinion.

And given how Claudia knew Radomira could fly, she should have arranged for an easier access point. "I won't even bother asking them to let me in. I can already imagine the trouble we'd face with those stubborn fools. Let's take the back route, as you mentioned before," he said, turning to the girl beside him. She nodded in agreement, and together they made their way around the manor to reach the back entrance and found a small gate.

“The gate is locked.” Archer's voice was tinged with frustration as he spoke up. He had already tried to open the gate, but it remained stubbornly shut. Though he possessed the strength to break it down, the loud noise would undoubtedly alert the nearby guards. And that was a risk they couldn't afford in their current situation. 

“Maybe she forgot? We could just jump over the wall. She won't mind.”

“Unlikely. but this is important. So let's not waste time.”

With that, he jumped over the wall. The little girl, for some reason, decided to have him carry her during the jump, despite having wings — Something Archer took into account a few seconds later. “Perhaps I'm spoiling you far too much. You have wings, there shouldn't be any need to carry you.” 

“But it feels nice to be carried.” Radomira gave him a cheeky smile, snuggling closer into his chest.

He gave the grinning girl under his grasp a deadpan stare. “I’m not your personal butler or caretaker, you brat.” 

“I know you're not,” she answered with a smile. 

Soon, both found themselves standing within the manor grounds, specifically inside a large garden filled with various types of flowers and statues of Celestine herself. The tiefling girl was awestruck, “Wow, she looks so beautiful even as a statue.” 

“You think so? Personally, I find it a bit conceited to have an almost naked statue of yourself displayed in a garden.” 

She stuck out her tongue, “It's beautiful! Although, I think that it would look even more beautiful if it had less clothing…” 

Archer gave her a puzzled look, baffled that such words came from a young kid with no hint of jest. ‘Is her Tiefling side influencing her personality?’ 

Not that it mattered at the moment, there were more pressing matters to attend to.

As they headed towards the manor, he noticed something odd; there were no servants around. Considering the heavily guarded entrance and the dozens of armed guards patrolling the vicinity, Archer felt that something was off.