love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter X - Deep in the Forest

[Fifth District_ Prince's Mansion]

The fifth district is one of the outer districts of Aincrad. It was a large rural village located in a vast woodland. The main village was surrounded by thick forest, and a small church was built within it. The mansion, though, was not far from it.

Alice examined the last room of the house, but just like the rest of the rooms they searched in, she found it empty. To report her findings, she ran back to the living room, where she met Eugeo halfway.

Panting, Alice asked worriedly, "Did you find anything?"

Eugeo shook his head. Their worried gazes turned to the glass window, seeing that dusk had already filled the whole place. "It's getting dark," Eugeo said. "We should look for them."

Where could they be at this hour? He thought. Are they together? But why? Several thoughts were running through his head, but he decided to save it for when they'd soon find both Kazuto and Asuna.

"From the view upstairs, I could see Kirito by the stream-" Alice announced but halted her words as her eyes widened at a sudden thought.

"Alice, what's wrong?" Eugeo asked in concern, noticing the look on his partner's face.

Alice remained silent but instead turned her head to the opposite window where the stream she referred to was located. "Could they be..." her voice suddenly trailed off when she was interrupted by the sound of carriages approaching. They weren't expecting anyone at this time, but could it also be the prince they were searching for the past few hours?

Both ran towards the massive, wooden front door, eyes immediately gazed towards the man who set foot on the ground. To their dismay, they saw Raios walking towards them with a grin on his face, slicking back his long, blond, wavy hair.

"I've come to see my beloved cousin, the royal prince, if I may." He announced proudly.

Eugeo and Alice bowed their heads in respect before Eugeo quickly rose. "Forgive me, but the Prince is currently attending to an important duty and wishes no distractions."

"Oh," the visitor scoffed. "How cold-hearted of him."

"I mean no offense Lord Raios, but aren't you supposed to be at your post? Is there something we should be worried about with this abrupt visit?" Eugeo asked.

Raios didn't heed any of his words, his grin turned into a scowl as he walked past Eugeo—slightly bumping him with his shoulders.

"I don't know how important this Selection is for Kazuto, but for me, as long as I become king, the end justifies the means." He slightly turned his head to get a glimpse of Eugeo over his shoulder, who was wearing a perplexed look.

"Eugeo, have you heard about the Kobold Lord?" Raios sighed, his lips curved into a small smile before fully turning to Eugeo. "Rumors say it lives around here. A great beast whom no one was able to defeat. But I wonder, what if the great Lord Raios can?"

Eugeo retorted. "This is the Prince's district—"

"Silence!" Raios cuts him off, voice rising in irritation. "Kazuto! Where are you?!" he shouted.

However, there was no sign of response from the Prince.

Raios chuckled as he came into conclusion. "That bastard is not doing any of his duties."

Eugeo didn't approve of his disrespectful intrusion and approached Raios with his fist clenching in anger.

"Raios! I told you—" A sudden force caught Eugeo off guard and hit his nape. The prince's attending guards attempted to assist him but with a single "Stop!" from Raios, they stopped.