As he rode away from Albun City, Rojan continuously checked behind him for the pursuing cavalry. For hours, his pursuers chased him across fields, forests, and even for a moment, a mountainside.
He sighed. He was paying a heavy price for his curiosity. The longer he thought about it, the more vexed Rojan became. Would this happen each time he tested a ruler who didn’t live up to his requirements?
As he thought of his allies, however, his eyes narrowed. So many people, and they’d trusted him with the mission of finding the right lord to follow. How would he ever be able to repay their trust if he shirked his responsibility from the beginning?
No. He couldn’t be caught. Not here, not now.
“Yah!” Rojan spurred his horse on. A wry smile formed at his lips, despite the current situation. At the very least, all this would serve as good practice for his horseback riding skills.
…
A few days and a great deal later, Rojan was casually walking through the streets of a small town in the Werstaw Kingdom when his hand suddenly twitched, inching closer to the hammer at his waist.
Just as quickly, though, he withdrew his hand, and turned around with a huge smile on his face, arms raised.
“Frank, Ley! How you guys doing?”
Two masked figures perched atop a nearby rooftop gazed at him, silent.
“Alright, alright. Where do you guys want to talk?”
One of the figures pointed toward a dark alleyway, then the two disappeared from their rooftop.
“...Alright, nice and cheery.”
After he entered the alleyway, the two figures dropped down from overhead and took off their masks.
“Long time no see, Rojan.” Ley nonchalantly spoke up.
“Same to you guys. How are you doing? What’s the situation in Werstaw?”
“Not great. The King’s Defensive General staged a coup, so… now he’s the King. Or at least, he’s in possession of the crown.”
“Is he worth visiting?”
“Doesn’t seem like it. It looks like he staged the coup because he went insane, more or less. Word has it that he’s barricaded himself in Fort Witherstern, and uh… well, his soldiers are pillaging the capital city, rather than fortifying it.”
“Hmm.” Rojan thought for a bit. “What about the King’s family?”
“All killed. The coup was quite a surprise for them, haha. Probably quite tragic for them, I wouldn’t know. Well anyways, don’t think Werstaw is worth your time. To be honest, mmm…”
Ley looked at Frank, who then nodded.
“Our...friends. They’ve decided that this proposed search for a new leader is...questionable. They’re gathering in the Peslir Kingdom, in an ocean-side city. We were told to get you to head over there, as well.”
“What’s the purpose of this gathering?”
Frank shrugged. “Who knows. Either way, it’s been called. The two of us will be heading there as soon as we can.”
“Got it. Well… I suppose I’ll swing by as well. Although, I’ll probably be a little longer. It’s been a while since I’ve been out of the Tero Kingdom. I’d like to spend a bit of time observing...the uh...various...customs of...uhhh…”
“Uhh, yeah. If you’re looking to hook up with girls, just say so. Either way, don’t be too late. I think they’re planning for something big.”
“You know, it sounds a lot worse when you say it like that. Anyways, I’ll be there. See you guys. Take care.”
“Mm.”