Lucas and his companions finally arrived at the main district in the city of Aler. As expected, the city was quite prosperous. Situated on the bank of the river Kansas, the trade was quite prosperous here and being located closer to the capital it had developed quite well.
Even though there was wilderness nearby which was filled with dangers, it didn't affect the progress of the city rather it seemed as if the surrounding buildings, the clothes that people were wearing, the grass on the side of the streets and even the design of the houses looked much more elegant and stylish.
Compared to the capital where most of the buildings are modernized, the architecture here looks the same as of the previous era adding a classic and rustic touch to it.
As the group of students followed Lein Alabaster the son of Lord Alabaster, who was guiding them, they eyed their surroundings, barely able to contain their excitement to break free from the group and roam freely enjoying the beauty of the city.
The one's belonging to the noble houses looked at these pathetic commoners and let out a small sigh. Although fighting with them have lessened their prejudice against the commoner quite a bit still it wasn't enough to clear the deep-rooted belief in their heart.
Lucas sneaked in and walked beside Charles asked with a stoic expression"Charles, weren't the knights of Warren coming for you? Where are they now?"
Charles looked at the side to see who spoke to him and saw Lucas had appeared beside him.
"They are surveying the forest. Something is wrong with the forest. After I narrate the events, they decided to look," Charles spoke in a stiff voice.
"Hmmm," Lucas nodded his head and thought about the instructors.
Thinking about it, he felt helpless as he can't do anything about that. He should just enjoy and relax for now.
"Sir, look at that!" Layla said while looking at the poster on the wall.
The voice snapped Lucas out of his thoughts and he looked up to see it.
"It said that the Lord's birthday is coming up soon. It's going to be his 60 birthday."
"Hmm. So, that's why the atmosphere seemed so lively." Gracia spoke as he stood next to Layla and spoke.
Recently, Gracia and Layla were able to get to know each other very well and have been able to forge close ties with Rose.
"Yeah, Father's birthday will be coming in two days. Father specially asked permission from the academy for you so that you can take part in the festival soon. Not only we are going to celebrate our father's birthday and we also are celebrating the 600 years of the Aler city since it had been established."Lein spoke.
" Whoa!! I didn't know it was this old."Many exclaimed at the same time.
"It doesn't look too old. Look at the fortress wall. They look like they have been made recently."The students mumbled.
"Yeah, the fortress wall had been modified recently. We are going through the beast attacks recently. So, we decided to upgrade the walls."Lein spoke.
"Aler city was founded by my ancestor who used to be merchants, arriving at the bank of river Kansas, they found it very suitable for a trading place. Compared to other cities are location was quite good connecting the Capital route to the major cities." Lein explained the history of thr city as we walked on thr road.
The passerby saw Lein's crest and greeted him and guards made way for us. We were treated like VIPS.
"Now, I have pretty much given a tour of important things. If you want I can accompany you but I think you should enjoy the city with each other company. Me staying with all of you will just serve as a hindrance. So, have fun guys and yeah, if you have any trouble just gave us a call," Lein said.
Hearing Lein's words everyone become enthusiastic and started to disperse.
Fredrick and Rose decided to spend some time together.
Parth pulled Lucas to the side and asked him to accompany him to the bar to sober up to which Lucas agreed. They were about to leave but noticed Charles standing in a daze with the same stoic look.
Without his lackeys, he looked pretty much like a loner with no one to mingle with him.
Pondering for a moment, Lucas pulled Charles to his side.
"What?" Charles asked as he was surprised by Lucas's sudden behaviour.
"Come with us for a drink," Lucas spoke.
"Tsk." Parth clicked his tongue, seeing Lucas pulling Charles to drink, ruined his mood but he didn't complain. After Charles return from the expedition, he can feel a change in Charles's attitude.
"Drink but I," Charles was about to refuse but Lucas cut him off in the mid.
"You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to come. I know you don't visit places like these. But it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. Who knows maybe you find something that is quite pleasing." Lucas spoke.
After seeing a sharp turn in Charles's behaviour, Lucas thought about whether Charles can be changed a little. It's okay for him to behave arrogantly but he doesn't want him to be a villain and join villain society ruining the lives of many. So, he thought if he could try to pull Charles into their gang, it would surely save the lives of many.
After all, no one was born a villain, it is the circumstances and choices that differentiate a villain from the hero.
' With both Charles and Fredrick treating me as a friend, my status will rise a lot one day and if I become a noble who the hell will look down on me. Cough...Cough... don't misunderstand, I am doing this for the world peace, not for any personal profit or gain.'Lucas convinced himself.
"Okay." Charles agreed after all it was his saviour request.
Who knows? Just like the roasted meat, he may find it interesting.
"Let's go," Parth shouted trying to cheer himself up.
.....
"Rose...."
Fredrick tilted his head. He looked at the red rose blooming on the roadside and started at Rose again. She tried to avoid Fredrick's gaze.
"Isn't that such an obvious alias? What's wrong with having the same as a flower?" Rose spoke trying to hide her embarrassment as had noticed Fredrick's thoughts.
"No that's not it. I was just trying to say, you look as beautiful as the roses blooming in the spring." Fredrick spoke trying to justify himself which made Rose blush.
Rose's face turned red and she tilted her.
"Is it true?" Rose whispered.
"Is there somewhere you wanted to go?" Fredrick pretending not to hear her previous question. He was too embarrassed to answer her now and his heart was beating quite fast now.
"...." Rose remained silent, but the way she kept looking at the surroundings made it seem like she had somewhere in mind.
"I want to eat something first. I have always wanted to try the food outside but never got a chance." Rose spoke reminiscing about her past. Her father was quite strict in this aspect and seldom allows her to go outside except for parties and invitations.
"I saw you staring at the skewed meet and the Kebabs for a long time. Do you want to try that?" Fredrick asked pointing at the stall.
Rose gently nodded her head blinking a few times which made her look quite cute.
Fredrick brought two skewers.
Rose took the skewer and took a small bite and chewed it with satisfaction. It was quite tempting.
"No matter how costly food you eat, street food had a different charm compared to the high-class meals," Fredrick spoke as he munched on the kebabs.
"Have you eaten on the streets? You seem to know about it quite well." Rose asked raising her brows.
"Yeah, I occasionally sneak in my father's absence but my big brother often catches me and bring me back." Fredrick laughed bitterly.
No matter where he hides, his brother always manages to catch him and drag him back.
Rose stole fugitive glances at Fredrick and hesitantly stepped forward. It was obvious she wanted to try some more dishes. She went towards a stall a bit far off from the skewered shop and walked towards the place where they sold juice made of various fruits.
Rose looked at the name of juices.
"Just choose any one of them. You can buy another if you don't like it." Fredrick spoke while staring at the wooden sign written in crooked letters.
Rose mused through the menu and pointed "This one."
"Jelly blast plum juice? That's quite a good choice. It's taste sour but leave a sweet aftertaste." Fredrick spoke as he took money from his wallet.
Rose approached the owner.
"Welcome. It's nice to have you." The owner of the stall was a friendly middle-aged man.
She raised her fingers while pointing at the menu and spoke"Please give us two jelly blast plum juice."
"Here is the money." Fredrick intervened and handed the coins over to the stall owner who happily took the money.
"Please wait a moment."
Rose took the juice and gulped it down in one breath.
"Whoa! Take it slowly." Fredrick advised Rose as he saw her gulping id down.
"Oh!!" She expressed her mixed pleasure with surprise after emptying it and looked at Fredrick who was staring at her weirdly.
"What?" She asked.
Frederick. didn't say anything and pointed towards her upper lips.
Rose touched that area to find a moustache of the fog from the drink is formed over there.
She quickly rubbed it only to find Fredrick finding it hard to contain his laughter as he spoke.
"Cuteee!!"
