Logan got up groggily the next day; he was just not used to getting up so early. Ruri was already handing him clothing to get changed into, as well as placing clothes he needed to take in the long trip.
"Thanks, Ruri. I hope not to take too long. I will miss your wonderful cooking," Logan said sadly.
"If it's about that, I have already packed some meals for you to have. They should at least last three or four days," the girl smiled towards him. Logan could feel her feelings making him wince a little from not being allowed to act on them, especially now that he knew what a girl's touch could do.
"Great, I will enjoy them then. Now help me with this strange shirt. I don't know why I need to wear formal stuff when I will be flying about…" Logan sighed as the girl helped him put on a black suit with golden decorations.
"Well, you will be visiting the first of the nearby cities at least before nightfall. You need to look the part when going to visit them; your status as King needs to be reflected in your wear, your majesty," Ruri finished tying his cloak before stepping back to check on him.
"Looks… like you're ready. Clothing made for royals suits you nicely, Master Logan," Ruri said and nodded while looking at him.
"Well, at least they feel nice. I hope no battles take place. I really don't want to ruin such fine clothing, especially when they cost me a leg," Logan remarked with a sneer while looking at a mirror.
"Let's hurry, Master Logan. The others should be eating by now," Ruri pulled him down towards the dinner table. He had forgotten they needed to be out of there by sunrise; he would only have time to have a bit of toast, sadly.
As soon as he arrived, he saw Lisa and Rubina staring at each other silently. He coughed a little to pause their glaring contest.
"Good morning, Logan. You look nice," Rubina said.
"So do you two. I guess I wasn't the only one asked to dress formally," Logan said, smiling while evaluating the two girls' dresses.
Rubina wore a crimson layered dress with gold embroidery, featuring long sleeves that extended to her knees. She looked like a rose as the layers added the effect of petals wrapping around her body.
As for Lisa, her blue silk gown with silver accents perfectly fit her platinum hair. A large blue ribbon tied her hair back, revealing her beautiful facial features, as her dress flowed to the floor.
"Well then, let's get going after we finish eating… where is Kai, by the way?" Logan asked as the three sat to quickly eat.
"Kai! We are about to leave. Where are you?" Logan asked, using his mental link.
"I, er, we will be down soon. Please wait," Kai replied, seemingly in a hurry.
"Just take something to eat. We are almost done here. We will meet at the entrance," Logan replied. They were just going to have a simple meal.
It wasn't long after eating and chatting that the team of four had assembled to board their respective flying mounts. As with most things done by Logan, it was kept a secret from his cities people to keep any demons that might be hiding within his population; he did not spread information.
Their farewells were quick as it was hopefully just going to be less than ten days before they returned.
Soon, they set off, Logan taking the lead on Zephyr with two other eagles flying around in a triangle formation around five griffons. Logan was happy that all these beasts had just evolved early in the morning after intaking all the mana stones he could provide them and now looked like Zephyr and Orus. Unlike before, when they set out to the labyrinth, this time they wouldn't tire as easily.
Logan was the first to use his wind magic buff along with a song he did not want to sing but gave them Alma's buff of constant mana regeneration. Lisa teased him to sing louder, but he did not comply with the request.
After the first song, he felt parched and took out some mana water to drink. So far, the trip was relaxing; the four of them enjoyed seeing dawn on the horizon as they headed north, the small rays hitting the side of their faces.
It wasn't until eight hours and a few rests later that they arrived at the first stop, a small city by the name of Nyirmat. They would stay there a few hours to rest while also informing the Kingdom of Veridith of their position to avoid conflicts.
Logan was the first to land as they glanced over the large city from above before landing. It did not have a stone wall like his own town but was very wide with buildings made mainly out of pinewood from the surroundings. Their roofs were beginning to gather ice and flakes of snow as some clouds from nearby mountains passed through, bringing a chilling atmosphere to the town as the second sun was setting.
Its people seemed kind and hardworking. As they rushed to hide from the cold, many chimneys were blowing smoke as some sought refuge in inns and taverns.
Logan, along with his group, was asked to join the town's ruler for dinner. His large estate was able to house his creatures, as he did not want to leave them outside in the cold during the night. To keep them warm, he used fire elemental stones before entering the mansion of the noble who had welcomed them.
Logan was the last to enter the home as Lisa and Rubina were guided to take a bath by the owner's wife.
"It is so great to finally meet one of you heroes. We will hold a grand meal, so I hope you enjoy it. Also, if there is anything you need, please ask!" A short but kind man in his forties, Lord Henrik, spoke towards Logan, who had been asked to sit for tea.
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the hospitality. This is my knight, Kai Rubyheart, my most trusted, so I hope he can join us," Logan sat down, inspecting the comfortable room.
"There are no problems. I hope the ladies will be out soon so we can enjoy the meal," the man said as the two boys nodded. Logan's eye twitched a little as the lord's daughter did not stop staring at him. She was about his age, so that made things worse.