"Oh? Really?!" The once somewhat serious voice suddenly turned genuinely excited, like that of a cheerful little girl.
She then opened the window and looked at Kael, revealing an appearance that made him lose his breath for a few seconds.
Kael froze for a moment as he laid eyes on the figure that appeared at the carriage window. A young woman of breathtaking beauty, with golden hair that shimmered like the sun itself and crystal-blue eyes that seemed to capture all the light around her. Her expression, a mix of innocent sweetness and youthful enthusiasm, was almost hypnotizing.
She rested her delicate arms on the windowsill, leaning slightly out while smiling so radiantly that it seemed to brighten the entire road. "You're going to Azalith too?! What a coincidence! So am I! Oh, but where are your companions?"
Kael needed a moment to catch his breath, swallowing hard before responding. "C-companions?" He stammered, feeling his heart beating a little faster than usual.
"Yes!" The girl exclaimed naturally. "It's dangerous to travel alone, you know? Especially on roads like these. I thought someone like you would have a group with guards or something…"
Umbra floated closer to Kael, whispering in his ear with a teasing tone. "Looks like someone is enchanted… Can't even talk properly. And here I thought you were that woman's grandson."
Kael disguised his confusion, taking a deep breath to regain his composure. "I… I'm not much of a group traveler. I prefer… to be on my own." He tried to sound confident, but the girl's slightly curious expression made him uncomfortable.
She tilted her head as if pondering his response before giving him a warm smile. "Well, then maybe you could join our convoy! It's always good to have company on long journeys. Besides," she playfully winked at him, "you seem strong. You never know when we might need a bit of help!"
Kael opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Umbra murmured beside him, even more amused. "Are you going to accept, great hero? Looks like you've just been recruited to be the protector of a golden princess."
The young woman leaned a bit more out of the window, revealing an elegant, light-colored dress that perfectly matched her graceful aura. Her smile was so warm that Kael almost forgot where he was.
"Oh, where are my manners?" she said, placing a hand on her chest in an elegant gesture. "I am Irelia Ainsworth, of the Ainsworth family. It is a pleasure to meet you, dear traveler."
Kael raised an eyebrow upon hearing the name. Ainsworth… That was a name even he, despite being isolated for so long, had heard before. A noble family known for its influence in the human empire and beyond. He hesitated for a moment, realizing that there was more to this girl than her radiant appearance.
"I'm Kael," he responded with a nod, trying to maintain his composure. "Kael RedGrave." He still felt the weight of Umbra's words about hiding his true lineage.
Irelia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "RedGrave? Hmm… I don't recall hearing that name before. Where are you from, Kael?"
Umbra floated beside him, narrowing her eyes with a mischievous grin. "Good luck answering that one, great liar," she whispered, clearly enjoying the situation.
Kael shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Ah, just a small place. Nothing too interesting, you probably wouldn't have heard of it."
Irelia giggled softly, as if she liked the mysterious answer. "That sounds so… intriguing." She studied him for a moment before adding, "You have a different aura, you know? As if there's something special about you."
"Special?" Kael repeated, surprised, but before he could elaborate, Umbra commented sarcastically, "Oh, definitely. It's the scent of confusion he carries. Very distinctive."
Irelia didn't seem to notice Kael's discomfort and continued. "Well, if you're really heading to Azalith, you should join us! The road can be dangerous, and someone with your skills would clearly be great company. What do you say?" She looked at him with an inviting smile, her head slightly tilted as if she were genuinely interested in his answer.
Kael glanced at Umbra, who crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow in a gesture that said, "It's up to you, Young Master."
He sighed, knowing that refusing might draw more attention than accepting. "Alright, why not? Looks like we're headed in the same direction anyway."
Irelia's smile widened, seeming genuinely excited. "Great! I'll let my uncle know—he'll love to meet you. He always says the best journeys are the ones made with interesting people."
Her smile grew even brighter, illuminating her face. "Wonderful! I'll let my uncle know—he'll love to meet you. He always says the best journeys are the ones made with interesting people."
Before Kael could respond or even process her words, Irelia opened the carriage door with surprising agility for someone so refined. Her dress swayed gently as she descended with grace, as if it were natural for her to move so quickly despite her noble appearance.
"Wait here, Kael!" she said in a cheerful and confident tone, already moving toward the first carriage ahead.
Kael watched as Irelia ran across the muddy path, her quick steps contrasting with the elegant air she exuded. He exchanged a quick glance with Umbra, who had a mischievous grin plastered on her face.
"Oh yes, absolutely, she's just an ordinary noble young lady. Nothing special about her at all," Umbra said in an exaggeratedly sarcastic tone.
Kael sighed. "Just don't make things more complicated, Umbra. The last thing we need is more attention."
"Complicate things? Me? Never." Umbra shrugged, but the playful glint in her eyes showed she was clearly enjoying the situation.
Meanwhile, Irelia reached the front carriage, opening the door with enthusiasm. Even from a distance, Kael could hear her excited voice: "Uncle! You won't believe it, but I met someone amazing who's also traveling to Azalith! He can join us, right?"
A chill ran down Kael's spine. He already knew that meeting Irelia's "uncle" was going to be, at the very least, interesting.
"Well, looks like the fun is just beginning," Umbra murmured as she floated around Kael, as if preparing for a grand spectacle.