Chapter 193: Leader Seymour's Request

"We're not rabbits!" Budno retorted, quickly pulling eggs, flatbread, and bread from his storage pouch. "Amanda's out catching small animals. We're going to have some delicious roasted meat later."

Thinking of the grilled carp they'd had for lunch, he couldn't help but lick his lips.

Seymour was amused by his earnestness. Ah, young people are so charming! she thought, admiring his fair skin, clear eyes, and pure aura, completely untainted by the world. I wonder what kind of family could raise such a pristine child?

Feeling awkward under her blatant gaze, Budno grabbed an apple, took a large bite, and focused intently on eating.

Knowing Seymour's mischievous habit of teasing others, Shu Li asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

The troupe was still eating, and Seymour, usually meticulous about her meals, had finished so quickly?

"Not yet!" Seymour pulled Nasha along, making herself at home as she sat down. Pointing to the fruit on the low table, she asked, "Can I have one?"

"Of course," Shu Li said generously, nodding and offering a freshly washed red fruit.

Seymour took the fruit, bit into it, and nodded repeatedly. "Delicious."

In truth, fruit was a luxury for commoners, rarely enjoyed more than a few times a year. Juicy, tender fruits like this were typically reserved for the tables of noble lords.

When Seymour first met Little Amo, she had been curious about his identity.

Only a noble family could raise such a unique child, she initially thought. But after spending some time with him, she discarded that idea.

Even the Royal Family couldn't raise a child like this.

After all, she herself came from the Royal Family.

From Queen Helati of the Dallia Kingdom, Seymour learned that the brothers Al and Amo were mages traveling the Continent. Al's Magic Level surpassed even the Royal Family's court mages, rivaling that of a Saint Mage.

With such a powerful older brother, the younger one must be equally remarkable.

Eight years had passed since their last meeting. Seymour marveled at the swift passage of time, remembering the little fellow who had once clung to his brother's side, now grown into a capable young man.

Seeing the young girl sitting quietly beside them, head bowed and silent, Angele picked up an apple and offered it to her. "Here."

Nasha looked up, startled, at the silver-haired boy.

"Here, the apple is delicious!" Angele pressed the fruit into her hand.

Nasha clutched the apple, looking somewhat bewildered. She glanced at Seymour for guidance, who smiled and said, "Go ahead, eat it!"

"...Thank you," Nasha murmured to Angele.

"No need to thank me," Angele replied. "There's plenty more fruit here."

Nasha took a small bite of the apple.

Shu Li studied her dancer's attire, then turned to Seymour with a puzzled expression. "Isn't Senro Bunker with you?"

Senro Bunker was the Great Swordsman of the Pedam Kingdom, who had escorted Princess Nasha Kaelan all the way to the Dallia Empire and delivered her to Queen Helati.

Nasha froze mid-bite, anger flashing in her eyes. "Don't mention him in front of me!" she snapped.

Seymour flicked her forehead with a knuckle. "Come on, it's been five years. Why are you still so angry?"

"Because he left without a word!" Nasha bit into the apple with renewed ferocity, her face twisted with resentment.

Seymour clicked her tongue, glanced at the other curious youths, and said to Shu Li, "Five years ago, Senro entrusted Nasha to me and left the Dallia Empire alone. We haven't heard from him since."

Shu Li was even more puzzled. "Why would he entrust Nasha to you? Shouldn't she be at the Royal Palace?"

Shouldn't she be at the Royal Palace?

Had Queen Helati failed to care for her properly? What had happened in the past eight years? And Senro... he wouldn't have left until he was absolutely certain the Princess was safe, right?

He had a mountain of questions, but considering the privacy of others, he hesitated to ask directly.

"Hehe, I was just about to discuss this with you," Seymour said, glancing around at the handsome young men. She smiled warmly at Shu Li. "Little Amo, are all of you heading to the Central Court?"

Shu Li answered truthfully, "Yes, we're going to St. Vilia Magic Academy to study."

"I knew it! My guess was right!" Seymour snapped her fingers. "My destination is also the Central Court. I've been entrusted to escort Nasha to the Magic Academy for her studies."

"Huh? Then we're traveling the same route!" Shu Li exclaimed in surprise.

From her words, it was clear that Nasha was still under Queen Helati's care. Due to her special status, it was safer to have the troupe escort her, disguising her identity.

No wonder she was dressed as a dancer—it was all part of the deception.

"What a coincidence, isn't it?" Seymour said. "From now on, you'll be classmates, studying together and supporting each other."

Nasha puffed out one cheek and mumbled, "I can take care of myself."

She had endured so many years alone and could manage perfectly well on her own. Though living as a dependent, she lacked nothing in food or clothing, and had received a proper education. The Queen had even arranged for a mage to serve as her Enlightenment Teacher. Alec, the Royal Family's appointed mage, though detestable, had still written her a Letter of Recommendation to the Magic Academy.

Five years ago, seeing her well-provided for, Senro had insisted on leaving to pursue what he believed was his duty.

Nasha had wept, begging him to stay, but eventually relented.

She knew Senro was a Great Swordsman loyal to the Pedam Kingdom. Having completed his escort mission, he would inevitably return to report for duty.

Yet she also knew that his departure might mean they would never see each other again.

Two years later, she received news that the Cecilia Kingdom's Black Knights had breached the Pedam Kingdom. Her father and mother... had perished.

She curled up in her room, crying until her tears ran dry. By sunrise, only hatred remained in her heart.

As long as she and her brother lived, the Pedam Kingdom would not truly be extinguished.

She petitioned the Queen to study magic at the Central Court.

Senro had told her she wasn't suited for swordsmanship. Just like Amo, whom she had once met, she would learn magic and become a formidable Mage.

The Queen granted her request.

Fortunately, she possessed magical talent and awakened the Fire Attribute.

For three years, she studied diligently and finally earned the Junior Mage Apprentice Emblem, qualifying her to attend the Magic Academy.

She had expected the Queen to send royal guards to escort her to the Central Court, but instead, the Queen commissioned the Royal City's renowned troupe.

Leader Seymour was an old acquaintance of hers.

Nasha didn't refuse and agreed to be escorted by the troupe. Unexpectedly, they encountered Amo and his companions midway through their journey.

Her earlier anger stemmed from feeling deceived.

For years, she had believed the Al-Amo Brothers were extraordinary. Even the Queen had praised them highly. Little did she know they went by other names.

What's with the "big name" and "little name"? Do they think I'm some ignorant child?

She and Senro had openly shared their true names, yet Amo had withheld his full name.

Nasha sulked in the carriage for a while, but after Leader Seymour's encouragement, she let go of her resentment. After all, they weren't related; why should they reveal their true names to her?

Leader Seymour had insisted on bringing her over to foster closer ties, despite her reluctance. Unable to resist the leader's forceful persuasion, she reluctantly agreed.

She understood Seymour's intentions: he hoped Amo and his companions would look after her.

However, Nasha didn't want to burden others.

Now eighteen, with her own unique abilities, she refused to be anyone's burden.

Brother, she vowed, I will find you myself. I will avenge our family and our nation.

As for Amo and the others, they shouldn't be dragged into her grand scheme of revenge.

Shu Li, however, didn't overthink things like Nasha. Since Leader Seymour had asked, he naturally wanted to show his classmately affection.

"My brother always said, 'At home, rely on family; abroad, rely on friends.' Since we're old friends, we should definitely look out for each other."

"Sperien's friends are our friends," Decio declared.

"Decio's right!" Budno nodded in agreement.

"Don't feel bad about it; helping each other is mutual," Angele said with a smile.

"If you have any questions about your studies, feel free to ask me," Top Student Kumandi said coolly.

Seeing Nasha's slightly flustered expression, Est said gently, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you work hard, you'll always succeed."

Nasha instinctively looked up at him. When her gaze met his emerald-green eyes, as brilliant as gemstones, she suddenly felt calm.

How strange... It's as if I've been soothed. All the anxiety in my heart has vanished.

"Clap, clap, clap!" Seymour applauded, praising, "You're all such good children."

"Heh heh heh, thank you for the compliment!" The little fairies showed no false modesty, accepting her praise with complete ease.

Seymour chuckled, her gaze growing even more fervent as she looked at them.

"I'm back!"

Amanda returned to camp, carrying four rabbits and three pheasants. He ran and leaped with the agility of a monkey, bursting into camp with a flurry of energy. He tossed the game onto the ground and exclaimed excitedly, "Sperien, hurry up! I want roasted meat!"

Shu Li stared at the rabbits and pheasants still twitching on the ground, gaining a new appreciation for the Dragon Clan's hunting prowess.

"Wow, so much! So much meat!" Budno's eyes widened.

Amanda puffed out his chest proudly. "If I hadn't been worried about making you wait too long, I could have caught even more!"

Decio rubbed his hands together. "Enough for all of us!"

Angele smiled, his lips pressed together. "Too much. I'm worried Sperien won't be able to grill it all."

Shu Li gave Angele a grateful look. He's right, he thought. Grilled meat is delicious, but grilling this much at once will make my hands ache.

"Wow, impressive!" Seymour gave Amanda a thumbs-up. "Looks like Nasha and I are in for a treat."

This was a blatant attempt to freeload.

Amanda blinked, confused. "Should I... go hunt a couple more rabbits?"

Shu Li quickly stopped him. "No need, this is plenty."

He soon directed everyone to help. The beauty of magic was the ability to conjure clean water instantly for washing the game.

After preparing the rabbits and pheasants, Shu Li took out a pile of spices and seasonings to marinate them.

Seymour watched with fascination and called Bart over to learn the grilling techniques.

Bart, a burly man with a surprisingly meticulous mind, observed Shu Li's marinating methods with earnest curiosity, carefully noting each step.

"Huh, so that's how Eastern spices are used?" he asked, surprised.

"Exactly!" Shu Li replied matter-of-factly. "Spices are meant to enhance the flavor of food."

"Many nobles use spices to scent their clothes," Bart said.

Shu Li clicked his tongue, unable to imagine how pungent clothes smelling of five-spice powder must be.

After spending some time marinating the rabbit and pheasant, they finally began grilling.

As the meat cooked, the aroma filled the air. Not only did the Light Squad's appetites surge, but even members of the troupe gathered around.

"It smells so good! So, so good!"

"What kind of grilled meat is this? Why does it smell so amazing?"

"Wow, the surface is golden brown! The skin must be so crispy!"

"Bart, learn this grilling method quickly! We should grill meat like this next time!"

Bart stroked his beard, looking troubled. "It's a bit complicated, and the spices aren't cheap."

Kumandi pulled out his notebook, flipped to a page, and asked, "I've recorded the detailed method here. Would you like a copy?"

Bart stared at the black-haired, black-eyed youth in surprise. "If it's not too much trouble..."

"Just a moment," Kumandi said. "I'll write it out in Continental Common Language. Or would you prefer Beastman Language?"

Since Bart was a Half-Beastman, he might be more familiar with Beastman Language.

"Oh, Continental Common Language is fine," Bart replied. He had left the Beastman Kingdom at a young age and could only understand and speak Beastman Language, not write it.

The young man, however, spoke the Beastman Language fluently, showcasing his remarkable linguistic talent.

Kumandi gripped his quill and swiftly scribbled on a sheet of paper. He tore off the page and handed it to Bart.

"Thank you," Bart said, taking the paper. He scanned it carefully before tucking it into his pocket. He planned to roast a rabbit for the Troupe Leader later, but the others... they weren't his concern.

These spices were expensive enough to buy a hundred loaves of bread.

After more than an hour, Shu Li finally finished roasting the rabbit and pheasant, drenched in sweat.

"Wipe yourself off," Est offered, handing him a clean handkerchief.

"Ah, okay," Shu Li replied, taking the handkerchief and wiping his face. When he reached his nose, he caught a faint, familiar scent.

Such a fresh fragrance... I've smelled this somewhere before.

After wiping his sweat, he looked at the crumpled handkerchief and said awkwardly, "I'll wash it and return it to you later."

"Alright," Est replied.

Shu Li folded the handkerchief into a square and tucked it into his storage pouch, planning to wash it after they finished eating.

The roasted meat, seasoned with cumin and chili powder, looked mouthwatering.

"Let's eat!" Shu Li announced. Amanda immediately twisted off a rabbit leg and took a large bite.

"Mmm, this is so delicious!"

The roasted rabbit meat had a golden-brown, crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh inside. Everyone's mouths were greasy, and they couldn't stop eating.

Budno tore off a rabbit leg and devoured it without ceremony, his eyes sparkling like countless stars. It was so good he nearly bit his tongue.

He finally understood the unique appeal of meat—he could eat it every day and never tire of it.

Seymour successfully claimed a large piece of rabbit meat and ate it with relish, giving Shu Li a thumbs-up.

Nasha gnawed on a pheasant leg, convinced that Amo's cooking far surpassed that of the Royal Palace chefs.

Amanda, a voracious eater, single-handedly devoured two rabbits and still wanted more, regretting not hunting more.

Haden, the coachman, was fortunate enough to get the chicken neck and feet, which he devoured skin and bones.

The rest of the troupe could only smell the tantalizing aroma, driving them mad with longing.

After dinner, the fastidious little fairies swiftly cleaned up the scraps, burying the discarded bones in the earth.

Seymour wiped her mouth contentedly and led Nasha back to the troupe's camp.

As night deepened, everyone returned to their tents to sleep.

The Light Squad had set up two tents, each accommodating four people.

Amanda, Angele, Decio, and Budno shared one tent, while Shu Li, Kumandi, and Est shared another. The coachman slept in the carriage.

Decio, Angele, and Budno had originally wanted to sleep with Shu Li, but Shu Li, wary of Amanda's unreliability and fearing he might reveal his dragon tail in his sleep, declined and chose to room with the quiet, studious Kumandi instead.

After settling into their tent, Shu Li lay in the middle, with Kumandi on his left and Est on his right. Unable to fall asleep immediately, they chatted for a while.

"How did you meet Leader Seymour?" Est asked, his tone full of curiosity.

Kumandi frowned slightly, his hand beneath the blanket brushing against Shu Li's.

Shu Li took the hint and squeezed Kumandi's fingers in return, signaling that he understood what to say and what to keep silent.

"Eight years ago, my brother and I were traveling when we encountered Leader Seymour's troupe. We hitched a ride with them for a while," Shu Li said, glossing over crucial details and only mentioning the journey to Daotto City. He skillfully concealed the events that followed in the Royal City.

Est listened intently, then asked, "You mentioned Nasha and the guard named Senro are wanted by the Hermon Knights?"

"Uh, yes," Shu Li replied.

Est turned sideways, gazing at the young man's delicate features as he murmured, "I've heard of the Hermon Knights."

"Oh? Are they famous?" Shu Li asked.

"They used to be knights of the Temple of Hodeh," Est mused. "After the Temple of Hodeh was struck down, the Hermon Knights declared themselves free, but in reality, they still secretly follow the Temple's orders."

Shu Li and Kumandi sat up straight, staring in astonishment at their golden-haired human classmate.

"Are you saying... the Hermon Knights worship the God of Darkness?!"