Chapter 933: Alternate Timeline: The Reunion

As the royal knights rode upon their finely bred horses, their polished armor catching the last amber rays of the descending sun, Gideon Crescent sat beside Kiara inside the LMV, his posture elegant and composed, though his eyes betrayed a restless curiosity that had been growing ever since they departed from Lunaris City.

Gideon had experienced many forms of travel in his life. He had ridden in luxurious horse carriages whose velvet interiors softened every jolt, galloped across open plains on spirited horses, crossed rugged terrain atop a horned spirit rhinoceros, and even soared through the skies on the back of a drake.

Yet sitting beside Kiara in this strange metal carriage was an entirely different sensation.

The vehicle hummed like a restrained beast.

The seat beneath her was firm but comfortable.

The glass panes framed the world like a moving painting, and the landscape slipped past so smoothly that it felt as though they were gliding atop the earth rather than rolling across it.

Throughout the journey, Gideon said little.

He watched the wheel in Kiara’s hands, the rhythmic movement of her fingers, the subtle pressure of her foot, the occasional glance she cast toward the gauges and controls.

Once, when they stopped midway to refuel from her inventory using flaxseed oil, Gideon stepped out and observed the process with such concentration that one might have thought he was studying a sacred ritual.

As there is no diesel in this world, she had to use the best alternative way that won’t cost her too much. So, flaxseed oil is the one she picked that costs her about only 2.5 silver coins per pint, which is like 570 milliliters.

The LMV has a 120 Liter capacity, and it has about 600km range. And when using flaxseed oil, using the same amount, the range will drop to roughly 530-540 km. Can be reduced to 500 kilometers according to the road and the speed at which the vehicle is going.

But still, 120 liters of flaxseed only cost Kiara about 5 gold coins and 25-30 silver. Just the cost of selling a pistol.

So, for Kiara, this truly works.

The only problem that comes with this oil is that flaxseed oil is thicker than diesel and can turn sticky when heated, risk of engine fouling, goes rancid over time, unlike stable diesel. hence, required more frequent cleaning of fuel lines and injectors.

For that, Zion and Noah are there anyway.

Back to the present, as Kiara was filling the fuel tank, the smell of oil hung in the air, while the metal body of the vehicle ticked softly as it cooled. Gideon circled it once, trailing his fingers lightly along the polished surface, his expression thoughtful.

By the time they reached Ironvale City, dusk had settled over the land.

The lanterns were beginning to flicker to life along the streets.

Kiara’s shoulders felt heavy.

She had driven from one city to another, paused only briefly for lunch, and then driven again without real rest. For a summoner whose body was never his greatest strength, the constant focus and physical strain left a dull ache in her arms and lower back. Even her eyes felt dry. If only Zion were here, it would have been nice, she couldn’t help but think when she felt that strain in her muscles.

Still, she kept her expression calm.

After escorting Gideon to the most luxurious inn in the city, a grand establishment of marble columns and red silk banners, Kiara informed her of the evening plan.

"We will meet for dinner at a restaurant called Leafway," she said. "I heard that it is famous for its roast duck."

She paused, then added casually, "There will be one more guest joining us."

The moment those words left her lips, Gideon’s eyes widened.

For an instant, all the practiced composure of a royal prince cracked.

Before Kiara could react, Gideon stepped forward and seized her hand.

The grip was surprisingly tight.

"Do not leave," Gideon said. His voice, though low, carried unmistakable urgency.

"Take me with you."

Kiara blinked.

For a brief second, she saw genuine anxiety in Gideon’s eyes, an emotion so raw that it flashed like lightning before being hidden again behind royal restraint.

Around them, the royal knights stiffened.

The inn manager, who had come personally to welcome the prince, froze with his mouth half-open.

Even the curious passersby, who had gathered at a respectful distance, exchanged stunned glances.

Was their Prince bullying a girl? Or did he have a secret lover they didn’t know? The passersby wondered. The fact that they were standing before the inn only made their imaginations go wild.

Gideon seemed to realize what his actions implied.

He released Kiara’s hand at once and straightened his posture.

Clearing his throat, he spoke in a more measured tone.

"You are an honored guest of our palace," He said. "It would be improper for me to rest here while you stay in an ordinary inn. Since we are to meet again within a few hours, it is only logical that I accompany you now."

Kiara studied his face for a moment.

Then her expression softened.

"As you wish, Your Highness."

With a small smile, she opened the vehicle door and gestured for her to re-enter.

After offering a polite apology to the bewildered inn manager, Gideon climbed back inside.

The royal knights mounted their horses and followed.

As the convoy departed, the manager stared after them and muttered to himself.

"Who is that young lady to make the prince behave this way? While she looks very pretty, her attire doesn’t look royal. Not to mention, she didn’t wear a veil. So, she is definitely not a Princess of a foreign nation. There are no nobles on this land either. So, maybe a wealthy merchant’s daughter? Is she His Highness’ lover?"

*

More than half an hour later, after passing beyond the busier districts and into the quieter outskirts of Ironvale City, the group arrived at their destination.

It was not an inn.

Nor a manor.

Before them stood an abandoned cathedral.

Its once-white stone walls were weathered and gray. Cracked stained-glass windows reflected the last traces of evening light, and ivy crept over the outer walls like nature’s attempt to reclaim what faith had left behind. This was once a sanctuary of the Church of Light. Now dust ruled where prayers had once risen.

Kiara had chosen the place for one simple reason.

She needed somewhere quiet.

Somewhere private.

Somewhere where a father and son could meet without a thousand eyes watching.

Leading Gideon and her trusted knights inside, Kiara’s footsteps echoed across the vast hall. Dust swirled in the shafts of moonlight that filtered through broken windows. The air carried the dry scent of old stone, wax, and neglect.

At the center of the hall stood Zion, silent and vigilant.

Beside him was a hooded figure draped in black robes.

The sound of approaching footsteps caused the figure to rise.

With slow, trembling fingers, he lowered his hood.

The knights stared.

Before them stood a gaunt old man with a long white beard and hair that flowed almost to his waist. Time and hardship had etched deep lines into his face, yet his features were unmistakably familiar.

To the knights, only one thought came to mind.

Is this Edward Crescent, the heroic grand prince who supposedly died two decades ago during the dungeon break?

But one person knew the truth instantly.

Tears flooded Gideon’s eyes.

All restraints were shattered as he shouted, "Father!"

His voice echoed through the cathedral as he rushed forward.

Kiara’s eyes widened. "My suspicion is true. He did manage to find it out somehow. That’s why his earlier behavior was quite strange. But the question is how? How did he know?"

Meanwhile, Caleb Crescent opened his arms just in time.

They didn’t hug, but just as Gideon stopped before him, they grab each other’s arms

However, Caleb held him tightly, tears were already streaming down his weathered face as he whispered.

"My son..."

"Father, thank Heavens. You are still alive after all... I knew that you were alive but didn’t dare to find it out..."

Their words tumbled over each other, broken by tears and laughter and disbelief.

Kiara watched quietly. She can’t wait to ask him how he figured it out.

Meanwhile, the royal knights stood in stunned silence.

Only their captain, who had served the palace for eighteen years, wiped his eyes openly.

He needed no further proof.

After some time, the emotions settled enough for everyone to take their seats in the dusty cathedral hall.

Kiara turned to Gideon.

"Did you know all along that it was the impostor who was sitting on the throne?"

She asked him.

Caleb also looked at his son, waiting for the answer.