The Beginning After The End novel Chapter 89

ARTHUR LEYWIN’S POV:

As we made our trip to Rinia’s cottage, I couldn’t help but sigh in awe at how perfect a spring morning it was—simply one of those scenes that you couldn’t help but appreciate. As it was just past dawn, the morning air was still cool and crisp. On both sides of the road, bright morning dew on the moss-covered rocks sparkled from the sun’s rays peeking through the old trees that towered over us.

The carriage we were riding in hardly shook from the even, marble-like paths smoothed from centuries of use. Sylvie was a ball of excitement as I had to grab her by the tail a couple of times to keep her from jumping out of the carriage to catch the passing butterflies and birds.

"Arthur, I have to say that your bond continues to intrigue me." Alduin Eralith raised an amused brow as Sylvie promptly shot out and grabbed a passing bird with her jaw.

"Now now, leave the boy and his pet alone. In such a vast and mysterious land as ours, you can’t be so surprised at things like this," Virion chided at his son with a wagging finger.

"I’d normally agree with you as well, Grandfather, but Arthur’s bond really is unique compared to all of the other mana beasts I’ve seen. Even though it’s an infant, its gaze twinkles with intelligence." Merial leaned in closer to Sylvie, who was still chewing on the bird she took down.

"Don’t forget that Sylvie is super cute too!" Just as Sylvie let out a satisfied belch, Tess picked her up and hugged her.

"Bahaha! I can’t help but worry that my granddaughter will one day choose her precious bond, not by its strength but by its appearance!" Virion howled in laughter, making everyone but the princess snicker in agreement.

The trip was fairly long, even with a mana beast pulling the carriage. Tess soon fell asleep with her head against her mother’s shoulder, as Merial slept alongside her daughter with her head leaning against Tess’.

"Arthur, I told my son already but where we’re headed, it’s not a normal cottage. Rinia chose to isolate herself near the edge of the kingdom. As for why, she wouldn’t tell me, but last time I chose to make an unannounced visit, I almost died from the traps and defenses she had put up," Virion spoke in a hushed voice.

I raised a brow at Virion’s serious tone. "For what reason does Elder Rinia need to protect herself to this extent?"

"My guess is as good as yours. I told her that we were visiting this time, so it should be safe, but I want you to watch out for any signs of intrusion. The fact that she needed to set up all of these precautions means that there are people out there to be cautious of."

My mind immediately went to her unique abilities as a deviant, however, no one but a handful of trusted people should’ve known about it.

"Okay." I nodded solemnly.

Soon after the conversation, Gramps had also fallen asleep with his arms crossed and head bobbing, leaving only my bond, the driver, Tess’ father and myself, awake.

Sylvie had her front paws against the window of the carriage in hopes to catch more unlucky birds, her tail wagging rhythmically.

Alduin had a relaxed look on his aged face as he gazed vacantly at the moving scene outside the carriage. I knew that each of those wrinkles and creases came from the burden of being a king and now a leading figure of the continent.

"I feel like I’ve never had the chance to properly thank you," he said as his eyes still stayed focused outside the carriage.

"For what, sir?" I replied.

"For taking such good care of my daughter. From what she and my father tells me, Tessia made it out of some dangerous situations thanks to you." Alduin turned his head and looked at me for a brief moment before revealing a weary smile.

"It’s nothing, sir. Tessia has helped me a lot of times as well."

"Oh? Like how?" He tilted his head.

I had to think to for a second before responding. "In keeping me sane at times."

"Not exactly what I expected a thirteen-year-old boy to say, but when it comes to you, I can’t help but see you as an adult." The former king smirked before shifting his gaze back outside.

"Your words are kind."

"I somehow feel utterly confident that you will be able to protect my daughter in my and my father’s stead."

My eyes narrowed in thought at the meaning of his statement, but before I could say anything, Alduin just chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.

"Just an overprotective father’s thoughts running wild. Don’t mind me, Arthur... but say, have you ever thought of one day marrying Tess?"

"Sir?" I said, taken aback by the sudden shift in course of this conversation.

"I mean, sure, she’s a bit rough around the edges and Merial and I may have spoiled her a bit, but she’s a good girl! I bet she’ll be quite the looker given a few years."

"I thought that traditionally, elves dated and married a lot later—"

"Ha! Tradition? At how fast Dicathen is changing, there’s no room for tradition," Alduin scoffed. He then bent forward, leaning his arms on his knees. "Arthur, do you like my daughter?"

There was a lingering silence as I thought about my words carefully. Despite his amiable attitude and the casual atmosphere inside the carriage, Alduin was still the acting king of Elenoir. There was no denying that my attitude and care toward the elf princess was different from anyone else’s, but it was still impossible for me to ever assuredly act on those feelings at this stage. There were times when I was surprised at my own reflection because of how young I was; to be able to overcome the mental boundary of age that I subconsciously put up myself would mean I would have to stop seeing Tessia as a girl and see her as a woman.

Locking gazes with Tessia’s father, I answered with confidence. "I do, but I also find myself lacking to confidently say I know what ’like’ and ’love’ actually mean. I hope the answer will come with time, but until then I’d like to improve myself before thinking of asking for your daughter’s hand in marriage."

"Good answer." The king nodded thoughtfully. "You have your head in the right place despite the lack of years under your belt."

"More so than you when you were his age," a soft voice chimed from beside Alduin.

"You were awake, dear?" the king asked with an expression as if he’d been caught sneaking into the desserts cabinet.

"Just for the last bit of your little ’man talk’," she smiled.

’Hehe, I knew Papa liked Mama.’ Sylvie’s voice rang in my head, surprising me.

I turned to the queen, afraid that Tess might’ve heard as well, but fortunately it seemed that unlike her mother, Tessia was a rather heavy sleeper.