Chapter 299 To Royal District
Soon, the tantalizing aroma of the freshly cooked wyvern meat filled the air, making Bella's eyes glisten with excitement as she prepared to dive into the feast.
The table was brimming with delicacies, but Bella glanced toward the two guides standing outside, their hungry gazes subtly betraying their discomfort.
"Now, do you want to call them in?" Aengus asked, watching Bella with a knowing smile.
Bella paused, her fork halfway to her plate, and then responded thoughtfully, "You always know me best. But we can't call them in; they'd feel uncomfortable and scared to eat with us. I know it. Just send four plates outside for them… with your ability."
Aengus chuckled softly, admiring her considerate nature. "Okay, you're so thoughtful," he said, snapping his fingers.
A small portal materialized before the young guides, startling them.
"What's this, brother?" the little girl asked nervously, clutching her brother's arm.
"I-I don't know," her brother replied, his voice trembling as he instinctively stepped in front of her protectively.
They both stared at the swirling portal, their wide eyes betraying fear and awe. They had never encountered anything like it before, and their unease was palpable.
Then, under their watchful, wary gazes, four plates of delicious, steaming meat were carefully passed through by a strong, steady hand.
The boy and girl gasped in recognition, realizing the hand belonged to the Lord they had guided to the inn.
"Just take it!"
A voice followed from within the portal—firm, commanding, yet unmistakably kind.
The siblings hesitated for only a moment before the boy gathered his courage, bowing deeply toward the portal. "T-Thank you, my Lord!" he stammered, his voice filled with gratitude.
The girl mirrored his bow, clutching the edges of her ragged dress. "Thank you so much, Lord and Lady!" she said, her small voice trembling with emotion.
They didn't receive a reply, and the portal vanished instantly.
The siblings began to eat happily, sitting just outside the entrance. Their faces lit up with joy as they savored the delicious meal, the boy making sure his little sister had her fill.
Inside the inn, Bella glanced out the window with a satisfied smile while she delicately ate her own meal.
"I wonder when I'll have my own child," Bella mused aloud, her voice carrying a soft, wistful tone. She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze distant and filled with yearning. "I want to be a mother too."
Aengus froze mid-bite, feeling her eyes on him. He avoided her questioning gaze, the awkwardness unmistakable on his face.
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After about 20 minutes, Aengus paid the bill with gold coins. Fortunately, gold was still accepted as a secondary form of currency alongside the Empire's official bills.
Bella gracefully rose from her seat, looping her arm through Aengus's as they exited the inn. The siblings stood nearby, bowing deeply as they noticed their employers approaching.
"Thank you so much, Lord and Lady!" the boy said earnestly, his little sister echoing him with a bright smile.
"It's nothing," Aengus shrugged casually.
Bella leaned down slightly, handing the siblings some sweets. "Children, do you know the way to the Eternal Phoenix Clan?" she asked gently.
The siblings accepted the sweets gratefully, but their expressions immediately shifted to shock and apprehension at the mention of the clan.
Noticing their reaction, Bella frowned. "What's wrong?"
The boy hesitated before replying, trying to calm his racing heart. "L-Lady, don't you know that's the Royal Clan of the Phoenix Empire? How could insignificant beings like us dare to go near them?"
Bella blinked in mild surprise. "Oh, we didn't know about this, hubby," she said, glancing at Aengus.
Aengus smirked, clearly amused. "So, your mother is now part of an Imperial Clan. This is getting more interesting," he commented.
The boy and his sister froze, their faces pale with realization. "L-Lady, you're from the Imperial family?" The two knelt down instantly, their heads lowered in fear. "We're so sorry we couldn't recognize you. Please forgive us!"
Bella jumped slightly at their sudden reaction. "Come on, you two! I'm not..." She sighed, a little exasperated, before softening her tone. "Though, I am indeed a royalty—just from a different rule," she added with a smile.
The siblings stood up slowly, their faces still confused and hesitant.
"Never mind her," Aengus said gently, his tone reassuring. "Just lead us the way. No need to be afraid as long as we're here, little ones."
He could have scoured the entire Phoenix Capital by flying, but doing so would likely alarm the city and draw unnecessary attention, which he wanted to avoid.
The siblings exchanged nervous glances, their hesitation apparent.
Bella, noticing their reluctance, smiled mischievously and revealed a large pouch from her space ring. Opening it, she let the shimmering gold coins spill out just enough for them to catch a glimpse of the fortune inside. "Tell me, you want money, right? I'll give you all this gold if you take us along."
The siblings gasped, their eyes widening in awe at the sight.
"So much gold!"
The sunlight reflected off the mound of coins, casting a golden glow that dazzled the young guides. There had to be at least 1,000 gold coins—far more than they had ever seen in their lives.
The boy and girl, having grown up in poverty, knew exactly what such wealth could mean. It wasn't just money; it was freedom, safety, and a chance for a better future.
Their hesitation melted away as temptation took over.
"Deal!"
With eager smiles, they nodded in unison.
From there, their direction changed directly toward the Royal District at the heart of the city.
The Royal District was, of course, heavily restricted. Commoners could not enter as they pleased.
After crossing through the bustling commoner district under the curious gaze of passersby, they arrived at the grand gates leading to the Royal District.
The towering gates were heavily guarded, with soldiers dressed in ornate armor. Their presence alone was enough to make the siblings visibly tense.
However, the moment the guards sensed Bella's pure Phoenix bloodline, their demeanor completely changed.
Their stiff expressions turned into ones of reverence and fear. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply and stepped aside, clearing the way.
"Please, enter, my lady! Forgive us for our rudeness!" one of the guards said, his voice trembling slightly, as if afraid of offending her.
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