The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 36.2

Pia, Pia, Pia.

Evelyn savored the syllables as they danced on her lips, murmuring her newfound name several times.

“Is it truly that delightful? One in every ten houses in the eastern lands bears that name among its inhabitants,” Nikolas remarked.

Erephea, the brief alias of a psychedelic alchemist in service to the Knights Templar.

When Ilya, with a disapproving glare, sought his approval for Evelyn’s disguise, he was left astounded and chuckled heartily.

Erephea.

a sea shimmering beneath the moonlight, crimson and serene.

While the name possessed an enchanting allure, it proved too aristocratic for a wandering psychedelic alchemist bereft of parents or a homeland. Hence, he devised a more common nickname to suit the circumstances.

Had Ilya known Evelyn would cherish it so deeply, he would have bestowed upon her a beautifully heartfelt nickname. Nikolas scratched his head in contemplation.

“I truly adore it. Thank you, sir.” Evelyn expressed her gratitude, her eyes sparkling like the first blossoms of spring.

Nikolas, captivated by her radiant smile, opened his mouth to speak, his gaze fixed on the woman before him.

“Shall we depart now?” Ilya inquired, his tone brimming with urgency and determination.

“Yes, let us proceed,” came the resolute response.

With great care, he lifted Evelyn onto the horse, ensuring her safety and comfort. Once settled, the steed galloped forth, carrying its burdened riders like a tempestuous force towards the gate.

As they reached the entrance, Ilya, accompanied by a gathering of somber knights from the black forest, awaited their arrival.

“You have arrived swiftly,” Ilya remarked, his voice unusually cold, betraying a hint of displeasure.

“The deputy held us back, consumed by unnecessary preparations,” the explanation came with a frustrated tone.

Ilya’s gaze lingered on little Inyoung, who sat before Nikolas. The intensity of his stare overwhelmed Evelyn, prompting her to tighten her grip on the reins, drawing strength from within.

“Let us proceed,” Ilya commanded, taking the lead. Nikolas followed suit, guiding his horse with gentle yet firm control.

In the distance, the sun ascended, casting its ethereal light upon the world. Evelyn blinked, captivated by the resplendent landscape that unfolded before her after an eternity of confinement. A sense of liberation surged through her being, causing her heart to race with newfound freedom.

In that instant, she shed her former identity as the condemned Evelyn Madus. Instead, she became Pia—a wandering soul, unburdened and unbound.

*****

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she beheld the northern scenery for the very first time. Though she had ventured beyond the castle’s confines in carriages on rare occasions, this marked her inaugural experience astride a horse, traversing the vast expanse of the outside world.

Rumors had spoken of the north’s inhospitable terrain and unforgiving climate, yet all around her, life thrived vibrantly. Awe washed over her as she admired the picturesque dirt roads, adorned with wildflowers in a breathtaking display, the lush trees proudly exhibiting their emerald hues, and the rustic huts that peppered the landscape.

How long had they been riding? Her thighs ached from the strain of gripping the horse’s sides, as though they had been scorched by an inferno. When Nikolas’ voice reached her ears from behind, Evelyn couldn’t help but let out a triumphant cheer, celebrating their shared journey.

“Pia, we shall find respite in this village tonight,” he declared, as darkness began its descent. The village, nestled near the forest, came into view, its aging cabins flickering with the gentle glow of candlelight.

The scout returned, wearing an expression of chagrin. Ilya turned to him, seeking answers to the unspoken question that hung in the air.

“Have you found us any lodgings?” inquired Ilya, his voice laced with authority.

“Your Highness, they claim there are no vacant homes. However, they suggest granting you access to a granary, if it pleases you,” replied the attendant, deferentially.

Traveling incognito, revealing their affiliation with the Grand Duke group would result in eviction from any inhabited residence. Under the circumstances, this seemed to be the most suitable option. Ilya surveyed the assembled group, his gaze ultimately resting on Evelyn.

Without the need for words, Evelyn comprehended his unspoken query. She responded with a nod, assuring him of her agreement.

“I will stay here, then. You may proceed,” Ilya determined, dismounting from his horse. Evelyn, in turn, assisted Nikolas in dismounting, offering her support. However, upon setting foot on the ground, she lost her balance, stumbling clumsily.

“Be careful, Pia,” Nikolas cautioned, swiftly coming to her aid. Even as she steadied himself, a tremor coursed through his legs, evident from his hand resting upon his forearm. Though she felt the burning intensity of a gaze upon her once more, Evelyn averted her eyes, fixing her attention elsewhere.

Rene, positioned across from them, began to distribute their belongings from a lightweight magic pocket. Nikolas chimed in with a grin.

“You’re here. I’ll take care of it.”

“No, let’s handle it together. The leader is occupied, and we cannot afford to remain idle,” Evelyn insisted, displaying a maturity beyond her tender years.

Laughter erupted from Nikolas as he heard Evelyn’s knock. The two gathered their sleeping bags, lamps, and modest provisions before stepping into the warehouse. Ilya, who had been casting disapproving glances their way, retrieved her own sleeping bag and lamp, following suit.

Contrary to its foreboding exterior, the interior of the warehouse proved less daunting. Evelyn cautiously surveyed the floor, her heart pounding within her chest, half-expecting rats scurrying out from beneath her. Thankfully, only clouds of dust were stirred by their presence. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she raised her gaze, revealing white cobwebs adorning the walls.

Evelyn’s fidgeting within her robes elicited amusement from Nikolas, prompting a soft chuckle to escape his lips.

“If we place our sleeping bags on top, it should suffice for one night,” he suggested, though his words provided little solace. Evelyn nodded, her expression betraying her uncertainty.

As Nikolas moved to clear a pile of debris from beneath a sleeping bag, Ilya offered a wry smile.

“Why don’t you venture outside and catch some sparrows?” she quipped.

“Sparrows? Is that a viable option? I tire of consuming only beef jerky and boiled potatoes… But I suppose I shall give it a try,” he replied, a hint of enthusiasm creeping into his voice.

The vice-captain, in the midst of laying a sleeping bag on the floor, interjected with a bashful expression. “Your Highness, allow me to handle the hunting. After all, you are our esteemed guest.”

Nikolas cut him off with a bright smile. “Ah, but what of our guest? We can take turns engaging in the hunt.”

He firmly grasped Evelyn, who stood nearby and began to pull her away.

“Pia, let us embark on a hunting excursion.”

“Yes, hunting?” Evelyn looked on, her features displaying a mix of confusion and curiosity.

“I, as the commanding officer, will be occupied with external matters. Did you think I would simply linger here?” he stated with a stern tone.

Evelyn quickly shook her head. “Oh, no.”

He continued in a firm voice, “Familiarize yourself with the tenets of the Knights Templar. Newcomers are responsible for physical labor.”

“Yes, Captain!” she replied, her voice tinged with determination.

Ilya clenched her teeth, silently seething as she observed Nikolas whisking Evelyn away from the warehouse.