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nThe royal city, the place where the royal family of Kalindor resided, was surrounded by forests on three sides.

nThese forests though quite harmless in the beginning, became more and more dangerous as one headed deeper inside.

nIn fact, the city was a sort of bridge between the several small and medium-sized Kingdoms and the two big Empires in the Xenith continent and the vast wilderness.

nThis sort of a position, however, was both a curse and a blessing to the citizens of the Kalindor kingdom.

nWhile they resided extremely close to the dangerous wilderness, they were also the ones with the best access to the natural resources.

nOn top of that, they collected gold for allowing the various hunters, and magicians to pass through the city gates.

nConsidering that these were the best training grounds for the young magicians and warriors of the continent, this contributed to a significant portion of the Kingdom's revenue.

nMikel's carriage as well was currently headed towards these bordering forests.

nEven though the academy Cassius was studying in had plenty of real combat training and practice, Mikel still took the time to personally monitor his nephew's progress.

nThis was also a way for him to spend time with the little kid.

nHe had lost both his parents at a young age and Mikel was the only living relative he had.

nSo whenever the kid had a holiday in the academy, Mikel without fail, no matter how busy he was, spent the day with him.

nThis was also why the kid often tended to act mischievous and spoiled in front of Mikel because he had no one else to do so with.

nSoon the carriage reached the city borders and the coachman stopped the horses after heading a bit inside the forests.

nHe stepped outside and opened the carriage door, respectfully bowing and greeting Mikel again.

nSylvia begrudgingly watched the man's actions as he flashed a gentle smile and tipped the coachman with a gold coin.

nThis hateful devil was nice to everyone except for her!

nDid I do something unintentionally to piss him off? She couldn't help but wonder.

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"Step out. How long are you planning to dawdle around?

" The devil's harsh words sounded startling Sylvia out of her thoughts.

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"Sorry, your highness,

" Sylvia mumbled and hopped out of the carriage as well.

nMikel looked at her, waited for her to meet his gaze, and then slowly spoke, enunciating his every word.

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"Stick close to me, else you might not return back alive.

" He warned her.

nSylvia nodded. She was not a fool. She as well knew how dangerous the wilderness was.

nEven the smallest village was aware of the frequent beast horde assaults on these forests.

nIf not for the Mage High Council and the strong experts of the various royal families and their army, the Kingdoms and the Empires of the continent would have already been wiped out thoroughly.

nSo no one dared to underestimate the danger hidden in these clusters of trees.

nThat being said, the outer parts of the forest where the group was currently in were nothing short of crowded.

nThere were a few soldiers patrolling here and there. There were other strong young men traveling to and from the forests.

nThere were various alchemy shops, weapon shops, talisman shops, restaurants, inns, and several other merchants.

nThis was rather a good place to set up a business because it allowed the mages and hunters to fill their supplies and take a few days of rest in the local inns without having to travel all the way back to the city.

nSylvia looked around everywhere with her mouth wide agape. She had never been to such a thriving market before.

nShe had also never been in the vicinity of so many experts. Every single man and woman who passed by her exuded a strong and powerful aura.

nThey had various scars on their body, some with even nasty ones on their face.

nSylvia gulped as she felt a little nervous in the presence of such strong men.

nAs she dazedly looked around everywhere, unknowingly she had fallen a little behind, even though Mikel had warned her about this exact same thing just seconds ago.

nThe three had already walked ahead leaving behind Sylvia who was a bit slower and preoccupied, taking in the new sights.

nA couple of seconds passed when Sylvia noticed that she was standing alone by herself.

nInstantly, a small hope arose in her heart, along with an excited smile on her full lips.

nWaaaahhhh!!! Getting away from the devil was so easy??? Her heart started racing.

nIn this crowd, if she really disappeared, would the devil still be able to find her?

nHa Ha Ha. A burst of celebratory laughter rang out in her brain as she turned on her heels to run in the opposite direction.

nAll she needed to do was get into a carriage that would take her to one of the villages.

nShe could then take another carriage to a neighboring kingdom and then figure out ways to hide her traces.

nPerfect plan!

nThe woman hurriedly turned around and dashed forward, when her head banged against something warm and solid.

nBefore Sylvia could apologize and continue running, a familiar voice greeted her.

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"Where do you think you are going, kitten?

"

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