Chapter 4: Daddy’s Coming

Chapter 4: Daddy’s Coming

“So, what should we do to get close to that king smoothly?”

After settling their luggage at the inn, Yake and Aierjisi stepped outside for a stroll. It was their first time in such a faraway place, and even if the Little Princess didn’t come out, Yake wanted to explore a bit.

Though, this cursed place was freezing cold! Thankfully, the City Lord had warned them to buy warm clothing; otherwise, they might have arrived here only to be frozen stiff, unable to say a word.

“Don’t worry. Yake, do you know that saying? ‘Haste makes waste.’ Everything takes time, so let’s take it slow. Although I do get that things are pretty dire right now.”

Even though she said that, Aierjisi was also feeling a bit flustered. The question of how to meet King Gaia was really stumping her. A leader like a king isn’t someone you just waltz in and meet, is it?

But who says they need to push for a meeting? What about making the king come to them instead?

“Oh, look! They have a Gladiatorial Arena here too.”

Gazing at the Gladiatorial Arena, which resembled something out of ancient Rome, Yake thought that no matter the country or world, humans would always love watching good fights.

“Perfect! I’ll show off my skills there!”

Aierjisi stretched her neck, cracking her knuckles and wore a dangerously excited expression.

“Hey, Aier, you’re not thinking of—”

Seeing the dangerous grin on the Little Princess’s face, Yake immediately figured out what she was planning. He had seen that same expression back at the Adventurers’ Guild.

“But you’re not going to let me fight this time?”

Yake was totally not expecting the Little Princess to step into the arena herself. Earlier, when they arrived at the arena, he had thought she would demand, “Show me your strength!” and force him into the match.

“This time I’ll pass. After all, fighting is just a means to an end. My goal is to attract the king’s attention, so I plan to cause a ruckus here.”

Aierjisi explained her reasoning for participating in the match. If she kept winning in this arena, lots of challengers would come her way, and it wouldn’t be long before her name spread throughout the kingdom, eventually reaching King Gaia’s ears.

“But are you sure that’ll work? Don’t forget you’re still being hunted by the Adrian People.”

Yake looked at her with worry. The Little Princess was currently on the run from the Adrian People, and she should have been trying to remain more discreet. Pulling off such an obvious stunt would definitely attract attention and could lead the Adrian People right to her!

“Good point!”

If it weren’t for Yake’s reminder, Aierjisi might not have thought of that. She had been so focused on making a name for herself to catch King Gaia’s attention!

“So how about we find a safer method? Maybe just asking to see the king directly?”

“Ha? It can’t be that easy! He’s the king! How could we possibly meet him smoothly?”

Aierjisi thought Yake’s idea was a bit outlandish. Asking to see the king directly? No way that’d work easily!

“No, look over there! The sign says that if you can match those secret phrases, you can get a chance to meet the king!”

Yake pointed at a sign outside a bar that advertised exactly that.

“Are you kidding? Is that king an idiot or what?”

Skeptical, Aierjisi approached the sign and read the words carefully. It indeed said that if one could successfully match the secret phrases, they would get a chance to meet the king.

But… secret phrases are not just something anyone can guess, right? And why must meeting the king involve secret phrases? That made Aierjisi suspicious.

“So? Should we try matching the phrases? Who knows, we might just meet the king!”

Yake leaned in closer, whispering excitedly in Aierjisi’s ear.

“Shut up! We don’t even know what those secret phrases are! Honestly, I find this whole matching secret phrases for a king thing hilarious; it doesn’t seem like something a normal king would come up with. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

Seeing Aierjisi hesitate, Yake smartly inquired.

“Unless that king is also looking for someone to help him rescue his Ice Dragon companion. But the companion has to be a true ally; that’s why he’s using secret phrases.”

“I don’t really get it. Can you put it simply?”

Whether Yake was naturally dense or Aierjisi just wasn’t articulate enough, he totally didn’t grasp her point.

“What I mean is that the king is waiting for us. Let’s go see what kind of secret phrases he’s got. Maybe I can actually match one!”

Aierjisi headed toward the bar, but Yake pulled her back and pointed to an arrow on the sign.

“*Please walk straight for 800 meters to find the secret phrases.*”

“Ugh, I thought we could do the secret phrases right here! We have to walk 800 more meters? Fine, whatever! Let’s go, Yake, we’re off!”

“Can you please get off my back? My neck is gonna die here!”

Yake looked helplessly at the Little Princess riding on his shoulders. Seriously, she could be such a child sometimes! But maybe that’s exactly why he adored her and wanted to pamper her like a treasure.

Meanwhile, the news of Ailin’s abduction by the Adrian People reached the Ice Dragon Clan residing atop the mountain. The Ice Dragon King rarely made time to come to the foot of Panimir himself to verify the truth of the matter.

“Where’s Gaia? Why isn’t he here?”

Seeing the Sage Ouxs welcoming him, the Ice Dragon King clearly wasn’t pleased. He had taken the time to come and that brat Gaia didn’t show up to greet him?

“Oh, great Ice Dragon King! Please don’t be angry. Lord Gaia is currently recuperating from injuries sustained in the recent battle and is resting in bed. So, it’s left to me, Sage Ouxs of the Royal Palace, to meet you.”

In Panimir, Ouxs was one of the rare individuals with extraordinary courage. Even when faced with the intimidating presence of the Ice Dragon King, his expression showed no hint of fear.