It took quite an hour or two to finish the transaction, I never thought we have to sign contracts that much and beat me up, the payment was too overpriced. I do know that you have to pay to temporarily register your team to freely roam around but dang, it costs us 150 gold coins. Too much for temporary registration.
And yeah, I knew something was wrong. Guild Master Ruan's office is filled with things that normal officers can't have. And what caught my attention is the golden bell head statue on his shelf below the not-so-appealing portrait of himself while flexing his masculinity, half-naked. To be honest, it's disgusting. But that's not it, that golden bell statue is the trademark of the golden city's cathedral, that was supposed to be in the head priest's office. Then why?
Don't tell me-- I immediately wandered my eyes around while the Guild Master are busy signing the papers and preparing our pass. The four of us waited patiently for him and I took that chance to get closer to the shelves and touched them with my fingers.
"You do have a nice room, Guild Master!" I stared in amazement. He laughed and agreed to what I said. "Especially this wonderful bell," I added and faced him smiling all ears, pretending to be amazed by his bull shits.
"Ohoh, you have a great taste lady that makes me wonder who are you!" He exclaimed and returned in signing the papers. I laughed lowly and returned to my sit too, not leaving my gaze at him.
I crossed my legs and smirked. This bastard is starting to get on my nerves. The three looked at me weirdly, I sighed and notify them not to worry too much. The bell was owned by the cathedral for decades already since the very beginning. If I am right, no one was supposed to see it freely for that bell holds the most important thing in the kingdom, the pledge of freedom. And seeing it in his office is alarming, if not stollen, it must have been given by as a gift. But the head priest is not like that, he devoted his entire life to God and the church, especially since the head priest believes in and holds this kingdom and the church dearly.
What the hell happened in this kingdom? The nation I always admire and protect has its hidden mystery. Why did I not know that many are trying to ruin and stain my kingdom while I am trying to protect and nurture it? Do the higher-ups know this? Then why did they not report it to me, especially this golden bell incident? Or are they involved too? Is this why the head priest wasn't able to attend and personally blessed the Shaport opening? Damn it, this is a bigger problem than I thought.
"So, this pass is valid until the end of next month. I hope this pass helps you finish your job easily. And if you decided to stay more and even migrate here, go back here and I will transfer your papers to the office, but of course, nothing is free in this world." The Guild Master stated, we all nodded at him. "Then, please let the leader sign these papers and everything will be done!" He added.
Drake stood up and took the papers. He read it carefully and then surprisingly handed it to me. I looked at him. "Double check it for me," he stated. I sighed and accepted it.
Everything in the paper is fine, fortunately. The conditions, the rules, and the officers. The only thing that's not right is the cost, too expensive. I handed it back to Drake and nodded. "Go sign it, all good!" I exclaimed. He nodded and did what I told him. After it, he returned it to Ruan and we all stood up as the Guild Master gave us a silver ingot pass.
"Thank you for trusting our guild, good luck, and enjoy your stay in our beloved kingdom!" The Guild Master stated I thought it was all good when Lilian speak up that I hope she did not.
"Thank you too, and oh, I heard the crown princess in this kingdom is cunning and beautiful, don't we have a chance to meet her? I idolize her!" Lilian stated then Ruan laughed. I nervously gulped, dang.
"Ohoh, many idolize the Princess, and yes oh yes, she is a beauty, a fierce yet warm aura lingers in her. But sad to say, the princess is too busy right now and the last event she came out with was the blessing ceremony of Shaport but that was a messy one. After that, the palace has been protecting the princess and forbids her to attend gatherings!" He explained.
I chuckled, that is why everyone didn't notice my disappearance because they planted a knew me. That is what my mother thinks, it's her plan. Sometimes I can't understand my mother anymore, she is too unpredictable. Then we won't have to worry too much about some puny adventurers, as long as I won't get caught by the knights. But dang it, Lilian knew how to surprise me that much.
The Guild Master guided us downstairs and show us the way to where we can rent a horse and carriage. When we saw the other members who waited for us patiently, I sighed in relief. Thank goodness, nothing happened. I almost jumped in glee when a cold handheld mine.
"The fuck Jake," I silently exclaimed at him. "You curse now too, should I be sorry or glad? I find it cute though!" He stated and winked at me while still holding my hands.
I ignored him and continue walking towards the group, we are already behind the two yet this guy is not even bothered. I kept glancing at him and sighed, I gave up. I let him hold my hands and walk beside me.
"You two," Leopard hollered. "Fucking move fast, will you? Stop flirting!" He Exclaimed, I was about to complain but gave up. It's not the time to quarrel, we have to move fast before the sunset. The knights patrolled at night, that's what I heard from the other adventurer in the guild talking.
I pulled Jake to walk fast. The rest stood up and followed us toward the shop. I hope they sell it low, we don't want to spend too much on such things. While walking, Drake and Jake are explaining what we talked about inside the guild as well as showing them the pass. Marion who was already beside me showed me the map and asks the way to the shop. I pointed it on the map and damn, it's too far away from the guild. I think it will take us half an hour to arrive there but I guess it will take us an hour or more because the others kept buying things. Foods, clothes, and other necessary things carefully.
Though I told them not to spend too much money, they never listened to it so I just let them buy things. And yes it took us almost two hours at the shop.
The shop was big that is why it was away from the central plaza, it has even a yard for the horse to freely ran. Outside the shop are different styles of carriages, and I have an eye on that large carriage with a cover. I don't think buying two carriages is good for us. I at least want one that can accommodate us.
I walked towards it and climb it. They all look surprised at what I did.
"Damn Vienna stop! That's dangerous!" Jake angrily exclaimed. I looked at him and signaled to him that I am okay. Climbing a carriage is nothing more than climbing the palace wall, thankfully, my training instructor made me do something I thought useless, or should I say my mother ordered my trainer to teach me things that normal people usually can't. I find it unnecessary for my work only focus on signing papers and listening to everyone's rant.
The carriage roof is hard enough to carry our pieces of baggage. It is even wide enough that someone can sit on it too. I looked at the inside and it has enough space for us, though its opening was only covered by a thick tarp. But the rest are fine, this should be the one.
"Get down lady!" Drake exclaimed. I sighed and immediately get down. "Let's rent that one!" I requested.
"Hey, what you did was dangerous," Jake hollered holding my shoulder tightly. "Nothing in this world that is not dangerous Jake," I replied. He sighed.
"So as I was saying, let's rent that one!" I started again. Gerald and Regor walk toward the carriage and inspect it too. They nodded and agreed.
"You know lots of things Vienna," Gerald remarked that making me feel shy. "Ah thank you," I embarrassedly replied.
"Then we'll take that one," Drake commanded.
"Then let's take that two-horse too Captain!" Von happily shouted and pointed at the two beautiful pairs of white horses sleeping under the three inside the caged yard.
"Oh Dear, that horse is not for sale," said a familiar voice. I tried hiding behind Jake but it was too late. The old man has already seen me.
"M-my--oh dear, my lady is that you?" The Head Priest quaked. I sighed and faced him as I removed my hood.
Surprise and worry were seen on his face. I stared at him nervously and sighed.
"H-how are you, Padre Sotto?"