Freedom Jumper-Chapter 134: Dinner at Fiornest

Saskia, dressed in a white sundress and flat white simplistic shoes walked beautifully through the sidewalk next to the Orneas Pantheon.

Autonomous carriages and pulled carriages made small amounts of sound with their rubber covered wheels. With each passing, glances were made toward the group of three — directed at the young girl with wavy black hair.

It was obvious this girl was of noble or royal origins from the alert and armoured man that kept his distance. What the people did not see, was a small black revolver that would shoot small and condensed bullets if air. A weapon capable of leaving not a single trace besides its impact. No sound, no muzzle fire.

"So... where would you like to eat?" Saskia asked in an awkward tone while glancing at a watermelon being thrown in the air..

Niko stepped further ahead of the pack, and pulled an orange beast core from 'inside his jacket'. "Elijah and I still need to sell our beast cores we obtained today. We have fourteen. Would you like to accompany us and then find a nice place to eat?"

Saskia gave them both a smile while longing her stare at Elijah. "Yes! Please show me the way... and don't be afraid to leave the bodyguard in the dust, I find it annoying when they follow me around all the time... Also, his armor is very ugly...."

Elijah laughed and agreed on the plan. The tall two story buildings, alleyways, and crowds would make it easy to lose the bodyguard. Slowly, the three of them picked up speed before rounding a corner, and once around, bolted as fast as they could before turning into a dark alley.

The sun was setting and created a beautiful gradient of colors. However, inside this dark alley, was not a single speck of light besides the dimly lit orange runic light fixtures plastered onto the side of the limestone walls.

"I just saw him pass by us, we should wait a little bit before leaving." Elijah said while looking from behind a dumpster.

"Why don't we go to the other side of the street through this alley?" Saskia asked.

Niko responded rather quickly in excitement to Bonwick. "We have a special person we like to sell our beast cores to."

A fifteen minute walk filled with conversations that reminisced on the happenings at the spring took place. Saskia said the word, "thank you", to Elijah and Niko many times while receiving small tidbits of their power they held. Fire, water, and an ability that Elijah did not say much about — slightly soiling the anticipation of Saskia. Although, when Saskia was expressing her gratitude, she couldn't help but make Elijah's heart beat rapidly.

"Did you say anything about what we did to anyone? Besides your father of course." Elijah asked, scratching his head.

"I only told my father, but not in the way the events truly happened. I didn't say anything about your powers because I was mostly in shock. I guess it worked out haha." Saskia rubbed her nose, eluding a nervous aura.

"Good, the last thing we want is attention. Saskia, which academy are you applying to? You are 13, right?" Elijah had been wondering this question ever since she expressed her interest in runic engineering.

"Yes! I was actually going to ask you both that!" Saskia skipped just briefly in excitement, fluttering her white sundress in the process. "I am going to the Northern Sefrah Academy as I have a few friends who are going there as well. It's also slightly closer than the southern academy, and I prefer being next to the Orneas River."

"I knew it! We applied there as well. You chose the runic engineering path, correct?" Niko asked.

Saskia responded while twirling her black hair. "Yes, but I have already been accepted as I am, well..."

Elijah cut in. "Royalty."

"Yes."

"Do you think we will have some problems getting into the northern academy if we have just applied yesterday?" Elijah asked.

"No, as long as you test well, your admission will be prioritized."

Elijah and Niko explained how they chose the Paladin path, of which Saskia was not at all surprised by. However, she did give a warning to the competition that exists. Competition between envious and discriminatory students and teachers.

This didn't come as a surprise, especially after she explained how it is the natural way of the kingdom. The potential to build yourself a fantastic life exists with binoculars that zoom closer overtime, and is poisoned and eroded by the toxicity of the people as they constantly try and step on other peoples heads to get what they want.

'Twas the fate of a kingdom at war.

However, there are truly amazing benefits once you have 'perfected your craft'. Elijah can only assume she is amazed by the Waterway of Orneas – the most reliable and efficient way of travel depending on your destination. A highway with views unlike any other – a flowing river full of sparklings mana!

Bonwick greeted the three of them while taking notice of a beautiful young lady — wondering about her origins. "Ah! Elijah and Niko! How many do you have for me today?"

"It would've been better if the guild didn't take half our haul, but we brought 13 orange cores, and..." Niko paused, waiting for Elijah to secretly take the yellow core out from his jacket. "A yellow core!"

Bonwick's mustache twitched. "By the God's witness! You have surprised me once again! Tell me, what did you have to kill to obtain this core?"

Elijah responded in a nonchalant tone while scratching his head. "Something they call a goblin lord."

"Incredible! Just incredible! Your total will be 1,225 Genny, as I will pay you 120 for the yellow core. If you must know, the average is 110-130 for this size right now."

Elijah and Niko nodded to Bonwick's price as they had done market research previously.

The early evening quickly shifted into a late night with the three sitting down in a rooftop restaurant within the area of the Pantheon of Orneas. Dozens of couples were seen here which made Elijah think this was not an ordinary restaurant.

Saskia, with her elegant white sundress and flat bottom shoes shined brightly, grabbing the attention of the nearby customers distracted from their food. Thoughts related to envy and wondering what those two boys were doing at a restaurant like this were probably going through their minds.

"Excuse me, my lady. You have your father asking for you in the foyer. Would you like me to send him up?" A waitress who had just given them their food quickly came back with a bead of sweat dripping down her forehead.

"... Yes, send him up please." Saskia was not happy with the development thinking they couldn't be seen from the street level. There was just next to the balcony overlooking the street, but the string runic lights provided a distortion. Saskia had chosen this spot as it gave her a perfect view of not just the Pantheon, but a small clearing between the trees that looked into Sefrah. This opening was where the river created a gap in the green belt.

Dressed in a simple black and white outfit with brushed back black hair was Quintin, strolling across the rooftop like he owned the place.

"I won't make a scene here as you are safe, but when you finish up your dinner find me in the lobby. The guards will escort us in the carriage to the estate." Quintin didn't bother to mince words with Elijah and Niko while leaning into their table, and instead gave them a simple glance befitting that of an unreadable man.

Instantly, once Quintin had walked away, they chuckled with the fun they had. "Elijah, Niko, if you are ever near the Royal District, don't be afraid to come to the Sohana Estate. You saved my life, and I even feel we have become friends. You guys are different from the people around me... it's... refreshing."

Elijah felt something within her words he couldn't quite piece together.

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The night ended with Elijah and Niko walking through the streets — staring into the stars that were beginning to disappear. A storm was on the way, and one of great magnitude. Already the winds rustled the towering trees scattered in the hunting district and the elegant dresses of the women flaunting about in the night.