Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 123 - 109: Orc Express 2
"Thank you, princess!" Klark exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy. Yui joined him, sharing in the excitement. They climbed into the comfortable carriage, settling into their seats. With a crack of the coachman’s whip, the droles started pulling the carriage, and they began their journey towards the Orc Express.
"I can’t wait to see what the Orc Express has in store for us, this year!" Klark exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Yui nodded vigorously in agreement.
Aurianna positioned herself by the edge of the carriage, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Her arm found a comfortable resting spot on the windowsill. Memories flooded her mind as she contemplated the upcoming experience.
"The Orc Express," Aurianna mused with a smile, reminiscing about the legendary trade market, ’A moving trade market run by Orcs, Ogres, Goblins, Hobgoblins, and Onis. I remember how they were renowned throughout Sandeph and the entire continent. They were known as neutral beings, steering clear of conflicts and offering their goods to all. It’s been a while since their last visit, but they always come back every two to three years, to sell some of the best goods one could buy, be it clothes, food delicacies and architecture designs, they have it all and so much more.’
"You seem rather excited," Aurianna commented, unable to ignore Jake’s infectious grin. He had taken off his shiny golden helmet, revealing a rather handsome face. Klark appeared as a middle-aged man with short black hair and a peculiar feature—a pair of eyes of different colors. One eye was brown, while the other shimmered in a golden hue. As his armor vanished into the ring he held, he now stood before Aurianna in casual attire.
"That’s because I’ve been looking forward to the arrival of the Orc Express. There are a few things I’ve been itching to get my hands on," he replied with a playful tone.
Aurianna raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She couldn’t help but notice the change in attire not only for Klark but also for Yui, who now wore commoner clothes.
"Why the change of clothes?" Aurianna inquired, her gaze shifting between them.
"People might get a little uneasy if they spot a divine knight patrolling around. I want to experience the joy of strolling through the market like an ordinary person," Klark explained, his expression calm and composed.
"Yui, you’re joining in on the ’normal person’ shopping experience too?" Aurianna asked, raising an eyebrow.
Yui giggled, adjusting her clothes. "Well, Princess, it’s not every day we get to explore such a vibrant market. Besides, I want to blend in with the crowd and fully enjoy the excitement!"
Aurianna frowned, slightly perplexed by his reasoning. "But it won’t make much of a difference since you’re still escorting me," she stated matter-of-factly, expecting a logical response from Klark.
"Oh, I completely forgot about that," Klark exclaimed, his face flushing with embarrassment. Yui gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder, trying to reassure him.
As the realization sank in, Klark scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his expression filled with amusement. "Well, I suppose you have a valid point there, Princess," he admitted with a chuckle, understanding that his attempt to blend in would have little impact when he was escorting someone of royal stature.
"Speaking of which, Princess, your extravagant dress might make others feel uneasy, or worse, attract unwanted attention from potential robbers," Klark said, his voice tinged with concern.
Aurianna’s eyebrows raised at his remark, and a mischievous smile tugged at her lips. "Why should I care about making others uneasy? If they mind their own business, they’ll be just fine. And as for any robbers foolish enough to try something, well... I’ll simply kill them," she stated with a cold, confident tone, her eyes gleaming with a hint of danger.
Klark blinked, momentarily taken aback by Aurianna’s matter-of-fact response. He had witnessed her skills on her missions, but her nonchalant attitude towards potential threats left him both impressed and slightly amused. He couldn’t help but admire her fierce determination and unwavering confidence.
"I must admit, Princess, your ability to handle yourself in any situation is truly remarkable," Klark remarked, a mixture of respect and amusement in his voice. "Just know that I’ll be right by your side, ready to lend a hand if needed."
Aurianna’s smile softened, appreciating Klark’s unwavering loyalty. "Thank you, Klark. It’s good to know I can rely on you," she replied, her gaze meeting his.
Aurianna maintained her composure as she expressed her thoughts, "Besides, as a princess, I shouldn’t have to conceal my identity just to go shopping. Wearing different clothes won’t make much of a difference because my distinctive hair and eyes would still give me away," she explained calmly.
"That’s true," Yui and Klark exchanged glances, acknowledging the validity of Aurianna’s point. They realized that her unique features would easily draw attention, regardless of the attire she wore.
Suddenly, a mischievous grin spread across Yui’s face as an idea struck her. "Well, why not try wearing a wig and contact lenses?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Aurianna politely declined the offer, shaking her head. "I’d rather not. If I’m noticed by others, it means fewer crowds and avoiding long queues for goods," she said, accompanied by a mischievous grin.
Klark nodded in agreement, a realization dawning on him. "That’s actually a clever idea," he murmured. "But it wouldn’t be favorable for Orc Express’s business."
Aurianna’s curiosity got the better of her, and she voiced her thoughts with a quizzical tone. "I’ve often wondered if the Orc Express workers are concerned about facing prejudice or attacks due to their race.It must be a concerning matter for them." she pondered, her face reflecting her bewilderment.
Klark shook his head, dispelling her concerns. "Not at all. Once they arrive, they are safeguarded by the Holy Knights from the church and the kingdom. Their safety is of utmost importance. Besides, the products they manufacture hold immense significance, and only they possess the expertise and exclusive knowledge and produce those vital goods. King Girsal wouldn’t want to sour his relationship with them," he explained.
Aurianna expressed her frustration, scoffing at the situation. "Why doesn’t father just eliminate them and take their knowledge?" she questioned.
Klark shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, that’s because the workers at the Orc Express are as tight-lipped as they come. They’d rather face death than spill their secrets, no matter how much torture you subject them to. At least, that’s what I’ve heard," he explained.
Aurianna’s face softened, and she flashed a gentle smile. "I must say, from the information you’re providing, I’m starting to admire them."
Klark continued with an intriguing revelation. "Oh, and there’s an Oni who runs the Express. That’s why nobody dares to mess with them in the entire continent of Graias," he added, causing Aurianna and Yui to exchange bewildered glances as confusion filled their eyes.
Yui’s brow furrowed in confusion as she sought clarification. "An Oni? What exactly is that?" she questioned, unfamiliar with the term.
Klark leaned forward, ready to enlighten them. "Well, an Oni is a formidable creature, just as powerful as a Grand Human, which is the highest evolved form of a goblin. You see, even if someone had the audacity to consider kidnapping a goblin or an orc to extract information, they wouldn’t dare attempt it with an Oni around," he explained, emphasizing the level of power and deterrence an Oni possessed.
’I’m aware of the race Oni but I don’t know much about them. But from what Klark is saying, they are very powerful.’ Aurianna’s lips curled into a sinister smile as an intriguing thought crossed her mind. ’So, there’s someone even more powerful than my father lurking on this continent. How fascinating,’ she mused, her curiosity piqued by the presence of the Oni.
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After traversing the vast land of the High Land, Aurianna’s carriage finally arrived at the entrance gates of Sandeh. The gates bustled with a constant flow of people coming and going from the High Land. The vigilant knights patrolling the front gates swiftly noticed Aurianna’s carriage and guided the coach to a parking spot adjacent to the protective wall.
With Klark’s assistance, Aurianna gracefully disembarked from the carriage, and Yui followed suit, positioning herself by Aurianna’s side.
A knight, adorned in more elaborate attire and engrossed in perusing some documents, received immediate notification of Aurianna’s arrival. He rose from his seat, exited the room, and made his way towards Aurianna, scanning the surroundings with a keen eye.
Curiosity brimming in his voice, the knight addressed Aurianna, "Princess, I’m intrigued as to what brings you to the front gates. Has your father assigned you another mission?" He stood before Aurianna, awaiting her response, while she met his gaze and considered her reply.
"Not really Albiet," Aurianna responded with a warm smile, exuding an air of intelligence and maturity. "I’ve heard that the Orc Express is due to arrive today, and I’m quite keen on witnessing the bustling trade market in action," she explained, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Albiet, considering her safety, suggested, "If that’s the case, perhaps it would be best to have some knights accompany you."
However, Aurianna promptly shook her head, dismissing the idea. "No need, I’ll be perfectly fine with just Klark and Yui," she declared firmly, her determination evident.
Observing the resolute expression on Aurianna’s face, Albiet couldn’t help but sigh in resignation. "If that’s your decision, princess. However, I must mention that I’ve noticed you seem a bit taller than usual," he remarked nervously, pointing out the subtle change.
