Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 124 - 110: Orc Express 3
Aurianna retorted playfully, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Well, maybe I just lucked out with good genetics," she quipped, causing Albiet to nervously chuckle in response. Internally, Albiet couldn’t help but exclaim, ’When did nine-year-old kids start looking like they’re fifteen?’
"Alright then, I’ll let you go on your way, Aurianna," Albiet said, waving goodbye as she walked away, and Aurianna waved back before continuing on her path.
As Aurianna strolled through the opened front gates, she was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The scenery unfolded before her like a picture-perfect postcard, capturing her attention and filling her senses with wonder.
The market before her bustled with life and energy as the aroma of spices and the symphony of voices filled the air. The scene was a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents that transported visitors to a realm of sensory delight. Soft, ethereal music played in the background, adding to the enchantment that hung in the air. Stalls and canopies of various shapes and sizes lined the bustling streets, each one adorned with vibrant banners and awnings. The merchants, eager to entice passersby, displayed their wares with meticulous care.
Colorful fabrics cascaded from racks, showcasing garments of intricate designs, from flowing silks to finely embroidered tunics. Jewelers carefully arranged their treasures, the shimmering gems casting a dazzling display of light that captivated the eye. The air was alive with the aroma of exotic spices wafting from stalls where merchants sold fragrant herbs and seasonings.
Baskets overflowed with vibrant fruits and vegetables, their colors so vivid they seemed to have been plucked straight from the artist’s palette. The scent of freshly baked bread and pastries mingled with the sweet aroma of candied treats, tempting even the most disciplined of palates. Glass vials held shimmering potions that glowed in hues unseen in the natural world, each offering a different boon or curse. Weapons of extraordinary craftsmanship gleamed in the sunlight, with blades infused with elemental powers and hilts adorned with intricate runes.
The market was also a symphony of sounds. Musicians played lively tunes on traditional instruments, their melodies dancing through the air. Jugglers and street performers showcased their skills, drawing crowds with their acrobatics and tricks. Entertainment abounded as well. Acrobats soared through the air, performing gravity-defying feats that left spectators gasping in awe.
As Aurianna ventured deeper into the vibrant market, her senses were captivated by a group of mesmerizing storytellers. Their voices flowed like velvet, and their eyes twinkled with an enchanting magic as they wove tales of heroes and mythical creatures.
Amidst the crowd, a storyteller caught Aurianna’s attention, promising grave news. "Listen up, everyone! I bring you extremely grave news," the storyteller announced dramatically. "Recently, the Saintess of time, a divine being capable of peering into the past, present, and future, made a prophecy. She foretold the rise of a great Savior who would lead this world towards peace, harmonizing all races!"
Curiosity sparked among the listeners, prompting a child to speak up. "That doesn’t sound grave at all," the child innocently remarked, causing the old storyteller to grin mischievously.
"Well, my young friend, that’s because the real gravity lies in the rest of the prophecy," the old storyteller replied, his voice taking on a chilling tone. The children present leaned in closer, their eyes wide with anticipation. "You see, the Saintess also predicted that despite the great Savior’s presence to save the world, there would be another individual destined to destroy them. This would plunge the world into even more chaos and bloodshed than ever before," he concluded, sending a shiver down the spines of those listening.
A male adult in the crowd couldn’t contain his skepticism any longer and shouted, "Quit feeding lies to the kids, old man!" The old storyteller merely snickered in response, undeterred by the comment.
"I assure you, young sir, that I speak the truth," he declared in a deep and resonant voice, his piercing grey eyes scanning the gathered crowd. Suddenly, his gaze landed upon Aurianna, and his eyes widened in shock.
Without hesitation, the old man leaped above the crowd and landed beside Aurianna, unable to contain his excitement. He playfully pinched her cheeks, much to Aurianna’s annoyance. Reacting swiftly, she summoned her revolver and pointed it at him, her voice dripping with coldness.
"Hey, old man, that’s enough!" Aurianna warned, her tone cutting through the air. Klark, recognizing the potential threat, swiftly moved forward and used his sheath to prevent the old man from getting any closer to Aurianna.
The old man, undeterred by the gun pointed at him, continued speaking in an enigmatic manner. "She possesses hair and skin as white as snow, with icy blue eyes as chilling and deep as the dark seas. Her personality both instills fear and attracts others. To think I would encounter you here, child," he said, his words tinged with a mix of fascination and intrigue.
Aurianna stared at the old man, clearly displeased by his sudden appearance. "What do you want, old man?" she questioned with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
The old man shrugged casually, adopting a carefree demeanor. "Nothing much, really. Just a passing old storyteller here," he replied, his tone brimming with excitement. He swiftly shifted his attention towards the crowd, enticing them with his words. "Hey, all of you! How about hearing the tale of a brave man who dared to challenge a powerful elf?" he called out, his voice filled with anticipation.
As the old man deliberately engaged the crowd and then abruptly turned away, Aurianna felt a surge of frustration rise within her. She realized how he intentionally sparked a conversation only to extinguish it after locking eyes with her. Huffing in annoyance, she walked away, with Yui and Klark trailing closely behind her.
Meanwhile, the old man watched Aurianna’s departure, a subtle grin playing on his lips. "To think I would come across the brat who will usher in a New Era," he whispered to himself. ’Hehehe, the new generation truly is a fascinating bunch. In this forthcoming era, eight Heavenly Pillars shall rise: the Pillar of Hope, Pillar of Prosperity, Pillar of Peace, Pillar of Light, Pillar of Chaos, Pillar of the End, Pillar of Retribution, and the Pillar of the New Era,’ he pondered, his mind filled with intrigue as he remembered the Saintess of time’s words.
"Tell us the story already old man Grat," a child whined, catching Grat’s attention.
"Alright, alright, I’ll tell you the story now," Grat responded, chuckling at the child’s impatience. The eager children beamed with anticipation, eager to hear his tale. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
Meanwhile, Aurianna chose not to let the peculiar old man affect her mood, brushing off his presence. With a determined spirit, she continued her exploration of the bustling market, eager to immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere.
However, as Aurianna wandered further, she realized that Klark and Yui were no longer by her side. Confusion washed over her, and a dumbfounded expression took hold of her face. She glanced around, searching for any sign of her companions, but they seemed to have vanished in the bustling crowd.
"Tch those bastards how dare they just run off like that," Aurianna scoffed, her annoyance evident. "Well, fine. I’ll just go ahead and explore the market on my own until they decide to show up," she muttered to herself, determined not to let their disappearance ruin her fun.
Meanwhile, Klark, who had been happily munching on some pastries, finally noticed Yui’s puzzled expression. "Hey, Yui, where’s the princess?" he asked, his voice tinged with realization.
Yui let out a sigh, realizing the situation. "I suppose she must have gotten lost... again," she replied, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
Rubbing her temples in frustration, Yui muttered to herself, "Princess, how on earth did you manage to get lost when you were standing right in the middle of us?" It seemed that Aurianna’s tendency to wander off had become a source of both amusement and occasional frustration for her servants.
"Well, what can you expect? She’s Aurianna, after all. She’ll manage to get lost unless you hold her hand. Sometimes I forget she’s only nine years old," Klark remarked, finally finishing his pastry with a satisfied expression.
Yui, determined to locate their wayward princess, nodded resolutely. "Let’s go find her then," she declared, her eyes filled with determination.
Klark, however, seemed more laid-back about the situation. He grinned mischievously and suggested, "Don’t worry, she’ll find us sooner or later. In the meantime, let’s make the most of our time here. If she hasn’t returned in four hours, then we can start searching for her."
Yui’s grin mirrored Klark’s as she replied, "Sounds like a plan! In the meantime, I’m going to treat myself to the delights of the Orc Express. I heard it’s arriving soon, and I’ve got to get some extra money in my pocket!"
