Royal Capital was located nearly at the centre of Orion Kingdom, the journey from Fenice territory to the capital was a long one, taking almost a month.
Elijah's journey was going smoothly, after leaving Fenice territory, they setup camps outdoors or stayed in the inns when they arrived at the nearby towns and villages.
It had been more than a week since they left Count Fenice's territory.
Elijah spent his days observing the changing scenery while contemplating his future actions. His training was temporarily suspended which was welcomed by him, as he now felt the need for magic more than physical strength.
I can't compete in this world without magic or some kind of cheat, thinking of special powers, why didn't I get any ?
Well, I do have Fenice blood which gives me somewhat super strength and stamina. But, only with this, I can't get strong enough. Why do I want to become powerful ?
It's easy, so that no one will bother trying to harm me and I will spend a long peaceful life. After knowing that Fenice bloodline has potential to make me live for centuries, I would be a fool if I don't even try to unravel its secrets and I would need strength for that.
Elijah looked outside the carriage's window and observed Sebastian, he was riding an elegant black horse alongside the carriage.
He had the appearance of person in mid thirties, which was apparently due to his tired looking eyes. He had shiny black hairs, which were neatly combed in a side part hairstyle.
Maybe I should ask him more about his method of staying young, he told me that he was second head's apprentice and also fought alongside him. He must be a couple hundred years old. Wait, he doesn't have Fenice blood, not according to official records.
Why didn't I realise it earlier?
This world must have other people who could live long life, after all it's not earth. It's a damned fantasy world.
Elijah frowned a little after having such realisation. He had a lot of free time, he thought about all the things he knew and tried to make sense of it. When he got bored of all that, he would start polishing his barrier rings one by one.
Wait, then my hypothesis of royal family having difficult relationship with Fenice family, due to their long lifespan might be flawed too.
Aaaah, it's getting quite complicated for me, I should resume gathering information about this world.
Elijah sighed to himself, he was too focused on training his body these past years. Artoria drained him to his limits, leaving him with no energy for anything else.
Thus, his initial mission of gathering information about this new world was temporarily halted. His new hobby of collecting magical artifacts also played a part in his ignorance towards this new world and his surroundings.
Well everything was not just bad, as Elijah had gotten pretty strong and mastered the sword skills which Artoria drilled into him.
He did not realise this fact because his one and only sparring partner was Artoria, the captain of magic knights and who showed no restraint or mercy towards him as he got ten barrier rings, just for getting more training.
The carriage stopped just before the dusk, the setting sun was visible at horizon, tinting the sky and surroundings with an orange hue.
Peeking out from the window, Elijah felt the fresh spring breeze along his face. The road was surrounded by beautiful white flower field on the side sun was setting, giving the flowers an orrage tint making them appear mystical and serene. On the other side of the road was an open area, forming a small grassland followed by lush trees and vegetation.
Sound of running water could be heard at some distance behind the trees.
Elijah got off the carriage, noticing him Sebastian greeted him
"We will arrive at the duchy of Fastronia by tomorrow evening, we will setup the camp for tonight, here." Sebastian informed Elijah,
"It's a beautiful place" Elijah replied taking in the scenery,
The head incharge of the knights, Conan Drake, a burly man with short Auburn hairs approached him,
"Young Master, don't be fooled by the beautiful appearances. Although,this place is under Duke's control, we recieved information regarding bandits running rampant in these parts." Conan stated in a calm manner, but his eyes were showing clear contempt and disgust for bandits.
Elijah maintained his poker face and acknowledged the knight's words.
"We will investigate the surroundings and send a messenger to the duke's territory, informing him of our arrival." Conan continued,
"I trust your judgment and I'm sure that our knights would be able to deal with some bandits." Elijah replied, he was a bit surprised by the Conan's sudden appearance, it was the first time that he ever spoke to Elijah.
"You are absolutely right young master, I would send them all to afterlife myself, if they dare to show themselves before us." Conan replied in a confident voice.
'Yes, he seems to be a little abnormal' Elijah took an imaginary note in his head.
Elijah's comment seemed to have ignited something in Conan's heart.
Young master sure is brave and composed, he doesn't act like those spoiled noble children despite his young age, as expected of our captain's disciple.
Conan felt proud of his young master, he had been observing him since the start of the voyage. He was prepared to face some tantrums and troubles, for which noble children were famous. But, to the contrary of his expectations, Elijah only observed his knights, guards and servants from afar.
He communicated solely with Sebastian, while those small conversations were also regarding crucial details regarding the journey, locations they visited and rarely regarding anything frivolous except for magical artifacts, which Elijah made them to get for him, along the journey.
Conan had developed a favourable impression of Arthur.
Night came and Elijah entered his tent after having dinner, his mind was at ease after Conan reported that there were no signs of bandits in a kilometre radius around the camp, with a clear disappointed look on knight's face.
Elijah had eaten his fill of his luxurious dinner prepared by the Fenice house's cook, who was accompanying him along the journey. He shortly fell asleep while laying on his comforting bed.
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Elijah stirred awake in the middle of the night, it was not a sound that woke him, nor a movement but, a smell, faint unfamiliar and metallic.
His eyes slowly opened in the dark, there was no light in his tent, not even a faint one. Like someone casted a spell on the surroundings.
The air was still, but the scent was present, slowly becoming stronger, it clung to the back of his throat like rusted iron, thick and coppery. There was warmth to it, feeling sweet at first but it quickly turned sour like some old coins left to sweat in a clenched fist.
Blood, it was the scent of blood.