Chapter 1

Chapter 1

– Targeted as the Disciple’s Bride –

The June sun in the Celis Kingdom was quite hot. The sky was as transparent and deep as a blue glass, and a refreshing breeze blew through the vibrant green foliage.

Eris leisurely strolled through the plaza, admiring the tender leaves sprouting on the trees. Her steps, on the cusp of a long-term mission, felt light, like the whimsical summer weather, rather than heavy.

She just needed to finish this job well.

It was no different from her usual work, but as a mercenary request from the noble Prince, the pay was definitely good. After securing a hefty sum and sorting out her personal affairs, she intended to leave this kingdom and live freely.

She’d thought she’d have to work at least five more years.

In addition to the royal mercenary requests, there were several other high-value contracts recently secured for the secret information guild she operated. She had met her retirement goals, and her days, which had always felt like a relentless chase, were finally easing up. The thought that this might be her last mission only cemented that feeling.

Who would this esteemed guest be?

Prince Rakan Valerius, the Second Prince of the Celis Kingdom, had requested her escort for a distinguished guest traveling from the Terbanne Empire, to ensure a comfortable journey.

That would be ideal, of course.

If that were all, it wouldn’t warrant such an immense reward. The real objective was to closely monitor whether the esteemed guest’s visit was ‘purely’ for travel, or if they harbored intentions to cause trouble or harm the kingdom. She, too, had ‘information’ she wanted to extract from the Imperial guest, so she accepted the request without much hesitation. The real problem began later.

Blinded by the immense reward, she hadn’t bothered to inquire about the guest’s identity — a fact that only belatedly dawned on her. And now, the day of the mission had arrived, with no opportunity for a private audience with Prince Rakan.

What was she supposed to do?

Looking at the wide harbor only deepened her frustration. It seemed finding her escort target in this sprawling harbor would be the most difficult part of the entire mission.

The harbor, where the ship had not yet arrived, was still, as if in a deep slumber. Those waiting for the ship sat slumped on discarded wooden crates, shoulders sagging.

“Fruit pudding for sale! Sweet and delicious!”

As she wandered among the shabby stalls with only makeshift tables, trying to pass the time, a boy suddenly grabbed her arm. The grimy child smiled brightly and offered her a wrapped pudding.

“Did you make it yourself?”

“Yes!”

“That’s quite a talent.”

She wasn’t particularly fond of sweets, but seeing a child working so hard at such a young age, she found it hard to ignore. Eris readily bought a pudding from him.

Leaning against the wall, she took a bite of the pudding, and small bits of refreshing fruit pulp popped delightfully in her mouth. Even if it hadn’t contained real fruit, she would have happily paid the price.

She scanned the crowd, thinking she’d buy a few more puddings if she spotted the boy again.

Finally, a resonant horn blast echoed, awakening the sleeping harbor.

Eris sprang up from where she was leaning against the wall.

“The ship’s here! Everyone, let’s move!”

“It’s the Terbanne Empire’s ship!”

“Ships from the Terbanne Empire have been coming frequently these days, haven’t they? Didn’t one arrive just a few days ago? When I was a kid, we were lucky if an Imperial ship came even once a year.”

The ship from the Empire was truly massive. Eris, who rarely had occasion to come to the harbor, was momentarily awestruck by its grandeur. A thrill similar to when she first set foot in the Terbanne Empire stirred within her.

The hull, dark as pitch, was clad in smoothly refined steel. On its mast, soaring tens of meters high, a sail embroidered with the golden lion and laurel wreath of the Terbanne Empire hung, proudly displaying its might. The marble railings and delicate statues on the ship’s side seemed to directly transport the lavish atmosphere of the Terbanne Empire.

This is overwhelming.

Eris muttered to herself, scanning the passengers waiting to disembark. The massive ship was teeming with passengers. Perhaps news of the Terbanne Empire’s ship docking had spread, for the harbor was now bustling with onlookers.

How was she supposed to find her escort target in this harbor?

Eris squinted, scrutinizing each person disembarking from the ship. But those from the Empire, who seemed to be searching for someone, quickly found their counterparts and departed.