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Chapter Text

The crowd cheers her name, they began to stomp their feet in a rhythm, and the barred gate slowly lifted.

Underneath the colosseum was what most audience describe as hell, but to her, and all of them gladiators, the real hell was not the dark and damp cells, but the bright and open circle that is often soaked in blood.

Gem steps out of the darkness clutching her lance and the crowd silences for a few seconds before roaring even louder.

__________________

'' your sister has escaped from our sight'' an old handmaid whispered in the ear of a young blonde man wearing clothes of royalty.

He smiles softly, disregarding the letter he was reading and picked up one of the scattered parchment on his desk.

' she asked me to allow her ' he wrote

'' do we not run after her to make sure she's safe? '' the handmaid asks politely

the young man shakes his head, the golden crown on top of his head unaffected by the movement.

he smiles and gave the handmaid a small nod as she bows in respect before exiting the office.

___________________

Pearl giddly skips as she strolls in the market.

stopping at stalls here and there.

she does always escape from studying or the boring long lessons about politics and court responsibilities, its not that she actually has to be committed to, and she is the second to the last in the throne, and she doesn't think that anyone or even fate could dare assassinate almost all the royal family just to spite her and make her a ruler.

The furthest she has been was three cities away from the palace, and was also dragged back by her sister who gave her a scolding, and the rest is just the cities around the palace, she usually rums away just because she wants to and loves the chase of knights and guards trying to be subtle as to not get attention from the public, the last thing the people should know is that the princess is just around and make a crowd to make catching her harder.

They've learned that the hard way.

she's never really enjoyed most travels for she has to be wary of the knights looking for her, okay, maybe she does enjoy the chase and the feeling of victory after giving the knights hours of running and failing to catch her, but that's besides the point.

because today she asked permission to her dearest brother, to visit a nearby country as a civilian, without maids and guards trailing her , announcing a noble or royalties presence, which pearl hates, she likes to be treated as a normal person not like some spoiled princess that will brat about when annoyed a little bit.

she is not like those princesses or nobles.

she was raised well, thank you very much.

Pearl wore her simplest clothes, one's she thinks a normal civilian or traveler would wear.               

she wore her black cotton cloak with silver outlining of different phases of the moon.

it covers her signature features very well, and her non over decorated blue and white dress.

her amber hair tied in a braided bun, and her bright yellow eyes both being covered by the cloaks hood.

and instead of her silver sandals, she wore leather boots dipped in dark blue dye.

even though she was not wearing her most extravagant clothing, she still looked like someone of high status.

wandering around the market gave her a sense of pride, she was free form escorts and crowds that overwhelm her with their questions and praises.

a small library filled to the brim with books caught her attention, its display windows occupied by towers of books.

she entered, its door chimes tinkling, announcing her presence to the whole shop.

then and there everything became a great and beautiful mystery, because the moment she entered, a long ago love story continued, it began its new chapter after years of being bare and frozen.

Fortunately and unfortunately, she had no idea.

Pinking up the nearest book, she looks around the shop, admiring how warm and cozy the environment of the shop was, cute hanged plants in random places, miniature cat figurines on top of some towers of books.

'' are you a traveler?'' a soft accented voice of a man asks

pearl turned to see a man just a little taller than her, wearing old tattered clothing, whose style is very out of the world, a faded purple cloak just below his waist, a black undershirt, and trousers with too many pockets and trinkets strapped in his belt.

'' indeed I am '' pearl chirps

the man, whose body is built like one of the soldiers that march around back in peals home, whose black hair is long enought to be tied in a short ponytail, whose face is sharp and covered with scars and powder to conceal them.

smiled like a sweet grandma

'' welcome to boatem! I hope you enjoy your stay, may I ask how long are you planning to lodge? '' he says in a gentle tone

pearl discarded the book in her hand and diverted her attention to the kind man.

'' I just arrived here in less than an hour,and I only planned to stay till the sun is up, do you know any places I might want to visit? '' she asks, hoping her day out of the guards watch would be worth it.

the mans eyes lit up with joy when she said this.

'' oh! I know so many destinations (hey look at me! I'm going to overuse this word! ) just for you, if you're only staying till sunset then you must hurry or it'll be too late! '' he pulls out a map from one of his pockets

pearl squealed in excitement, finally a decent tour guide she thinks to herself.

'' I know a small bakery nearby, with the most delicious bread, cakes and pastries in here, a souvenir shop, they have usefull and cute trinkets that might catch your attention...'' he spreads out the map, placing it down to a nearby book table, pointing at streets and circling destinations, using some books to hold down the corners of the map.

'' is there a clothe shop you might wanna recommend? I think I want to buy some to take for my brother '' Pearl peers in the map trying to figure out the writings, and to her dismay it was in a language she hasn't learned yet...

the man then thought for a moment them traced his fingers along the map as if trying to track something, then let out an '' aha! '' when he stopped at a street.

'' I do know one, they're not well known, but she makes incredible clothing, can even customize '' this made pearls attention perk up even more

they customize? that's very rare, back in her hone no one customizes, they don't take the designs you want, you take the designs they want.

'' but she already does have somesewed clothing, so if you want some for your brother '' the man added seeing pearl deep in her thoughts.

'' and I err...I have one last place foryou, I'm not sure if you might like it though, it's fight filled ''

'' oh I like fights '' pearl grinned as she remembers eating lunch with some visitors who constantly fight each other, verbally, and vaults across tables to strangle the other.

the mans head tilted along with it he raises an eyebrow, that is some talent I'll tell you..

'' I have been into some fights, they're very fun to start, love it when it ends in blood '' she smiles innocently, remembering that she had slain a handful of lance competitors before others quited.

'' i - uh...'' the guy started to explain but a hint of bloodlust in her eyes made him stop and clear his throat.

'' anyways..how does a couple ` copper coins sound for the tour? ''

pearls face softened and smiled '' that's the cheapest offer I've ever received in my entire life, who am to decline? ''

the man beamed when they shake hands and he then rambles and leads her to their first and nearest destination, the clothe shop..

Chapter Text

Pearls tour guide was nothing like the ones she had before.

Being not addressed as ma'am, your highness or princess was such a refreshing moment for her, being treated as she is not as the royal person that needs to be treated with immense respect.

They head to an alleyway that is a little hidden in the middle of the bustling market, windows of varying sizes and designs greeted her instead of garbage rats and laundry lines, unlike the other alleyways she passed through a few minutes before she entered the library.

''I'm going to introduce you to my tailor, she made me these trousers out of scrap fabrics, dipped it in dye and sold it cheap, despite it being well made '' the man said gesturing to his trousers proudly

''I like those, they're really handy and suit you well'' pearl comments, if anything that she found out about her guide is that he is not used to complements and she goals to give him as much while she's staying in boatem.

''Oh!..erm.thank you'' he shyly laughs and then stopped in front of a house.

When he mentioned the shop is not well known she didn't expect it to be so hidden, as if they didn't want to make sales.

And what she also didn't expect is the door to open without them having to knock.

Pearl blinks at the person holding the door open, and they stare back at her.

''Hi! I have brought you a customer'' the tour guide greets with a grin.

Pearl and the supposedly tailor stared in silence, before the tailor opened the door even wider.

''Well? What are you waiting for? Come on inn!'' They greet in a cheery voice

The tailor had black waist long hair, a pink ribbon tying it in a low ponytail, she was wearing a black cotton dress, lined with white lace.

The house or shop was very welcoming and had various wall closets filled with hanged clothing

Pink and black fighting for dominance on the houses interior decors

''What a lovely place you have here!'' Pearl gasped eyeing the shelves lined with valuable treasures and trinkets

''Thank you..I try'' the lady shyly leads then to the living room

Pearls guide lightly scoffed '' Oh please Katherine, know how to fully accept a complement, you design very much everything perfectly''

Pearl internally rolls her eyes at this, as if the one talking knows how to accept a complement.

The tailor, Katherine does her best to avoid pearls eyes that stare at her, observing

''Oh! I almost forgot, we're here for some clothing, already made for a souvenir-''

'' preferably for a male'' pearl politely cuts in

Katherine who began preparing some tea in her kitchen just across the living room, nods and points at a certain section of wall cabinets

Pearl then sorts through the hanged clothes, humming a small tune

The tailor made her way back to the living room a tea tray in hand and offered cookies, which the man gladly accepted.

''Say..Lady Katherine, do you by any chance still accept custom orders?'' Pearl asks glancing at the two, who are pouring themselves tea in tea cups.

''I-i..of course! Yes I still do, are you interested in ordering?''

The tour guide glances between pearl and katherine, then a realization hit him as he stares onece again at pearl, who is holding up a red wool sweater with a smile on her face

'' oh dear lord...'' He whispers, catching both of the attention of the ladies

'' you both know each other?..'' he gasps as Katherine's eyes widened, confirming his wild guess

Pearl shrugged and walked back to the sofa, sweater in hand

'' well..you could say that, we..used to be playmates, yeah right! playmates'' Katherine stumbles for words as she hands pearl a cup of tea

He eyed both of the ladies suspiciously, said ladies slightly cowering, nervously sipping their tea

''Lady Katherine and I are childhood best friends, we would have playdates and sleepovers back then, if thats what you want to hear .and do you mind making me a cloak? dark blue, ribbons and pockets?''

They all sat in silence for a few seconds before Katherine spoke

''Sure! designs on me right? and are you purchasing that? let me wrap it up for you''

They all smile as the slight tension dissipated

''That'll be- '' before Katherine could say a price pearl shoves coins to her hands

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Pearl was all overflowing with happiness at this point

All of the destinations (here I go again)that they've went to were the best picks out there, real gold, unlike the other shops she's been told were the best, but actually just famous because they're pricy and for so called ' nobles ' and the ' rich '

And now, her guide is leading her to a huge circular building, aged by time and weather, people gathering inside like ants on an anthill

Pearl pulls her hood impossibility closer to her face as she notices some guards outside looking her way

She catches her tour guide glaring at a group of men who were staring at her with a smirk, which dropped the moment they saw him

''Oi! Two coppers!!'' A guard holds out an arm in front of pearl and her companion

Before pearl could even react, her guide drops two copper coins at the box near the guards feet, clinking with the other coins

'' dear traveled, welcome to the fighting arena!'' He guides her amongst the compact crowd who were screaming, shouting, spitting vile language and insults at what pearl caught glimpse of as a huge circular fighting ring

A Colosseum, it finally hit pearl where she was, a place filled with gamble, fight and death

Her guide herded some grumpy men aside so that they could sit near the show, they throw a couple glares their way but just like what happened just a few minutes ago, it melts away instantly as
her guide matches with a glare of his own

Pearl peers at the arena, a grin on her face as blood splatters on the sand floor

Chapter Text

'' Ladies and gentlemen! The show is not over!! '' the loud announcer shouted and the crowd cheered

''Let us now welcome! The Gem of our arena!! ''

Pearls smile dropped when she saw the victorious face of the blonde lady gladiator turn into horror as she took a few steps away from the barred gates.

Almost tripping at a dead body of another gladiator.

''Who's Gem of the arena?'' She whispers to her guide who was just behind her

''Gem, the highest ranking lady gladiator in this arena, and the most feared among the others like her'' he says with eyes sparkling with joy

And with a loud creak, the gates was lifted up

And together with it was the chanting if her name.

Gem.

The blonde lady, with broad shoulders, taller than pearl, (mind you, pearl is 5'11) and could be almost mistaken as a man, trembled in fear.

She was staring at the shadows of the den, she was the first to see 'gem' before the crowd, and she was absolutely terrified.

Pearl tried to get a view of gem, but it seems like she's not coming out

''Chant people!! Chant!!'' The announcer encourages

For some reason, and it could be because of curiosity and excitement, pearl joined in with the chanting of her name.

Gem.

It took sometime, it made pearl think that she might not get the chance to see this so called 'gem'

But in less than three minutes or so, gem stepped out.

Very slowly..and the whole arena fell into a deafening silence while she did so

Pearl gasped, her hands automatically covered her mouth.

Gem.

She was very slim, not starved but close to that, her skin was pristine, not scarred like how pearl expected her to be, considering how many rounds pearl has watched and assured all gladiators are scar filled, and she wore a light orange dress that reaches just below her knees over her old white undershirt.

Gem.

Did not look like a gladiator at all, well, except she had her ankles chained together, and a lance chained from its hankde to her slender wrist.

Gem.

With her curly ginger hair tied into a tight and messy bun, made eye contact with pearl, blue eyes on yellow

Pearl unconsciously held her breath as they stared at each other.

Surely that gladiator coincidentally locked eyes with her? Considering they're maybe a good eighteen meters aprat and the lighting in the arena wasn't entirely good.

But then the crowd jumped from their seats, surprising pearl and having lost eye contact with the mesmerizing gladiator.

She could barely see what was happening in the fighting circle because of the people who gathered in front of her so that they could get a better view.

''Oh man, I can't see'' she tries to tiptoe to at least catch a glimpse atop the peoples head.

'' Gentlemen! Gentlemen! settle down and let the lady watch'' her caring and extra thoughtful guide says in a gruff voice, shooing away the rascals who blocked her.

And finally, she saw gem again.

Standing in a defense position a few meters away from the blonde

They had clashed and pearl was not able to witness it

Disappointed was flicked away as quickly as it came to her, pushed back by her excitement and eagerness.

With the crowds continues chanting, and the growing tension inside the ring, the two gladiators clashed once again.

This time pearl got to see it.

Gem was swift and relies on her footwork rather than strength, her opponent who has been on a winning streak was never agile, the blonde relied on her strength and used her huge body as her advantage of not being taken to the ground by other gladiators.

However.

Gem was not like other gladiators, it is proven when the blonde swung her broadsword with all her might, only for gem to gracefully step out.

It was obvious gem was just putting a show, making the audience entertained by not letting the blonde get a hit, yet not actually injuring the blonde severely, just jabs and cuts here and there, getting her opponent lose her fear and slowly getting annoyed.

Pearl knew a good swordsman when she see's one, gem could easily dodge the broadsword and get close, enough to slice the lance across the throat, or pierce it to the heart, but the didn't.

She was purposely making the fight last long

''It took me sometime to find out why...'' The guide says leaning close to her ear to speak as to be heard clearly, she glanced at him momentarily as a response for him to continue

''The audience bets more and more money as the fight goes, my theory is that she gets semi good treatment the bigger the bet to the other side is'' he shrugs, tilting his head towards the collector being shoved with more coins and small money bags.

'Oh, that actually makes sense' pearl thinks

as gem once again blocked the blondes swing, who as the time goes, is clearly getting frustrated, and her aim getting sloppy, its only a matter of time before-

The blonde drops her broadsword, now clutching her throat and gurgling in her own blood, she was unconsciously trying to stop the flow as her knees hit the ground

The arena gapped, staring, waiting.

Then the blonde hit the ground, soaking it with even more blood.

Pearl gasped, her hand automatically over her mouth.

The arena erupted with cheers and screaming, occasional cursing and a small fight in the crowd of those who most likely lost a bet.

''I didn't see that!'' she laughed in awe of what she just witnessed

Her guide chuckled noddling along.

After a few more rounds, pearl noticed the time and patted her guide in the shoulder and gestured to leave the roaring crowd to the more tame halls.

''Well, as promised'' she says grinning and plopped a few coins to the guides open palm.

'' I hope you had fun, will you come back?'' he gratefully accepted the coins, clutching it tightily in both hands like it were jewel.

pearl scoffed waving him off ''what are you talking about? this was the best! I would definitely come again''

He smiled wider at that.

'' I gotta go, byeeee!~'' she waved and turned for the exit

the guide sighed, his smile now smaller, he then opened his hand to count how much copper she gave.

his jaw dropped.

For there in his hands were not copper, but gold coins, eight to be exact.

startled, he went to search for her familiar black cloak, and ran to the entrance but to no avail.

Did she mistakenly give him gold? did she have bad eye sight? he shook the last thought away.

No, she couldn't possibly have poor eye sight for she was able to see the fights from afar

he stared at the gold coins with a gentler smile, then headed back to the colosseum

Pearl gave a breath of relief the moment she's out of the colosseum and its old broken down walls.

she smiles and recalls her eventful ady, which drops she she realized just now that she forgot to ask the name of the guide, she completely forgot about something called introduction because of the excitement he caused.

but then again she had a rather unexpected reunion with lady katherine, who was so called 'missing' for three years and later assumed dead.

the sky was starting to get darker, the sun hiding in a few clouds roaming.

boatem is definitely going to be one of pearls favorite, but of course evo is still her most favorite.

'' did you enjoy boatem, your highness?'' a soothing voice asked from behind her.

''I think I'll visit here more often, there so much I still want to explore'' she sighed '' also better without royal guards trailing me'' looking away from boatems market view to face wels, a loyal knight of evo, and also a friend of the royal family.

he is wearing full iron armour, molded into intricate designs of evo's famous buildings and historical events.

his light blue eyes and stands of blonde hair are the only features to be seen of him, aside from his tall and slender form.

''shall we get going? I don't want to miss dinner'' pearl stretches her arms as she walks towards the carriages waiting.

bright colors of purple and red blending as the carriages design, a few subtle touch of gold and silver, and the horses a of pure black.

'' of course, your highness'' Welsh opened the door and bowed as pearl climbed up.

Looking at the view once again before the carriage rolls away.

Chapter Text

Evo's royal palace is truely a sight to behold, it is a mixture of Gothic construction and baroque, both architecture styles complementing each other very well.

The main colors of the palace was purple and black, some pillars had the engraved designs painted gold or silver, each spike of the Gothic roofs having jewels sparkling, and the floor of the palace out of expensive marble.

It was a shining building, one of evo's pride and joy, the way the jewels would shine and reflect the sun rays it catches, and the way the gold and silver paint would glisten.

But Lizzie likes it better at night.

She sits cross legged in the soft velvet sofa in the lounge, flipping a page in the book in hand, silk pearl white gloves making a soft notice on the paper.

Empress Elizabeth of Evo,or Empress lizzie, a smart leader and a caring sibling to her youngers, she is the eldest of four siblings.

She has wavy hair of pink that reaches only her shoulders, pristine white skin that others claim to shine a faint blue under the light, and void black eyes just like her brother grian who is her crowned prince.

'' love, there's a tea party invitation from the goblands kingdom, any thoughts about it?'' she asks in her sweet melodic voice, turning to look at her husband, the consort Emperor of Evo.

Joel smallishbeans, a relative of the King of Mezalea.

'' eehh...when will it be my darling? '' he leans to her shoulder

'' in about three weeks.? I heard the grimlands empire and mythland empire are one of their guests'' she give him a knowing look

he huffed, running a hand in his brown hair, a bright green streak being its highlight and eye catcher, aside from the crown he wears on top of that, said crown that is currently beside him resting in a cusion.

'' the boys are there, it means the others will be there too'' lizzie nudges Joel with her elbow

'' I knowwwww, its just- it always ends up to a debate on architecture, interior and clothing fashion'' he chuckles.

The empress give him an amused stare

'' I'm going... Since sausage will be there too, he's good company''

''Great! I'll start making the letter tomorrow morning'' she beams at her husband, who returns it with a fond smile.

'' Her Royal Highness Princess Pearl has just arrived'' an announcer said after a messenger entered the room and whispered to their ear, and bolted off again to spread of her arrival

And with that, the empress closes her book and stands up, patting her simple ocean blue ruffle dress, she then offers a hand to her beloved husband who was fixing his crown on his head.

After helping him fix it, they both headed to welcome the princess from her adventuring.

Walking in the halls, arm in arm, with Emperor Joel humming a tune and Empress lizzie fixing one of his cuffs in one hand.

'' I bet you a kiss that she didn't buy us any souvenirs''_ Emperor joel joked to which the empress.snickered to.

''How dare you think so lowly of me! '' princess pearl said in a fake annoyed voice

Empress Lizzie and Emperor Joel bowed their heads to her as she exited the carriage, hand being held by knight wels and assisted her to the stairs of the palace's main door

She then curtsied to them as a greeting then went back to their casual banter.

''That only happened three times!'' She playfully rolled her eyes at Joel.

Handmaids beside pearl as they took off her cloak and attach her crown to her hair and offering her one of her gloves.

''Know that I'm not sharing the cookies I bought from a really good bakery to you'' pearl smirked as Joel's smug look got washed over by a pout.

The three of them then accompanied each other as they walk towards the one of the smaller dinning rooms, where crowned prince grian is and waiting for them.

Princess pearl glanced at Empress Lizzie for a few seconds and looked away the moment she caught her glance.

Emperor Joel cleared his throat.

''I believe you have something to share?..'' he tilted his head to pearl, who's having a silent conversation with her sister.

The guards and handmaids trailing them turning a blind eye on whatever conversation the three are sharing, especially the sisters whose messages they caught after so long of servitude to them.

'' I'm not sure about it yet, I think I'll have to come back to boatem as to not spread rumors'' Princess Pearl shrugged, Empress Lizzie nodding along

Emperor Joel caught at last and kept quiet as they made their way.

The halls of the palace are lined with pillars, vases of sunflowers, poppys,lilacs and alliums, the path padded with dark blue carpet, embroiled with swirls of silver.

Tall windows with silk light grey curtain held back.

The moon light shining through and the lush garden outside seemed eerie.

The three royalty finally stood in front of the door where Prince Grian is and all finally smiled as all tension melted

The guards at the doors opened it for them.

'' Welcome back! How was your visit?'' A soft cheery voice excitedly greets.

Chapter Text

The living quarters of gladiators are not far from prison cells.

Gem knows this because she's been in a prison cell once, those were cramped up with other prisoners, air was suffocating, smelled, and had no enough beds.

In her cell as a gladiator, its just her, in a small wooden bed which had a thin blanket and a worn out pillow

Arena champions were given their own cells, unlike those who were being trained to fight them, they lived in cells where they are grouped into five, then forced to fight each other to reach the top.

It was sick and twisted, gem hated that torture.

Especially when she got close to her cell mates during their one month training, only to kill them in the end

Then you would be grouped again to those who won in their group,and she had to kill them again, and again, and again.

Till she reached this very top.

But they say its lonely at the top, in the arena, not really

You see, when you're a well skilled gladiator, you usually stay at the top, and at the top there would be other champions who have been at for a long time.

Gem found that one out when she first got in the champions living chambers, where she was welcomed by four other champions.

One of them being doc

Who is in the cell across hers.

Doc has been in the arena for more than a decade now, undefeated, feared, and probably has been used as a boogyman to kids.

He was tall, and had a huge body, scars littered his body, one of his eye was red, and the other was a beautiful brown, he wore a bloody coat that was once white, thick black pants, and a helmet with goat horns.

Doc is called by the arena as 'the mad scientist' because he was one, before he was sold by another jealous rival.

He was also not what people expect him to be in person, he is sweet, soft, protective, caring, genius, creative, talkative, and humorous, at least that's how he acts around them, gem hasn't really watched any of his fights, nor has any of them watched each other.

That is one that gem is thankful for, they don't make champions fight each other.

They tried

But the champions have formed an unbreakable bond to keep each other alive as much as they can.

But whatever fight that goes outside without them, that is one of the things they can't control.

They've lost a champion in a fight just a few years ago.

'' I've got some news I heard from guards'' a voice from one of the cells said, and gem swore she could see that smirk in the words

'' Oh hey! He's awake!'' Doc cheered, the voice laughed.

'' what's up etho? '' gem grinned and sat near the bars of her cell, and so did the other champions, this was one of the ways they could see a bit of each other.

'' rumors had it that one of the evo's royal officials was seen at boatem yesterday, or at least their carriage was seen''

There was a scoff from one of the other cells

'' hey! I'm not yet done! '' etho scolded and everyone chuckled

'' get this! there were no sightings of any royals or officers visiting, there was even no announcement they were coming''

sounds like an ocular if any of them has seen one actually happen

Doc whistled '' looks like boatems gonna get its well deserved punching''

''Punching? If it truely is an officer or royal worst case scenario is boatem burning to the ground'' the other champion earlier who scoffed said

'' I think I'm missing on a lot of things? Care to explain?'' Gem asks and the whole chambers went silent before erupting from different explanations

Chapter Text

Exsiona was the only other female champion before gem became one.

She was well cared for by the other champions, for she was also the youngest, she was blessed by the god almighty to survive the arena, barely but she was still there.

She claims to have stolen a couple of coin purses as to why she was imprisoned, but gem and the others know its gotta be deeper than that.

Gem arrived in the arena because she was said causing too much ruckus and making the other prisoners fight, but truth be told gem and the other inmates were making a distraction so the prison guards won't notice a few of them missing.

They did escape, and resqued those who helped them, but they didn't return fast enough to resque gem.

But gem can't blame them, she was proud to have helped at least a dozen prisoners.

Etho was a mercenary, having killed seven noble men, three corrupted politicians, and passed information's from kingdom to kingdoms.

He became a huge pain in the backside of many other nobles and corrupted people, to the point they had him caught and thrown to the arena for entertainment.

Tango's story was close enough with gems, and doc's, he was also an inventor, more of a mechanic unlike doc who also does chemicals.

Tango has had multiple complaints from so called concerned citizens about his creations, which has helped many disabled with their daily lives, and he also may have been creating a strong weapon that the government shoved him into a cell.

But exsiona's story was....unbelievable to say the least.

But they didn't question her because you never know, maybe the ruling was already that bad, no wonder there were non ending supply of opponents.

It was a dull afternoon, gem was lazily sprawled in her bed she pushed close to the bars.

Doc was rewrapping his wounds from fights two days ago

Tango was quiet as always, drawing on parchment he asked from the guards, drawings and plans for his so called game ' decked out'

Etho could be heard asking questions to their assigned guard, who comes to bring food, water and stuff the gladiators need and want if they were being generous.

Exsiona was above, in the fighting grounds where she faces death and fights tug of war with it.

It was nothing new, the champions were prepared for any circumstances, or so they told themselves.

The doors to their chambers opened way too early, way too early for it to be exsiona bringing victory, no, it was the one they dreaded.

Exsiona lost.

The two guards of thier chambers were assisting a gladiator, their arm slung around one of the guard while he holds the arm in place and a bag in the other hand, the gladiator slumped and head hanging, their short brown hair cowring their face.

'' this is keralis, she's our new champion'' one of the guards said while unlocking their cells for them to interact with each other, one that is rarely done.

'' treat her wounds'' the other guard adds and let's the gladiator slide off of him to lean in the wall just outside of exsionas old cell, handing etho the bag.

Then they left.

The other champions hovered just near the other gladiator, one who killed their friend.

Gem was not outside her cell just yet, she was having a hard time letting the reality sink in, she just can't believe it would happen this fast, this early.

She took a shaky breath as memories with exsiona flashes in her mind, exsiona who was just here almost two hours ago, exsiona who they wouldn't even see again even just her body.

'' please don't kill me...'' A whisper from the gladiator knocked gem out of her thoughts and she very slowly and quietly walked out of her cell.

Etho was in front of the new champion, who looked like they've been through hell, and they were.

'' let me see your wounds'' etho shushes their cries for mercy, doc now beside them too, gem just stood where she was

'' careful now'' doc says gently as etho slowly pulled the bloodied blue shirt of keralis, revealing a nasty gash in the stomach.

Etho grimaced and pulled out a clean cloth from the bag and presses it in the wound to stop the steady flow of blood, doc was now also inspecting for injuries

Holding out the arm of keralis to see a wound running down from the elbow down to the wrist, obviously used to block out an attack.

The cries and whimpers of the injured gladiator made gems eyes water.

Exsiona was gone

She fought hard to survive, so so hard, it is seen on keralis on how much she tried to stay, but keralis also fought, keralis was also fighting for their own life, they fought so good for their survival that they lived, and killed exsiona.

But they're just the same as all of them in the champions chambers.

Gem walks to the men fumbling on bloodied cloth and rummaging the bag for needle and thread most likely.

'' tango, find the cream, a bottle of clean water, another cloth, then the needle and thread'' gem orders snatching the bag from a frantic etho and tossing it to tango who was just behind her watching

'' keralis can you hear us?'' Gem taps them in their un injured arm, keralis looked up to her in response and nodded their eyes tear filled.

'' do you have anymore wounds? Please point them to me so the boys don't have to look'' she offers a small smile gently nudging doc and etho aside

Keralis coughed blood, startling the men who were assisting earlier.

'' rib? '' gem offered helpfully, earning ankther small nod, keralis then points at their legs, gem sucked in her breath as she pulls up the wet pant where the skin behind it is painted all red

'' water first yes? '' tango handed gem an opened glass bottle, she mumbles thanks and pours a little on the leg to see the injury properly

'' she probably is also thirsty, get her another to drink'' doc says pulling together the hair that's covering the face of keralis and ties it with one of gems hair tie

'' I'm a he'' keralis said coughing up again

'' I just look like a girl '' he smiled weakly with bloodly teeth

Gem feels warmth seeing him smile despite their situation, like they weren't crying just a few minutes earlier.

'' you do have a pretty face'' etho holds out a water bottle to him, tango leaned against the side of etho smiling in agreement.

'' alright keralis...we'll have to clean your other wounds, pat some cream in them, stitch then wrap them up, that sounds good?'' Gem explains gently running water on his arm.

Keralis gave a thumbs up then winced as the water stings.

'' welcome to the fam keralis..'' Tango says grinning when keralis gave a small chuckle

Chapter Text

The evo royal family is one of a kind, a weird, supposedly not functional but functional, a kind of disgrace to the old fashioned royalties, royals who usually don't act like royals ,a different breed of royals, kind of family.

Its said by those who have not been raised in a loving household and held with care, and paid attention to as a child.

The other empires and kingdoms who were however, those who are part of the close knit allies of the evo empire, they have never thought of the evo royal family as such, for those who hate will always have to find flaws or differences, but truely, being different doesn't mean its a flaw.

The evo empires royal family is what their people want to be as a person, not the status they have, but what they are inside, what they are as a family, what they are as an ally, what they are as a leader and protector.

But of course haters should be haters, it's not that princess pearl hates them, you wouldn't notice those who speak good of you and those who think of you as a role model if it weren't for the opposite people of them, its just that they're sometimes crossing the line too much often, it angers her.

Princess pearl was currently taking a stroll in the east wing of the palace, where in theory her siblings would be.

The east wing of the palace is where the garden is most beautiful, because it was planned by her when she was a kid, and she is proud if how it turned out, now that the trees are fully grown, blooming and are fruitful, she's proud of the hedge bushes trimmed into perfect squares that lined up the stone and dirt path.

The windows in this particular wing was also chiseled and designed as the royal family of evo.

Based on what the empire portrayed them.

Princess pearl felt a smile tug on her lips as she heard familiar chattering voices in one of the gazebos.

'' So yea! I'm taking a break for now...I was actually forced to by scott'' jimmy says cheerfully, mumbling the last line under his breath.

She heard as she walked closer, she hid behind a tall hedge bush to see two of her siblings in a table having tea, cookies of different kinds in plates and some fruits sliced into pieces for her brother, and work papers in one side being skimmed through by her eldest sister.

he is prince jimmy of evo empire, the youngest and most loved by almost all royalties.

After all, who wouldn't? He was considered the golden boy of evo, for he had light blonde hair, and light yellow eyes that would just sparkle whenever he would talk endlessly about his ideas and opinions

Empress Lizzie chuckles and pats him in the shoulder.

''Emperor Scott did the right thing, you're overworking yourself out there!'' She soothes his when he makes a disagreeing noise.

''What's this? Having a tea party without me? You all wound me badly'' princess pearl mockingly says stepping into view just right behind prince jimmy.

He screamed.

Empress Lizzie let out a amused snort as she took a sip from her tea.

Princess pearl cackled bending over her stomach and pointed at prince jimmy who crossed his arms and glared without heat in his eyes.

'' you should have seen the look on your face'' she says walking over to sit beside her sister.

Prince jimmy rolled his eyes playfully '' yea I bet that was entertaining for you''

Princess pearl shrugged and took note that the cookies were actually in fact the cookies she bought way back in boatem, she took an elven cookie, or whatever the baker said it was called.

She hummed as the weird but addicting taste of chorus fruit reached her senses, chorus fruits were a tricky fruit to work with, given they can make you high and forgetful when overdosed with them, however there are actually a couple of ways to neutralize the side effect of eating too much chorus fruit, one that said baker doesnt want to share.

He just proceeded to try and sell her what he called magic crystal, now the chorus fruit part she kinda knew except for the neutralize part and the actual side effects, but those crystal? it sounds like a scam if princess pearl has even heard one in person.

She did buy a yellow crystal for decorative purpose, the baker rambles stuff about it but she and her guide were running after the time so she got to escape that.

'' to be honest, I get why she does that its just so easy to spook you and its hard to just miss the opportunity to make you screech'' emperor joel smirked as he appeared out of no where, and prince jimmy flinched a annoyed look creeped it's way to his face.

'' thank you for that very much not welcomed speech, I don't need it'' says prince jimmy

He slowly turned to the back of his chair to look at emperor joel just about ten meters away, he looked him dead in the eye, and threw a frosted cookie and to his face.

Emperor joel let out a quiet 'oomf' as it hit him square in the face.

His wife, Empress Lizzie lightly hit the table with her hand and let out a mocking 'ha!' and giggles, princess pearl laughing as well.

Satisfied with what he's just done, prince jimmy turned back to his laughing sisters with a much more calm face.

Which was a mistake in emperor joels opinion as he picked up the semi frosted cookie and hurled it towards prince jimmy, only for it to hit princess pearl in the forehead which causes the laughter to die and empress lizzie gasped.

Slowly princess pearl looks up to emperor joel, who just stood there instead of running for his life.

But he did a few seconds later after the stare down, that didn't mean princess pearl doesn't get her revenge for frosting in her dark green dress.

He ended with elven cookie jam in his hair and neck, which was worse and sticky, and add to the damage the frosting in his cheeks and the fact that his wife just laughed and mocked him all the while he's being bullied by her sister.

Later after the momentarily chaos, they were seated in the table, still with frosting and jam in their skin and clothes, but they don't really care and sipped on their cup of tea.

Emperor joel glanced at prince jimmy as he ate a spoonful of honey.

'' you're weird''

prince jimmy scoffed at that

'' thanks, and you eat horse meat''

'' no I don't!''

Empress Lizzie side eyed, and emperor joel caught that.

''I- well okay, maybe I do''

Princess pearl ate her third cookie, and finally stood up, taking a small plate of cookies with her.

'' I'll see y'all later, I'm gonna get these to grian'' she waves them goodbye and heads out to their most loved sibling.

Her family may be called weird and considered unfit for a royal family, but they were a family, filled with love, and are great rulers too, that is all the most important according to their grandparents.

But either way, pearl loves her family

Chapter Text

The princess and the empress both shared a hard look as princess pearl sipped her cup of tea.

The atmosphere of the room is tense, and those who are there are near to suffocation because of it.

They were in the lounge room that's part of the empress' bed chambers.

Empress Lizzie dressed in a simple pale pink straight gown with laces, while princess pearl fancied a sage green long dress.

The ladies in waiting of the empress however, were all wearing plain straight dresses as to not out shine the empress, but still looking as elegant.

The royalties were both seated opposite from each other, while the ladies in waiting were standing behind the empress not far behind, fanning themselves gracefully while sending each other message full glances.

'' I believe boatem needs to be properly looked at your imperial highness'' princess pearl finally says gently lowering her cup while not breaking eye contact with the empress.

The empress hummed and guestured her hand to continue

The princess gave the ladies in waiting all a look before returning its gaze at the empress.

'' as you all know, a few days ago I went to visit one of our territories, boatem, as a mare traveler to see its true condition, and discovered things that I believe the empire has to look more into'.''

'' and what are those princess pearl?''

'' firstly, the seemingly beautiful and blooming economy of boatem, I will be blunt with you all, it is corrupted, business owners that are currently located in the market place and trading centres are being forced to pay more than their taxes in able for them to operate'' princess pearl said in a sad voice, full of pity with a mixture of rage.

The ladies in waiting all gasped and immediately turned to each other, quiet murmers and sounds of nervous fanning was the only sound in the room for a few seconds

'' and not only the business owners, as well as the cab horses, entering wondering traders, the orphanage and their hospital... I have no idea what else is being forced to pay for living and staying in boatem, but I believe that this is just disrespect to the people''

The empress remained neutral and simple listened, nodding at the princess to continue, while the ladies are fully focused on what might be the empires newest and biggest news of the year, and of course they'd be the first to spread it.

'' how sure are you of this my dear princess? not that I am accusing you for lying, its just that we have to be correct about such thing, boatem might be small but it is still part of my reign'' the empress finally voiced out

Princess pearl nodded in understanding

'' if you would like I could conduct another ocular your imperial highness, it would be even better if someone would accompany me for better and stronger proof'' the princess smiled proudly and the empress hummed in acknowledgement and guestured to one of her ladies to come forth

The other ladies all wide eyed at the news they were going to be spreading, this certainly would shaken up other cities of the empire with similar strategy of corruption.

To be fair, the empire has been a bit loose unlike when the grandparents of the current reign who were so tight, specially when it comes to corruption.

Lady Eloise came forward and curtsies to the sisters, who both gave a nod in return, she was wearing a darker color of green cloths and had gold pins holding her brown hair in a neat bun.

The lady was born and raised in boatem, she is a daughter of a noble lady, who was a well known woman for their families great ability of illusions, which is why the empress chose her as one of her ladies, and therefore is one of the best person to question regarding boatem.

She momentarily glanced at her fellow ladies in waiting before leaning to the empress' ear and whispers to her.

After a few minutes, she finally stood strsight, the empress gave her a nod to which she curtsies to and returns to her designated place.

'' well then....I would like you to do another investigation regarding the conditions of boatem''

Princess pearl smiles even wider at that '' thank you, and if you'd be so kind, I would like my companion to be one of your ladies your grace''

Empress Lizzie chuckles as said ladies gasped at the princess.

She turned her head slightly to the side, side eyeing them before smiling at them fondly '' that is, if they would love to''

'' and to be fair, its been years since the last any of us has been to boatem, the last was a celebration for the century old city, and it was spectacular, am I right ladies? '' the ladies all nodded with excitement.

The ladies love drama, if it wasn't already obvious, things like this is what fuels them and is basically what the empress loves about them.

They all curtsied in unison '' allow us a moment to decide whom of us is to join the princess, your grace''

The sisters then looked at eachother with a smirk, the princess holding her cup to hide hers from the ladies who are huddled and whispering to each other, the empress taking small bites from her strawberry jellied cookies was barely containing her giggles.

the palace would be having a social gathering in less than a week, and if the siblings acted quickly and used the right cards, the baron of boatem would be burned by the other nobles and royalties of evo.

and without him knowing what's to come the only thing the empress could do is hold her laughter as everything's slowly going according to plan.

'' your highness, your grace, we have decided that Lady Lauren would best fit the job''

Lady Lauren then stepped forward and curtsied, she wore light purple clothing accompanied with silver jewelry hanging down her long bright purple hair.

She is one of the beloved nephews of the grand duke of convex, one of the biggest territories that also is linked with the empire, the convex is known for their natural talent for being great tricksters, pranksters, silver tongues, and the most important to the evo empire, is their unbreakable loyalty.

Lady Lauren for sure would blend in with the crowd without even trying, her smirk would already be proof.

The lounge room was silent for a split second before everyone including the empress and the princess bursted out laughing.

Some ladies were wheezing, others holding their stomach practically folding in half from laughing.

In less than a minute, the ladies are seated beside the empress and the princess, some already holding a cup of tea while others are still about to pour themselves some.

Empress Lizzie has more than twenty ladies in waiting, but usually only twelve of sometimes eight were always present, like this particular afternoon tea, only eight were with her, but after this all others were going to be informed of their imperial highness' plan to straighten up corruption.

They are to keep quiet or else said boatem would be alerted and start tidying up before they were to be confronted.

'' I hate every moment of that'' princess pearl whines and leans to the side of lady Lauren, who in return gave her a playful elbow in the ribs.

One of the other ladies scoffed without heat '' you always hate it whenever we do, when are you ever not hating?'' to which everyone giggles at.

'' I think when it's fight related I don't hate'' princess pearl chuckles and sips her tea.

'' don't listen to her, she trashtalks most of her competitors'' empress lizzie jokes

the room is then filled with laughter.

the royal family of evo has done this uncountable times, in able for the ladies or servants or any officials to spread a good word or whatever news or rumor, they had to act it out, so that when the story is told it was no lie

some people are just so good at reading others that it makes spreading false news hard

the princess then suddenly remembered another tea to spill, she gives everyone a mischievous look before finally placing her tea cup back.

'' anyways...I have some news'' she grins when all eyes are on her

'' You Ladies remember Princess Katherine? I got to chat with her recently~'' she says with a teasing tone

''WhAaTt?!!?'' empress Lizzie was the first to react before all the others screamed, all princess pearl could do at the moment was grin as chaos ensues.

Chapter Text

Gem has always been a helper, a maker, a healer and a mender.

she grew up being kind and used her hands in any useful thing she can, like helping her foster parents on household chores, gardening with the old lady who lives just around the street, making kites and toys for her foster siblings, patching up her best friend dubs whenever he clumsily trips on his own, and making kids who had a little argument reconcile.

In any small way she can do to make other people's lives happier, she will do with all her heart.

Because what more can a little girl do?

Her life was really simple, she was a foster child, and spends most of her free time in the park with dubs, she met the dark skinned boy in the city library being picked on by a few kids, the leader who's older than any of them had brown hair that is combed in one side and covers his other eye, he would always wear weird dark clothes which makes gem cringe.

That bully would always come for dubs for some reason.

and that was first time Gem used her hands for violence, it was when she had to defend her friend from that bully who was five years older than her, Gem was just eleven back then.

Her fist was covered in blood from the broken nose she gave the bully who gave thirteen years old dubs a bruise around his eye.

It was a kids fight and no adult was there to interfere , so when the bully got fed up of dubs ignoring him, they grabbed him by the collar and started throwing loose punches.

And despite poor dubs' plea for them to stop and trying to block out the hits, this only encouraged the bully even more and pushed dubs to the sand of the playground

Other kids were cheering and chanting with glee at the violence.

But gem was not happy, No, she was enraged.

Gem in her little Grey dress and orange hair tied in two pigtails, all but marched straight into the fight.

She shoved the bully away from dubs and tackled him to the ground, and gave him a good few hits before hearing his nose make a satisfying crunch.

The kids watching all went silent as gem gets off of the wailing sixteen year old and helps her timid friend get up on his feet.

She will always be proud of that story, how she fought for dubs and placed the bully in their proper place.

But the first time gem dirtied her hands was a story she was never proud of.

Gem was just fourteen.

She traveled nineteen hours to get away from nho, the city she's known to love.

Away from dubs who was crying, bidding her safe travels and a good home, away from the beautiful foster home and the playgrounds she and dubs would always hangout in, away because her heart desires for more.

Y'know? Simple teenager stuff.

Besides their friend Martyn also left nho when he turned fourteen, he was going to be a Marine he said, he's going to sail the seas and one day become a captain, that was his dream.

And gem? She had none as of that moment, so she traveled in search of inspiration.

She rode with various travelers and traders who were more than happy to help a young lady to her destination.

But one trip changed her life completely, the one trip that sent everything spiraling down to where she is now.

Gem was already on Evo territory, one she is very unfamiliar of, and one of the traders she traveled with was already a bit sketchy, but gem didn't want to think much about it back then, she's not one to make bad assumptions just because of someone's outer appearance.

She should've trusted her guts.

Thier group traveled with horses bundled with things, there were nine of them and gem tagged along.

They all would take turns to ride, because most of the horses have no room for a rider.

They were a few miles near boatem, when one of the men with them pushed one of the traders riding Thier horse and tried to have it as his own, and gem the quick thinking one grabbed the horse thief by Thier ankle before they could escape, there was already a commotion.

Thus making the horse nervous and eventually got spooked when gem held onto its new rider.

The horse reared, tossing the thief off of its back.

The other men then tried to grab at the thief but he immediately pulled out a dagger and swung it around anyone who dares step near.

Gem may be considered young, but she's long been familiar with weapons, and the first thought she had when she saw the thief brandishing his nine inch dagger was-

'that's the stupidest thing I've ever seen'

One of the men must've seen the look of distaste, disappointment and annoyance in her face that he unsheathed his own copper short sword and tossed it to her.

Gem caught it with a grin and gave a thankful nod for trusting her.

"it's either you drop that and stop playing with lethal objects or I will show you how to use one the hard way" she warns and joins the group circling around the thief.

The thief sneered at her in response and took a step forward to try and jab her.

'too slow' she lazily thinks and steps aside

The thief then swung at her in which she blocked with the short sword with ease.

Gem clashed with him for a moment, a grin still on her face as she is filled with excitement with the familiarity of wielding a sword.

But when she saw an opportunity she grabbed the man by the wrist and with the help of a few others, they pinned him to the ground.

"I don't think you're worthy of my training though, sorry" gem sighs in pretend dismay, twisting the dagger out of the man's hold.

"tie him up!" one of the men ordered and another ran to get some bounds.

Gem tossed the short sword back to its rightful owner and they exchanged nods.

The thief was restrained, or so gem and the others thought, because the next thing everyone knows is the thief wrestling with the others and ends up with a weapon in hand and was about to stab an unsuspecting victim who was only trying to get away from the tangle of limbs.

And the painful chocking sounds of the thief as he suffocates in his own blood as his own dagger is pulled out of his butchered neck, he gasps desperately for air but only ends up coughing up more blood, his knees hits the ground as the rest of the group scrambled away from him, he looks at gem with empty eyes and collapsed fully, he takes a few more useless gasps before completely going still.

Everyone was breathless after that.

Panting and helping each other get to their footing.

They were all silent for a few minutes, giving their minds a moment to process the fact that they have a dead body with them, and gem being the murderer.

Gem looks at her blood covered hands, the dagger still in her grasp, then at the people she's been traveling with.

And to her relief one of them, the known leader says-

"we're all into this... Got it?" he then tears a sack and covers the body.

Everyone nods and they work to bury the thief.

The leaders name was Ren, he helped gem wash the drying and sticky hands of hers, explaining how dangerous adrenaline is, that's why the thief was able to escape the others pinning him.

"you will be in deep guilt, for taking his life from him, you will imagine what his life must've been, and his family.... But gem, guilt is part of life, you're going to experience it one way or another" ren says softly, their group circled around a camp fire and having some serious talk, the group of ten now only consists of nine, the other now buried beneath bushes.

"have you felt guilt before?" gem asks looking at the cloudless night sky.

Ren sighs and takes something out of his coat pocket.

"I did something very evil gem, one I count worse than murder" he mournfully looks at the small machine.

It looks like a watch, but instead of the time it showed a moving image of the sky, with dark clouds rolling by and light rain pouring.

"you didn't answer my question.." Gem pokes at Ren after she stared in awe at the device.

Ren lightly laughs and hands her the weather watch.

"yes gem, I've felt heavy guilt before and I still am in guilt, you see... I betrayed a friend in exchange for fame and riches, not only that, I also stole from them"

"you left your friend in danger or is it a treason kind of betrayal?" she hands back the watch after looking at it closely and tucks her legs in her chest.

"no, I brought them to danger.." Ren then looks directly at her, his auburn eyes looking tired and held so much pain.

The next morning gem woke up from the light rain, and the droplets from the trees falling on all of them.

Ren was right, guilt is part of life.

And in her almost eleven years in fighting for her life, her guilt adds up as her hands end up splattered or drenched in blood not her own.

Ren was right, adrenaline does so much more.

Gem knows because that was what bloodied her hands in the first place, and a few more others when she first fought for her life in the arena.

It's heavy, sticky and no matter how gem washes her hands after the fights, she still feels it.

Always going to stain her hands, but never getting off.

Yet it's a weight that pulls her to keep on going...

Chapter Text

"are we there yet?" Lady lauren asks for the nth time in the past hour they've been on the road

Princess pearl sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, clearly disappointed "when i asked lizzie for a companion, I didn't think I'd be babysitting a child" sge groans throwing the lady seated just beside her a look.

"In my defense princess, its been so long since the last I've seen boatem, i can't help but feel excited " lady lauren lightly scoffs.

The sun is yet to rise, but the two decided it was a good time to travel so that they may spend more time in boatem, much to knight wels and thier escorts dismay.

News reached the palace just the other day, of how carriages baring the royal sigil of evo was seen in boatem barely a week ago, and it was clear that boatem will become hyper aware at looking out for any nobles or royal carriages to make a good show.

But with the help of the ladies in waiting of the empress and a few others, they had a plan as for the group to remain unnoticed by authorities of boatem.

"How many hours does it take to reach boatem again?" The lady asks with puppy wide eyes.

The princess stared at her for a few seconds with a deadpan look before opening the samll window to the driver.

" Knight wels!!" Princess pearl calls in a complaining voice.

" Get me out of here pleaseee, i want to change carriage where the lady is not with me"

but her complaints were only met with polite decline and laughter.

It's a long road ahead, and princess pearl has to endure more hours with an energetic noble lady.

And to think that none of had eaten breakfast yet.

Princess pearl chose to wear a dark blue dress that reaches only below her knees, and her signature black cloak.

Lady lauren chose to wear her usual travel clothing which is a dark purple gown and a brown coat dropped just on her shoulder, given to her by lord bobby before her departing evo.

And knight wels discarded his armour and wore a simple white sleeved shirt, black trousers and a black cape similar to princess pearls.

"Well hello there!" A gentle mans voice greeted them as the three entered the small yet well decorated bakery.

"It's you again! And you've brought customers, how kind of you madam" the owner beamed seeing the princess

" Of course sir scar, we need more hands to help carry more food" pearl grins at the brunette.

The good baker, who the princess suspected from the beginning as a noble man, is dressed as simple as she first met him, he wears a casual maroon shirt and cozy trousers and a floured beige apron with three cats embroidered into the pocket.

"Good day" wels greets back with a small wave and lauren smiles in greeting.

And pearls suspicion turns out to be true when lady lauren tilts her head and squints at the baker, who in turn smiles innocently and blinks his emerald green eyes in confusion when turn to him, instead of the beautiful interior and the goods.

"I think i know you.." the lady hums and gives the princess a glance and looks back at scar.

"You do?" he asks nervously eyes darting between the three

"Aren't you lord-"

Lady laurens question was cut short when the door of the bakery opened.

And the very same guide the princess had, stood in the midst of them all stunned as he stared at the princess and all attention was now on him.

"You're back!" he finally lets out after a few seconds of silence

Scar breaths a sigh of relief and gives the guide a thankful look.

And just like how fast pearl was curious about whose scar is was also just as fast as when she forgot about it, and turned it to excitement when she saw her guide like she was hoping for.

"Wels, Lady lauren, this is the guide i was talking about"

princess pearl gestures to the guide whose eyes widen at the mention of a lady in presence

His purple eyes flicker to scar who also wore the same expression before doing a small bow startling the three others

"I wasn't so sure that you were coming back, but i'm so glad you're here, nice to meet you and pleasure to have you here lady lauren" the guide says and earned a nod from wells and an uncomfortable smile from lauren, the princess snorted and held a hand to cover her grin.

"I beg you, no need for any of that, treat me as you treat pri-pearl" the lady bites her tongue as she almost slips and in discomfort of the name.

Which made princess snork again, this time it's muffled and she accidentally chokes on her own spit and coughs, her knight gives her a worried look and patted her back just enough for her to stop coughing.

Scar had an impressed look on his face and smiled at the acquired name.

"Ah! What a nice day, i finally know your name madam pearl" he says and continues on what he was doing before the four came in.

and that made pearl remember something.

"I beg your pardon, i forgot to give you my name the first time, my name is pearl" the princess extends her now ungloved hand to the guide who looks as sheepish as her.

"Pardon me also for forgetting, my name is xizuma" he accepts the extended hand, he then gave the other two firm handshakes to the lady's relief.

The three place their orders, most of the food to be picked up before leaving, and the rest are munched on as the five of them exchange pleasantries, and pearl informed xizuma about needing him to guide them.

He then gave her the most enthusiastic yes and kept thanking her for the huge tip she gave.

To which she simply waved off and said the money that she tipped was based on the tour he gave.

Soon, they left the bakery to pick up the order that the princess placed the last time she was here.

"That was lord scar of nho, eldest son of the missing baron" lauren whisper to the princess while xizuma was having a chat with wels about the rough roads to boatem.

The two held eye contact for a while before pursing their lips shut, nho had a huge controversy decades ago, about how their baron disappeared without a trace, how he abandoned his wife and his two sons.

Various reactions were earned from nobles and royalties because of this.

Some were concerned of his disappearance, for they said he was a good baron and he knew how to rule his people, those who know him felt grievance,.

And some held hatred on the baron for leaving his family and responsibilities, he then was no longer addressed by his name whenever there was a conversation about him, he became known as the 'missing baron' and on some disrespectful nobles he is referred to as 'the absent father of nho' .

Pearl was just thirteen when that happened and feel sorry for the baroness.

But the baroness is a strong woman and shrug away the pitiful looks from others and solve the condolences from uncultured people down their throats.

She proved herself capable of raising her sons and holding nho together, she is now the head captain of the palace of evo, which at first she held on to for support from the empire, but as a time went on he just stayed because she's grown to love the job.

"There are bandits scattered on the roads it has been like this for decades, but they do not seem to care, in fact the weirdest thing is that they do not stop higher ups and nobles, they only rob merchants and the ordinary travelers" xizuma complains

"It's like they know who to attack" wels concluded

"Exactly!"

"You think they base on the carriages" lady lauren joins in with them which might have made xisuma hesitant to talk casually like the usual.

"I reckon" he plainly answers, much the ladys dismay to be treated like wels and the princess, she sends pearl a false dirty look to which the princess beams at

Wels has been investigating about the security of boatem, after almost being robbed three times on the way just because of their carriages thats from a merchant friend of his.

"Also, has pearl told you about the arena?"

Wels eye twitches just a smidge and the ladys breath seemed like it was kicked out of her.

"Uhh.. yes, she has" wellls breathed out and slowly looks at the still beaming princess, lady lauren forces her mouth shut.

"Well, do you want to know where they get the gladiators from?" Xisuma asks, and with curiosity and a bit of concern the princess nodded.

Although they were getting a huge amount of helpful insights, it came with a huge price, that is paid only by the two others of course, the princess was having fun at their suffering.

Lady lauren being treated extra.

And both her and wels being so uncomfortable with how the princess was being addressed only as 'pearl'

They might be friends with her but they were never brave enough to call her just by her name.

" Pearl was able to watch gem, and i cannot tell you how long gem has been locked in there, as well as hundreds of others who entered but never came out alive"

Wels shudders from both the information and the casual way xisuma just said princess pearl's name.

It's still a long way ahead, more horrors to discover and many more times of the princess being addressed only as 'pearl' .