Enigmas

"Finally?"

"Do we know you?"

Hilia and Yoan inquired at the same time and Mino chuckled, extending his hand out towards them. "I believe the mayor of Haran has a package to be delivered to me. He had contacted me about it, and I knew the information would have been leaked."

"So that's why we were ambushed." Hilia murmured to herself as Yoan rummaged through his backpack, taking out the package. It was a small carton box, enough for one to hold it in their hand.

"I can't believe we almost died because of this damn package." Yoan grumbled, tossing the package to Mino and he caught it with ease.

"Our apologies, we were delayed due to the inspection," Mino apologised formally and the two of them weren't used to such special treatment, making them fidget awkwardly. "And now, I understand why the mayor entrusted the package to the two of you."

Mino handed the package to one of the soldiers, whispering something to him. The soldier saluted at Mino, hollering at a few of the soldiers to follow him.

"Since your carriage was destroyed, let us offer you a ride to Lathia."

"Lathia?"

"The name of our kingdom, as well as our town."

Hilia sat behind Mino who wore back his helmet, whereas Yoan sat behind a soldier, and Hilia couldn't help but be rather conscious of being close to such a dashing man. Yoan could only stare coldly at them throughout the entire journey to Lathia.

***********************************************

"Here we are." Mino announced, the same charming smile on his face, it seemed like it never left his face at all.

Yoan and Hilia stared wide-eyed at the scene before them. A clamorous crowd gathered in front of the gargantuan gates, and the crowd stretched endlessly. Everyone was queuing in front of the gates, waiting for the guards by the gates to allow them entry into Lathia. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone wore a grim or infuriated look on their faces.

"What's with the huge crowd?" Yoan questioned and Hilia just blinked in confusion.

"Only those with entry permits or those who pass through our security procedures are allowed into the town at this moment. This is the inspection I was talking about, that delayed our journey."

"Inspection? What for?" Hilia asked, frowning to herself. "What if they make a journey from another town to here? Wouldn't their efforts be a waste?"

"The kingdom of Lathia...is currently undergoing a severe situation and we need to remain vigilant." Mino explained, his smile tightening slightly and Hilia knew better than to intervene with their affairs.

"Coming through, coming through! Make way!"

"Move aside, move aside!"

The soldiers shouted out the orders, and everyone naturally made way for them and Hilia noted the star-struck gazes amongst the women in the crowd directed towards Mino. Most of the men in the crowd held a look of reverence in their eyes for Mino, as well as the elderly, even the children. Furrowing her eyebrows, Hilia glanced towards Mino, giving the crowd the charming smile that never seems to leave his face.

Yoan also noted the same observations, glancing discreetly at Mino, unable to comprehend how everyone viewed him as if he was a holy relic. There were even some women who were screaming for Mino, and Yoan was rather frightened by how thirsty they were for his attention.

"Grandpa! Grandpa, are you okay?" A young boy exclaimed and everyone moved their gazes over to him.