"But whatever for?"
"Isn't it true that many royals became more prone to the illness of hubris once they touched the throne? Maybe she sought out some power to be returned a hundredfold."
"What do you mean? If that's so, why have her land attacked?"
"Isn't it obvious? To blame it on those who made her surrender some of her power. That way, she has the means to start a battle of the realms, just like all those centuries ago during the time of the quadrant lands."
"Didn't you just say she was humble?"
"She is. But from what I've heard, that crown princess is quite insatiable. A dark force whispering in the Queen's ear, under the pretense of being a filial daughter. All to—"
"Traveler, you seem drunk," a tall man said, hovering over the two speakers. "I trust you've been enjoying your stay in Oggl."
"Oh, Chief Guardian, it's you again," the speaker pressed his lips together, letting his eyes flitter. Even the one he spoke with was bowing his head as if trying not to be noticed. "I am, thank you."
"You're hoping to stay for a week more, yes?"
The speaker gulped and nodded.
"Then you must know that in Oggl we have few laws, but the ones we have, we take quite seriously. Very few are granted impunity on this."
He paused until the speakers were nervously fidgeting.
"Salazā is a land we have allied with for centuries and continue to have reverence for. That means the rulers of Salazā are meant to be respected in the same fashion that our own rulers are.
Those suspected of hearsay and sedition can be interrogated, imprisoned, and executed if the charge is steep enough.
How steep do you suppose your gossip about the rulers of Salazā might be in the eyes of the rulers of Oggl?"
"We would never!" the speakers defended in unison. "W-w-we…"
They couldn't stop stuttering, and the tall man sighed.
"Here," he said firmly, whipping something out.
They flinched and shut their eyes as their bodies curled up in defense, as if preparing for an attack. But when they opened their eyes, they saw two books.
"It's two copies of the first book of the eight in the Children's Volumes of the Lower Lands. You both mentioned you have children, so they'll probably like this illustrated version of Oggl the Owl."
They looked to the cover, which had a huge drawing of the Ogglan Owl with words saying, 'The ogling owl set off with the letter it was given to send out…'
"Do you not want the gift?"
Instantly, they took it and said, "Oh, no. We just wanted to say thank you. If there's anything we can do…"
"I think I made myself clear on that before I gave this to you, didn't I?"
"You did, you did," they bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, Chief Guard."
They had scurried away. And only then did the Chief Guard smirk to himself.
He was quite tall, and when he tilted his hat up, only then did Salīa and Bazil catch his owl-like eyes, locked in on them.
He then bowed and said, "I apologize that you had to listen to such drivel. If you're ready, you can follow me."
Salīa and Bazil look to each other, then to him. The Chief Guard looked around and saw there were still quite a few other people around.
"You have the token, right?" he asked. "The kingdom has been looking forward to having a blacksmith of your caliber for the sons and a singer so sweet to entertain his majesty in his time of rest."
How did he spot us before we even got to the palace? Salīa wondered.
As if reading her mind, the chief guard answered, "Your presence has been highly anticipated."
X