194 ESCORT OF THE 'EASY' PRINCESS
The road to Eoloth Fortress wound through a narrow, treacherous mountain pass. Towering peaks flanked the passage, their jagged summits piercing the clouds like watchful sentinels.
The Eoloth family guarded this route with unparalleled vigilance, their secrecy hinting at some great treasure hidden within the mountains.
"There's no way a man can enter Eoloth," Siphonia remarked, her gaze fixed on Leo's chest as the wheels clattered over the uneven stone road. She continued, "Only women, and only if they marry into the family."
"Except now," Leo replied, his tone calm and measured.
Siphonia rolled her eyes. "You don't have to act so cool all the time. I know—you're a hero of the city or something."
"That's because I'm working right now. I take my job seriously," Leo shot back, his tone dry but laced with subtle amusement.
When Leo approached General Nahum to claim his reward for saving the city from demons, he'd been ushered into an audience with Governor Zeru instead.
Rather than receiving the promised reward, he was saddled with an assignment: escort the governor's niece, Siphonia, to the elusive Eoloth Fortress.
Leo would have refused outright if it weren't for his own interest. Petunia mentioned Eoloth had a spell that could enhance his Magic Missile.
So now, instead of relaxing after his victory, he was guiding the governor's niece through dangerous terrain toward a family shrouded in mystery.
"I'm not exactly a fan of this whole arranged marriage business," Siphonia said, breaking his thoughts.
"Then why are all the major families lining up to send their daughters to Eoloth?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Simple," she replied. "The Eoloth family is rumored to have vast treasures. Every family wants a share of it. Since no one can enter Eoloth Fortress without their permission, they send their daughters, hoping marriage will open the gates to their riches."
"So, it's all over a fucking rumor?" Leo asked skeptically.
"It's more than a rumor," Siphonia said, her tone growing serious.
"Years ago, Lord Kabana of Eoloth sealed the fortress gates and excommunicated themselves from the city. They've been isolated ever since. There's only one logical reason for such a drastic action—they're protecting something. Probably a treasure."
Leo sighed, leaning back against the carriage seat. "This trip feels like a waste of time. Your uncle could have hired any guard in Sodom to escort you. Why me?"
"Maybe it's because you already have two wives," Siphonia said, her tone teasing. "Most of my previous escorts couldn't keep their hands to themselves."
Leo blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. "What?"
Siphonia leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "What can I say? You're cute. Only boys like you get me excited."
Before Leo could react, she moved closer, her body brushing against his.
Leo clenched his jaw. "Fuck, I'm escorting a slut," he muttered under his breath.
"Slut? Hardly. I'm not easy. I just know what I like, and you are my kind, Hero of Sodom City," Siphonia countered teasingly with a sly smile.
----
The carriages finally came to a halt before the towering gates of Eoloth Fortress. Above them, massive carvings of the family's ancestors loomed on the mountain's face, their stern visages a solemn reminder of the blessings and legacy they were said to bestow.
The passengers alighted, stepping onto the stone-paved road leading to the fortress gates.
Carriages were forbidden beyond this point; everything they had brought with them would undergo meticulous inspection and documentation by Eoloth's watchful guards.
As they proceeded, a narrow staircase spiraled upward, surrounded on all sides by arrow towers. Each tower bristled with vigilant archers ready to rain death upon any intruder foolish enough to challenge the fortress.
"This is a defense overkill," Siphonia remarked, her voice edged with both awe and annoyance as she surveyed the formidable security.
"What treasure are they hiding in there?" Leo asked, his curiosity piqued now.
"Mines maybe," Siphonia replied. "They've got the largest silver mine in Sodom City, inside the fortress or beneath it. Or maybe something even more secretive. The Eoloth rarely leave their stronghold yet they're ridiculously wealthy."
As they ascended further, the scope of Eoloth's wealth came into view.
"Well, is this the treasure you are looking for", Leo asked Siphonia.
They passed by the entrance to the silver mine—a sprawling operation built into the mountain itself. The fortress wasn't just a fortress; it was embedded within an immense silver vein, the source of Eoloth's prosperity.
"It could be but there are silver mines in other places that are not as secretive", she replied.
After what felt like an eternity of climbing, they finally arrived at the fortress gates.
----
"Welcome, bride candidates, to Eoloth Fortress," Hanna announced, her voice carrying a mix of formality and warmth.
"We'll escort you to your quarters shortly. Dinner will be served in two hours, so please take this time to settle in."
The courtyard buzzed with activity as the brides arrived accompanied by their personal bodyguards. Among them was Siphonia, the Governor's niece, with Leo close at her side.
But as expected, their paths would diverge here. Guards were forbidden from entering the brides' quarters.
Siphonia turned to Leo, her expression teasing but her voice low enough to escape eavesdropping. "Behave your fucking self."
Leo smirked faintly but said nothing as the guards were ushered away toward the barracks. The fortress guards watched them with hawk-like intensity, ensuring none stepped out of line.
"This damn place has a stronger army than the entire guard of Sodom City," Leo muttered under his breath, eyeing the heavily armed sentries patrolling the area.
The hours dragged on as the guards waited, kept under strict supervision until dinner. Finally, the moment arrived for the grand feast, a welcome for the bride candidates and their escorts.
The dining hall was nothing short of magnificent.
Golden chandeliers bathed the long tables in warm light, and platters of delicacies lined every inch of the grand table. The aroma of roasted meats, spiced stews, and freshly baked bread filled the air.
As the meal drew to a close, the tone of the evening shifted.