"In Ranghaur?! Are you really sure, Celine?" The reason why Seth seemed so unusually surprised was because of the news the blond princess broke just now.

It was early in the morning when the group of four, Arata, Seth, Anabelle, and Maydeath reached the palace to have this meeting with Celine.

Seth somehow convinced Anabelle to tag along, of course in exchange for something he needs to fulfill afterwards. Arata requested to follow them since he thought he would be useful in the search for the old man.

However, hearing that the said old man was in Ranghaur made it easier for the team of mismatched individuals to locate the hermit who had the last piece of treasure key.

"There's a small town near the northeastern border of the continent. I am not aware of the name of that town but there seemed to be people living nearby and also the person whose face you showed me."

As Celine finished speaking, her glowing luminescent eyes reverted to normal signifying how she wasn't straining herself any longer. The personal maid of the Princess immediately rushed to drape a cold cloth over Celine's closed eyes which must be burning by now.

"Aah~" Feeling the chilly sensation over her lids, Celine sighed in relief.

The maid glared at Seth for making her mistress this much worked up, and it seemed Seth was genuinely apologetic, but not regretful.

"Thank you for the help, your highness." It was Arata who got up from his seat to depart only after bowing down for the help Celine provided.

Seth also extended his gratitude before the four of them decided to leave.

"Seth." Just as Seth was about to get up, he found his wrist being grabbed by Celine.

Seth raised his brows before understanding the meaning behind the gesture. He looked at the others and asked them to leave the two alone. Arata and the maid immediately walked away but it took some time before Seth was able to convince the two ladies.

'*Sigh* It's such a hassle sometimes... ' Shaking his head, Seth settled back on his seat before he heard Celine's voice which came out a bit heavier than before.

"That place where you would be heading...it seems something strange is in there. If it would have been in my power, I wouldn't have let you go there at all but I know it's a demand you won't fulfill."

This was indeed surprising coming from Celine who mostly remains uncaring toward others and the only thing her words and expression portray was obligation and formalities.

However, at the moment she was concerned. She was worried for Seth and this was something he had already sensed since earlier when she had told him about the town where the old man resided.

Holding her hand fondly in between his palms, Seth spoke in a warm tone, "You are making it difficult to leave you, Celine. We both know how important it is for me to find the treasure, so please don't make it any more tough for me, alright?"

Celine knew what Seth just said made sense and was reasonable and truth be told, she would have suggested taking this risky step to any other person...but not Seth.

He was special to Celine and this was something the princess had long realized and accepted.

She usually remains rational and collected but at the moment she just wants to act according to what she desires from her heart, not from her mind.

Sensing the silence from Celine Seth sighed before he got up from his seat and uncovered Celine's eyes.

Her eyes were parted but she refused to look at him.

Seth felt amused seeing the rare childish side of Celine currently on display.

He slid his hand around her neck and made her look at him.

"I know what I am doing right now is unfair but please forgive me, Celine." Inching closer he planted his lips on hers.

Celine closed her eyes to enjoy the brief moment she was allowed to feel the intimacy with the man she had ever allowed herself to yearn for.

'Why does this feel so peaceful yet so exciting at the same time... ' This was something Celine decided to contemplate on a further date since right now, she wanted to get enshrouded by his presence...

****

After leaving the palace behind, the group of four boarded the carriage to the teleportation center so they could reach as near as they could to the border region.

The carriage had pretty enough space for the four since it was a royal carriage gifted by Celine for her betrothed's comfortable journey.

Seth felt bad for Celine, more so how he never met her family members even once even though he had visited more than twice now. He needs to make up for it after he sorts out this situation.

[Could you two please stop glaring at me?]

Using his telepathy, Seth directed the request to Maydeath and Anabelle who immediately withdrew their gazes from Seth.

Arata didn't pay much mind to the expressions of the two females before he turned to his left where Seth sat.

"So are we just gonna barge in there and ask for the last piece from the old man?" Hearing Arata's query Seth also ignored the other two and after a bit pause he replied.

"There was a trial of his as well which this time I guess I need to overcome...or maybe it still could be you?" The primary reason why Seth needed Arata on this trip stems from the fact that the old man actually deemed Arata worthy of the treasure so he chose to disclose the location of the treasure to the protagonist.

"We know about the trials so it would be easier to conquer them right?" Anabelle voiced her thoughts to which Seth nodded albeit hesitantly.

"I was never supposed to appear in front of that guy at this time around... Will it change the conditions for the trial?" Arata wasn't the only one worried about the unforeseen future.

Arata wasn't the only one who went through the trials in the novel, since there was his team as well who supported him in his tribulations. But things were different now.

And not to talk about the warning Celine gave to Seth about that place.

Things weren't looking good for them yet Seth did not have any thought of retreating from this point.

'I just hope everything remains under control... '

****

A/N: - Drop a comment if you liked the chapter~

There might be a side chapter about Maydeath and Valarie's chat. Comment down if you want the SS.