A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 644 How About We Start As Friends

The blonde Duchess giggled as she shook her head. ʼʼHe has caused all sorts of trouble with his bragging. In the Everrose family, we prefer to handle our issues rather than involve outsiders. Weʼve been taught to consider both sides of the story before judging.ʼʼ

ʼIt makes sense. But itʼs no bother now, as the boy will leave Kestria alone, and no one can scold me for it,ʼ he thought to himself.

When Archer heard her answer, he understood what she meant and nodded before asking. ʼʼArenʼt you married? Where is your husband?ʼʼ

Fianna answered as she looked out the window and answered with a sad smile. ʼʼI am married to the Duke, but my husband ignores me and the Duchy by spending much time with his mistresses. The marriage was good for the first few years, but after, I couldnʼt bear any more offspring, so he shunned me. Iʼve been meaning to end the marriage in the capital, but he has powerful friends who will make my life hard if I do that.ʼʼ

ʼʼSo youʼre caught between a rock and a hard place. I do feel sorry for you; being in a dead marriage isnʼt good for anyone. But Iʼm curious, what makes you interested in someone much younger than yourself?ʼʼ Archer questioned in a warm tone when he heard the sadness in her voice.

The blonde woman sighed. ʼʼI do not know, Archer. I hoped to find some happiness during this miserable existence, but I canʼt find that inside my family. Itʼs hard to keep smiling when everyone is gossiping behind your back. I want to be happy and enjoy myself instead of being mocked.ʼʼ

When Archer heard this, he thought, ʼSome men are stupid to treat such a beautiful woman so poorly.ʼ

Thatʼs when he said positively, ʼʼHow about we start as friends? You look like all you do is work and need something to relax.ʼʼ

Fianna nodded, prompting Archer to retrieve a bracelet and offer it to her. As she took it, he explained. ”Contact me using this whenever youʼre free, and Iʼll take you to places youʼve never seen before.”

She smiled while putting it on and spoke with happiness. ʼʼThank you, Archer, it means a lot to me, and yes, we can be friends. Do you mind meeting me tomorrow evening by the docks? Iʼm free there.ʼʼ

ʼʼOf course. If nothing comes up, then Iʼll be there.ʼʼ He answered with a genuine smile.

After speaking, the maid informed the Duchess. ʼʼWe have to return to the inn, my lady.ʼʼ

Fianna nodded before answering. ʼʼOkay, we will head back now.ʼʼ

Once Archer heard that, he stood up and spoke with a smile. ”Duchess Everrose, it was nice meeting you. I shall see you tomorrow.ʼʼ

As the carriage sped off, he stepped onto the pavement. Archer reentered the restaurant, his eyes lighting up at seeing a table laden with food. He pushed the door open, and the bustling noise of the restaurant washed over him like a comforting wave.

The aroma of various cuisines filled the air, mingling with laughter and chatter from the patrons. With a confident stride, he made his way through the crowded tables. A smile spread across his face as he took a seat.

The girls turned to him, and Nefertiti questioned with narrowed eyes. ʼʼI smell a woman. An older one, who is she?ʼʼ

Archer chuckled before telling them everything that happened, leaving people gawking at him. Leira started laughing as she inquired. ʼʼSo youʼre mingling with a married woman now?ʼʼ

He shrugged. ʼʼShe seems nice, but Iʼm not sure. I saw the sadness in her eyes and knew she was telling the truth.ʼʼ

They all nodded before they started eating. Lioran turned to him with a smirk. ʼʼSo married women are on the table now?ʼʼ

ʼʼShut up, Lio. She came to scold me but fell in love with me instead and left with a smile, so why does it matter? I donʼt care for her husband.ʼʼ Archer replied in a nonchalant tone.

After he spoke, everyone turned to him with curious expressions. Teuila commented with a teasing tone. ʼʼDo we have to worry about our mothers?ʼʼ

Archer shook his head in denial. ʼʼNo. They are family to me. I donʼt see them that way, but there is one woman Iʼm interested in.ʼʼ

He looked at Lioran before continuing with a grin. ʼʼMalaika Goldheart. I want to become Lioʼs grandfather.ʼʼ

Nalaika and Leonora started giggling at the look on their fianceʼs faces, and Nala turned her head to Archer excitedly. ʼʼYou want to woo grandmother? Sheʼs a tough woman Arch. Iʼm not sure you could.ʼʼ

ʼʼDonʼt doubt me, my lioness. My charm is endless.ʼʼ He replied with a smirk while eating some ribs.

Everyone stopped chatting and started eating. Sera ordered strong wine for the group because she was the cheeky dragon. When Ella saw this, she scolded her. ʼʼSeraphina! Youʼre fighting after Archer. You canʼt be drunk on that stuff.ʼʼ

However, the redhead ignored Ellaʼs scolding and persisted in drinking while storing more in her storage ring. The group carried on for a while until Archer finished. He hadnʼt anticipated the abundance of food, but everything was from meats to bread and soups.

Llyniel informed them that they served a wide variety of food, which pleased them. One dish that particularly caught his attention was Acorn Bread, a personal favorite of his. He flagged down the waiter and requested as much of it as the chef could prepare.

They waited for another half an hour before their meal was ready. Archer paid five gold coins for the entire meal, which included the Acorn Bread. The waiter brought it over on a large trolley, but Archer stored it in the Item Box before leaving the restaurant.

The large group returned to the arena for Archerʼs fight with the mysterious girl Kassandra from the Starlight Academy. While strolling, Lioran and Cian tried teasing him, but Nala and Maeve joined them on the walk.

When Archer saw the orange-haired girl, she smiled at him before speaking. ʼʼHow have you been? Your fight was amazing.ʼʼ

”Iʼve been good, Maeve. Cian tells me youʼre getting married after the tournament. Perhaps I should stir up some mischief and crash the wedding, all while kidnapping you.” He replied with a smirk, causing her grey eyes to shine.

With a grin of her own, Maeve teased. ʼʼDoes that mean youʼd be claiming me as your woman? Even if you become enemies with the Avaloch Kingdom?ʼʼ

Archer shrugged before answering. ʼʼAs long as you and Cian donʼt hate me, I couldnʼt care less what your kingdom does or says.ʼʼ

Meave smiled and leaned in. ʼʼI expect to be in your arms that night, Archer Wyldheart. I want to escape that kingdom, so donʼt let me down.ʼʼ

After speaking, the warrior girl talked with her friend Eveline, who smiled at him. Archer gave her a charming smile before Teuila appeared next to him. ʼʼKidnapping princesses at their weddings? Thatʼs naughty Arch.ʼʼ

He glanced to his right and caught sight of his Ocean Princess. Her blue hair was styled in its customary ponytail, and she was adorned in a winter dress complemented by a cape. Archer smiled. ʼʼWell, Teu. She seems more than happy to become mine, and Iʼve taken an interest in her, so Iʼll kidnap her while causing more trouble.ʼʼ

The Aquarian princess sighed. ʼʼYou are a menace, darling. Iʼm glad weʼre engaged and love each other. Imagine if we were enemies.ʼʼ

ʼʼNever. You were always mine, Teuila Aquaria; your fate was sealed on the day we met all those years ago when you saved me.ʼʼ Archer said with a smile.

When hearing that, Teuilaʼs lips curled into a smile as the memory of a battered boy with white hair flashed through her mind. The same boy had saved her kingdom, and the bond between them had grown stronger through that shared journey.

”I canʼt believe itʼs been four years already, Arch. Time has flown by,” Teuila commented, her fingers intertwining with his as they reminisced.

Archer smiled before replying. ʼʼItʼs been great. We have many more years together, so letʼs make the most of it.ʼʼ

After speaking, the group arrived at the arena, and Archer had to go to the stage, as the announcer said. ʼʼCan Archer Wyldheart and Kassandra Tidewater come to the stage, please!ʼʼ

He kissed all the girls and bid farewell to the boys before making his way to the stage, where an extremely attractive girl stood. Stepping onto it, he examined her closely. She was muscular with black hair and midnight black eyes, exuding confidence.

Archer sensed her strength and realized she wasnʼt human. With a smirk, he questioned, ”What are you? Youʼre not human.”

The girl smiled, her voice enchanting as she replied, ”Beat me, and I may consider telling you, dragon.”

ʼʼOkay. Weapons or just fists?ʼʼ Archer asked.

ʼʼFists,ʼʼ Kassandra answered before the referee started the match, and the two rushed at each other.

[Please let me know if you spot any mistakes, and I will edit them. Thank you.]