It was finally time to commence the investigation of the Exotic Beasts.

At the foot of the Sealing Mountain of Yogmo Academy, seven or eight carriages had gathered.

Fike arrived at the foot of the mountain alone, where Director Cisco and three other accompanying professors had been waiting for him for a while.

Truthfully, he was a bit behind schedule as he had tried to bid a quick farewell to Sertia and Molly back at the academy, but it had dragged on a bit longer than expected.

Seeing Director Cisco, he quickly gathered his bearings and walked over.

As they spotted him, the other three professors stood up as well.

The three of them were respectful toward this powerful silver-haired youth in front of them as they began to introduce themselves.

A brown-haired, young male teacher was the first to speak.

"My name is Casey. I'm the Special Investigator assigned to the Exotic Beast Tower by Yogmo Academy at this time. My class is Diamond Mage."

A female teacher with light blonde hair beside him took over.

"My name is lamas. I am also a special investigator sent from the Academy."

Finally, Fike's gaze landed on a middle-aged man who was completely wrapped up in dark clothes.

It seemed that he would be the last member on this trip.

"My name is Thor!"

The man spoke in a deep, booming voice.

"I am your assigned bodyguard, and also the Assassin Professor of the Melee School."

After hearing everyone introduce themselves, Fike took his turn.

"My name is Fike, a freshman of the Spell School, and I am a priest."

After he had finished speaking, he looked to Cisco.

Seeing that everyone had already introduced themselves, Cisco said.

"I won't be making any introductions. Everyone seems to be familiar with each other!"

He smiled as he continued.

"We have another person on this trip!"

Fike looked at Cisco in slight confusion.

"Where is he?"

Cisco wore a cheeky smile in response.

"We'll have to go and pick her up now. Come on, let's get in the carriage!"

Casey and Iamas shared the same carriage while Cisco and Thor took another. Fike was given one of his own.

The thick curtains of the carriage blocked out the sunlight effectively, making it impossible to look outside.

As the carriage moved onwards, Fike eventually fell asleep.

The road was bumpy, and after a while of travelling, they gradually came to a stop.

Fike only woke up abruptly when he vaguely heard Cisco's call.

Stepping out of the carriage, he found that they had arrived at the place leading to the Romon Auction.

A beautiful figure who was no stranger to Fike appeared before him.

Without waiting for the woman to turn around, Fike spoke.

"Lan Xi? Why are you here?"

Lan Xi turned around.

Seeing Fike, she immediately snatched him into a huge embrace.

A little overwhelmed, Fike awkwardly turned to Cisco for help.

Cisco smiled as he spoke.

"Miss Lan Xi is the ninth princess of the current king. She had left the palace alone to start an auction in the Royal City of Romon. Now, it's time to go back!"

Fike stared at Lan Xi in disbelief.

"You... you are a princess?"

Lan Xi smiled and nodded.

"Yes, my father is the king of the Lieluo Empire, Ross Collin III."

Then, she whispered in Fike's ear.

"This trip will bring you to meet your future father-in-law!"

Lan Xi held on to his hand as she called loudly.

"Carry my luggage into the carriage!"

The servants at her side did as they were told as Lan Xi waltzed directly into Fike's carriage.

"Let's go!" Cisco addressed the group.

"Everyone, take a good rest. We're leaving for the capital!"

Everyone got into their respective carriages.

As Fike did the same, the moment he closed the door, Lan Xi leaned into his arms before giving him a passionate kiss.

When the two finally separated, Fike looked into Lan Xi's eyes as he asked.

"Lan Xi, why did you leave the palace just to be an auctioneer in Romon City?"

The lady's expression turned slightly serious as she replied.

"My mother was a young lady from a wealthy merchant family here in the Royal City of Romon, and my father fell in love with her when he visited the city in his youth!

"At that time, he was just an ordinary prince. In the few days that he stayed in Romon, my father made a solemn vow to my mother, but after I was born, he brought me away to the Imperial Capital of Rowei and left my mother alone.

"My father never gave her a proper title. In the end, my mother died of grief."

The corners of Lan Xi's eyes glistened with tears as she spoke.

Fike hugged her and allowed her to lean into his warm embrace.

"My father..." Lan Xi choked.

"Ever since I was a child, I've often heard of these stories in the palace. Ever since, I've had the thought of escaping.

"Anyway, my father never cared about me. I lived alone in the palace, my only company being the palace maids that attended me every day.

"Later on, I left the cold place. Father was gracious enough to give me a large sum of money, and I've never looked back since I left."

Hearing this, Fike asked her gently.

"If that's the case, why are you going back now?"

Lan Xi replied without hesitation.

"A few days ago, I received a letter from the palace. I'm afraid Father doesn't have much time left. This may be the last time we meet."

Fike noticed that her expression was not one of sadness as she said this. He figured that Lan Xi did hold much affection in her heart for her king of a father.

He continued to hold her in a tight embrace as he listened attentively to her recount the grievances she had suffered over the years.

The pair gazed at each other tenderly. It wasn't long before they were kissing again.

...

After a certain amount of time, the carriage came to a stop once more.

Fike and Lan Xi pulled open the curtains of their carriage to find that they had arrived at a small village located on the east side of the Royal City of Romon.

Although the village was small, it was not shabby at all. After all, it had reaped the benefits of being located so close to Romon.

Merchants on their way to the royal city would have to pass by this village en route.

Although the city walls at the village gate were not as luxurious as Romon City's, they were not inferior to the Ledda City gates Fike had been accustomed to once before.

On the gate of the village hung a plaque that was neither too big nor too small. On it, three big words were inscribed, "Fu Shou Village".

Cisco was busy showing his identification card to the guard stationed at the gate. After some negotiation, the group of carriages were eventually allowed to enter the village.

They continued to move forward until finally stopping at an inn.

Everyone got off their carriages. This was the largest inn in Fu Shou Village, the Fu Shou Inn.

As the group packed into the eatery, Fike noticed a group of people wearing the uniforms of Heavenly King's Palace from the corner of his eye.