Emery, Milly and Rena were outside the castle waving goodbye to a departing carriage with tears in their eyes. The carriage disappeared through a portal and just like that, it was like the carriage was never there.

The wagon reappeared on the outskirts of Rudon. An old gruff looking man was driving the oversized extravagant carriage. A voice from inside called out to the gruff man. "Avoid Rudon go around the town and head for the border." He only gave a nod acknowledging his lord's command.

**

"Are we close to the border yet?" Ria asked the anticipation making her voice crack.

"I'm not sure, Gildi said it wasn't far from Rudon about half a days ride. You know we could have just flown it would be way faster." Yuuta grumbled already bored with traveling.

"No! I want to spend as much time alone as we can before making it to the border. plus this carriage is amazing the seats are so soft and comfortable it beats the rickety wagon we rode to Yuart in the first time. Who would do thought that trip would lead us to this." She shot back cozying up to him with her just accept it look.

Yuuta shrugged it was only half a day he could bear the boredom for her. "Yes my love," He said happily kissing her forehead.

The rest of the day went by slow as Ria told stories of her father and brother. From what Yuuta could tell they where pretty close before the war. Her father sounded like a good guy reminding him of his own father strict but fair. Her brother sounded like a hot head and from the sound of it very protective, he was sure Ash wouldn't take their engagement happily. The more he thought about it the more nervous he became. As the carriage bumped down the road it hit him that he was meeting his fiancé's dad and brother.

For some reason, he hadn't thought that much about it till now. Ria assured that they would love him but every girl says that right. (Ohh man why didn't I ready myself for this. I have to make a good impression!). Ria noticed his abrupt nervous sweating and gave him a worried look.

"What's wrong are you sick?" She asked sweetly putting her hand up to his forehead. He shook his head "No I was just thinking about your family what if they don't like me?" He asked anxiously his voice quiet.

Ria snickered a little at his comment. A small part of her was happy he got to feel like she always does meeting all those nobles. After enjoying the moment a little she reassured him "Yuuta with what you have done for me how can they not love you? You saved me from slavery, take care of me, love me more than anything, A future lord of a city, and are currently reuniting me with them. If none of those things make them like you then nothing will." She answers like it was the most obvious thing in the world but he didn't mean it like that. "I know all of that I mean like what if they don't like me my personality or how I handle things. Or if they don't believe I'm right for you. I just want to make a good first impression I know it sounds stupid but I don't want to cause trouble for you." He said giving her a tight hug.

Ria was surprised he was so worried. It made her stomach swirl and her heart flutter at how much this meant to him. "Quit worrying you just have to trust me." She said hugging him back.

The wagon started to slow prompting Yuuta too look out the window. A stone walkway with guards on each side were waiting patiently for the incoming carriage. Once they came to a full stop Yuuta stepped out and met them.

"Halt! State your business and identity!" The guard barked out.

Yuuta pulled out the sigil he was gifted and presented the flaming Phoenix to the guards. "My name is Lord Yuuta Vermillion of house Vermillion heir to Yuart." He tried his best to sound official and authoritative.

The guards did a once over before taking the sigil and disappearing into the toll booth. A couple of minutes later they came out holding a piece of parchment and his sigil.

The older looking guard spoke first. "Welcome to the great nation of Palmes Lord Yuuta Vermillion. A diplomat from Yuart left this for you, please enjoy your stay the closets city is Querth it's not more than 3 days ride east of here."

"Thank you for the information, this is my first time in your kingdom is there anything important I should know before traveling?" Yuuta wanted to make sure he didn't do anything disrespectful or offensive.

"Hmm... let me see well first since you're from Hartford you will probably be surprised by the different races living here. Palmes is a diverse nation with over 500 different races living together each with their own customs, religion, and beliefs. It's impossible to know everything so just be respectful to everybody and don't cause trouble or gawk at them like some tourist. Next, I would say to stay on the main roads and paths Palmes has terrifying beasts, monsters, and insects waiting around every corner in the wild so be on the lookout and never let your guard down. We have adventurers that clear the main paths weekly but you never know what can happen out there. If you see adventurers don't be afraid to ask for an escort they are more than willing for the right price. Other than that it's mostly common knowledge." Yuuta thanked him once again for all the help and tipped a gold for it.

Just like that Palmes was in view and Ria was one step closer to finding her family.