Chapter 293: The Clash Between Young Generation
In the bustling Military District, a multitude of people formed a lengthy line that snaked its way, effectively blocking the entrance tunnel. These individuals, predominantly commoners, were accompanied by their children, all eager to register at the esteemed academy.
Towards the end of the district, a small group of figures adorned in elegant robes and adorned with oversized hats stood, acting as sentinels, guarding the portal. Curiously, the commoners kept their distance, staying a cautious five meters away. Among them stood a woman, her flowing white robe draping down to her feet, and a large white hat shielding her delicate features from the harsh sunlight.
Flanking her were four men dressed similarly, their eyes fixed intently on the commoners, their gazes unwavering.
The long line caused a disruptive bottleneck within the tunnel, impeding the passage of merchants and leading to frustrated outcries. Angry shouts were directed towards the city guards by exasperated merchants, while determined coachmen attempted to navigate their carriages, laden with goods and materials, through the security blockade.
Above the tunnel, city guards bellowed vehemently at the disorganized line of people, pointing their accusatory fingers and attempting to restore order among the commoners. However, the commoners were not easily swayed, retaliating with their own defiant shouts, calling out to their friends who happened to be among the ranks of the city guards.
The bond between soldiers and commoners ran deep, with many in the line having familial ties or being distantly related to the guards.
Caught in a standoff, the city guards exchanged uneasy glances, adjusting their helmets to obscure their faces from the commoners. Desperately, they resorted to threats, brandishing accusations of criminal behavior should the commoners fail to obey their commands.
*Rumble* *Rumble*
In the midst of the escalating confrontation between guards and commoners, the sound of approaching horse-drawn carriages reverberated from the opposite end of the tunnel. The resonating clatter of hooves filled the air, capturing everyone's attention.
As the carriages came into view, displaying an emblem prominently affixed to their exteriors, the commoners swiftly made way, creating a clear path for the regal procession.
Behind the horse-drawn carriages, a contingent of elite soldiers, mounted atop magnificent steeds, followed closely. Their piercing gaze momentarily scanned the faces of the commoners before redirecting their attention to the city guards.
With heads respectfully bowed, the guards cried out in unison, "Welcome to the Military District!"
As the carriages came to a halt, the commoners had already created a wide berth, respectfully keeping their distance from the regal entourage. The elite soldiers dismounted swiftly, forming a protective circle, ensuring no one encroached upon their distinguished guests.
*Click*
One of the carriage doors swung open, revealing Greyson and his family, gracefully descending from the plush interior. Following suit, the final carriage door opened, and Elizabeth emerged with the assistance of Clark.
"Your Highness," Greyson and Violet greeted with warm smiles. Their daughter, Gabriela, dashed forward and stood proudly at Elizabeth's side.
Clark positioned himself behind the group, his vigilant gaze scanning the crowd. His demeanor turned guarded as he noticed several young men of his age casting envious glances in his direction.
"Wow, isn't it breathtaking?" whispered the onlookers amongst themselves, their voices filled with awe.
"Who is he? That fortunate lad standing beside the princess!" murmured others, their eyes filled with jealousy as they scrutinized Clark from head to toe, noting the simplicity of his attire compared to the regal princess.
Simultaneously, the crowd couldn't help but steal glances at Elizabeth, utterly captivated by her mesmerizing beauty. With Gabriela standing by her side, they seemed like ethereal beings, evoking a sense of awe in onlookers.
"Your Highness," the white-robed woman who had been stationed near the portal approached the group, accompanied by the men who respectfully inclined their bodies in deference.
Elizabeth responded with a gracious smile and said, "Please, raise your heads." Her serene demeanor and tranquil aura left the crowd bewildered, solidifying their belief that she hailed from a royal lineage. Elegant and poised, Elizabeth carried herself with remarkable grace.
As Elizabeth's gaze swept over the commoners, an involuntary inclination of their heads followed suit. Their bodies moved as if guided by an unseen force. Clark, standing faithfully behind Elizabeth, found himself enchanted. Reminiscing about their childhood memories, a fond smile tugged at his lips, knowing well the playful and indulged side of Elizabeth.
While Clark stood by her side, Elizabeth could already guess what he was thinking as she playfully rolled her eyes. Despite his position, he couldn't help but appreciate her astute perception.
"This way, Your Highness and young lady," the white-robed woman courteously guided them toward the portal. Her brows furrowed slightly upon catching a glimpse of the young man trailing behind, but she dared not approach him, considering his presence alongside the princess.
At that moment, the continuous sound of horse carriages echoed from within the tunnel beyond the gates of the Military District. Elizabeth and her group instinctively halted, their gazes fixated on the approaching carriages.
*Click*
The opening of a carriage door resonated, accompanied by the sight of a person alighting from within. "Hello, Miss Elizabeth," the voice rang out, causing the beautiful smile on Elizabeth's face to slowly fade, replaced by a hint of discomfort. Her unease was evident as she laid eyes on the newcomer.
The onlookers widened their eyes in surprise. Not only had someone dared to address their princess so informally, but they had also managed to disrupt the radiance on her face. Their glares were directed at the unknown intruder, yet not a single soul amongst them could discern the newcomer's identity.
Greyson, who had noticed the disturbance, furrowed his brow but was restrained by his wife. He followed her gaze, which repeatedly nodded in the direction of the emblem adorning the newcomer's carriage.
"Who are you?!" one of the elite soldiers barked fiercely. Despite their vigilant formation guarding the group and keeping the commoners at bay, this audacious individual continued to approach without faltering.
"My name is Matson, son of Master Wizard Grimm," Matson responded, his frown deepening as he witnessed the elite soldiers' attitude.
However, upon revealing his identity, the elite soldiers' demeanor shifted dramatically. They quickly amended their behavior, politely allowing him to pass. "It is Young Master Matson. Please forgive my earlier rudeness," one of the soldiers said, his tone now respectful.
Matson simply nodded in acknowledgment, choosing to ignore the astonishment etched on the faces of the commoners. He strode towards Elizabeth, lowering one knee to the ground, as if to kiss her hand.
In that moment, Matson's eyes caught sight of Clark's figure, and he let out a cold snort as his lips grazed Elizabeth's wrist. Clark, who had intended to intervene, received a firm pinch in his side from Elizabeth's other hand. He glanced back at her, sensing her somber expression, and could only glower at Matson with simmering fury, his fists clenched tightly.
To everyone's surprise, Gabriela, who had been standing beside Elizabeth, slapped Matson's outstretched hand, causing him to widen his eyes in astonishment.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Gabriela's gaze burned with fury as she glared at Matson, her cheeks flushed with indignation. She carefully examined Elizabeth's hand, concerned about any potential harm caused.
Elizabeth, rendered momentarily speechless by her friend's audacious act, looked at Gabriela's innocent yet worried face. She let out a resigned sigh before turning her gaze toward Gabriela's parents, seeking their guidance in this unexpected situation.
Greyson, initially taken aback by his daughter's boldness, couldn't help but let out a wry smile. "Oh, my dear child... what a spirited display!" Violet's mind raced with a mixture of concern and pride. Their roles had suddenly reversed, as Greyson embraced Violet tightly, silently urging her to refrain from scolding their fearless daughter.
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