Hellbents
Chapter 14: The Test

There are a few gaffes that bother Ava in fact. First, the main purpose of the bandits was mostly to plunder, so it made more sense that their robbery headquarters were on a commercial road commonly traversed by merchants, not a forest populated by monsters. Second, even if there was a coincidence of bandits staying here, why did they not immediately pull out their weapons to threaten potential victims? Statistically, 45% of the active combat population has skills related to various weapons, while only 10% have pure abilities in magic without the help of magi sticks. What is stopping them? Since the bandits knew Ezra's true identity, removing the weapon in front of the royal family would be considered a sign of rebellion, it was listed in the rule book he read. Of course Ava and River will not be exposed to this law, because from their perspective the couple still does not know anything about the prince. This is the advantage of pretending to be stupid, if only Ava admitted that she knew since their meeting a week ago, she was forced to be bound by the rules.

The third point, Ezra amazingly showed a very convincing fear acting, Ava almost doubted her own conclusion, but in contrast to her master, the high-leveled old servant still had a flat face, he said, almost bored. In addition, they also did not immediately act to save themselves, whether it was trying to escape or want to fight. They're waiting, waiting for Ava or River to do something.

A test.

Just think about it, just how great was the chance for a commoner to meet with the royal family? Not only that, Ava was followed. That man must have had ulterior motives. So Ava went straight to the city library to find out the ins and outs she could get from a book. Then, he gets some information that might be the reason Ezra approached him.

Maturites.

Maturite is a process of maturation after a prince or princess is 18 years old, the royal family, who had just reached a ripe age, would wander clandestinely with some of their servants to collect the credits that would later be used as consideration in the handover of the throne. Credit score is coupled with a way of doing things that can benefit the kingdom, whether it is developing wasted areas, creating systems, regulations, or facilities and means of significant value, or other actions. But the method that is often used by previous generations is to gather capable fighters to be assigned to take care of the gate or outbreak. The higher the level limit, if successful, the more scores will be obtained.

In conclusion, Ezra wanted to use Ava as a political pawn for the king's seat.

But he hated that idea. That's why the girl used the anesthetic powder rather than direct confrontation, minimizing the prince's chance of seeing her fight. In addition, Ava also avoids fighting with the leader of “bandit” so as not to provoke the anger of a high-leveled old servant who has the same last name. Maybe they both have a child-dad relationship? Grandparents? Uncle-niece? Whatever it is, it's better to be shunned.

“Enough!” Ava raised her eyebrows, waiting for what the prince would say next. “Quick give them an antidote, no need for any killing here, let the capital soldiers detain them.”

Oh, there seems to be a misunderstanding. “Of course I have no intention of killing them. And also, what I threw was not poison, but dope powder. The effect only lasts a few minutes,” said the girl while removing the rope that she usually uses as a trap. “Help me tie before they wake up.”

“Then what will we do with him?” River asked while pointing to the leader of “bandit” who was still standing though not upright. The four of them looked in one direction. Ava did not know what kind of sign Ezra gave, but the tall man who was still struggling not to breathe immediately lifted his foot into the forest.

“It is better not to pursue. There is still a possibility to meet a high-level monster, he can also lure us to their headquarters to summon reinforcements.” Ava just nodded in agreement with Ezra's proposal, understanding the hidden intent within.

“But we also can not linger here, it has started late afternoon,” this time the waiter who opened his mouth.

Wait, Ava doesn't like the direction of this conversation. “Then let me help you marginalize your horse carriage so we can pass. On the other hand, you can fix the broken wheel or call another andong.”

As if waiting for this opportunity, Ezra immediately replied, “What if the four of us ride together? I can hire you two as temporary bodyguards.”

It was clearly as planned. “But our destination could have been different,” Ava replied.

“Oh, we're heading to Englerock. You guys?” Uh, how far does he know?

“Our destination is the same!” River screeched in spirit, perhaps pleased with the additional prospect of his chatter mates. Although River is introverted, he likes to talk.

“I think it's a good idea.”

This way Ava is outnumbered.

If it has been, Ava will gain the greatest profit while she can. “You will pay us how much?”

Hearing the challenge of the girl before him, Ezra smirked, “Mahal, I have a lot of money.”

Ava knew that.

The four of them continued their journey. Ezra tries to convince Ava and River to leave the sleeping “bandit” to be taken care of by the capital's soldiers who are already called their chariot drivers. Of course Ava is sure that the “bandit” leader who survived will free his friends after their entourage left. It seemed like they were all the loyal servants of this third prince before him.

“Omong-by the way I still don't know your name!” Ezra suddenly exclaimed.

Oh, hold on.

If this prince had investigated it, wouldn't he have known the name Ava used? But the problem is, where does he get his information? If there is a leak from River's side, her name should be Rina, not the meaning of River revealing directly, but it could be that the people they met a week ago knew her as Rina because River called her that. But if Ezra saw the documentation of the west gate, where he was going in and out of the city, then the name of the identity card he stole would be different, Mia Tollman.

Lina and Mia sounded very far away.

Damnit.

This was why Ava didn't like it if there were authorities nearby.

Fuck the. “Rina.”

Ezra smiled, as did his contented and meaningful golden bead. “Call me Ezi, if he's Alladore, Al more for short.”

“I'm River Doyle, greetings know.”

Ava had a hunch that the rest of their route would be heavily traveled because of this.