The Hero's Forsaken Princess
Chapter 145: The Shopkeeper

Alaric decided to spend a day with Eve before leaving. This time he couldn’t bring her to the capital. She would be safer if she stayed in the town than coming with them.

"Shall we walk around the town?" Alaric invited her.

Eve nodded. "Okay."

Alaric grabbed her hand as they stepped out of the Inn. They started walking in the town center, watching the people of Zephyra.

No one spoke between them yet their hands were interlocked with each other.

Alaric already felt happy since Eve was no longer avoiding him.

"Are you hungry? Let’s check the food stall. They might be selling some sweets." Alaric broke the silence.

Eve just nodded.

Alaric guided her to the food stalls. The two fit in as though they were ordinary citizens of Kingdom Zephyra.

The couple stopped by the food stall selling rice cakes.

"Give me two of these," Alaric said to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper happily entertained Alaric. However, he suddenly froze the moment his eyes laid on Eve.

"Princess Esmeralda?" The man uttered in disbelief.

He immediately covered his mouth, realizing he must have mistaken her. The woman before him was too young to be Princess Esmeralda.

However, Eve and Alaric heard him clearly. He definitely called Eve Princess Esmeralda.

"Forgive me. I didn’t mean to call her by that name. Please just forget what I have said, otherwise, my shop will be closed down," the man apologized.

"Mister... wait. Can we ask you more about the princess you’ve mentioned? Actually, I’m looking for someone. Do you know Alucard Winslow?" Eve asked him without hesitation. Before Annie died, she told her to find the former royal guard captain.

The shopkeeper’s eyes widened at the mention of Alucard Winslow.

"Why are you looking for him?" he asked them in a low voice. "Please be careful not to mention that name especially if the Zephyra’s knights are patrolling here! You will get in trouble," he warned them.

"Is there a way to find him or talk to him?" Alaric butted in. He knew that Alucard Winslow would be a great support for Eve once she reclaimed the throne from her grand uncle.

The shopkeeper bobbed his head frantically. "They’ve been hiding for so long. But they often come here to buy food supplies. You can write a message. Then I will relay it to his comrade once they come here."

Alaric and Eve exchanged glances with one another. They realized that the shopkeeper was among those ordinary citizens of Zephyra who were trying to protect and help Alucard and his army.

The shopkeeper provided them with parchment paper and a quill pen. As Eve wrote her message, he couldn’t help but stare at Princess Eve, still wondering about her connection with Esmeralda. She resembled her a lot.

After writing her note, Eve folded the parchment paper, handing it to the shopkeeper.

"Thank you, Mister. Please pass this message to Captain Alucard. We will appreciate your help."

The shopkeeper gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don’t worry. I’ll make sure they receive your message."

He politely bowed his head, a glimmer of hope could be seen in his eyes.

"We will take our leave now. Thank you again," Alaric said, bidding him farewell.

But before they left, the shopkeeper advised them. "My Lady, cover your face as you roam around. It’s for your safety."

Eve and Alaric understood his message. Her mother was an exiled princess who fled from Zephyra. King Zaraki was still searching for her mother. Since she resembled her mother a lot, she should hide her face, otherwise, people with bad intentions could recognize her.

Alaric immediately gave her a black mask to cover the lower half of her face. He also made her wear a veil hat.

"I think this enough to conceal your beauty, my princess," Alaric said teasingly.

Eve tried her best not to smile but failed.

Seeing her smile, Alaric’s heart couldn’t help but rejoice. For the past few days, he had never seen her smiling at him.

"I heard there is a beautiful valley near this time. Shall we go and see it together?" Alaric asked her permission.

Since today was the last day they would be together before Alaric’s team would leave the town, Eve agreed to see the valley with him.

The two left the town center, heading to the valley. Alaric just silently watched Eve as they walked. Meanwhile, Eve was enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful scenery.

The Zephyra Kingdom had its own beauty that set it apart from other kingdoms. Eve felt so happy to be there in her mother’s homeland.

Eve and Alaric reached the peak of the valley. The overlooking view was majestic and matched the color of the setting sun.

The couple sat down on the grass as they watched the sunset together.

"So beautiful," Eve mumbled.

Alaric just smiled and nodded in response, wrapping his arm around her waist. Eve leaned on his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Eve, I’m leaving tomorrow. Wait for my return. I’ll bring you victory," Alaric said, making a vow.

Eve turned to look at him. "Please be careful. You can’t die."

Alaric nodded, reaching out to caress her face. "Yes. I’m not going to die. I’ll do my best to return to you. So please wait for me."

Eve gazed down, holding back her tears. H

Part of her hated Alaric. But her feelings didn’t change. She still loved this man. And she was afraid of losing him.

"Alaric... Make sure you come back."

Alaric cupped her face. Then he leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. That was his silent response to her.

Eve could only close her eyes before sinking into his body as she hugged him.

’Forgive me, Alaric... Instead of spending more time with you, I decided to avoid you for the past few weeks. Now, that you are leaving, I regretted pushing you away,’ Eve thought to herself, shedding tears.

"Once I return, please tell me the reason why you get upset with me," Alaric said, hugging her tightly.

"Y-Yes... I will." Eve responded, slamming her eyes shut.