The Princess' Harem
Chapter 60: Journey to the Border

Chapter 60: Journey to the Border

That night, Viana and Joel prepared everything they needed for their journey to the border. They chose plain clothes instead of royal robes and packed some trade goods to make their disguise more convincing. They also created fake documents as proof of their identities.

After all the preparations were done, Viana wrote a letter to be left with Sina, her personal maid. The letter was addressed to her father and mother, the King and Queen of Elysia, explaining that she and Joel would be leaving for a while on an important matter that she could not disclose in detail for security reasons.

Sina promised to deliver the letter carefully, ensuring it would not cause unnecessary concern.

At dawn, Viana and Joel were ready at the back gate of the palace with two strong horses chosen for the journey. These horses were well-trained for rough terrain and could endure long distances without losing stamina.

Without ceremony, they set off toward the border.

***

The journey began as they left Elysia’s main city behind. Viana and Joel took a quieter route, avoiding the main roads frequently used by nobles and royal guards. Dressed as traveling merchants, they blended in easily, and no one seemed to recognize them.

Joel occasionally glanced back to ensure they were not being followed, while Viana adjusted her riding pace, feeling a sense of freedom she rarely experienced.

As the sun rose higher, they entered rural farmland. Wheat fields and apple orchards stretched on both sides of the road, and a few farmers glanced at them as they passed. However, no one seemed suspicious, which worked to their advantage.

They stopped briefly by the river to let their horses drink and refill their water supply. Joel checked their provisions, making sure they had enough food for the night.

"We need to hunt," Joel said, looking toward the forest that was starting to appear ahead.

Viana nodded, knowing that this would be a challenge for her. As a princess, she had never truly lived in the wild. Everything she needed was always available in the palace—food, a comfortable bed, servants ready to help at any moment. But now, they had only themselves to rely on.

They continued traveling until evening before stopping in a small forest for rest and hunting.

***

In the morning, Viana sat near the campfire, watching Joel as he prepared his bow for hunting. She observed his movements carefully, realizing how skilled he was at surviving in the wild.

"Listen," Joel said suddenly, without looking at her. "If you want to last out here, you need to adapt."

Viana straightened slightly, feeling challenged. "I can learn."

Joel grinned, then stood and handed her a small knife. "Then start with something simple. We need to prepare our own dinner."

Viana took the knife and let out a small sigh. She had never hunted before, but she knew she could not rely on Joel to do everything. So, she tried learning a few basic survival skills—collecting firewood, helping clean the game they caught, and even attempting to skin a rabbit that Joel had caught.

At first, her movements were stiff, her hands trembled as she held the knife, but Joel watched patiently. "You’re getting the hang of it," he finally said, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.

Viana felt proud hearing it, even though she still disliked rough tasks like this. But at least, she was beginning to understand how to survive without depending on others.

That night, they sat by the fire and ate a simple meal.

"I’m surprised," Joel said, watching Viana take a bite of rabbit meat. "You haven’t complained once today."

Viana gave a small smile. "I want to prove that I can handle this."

Joel nodded, then raised his wooden cup filled with water. "Then you’ve passed your first survival test, Your Highness."

Viana laughed softly, raising her own cup. "I hope I pass the next one too."

***

On the third day, their first real threat appeared.

They were following a narrow forest path when suddenly, a **large bear** emerged onto the trail, looking aggressive as if it felt threatened by their presence.

Viana pulled back on her horse’s reins in panic, while Joel quickly dismounted and grabbed his sword.

"Stay still," Joel said firmly, his sharp eyes locked onto the bear.

Viana knew she couldn’t do much in this situation, but she trusted Joel. He remained **calm**, as if he had faced similar dangers before.

The bear growled and started moving toward them. In an instant, Joel lunged forward. His sword gleamed in the sunlight, and with quick, controlled movements, he dodged the bear’s attacks and struck a decisive blow to its side.

Viana watched in shock as the bear finally collapsed, its blood staining the ground.

Joel let out a deep breath, then turned to Viana. "I hope that didn’t traumatize you."

Viana looked at the fallen bear, then shifted her gaze back to Joel. "No. I’m just surprised at how quickly you handled it."

Joel smirked. "Not my first time fighting wild animals."

They decided to make use of the bear meat since they still had a long journey ahead. Joel taught Viana how to properly cut and prepare the meat, and though she initially found it disgusting, she pushed through and learned.

"You actually look like a real traveler now," Joel said teasingly.

Viana simply shook her head, but deep down, she felt proud that she was no longer acting like a helpless royal.

***

On the third night, they finally arrived at a small inn with a tavern near the border. The place was simple but busy with traders and mercenaries resting before continuing their travels.

Viana and Joel entered, pretending to be wandering merchants who had just arrived from a long journey. They rented a small room upstairs and later sat at the tavern, taking in the atmosphere while listening to conversations among the other patrons.

Joel ordered a cup of beer, while Viana enjoyed a warm meal—finally able to have something freshly cooked after three days of relying on hunted food.

"We’ll start investigating tomorrow," Joel whispered, lowering his voice. "Are you ready?"

Viana nodded, then looked into the fire crackling in the hearth at the center of the tavern.

"Yes," she said. "I’m ready."

Their mission at the border was about to begin.