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“Sir Wilbur.”

“Ah, princess Iris! How may I help you!”

“Have you heard about the incident yesterday? The fire that happened at Izuna’s new house?”

“… Yes. I am aware.”

“Why was it labeled as an accident? Why didn’t the guards start a formal investigation? It was obvious man made. Her maid was even murdered and…”

“Princess Iris… please don’t involve yourself.”

“Eh!? But it’s clear an injustice was done here.”

“Princess Iris, I don’t know if you are aware but lady Izuna is the winner of the anual Slaughter Fest. A tournament that was made for nobility to shine. Yet she trampled on all of that. The nobles… can’t let that slide.”

“Wilbur! Do you realize what you’re saying!? You’re basically admitting that the nobles are the ones behind this! If I take this matter to father…”

“His Highness won’t do anything. The nobles are important for the kingdom. Their taxes and generous donations are what keeps our army strong and ready to face the waves if they occur.”

“But… the law is made to protect people. Why does it not apply to them? I…”

“Princess, you are still too young. Please, trust me and don’t get yourself involved in this. There is still much you need to learn about how this world works. I beg you, leave this matter aside and don’t dig further. You’ll find nothing good at the end.”

“… O… okay.”

I’m sorry. Even if this will make father mad… I can’t ignore this. I won’t do anything rash… but I really need to open my eyes. I have to see for myself how the people are treated. That’s the duty of a proper ruler.

It’s been several days since we were on the road now. We were approaching our final major town before we would finally reach the border with Hestyia. On our way across the country we fought various monsters. Under my guidance Elenore and Tia evolved at a rapid rate. They finally know useful skills and their combat skill is also showing.

Elenore

Level – 35

HP – 32670

MP – 920

Attack Power – 17450

Defense – 18005

Agility – 12500

Tia

Level – 37

HP – 28380

MP – 1750

Attack Power – 23255

Defense – 11070

Agility – 19910

Because Tia is a dark elf her MP is higher than a regular human. And because Sniping Ranger is a DPS type class her power is stronger than Elenore’s. However, Elenore has more HP and defense. Together they make a really nice balanced team and cover for each other’s shortcomings. But they’re not the only ones that have to improve. I need to get stronger as well. If going by the game standards, just killing monsters for exp isn’t gonna cut it for me. It’s too much of grind for a single level. I really hope this hermit story is true.

We finally reached the town. I didn’t recall the name of this place and honestly I didn’t care much.

“We’ll rest here for a few days, make provisions and then finally leave this country. If you girls want to go have some fun, go for it.”

“But will you be okay?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry about me. I’m just gonna walk around and clear my head a bit.”

I parted with Elenore and Tia for now. We agreed to meet later at an inn. For now, I just randomly took a stroll around town. Some guys even tried to hit on me. If they only knew about my lower half they wouldn’t come near me.

“Why hello, miss. Are you here all by yourself? You know, there’s a dangerous slave trader gang in this city. Maybe you should stick with me. I’ll keep you safe!”

Slave traders?

“Is that illegal?”

“You must be a foreigner. Slave trading is legal as long as it’s done by auction houses. But this group is kidnapping people and forcing them into slavery. There are plenty that buy from the black market.”

“I see. Thanks.”

“Eh… Wait. Don’t you need protection?”

In the state I’m in right now, trust me, buddy. It’s everyone else around me that needs protection. I continued my stroll around the market. I didn’t necessarily need anything specific. But watching the people and admiring the sights calmed my mind. At least for a while. I left the busy central area and went on a dark alley. Nobody was around. Or so it would seem.

“Alright. You’ve been following me for quite some time. Why not show yourself?”

A muscular guy with a black cape and hood jumped down from a rooftop. He apparently had some sort of baggage on his back. And his level was 46.

“This is my lucky day. The boss will give me a bonus if I bring you along. A rare beauty like you will make a great slave.”

I barely got into this town and you already want trouble? Fine buddy. Come at me. I wanna release some steam too. The hooded thug came straight for me. I grabbed his hand and flip him above my head before pushing him on the floor. His bag fell down and his face made small cracks on the concrete when he crashed.

“Curse you!”

He got back on his feet and pulled out a dagger. Given the fact that the blade was slightly glowing it was probably enchanted. Still… I might as well be facing a twig. He jumped up and tried pulling some acrobatic movements. But once again I catch his arm. This time I completely break it.

“AAAAAA!!!”

Let’s put you out of your misery. I simply grabbed his head and twisted it 180 degrees. He fell lifeless on the floor after that.

“And that’s that.”

Or so I thought. I turned my head around and the bag he was carrying started moving. I kept cautious and approached it. But what I found inside… was something I wasn’t expecting.

“Elenore, you think that Izuna will ever be back to her old self? I feel she wants to walk a dangerous path.”

“That’s what we’re here for. She’s confused, but it’s only natural. Like she protects us we must also support her.”

As Tia and Elenore were shopping around for various provisions, someone called out to them.

“Excuse me, ladies.”

“Eh!?”

“No way! A Mazoku?”

When they turned around what they saw was a maid. A maid completely different from Levia. This woman with silver hair had a violet-ish skin color and stiches across her body. Bandages around her neck, long silver hair and ruby red eyes.

“AAA! A zombie!”

“No. Please calm down. I understand your confusion. But I am not a zombie. I am an artificial life form. A homunculus. If I was a zombie, the people of this town would have never granted me access.”

“Oh… that kinda makes sense.”

“Pardon me if I startled you. I just wanted to ask you if you have seen a small girl. She is unique. In your eyes she would be around 5 years old. She has beautiful snow white hair with blue eyes and elf like ears. Have you seen someone matching this description?”

Elenore and Tia both looked at each other and then they looked back at the maid.

“No. We haven’t seen anyone like that.”

“I see. Thank you for your time.”

“Wait. Is she your kid or something?”

“The young lady is my mistress. We got separated and now I can’t find her anymore. I can’t rest until I turn each and every stone of this town and find her.”

“Tia, do you think Izuna would mind if…”

“Gosh. Izuna said you got a motherly side in you. Well, she did say we can have some ‘fun’ if we wanted.”

Both of them nodded at each other, then addressed the maid again.

“We’ll help you find her.”

The maid slightly bowed her head.

“I appreciate it. Thank you. My name is Helga. And you are?”

“Elenore.”

“Tia.”

“Pleased to meet you. Come now. My mistress is probably scared all alone. We must act quick.”

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