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The carriage Seletina and Lichter were riding stopped abruptly. It was clear that they had arrived at their destination.

The light filtering through the windows was already tinged with orange, as dusk transformed the cream-colored façade of Ulbdor’s most opulent pavilion into a warm hue.

The mansion, which primarily catered to royalty and aristocrats of unassuming status, had an austere exterior that contrasted with its elegant interior.

Guards clad in lead-colored armor patrolled not only around the gate but also throughout the courtyard and along every possible route into the building.

No one dared to tread on this land, where men with formidable swords at their waists and stern headgear patrolled incessantly. Those who ventured here were either foolish or extraordinarily confident in their abilities.

Seletina, however, couldn’t help but release a light sigh.

Ah, what a waste…

Her disappointment stemmed from the fact that although the courtyard was adorned with beautiful flowers, the presence of these pompous men marred the otherwise picturesque scenery.

It wasn’t the spirit of the knight in her that troubled her, but rather the values instilled in her as a lady.

She was acutely aware that this was a time of emergency, and she understood that the security measures were in place to prevent rioting citizens from surging into this sanctuary.

Nevertheless, Seletina couldn’t contain her fervent desire to enjoy the view in peace.

“Stop daydreaming, Tieck. We’ve arrived.”
“I know, Lichter.”

The door of their carriage was already open. Seletina shrugged her shoulders and followed behind Lichter, who had already gotten off.

“What were you looking at?”
“The garden. It’s in beautiful bloom. It truly is a sight to see.”
“Hmph… We men don’t quite get these things you know.”
“Hey!”
“Oh, right… I forgot you’re a man too.”

Poking Lichter around the waist with her elbow, Seletina gave him a stern look. However, Lichter seemed unfazed, wearing his usual aloof demeanor as he strode towards the guest house, whistling as he went.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

The interior of the guesthouse also exuded luxury. The corridor was adorned with paintings and furnishings seemingly eager to flaunt their opulence to anyone passing through.

One might have expected Seletina’s own home to be similar, but it was quite the opposite.

In contrast to her own abode, where items were meticulously placed and arranged for maximum elegance, this guesthouse lacked that finesse. It even appeared gaudy. Almost as if it was a display of the stolen goods of a bunch of thieves.

For Seletina, who had diligently cultivated her dignity and ladylike refinement, the noble guesthouse left her feeling somewhat dissatisfied. In her view, it lacked taste.

Lichter, walking ahead of her, also appeared to be viewing the decorations with dismay.

The two men, accompanied by a soldier, proceeded down the extended corridor. The plush carpet felt comfortable beneath their feet, but someone with the sensibilities of a commoner would likely think twice before stepping on it.

They walked for approximately three minutes until they reached their intended room.

The soldier came to a halt and knocked three times on the door.

“General Aubance, I’ve brought the Angel. I request permission to enter.”

The soldier announced with a crisp voice.

“Haha, they called you an angel again.”
“Shut up.” Seletina said, playfully stepping on his toe. Though it was too light to cause any harm.

From inside the room, a low, composed male voice responded. The soldier took the cue and slowly pushed the door open.

Inside the room, City Mayor Elvaro, General Aubance in his imposing bronze armor, and Etic, the head of the Adventurer Association, sat around a large table.

On the table, a sizable map displayed Ulbdor and its surroundings, adorned with scattered models that likely represented soldiers.

“Hey! We’ve been expecting you.” General Aubance greeted cheerfully, displaying his delight. He rose from his seat, the clinking of his armor announcing his approach as he extended his hand to Seletina and Lichter.

Seletina responded with a firm handshake.

“It is with great pleasure that you have invited us, mere adventurers, to such a place, General Aubance. Thank you for your gracious hospitality.”
“I have to admit, you’re quite polite for adventurers. I’m glad to see you too. If I may ask for your name… I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Angel…”
“It’s Tieck. This is my partner, Lichter.”

When Seletina introduced them, Lichter responded with a slightly disgruntled, “Sup.”

He was apparently displeased that he hadn’t been introduced as the big brother. Victory was Seletina’s this time, given she had addressed him as her partner.

General Aubance released Seletina’s handshake and then gave her a probing look, not impolite but certainly assessing.

“Tieck, huh… I see… Are you a man?”
“Did you assume I was a woman?”
“I did. I had heard a rumor that an ‘angel’ of heavenly beauty had appeared on the battlefield. But now that I see you in person, I can’t help but believe it. I haven’t seen a nobleman like you before.”
“I appreciate the compliments, General.”

Seletina replied, her smile exuding benevolence.

Her smile, which normally captivated men, would now enchant anyone, regardless of gender.

“Y-You’re the so-called angel that saved Ulbdor?! But you’re just a child!”

The outburst was sudden, and it came from the young city mayor, Elvaro. His expression was one of slight disappointment, as if he’d expected more from the so-called angel.

He’d most likely hoped for a warrior or mage capable of safeguarding the city where he had amassed his wealth and position. However, his dreams had shattered when the fourteen-year-old boy appeared before him.

Elvaro scratched his head, a clear sign of his frustration.

“There’s no way this child can defeat these demons! General Aubance! You’ve lied to me!” Elvaro shouted.

General Aubance exhaled shallowly and hunched his shoulders, as if to convey his annoyance.

“Sir Tieck, Sir Lichter, I apologize. Sir Elvaro is a little unstable right now. Please forgive him, his city isn’t in the best of states right now.”
“That is fine. We understand the situation.”
“Haha, thank you. Though, I have to admit that he has a point.”

General Aubance laughed cheerfully and picked up a huge sword that was propped up on the wall.

He became familiar with the hilt and withdrew the sword from its scabbard. The sword blade had a coarse grain, resembling the scales of a dragon, and its mere appearance could send shivers down one’s spine.

General Aubance held it in a raised position.

“General Aubance, what are you-”

Seletina began to ask, but before she could finish, General Aubance swung his enormous sword straight down between her eyes.