Safe Zone

Zeus stood in the line, waiting for Elise's next course of action. On their journey, descending from the mountains, he already decided to follow this girl first.

Initially, he thought about having to go independent as they arrived at the capital. However, after considering many things such as lack of identity, backing, and maybe even a reward from her father, Zeus picked the one where he'll benefit the most.

Therefore, for now, he'll follow her arrangements.

"Ciel." Elise looked at the black-haired man worriedly.

As the man was wearing a black mask, Zeus couldn't identify his appearance. All he could see is that this man has a very fit stature and judging from his voice, he's probably in his 25s.

However, one feature remained the most eye-catching.

"Your arm." Elise murmured, staring at Ciel's missing left hand.

Hurriedly, Ciel clutched his left shoulder and shook his head.

"It's fine, young miss. I am filled with joy that you're worried for me, but we have to go back now."

Ciel attempted to deviate from the topic. Unfortunately, Elise pursued the question and pressed him down with her authority.

"Who did this to you?" Elise questioned. Her previous cheerful presence was now replaced by a solemn aura.

"Young miss, forgive me for I cannot answer that."

"But I deserved to know! They cut off your hand!" Elise exclaimed, her throat tightening at every word.

As her voice slowly rose, the people noticed the commotion happening behind them. But as soon as they turned around to see who was making a scene, surprised gestures appeared on their faces.

Hurriedly, the crowd dispersed like flies fleeing with a wave of one's hand. They kept a considerable distance after they noticed the noble insignia from the three kneeling men's robes.

However, gossip started to permeate the surroundings. Whispers passed from ear to ear until they even reached the people close to the entrance.

"What's happening?"

"I don't know but it seemed connected to what happened 4 days ago."

"Oh, that scandal by Rexus House?"

"Shhhh, lower your voice. These nobles are vengeful. If you want to keep your life, you better just shut up."

"Tch, these privileged fools really think they can do whatever they want?"

"Of course, that's the point of being a noble— doing whatever you want."

Unbeknownst to them, Zeus eavesdropped on their conversations. Well, it's not like they would mind.

'Rexus House… is that their rival or…enemy?'

He was a little bit intrigued by it. However, Zeus doesn't want to be involved in this kind of scenario.

"Are you deaf now, Ciel? Did you hear my question? Why are you not speaking?" Elise threw several questions.

Ciel lowered his head and bit his lips. If one notices, there is even blood dripping from its corner.

"Young miss, please, for your image, don't make a scene. The people are watching us." Ciel said slowly.

Elise glared at Ciel. After taking a deep breath, her clenched fists slowly loosened. As she scanned the surroundings, she noticed numerous gazes darting in their direction. However, the moment they saw her eyes looking at them, these people immediately averted their gazes.

"You better answer me back in the manor." Elise warned.

"I will."

The three men stood up and positioned themselves around Elise. Their previous demeanor has now become a hunter hunting for prey.

Elise strode forward and grabbed for Zeus' hands. However, as her hands approached Zeus, he instantly pulled his arms away.

"What are you doing? You're putting me in danger."

"Danger? I'm just going to hold your hands." Elise said nonchalantly. In her opinion, Zeus was overreacting.

"Hehe, no thanks. I'd rather walk alone than be targeted because of misunderstandings." Zeus waved his hand.

"Fine." She grumbled, "Do as you please." Elise galloped towards the line without resistance from others. Even if they want to complain, they wouldn't be able to as nobles have their own rules.

Zeus felt several eyes as he followed Elise behind. In his arms, he had a rope tied to Shelly that was pulling her beside him.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a barricade filled with knights on guard. They didn't wear heavy armor but a uniform and a white cape indicating their ranks.

"Welcome back, young miss." A man with a patch on his eyes greeted with a slight bow. He continued, "For safety purposes—"

"Here." Elise pulled out a small card from her pocket, containing her basic information.

As soon as the guard received it, he released his aether and coated it around the card. After a while, a bright smile formed on his lips.

"You may now enter." The guard said, giving the card back before turning his head at the 4 men following behind her, "As for them?"

"They are my servants."

"I see, they may go in then."

The guard opened the pathway leading inside the safe zone. As soon as they entered, Zeus observed the unfamiliar place he was in.

Battalions of knights marched from each direction, guarding the place for an instance where monster attacks. The safe zone resembled a small village and as they strolled around the vicinity, they passed by a large number of huts and stalls.

"This is the only zone protected by the knights. Thus, many people come here to rest or maybe even sell their gains after a long hunt." Elise explained cheerfully. She added, "How is it? This is your first time seeing many people right?"

Zeus nodded with satisfaction evident in his expression.

After over 12 years, he finally took a step toward his first adventure. A place bustling with crowds and people moved as if an unseen hand dragged them this way and that.

"Limited discount if you buy 2!"

"Good Sir and Madam, try our new product for only 100 coppers!"

"Our weapons are durable and sharp, grab one now!"

There is chatter between buyers and sellers, parties healing themselves, and teenagers learning how to hunt. It was a busy place but that was the thing that made this place lively.

'Should I become an adventurer?' Zeus thought.

Soon afterward, they slowly reached a place where large stone houses could be seen. In this section, the shop seemed to be more organized as the buyers could enter and freely browse their inventories.

The prices weren't cheap but the quality was surely the best.

"We're here." Ciel said as they stopped in front of a large 2-storey brick house. Guards stood beside its shining bronze gate, holding a spear in their hands.

As soon as the guards saw Elise, they bowed and immediately pushed the door open.

Elise entered the house. Zeus was about to follow but was blocked by a large hand.

"The young miss will talk to his father first. You shall enter when you'll be needed to." Ciel warned. The palm

"Alright."

Thud!

The door closed. Zeus looked at the bronze gate before sighing in dejection.

…

Elise entered a room, more specifically, an office. Bookshelf stood beside the door and just behind it, the sound of a book page turning could be heard.

Knowing that it was his father, Elise straightened her back and greeted the man.

"I am back, father."

The sound halted.

"Elise, did you get what I told you to." A deep and husky voice reverberated inside the room. It contained authority as if his every word were the rules.

Elise shuddered before she lowered her head.

"I… did not, father."

"Hmm, I see." After a brief pause, the man continued, "Is it because of that Rexus boy?"

Hearing shocking words from his father, Elise's pupil shrunk.

"H-how d-did you know?" She asked, wondering why her father seemingly knew what happened. At the same time, she's also frightened by her father's next words.

"News travels quite fast. But, four days ago, the Rexus House came to our manor, demanding to hand you over to them after the life card of their son burned. Of course, I refused. However, according to witnesses, you and he formed a party together and ventured deeper in the mountains a month ago."

"Father…"

At that moment, the man closed the book with a thud. He trudged towards Elise and slowly released an aether pressure.

Shu!

A cold energy shrouded the room.

"Look at me."

Elise raised her head and stared at her father's oceanic jewel eyes akin to a beast.

"Is it true? Did you kill that boy?"

At that moment, Elise felt her legs suddenly lose their strength. As such, she fell to the ground with her hands and knees supporting her body.

Thud—

"Father, please listen to me!"

"What's there to say when it's already been done! Our family likes peace! Although we're at odds with the Rexus House, this is the first time that they attacked our manor!" The man unleashed a powerful burst of aura, shattering the glasses in all directions.

A deafening silence pervaded the room as the man stared at her daughter. Elise kept her head low while silent tears welled up from her eyes.

"Even if you're in the right, killing someone was already crossing the line. You know that more than anyone else!"

"Father, please listen to me first. I—I begged you!" Elise begged but her pleas seemingly did not reach her father's ears.

"Shut up!"

At that moment, the man raised his foot and kicked Elise in the gut.

Elise could only close her eyes and wait for the pain that comes after. However, as soon as it reached her, someone blocked it.

Crack!

As if an impenetrable wall stopped the force, the foot halted above her head.

"Are you planning to kill your daughter?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Elise slowly raised her head. As soon as she saw the man, her body throbbed in surprise.

"Z-Zeus?"

Zeus didn't speak to her, instead, he raised his head and looked at the owner of the foot. A middle-aged man with long black hair reaching his neck, a black beard, and a mustache stood menacingly.

"Are you here to save her?"

A smirk appeared on Zeus' lips.

"Shouldn't you ask who I am first?"