While Aila held the cowering Blake by his collar, the commotion from the brawl had already drawn a patrol squad from Lionheart City.
The squad, having rushed to the scene, looked back and forth between the blue family crest on the warriors' chests and the chaotic mess on the street. As they hesitated, Aila’s voice, clear as a silver bell, broke the silence.
“So, how are we going to handle this situation?”
“It’s us! The responsibility is ours! We had too much to drink and accidentally caused some damage to the street, causing everyone inconvenience! We will pay for all the damages, full price!”
“And what about that house?”
Aila pointed her chin slightly toward Rosal’s damaged cottage, her tone carrying a hint of mockery.
“I’ll pay for it! I’ll send people to repair it immediately!”
“And... what about my dress?”
“I don't know how much Miss Aila’s dress costs, but I’ll pay double!”
“Then just pay a thousand gold coins. A thousand gold coins is just pocket change for you, right?”
“No problem, no problem! Tomorrow... no... this afternoon, I’ll have it sent to the Grand Duke’s manor! Does that satisfy you?”
Blake’s heart bled at being extorted for a thousand gold coins out of nowhere. Though he denied it with his words, his face had long since turned incredibly pale.
Even for the second son of a Duke, a thousand gold coins was not a small sum. Combined with the repair costs, it would eat up one or two months of his allowance.
“Don’t bother sending it to the manor—it’s too much trouble. Just send it here!”
Aila finally let go of his collar with a satisfied look after hearing his answer.
“I’ll be waiting for you here. Now, beat it! ...Wait! While you’re at it, handle the situation with the city guard. I don’t want any unnecessary trouble.”
Upon hearing this, Blake and his group fled like they had been granted a royal pardon, vanishing from sight in an instant. Only the knight captain remained behind to report the situation to the city guards, who were still watching the spectacle.
“Alright~ the matter is settled! Hmm... right... sorry, how do you two plan to spend the night?”
Now that the incident was over, Aila turned to the partially collapsed cottage, a look of embarrassment crossing her face.
“Didn't you say there would be compensation? Finding a place to stay for a few days is nothing for an adventurer like me. Big Sister Aila, the most important thing is that you're okay. Besides, you’re actually from the family of the Grand Duke of War God? That’s so amazing!”
Rosal didn't seem to mind at all. She didn't think the house collapsing was a big deal; instead, she looked at Aila with an expression of pure worship.
“You didn't use your full strength, did you? I feel like you were hiding quite a few tricks. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been pushed back.”
Unlike the young girl’s excitement, Midir spoke to Aila with a serious expression.
“Of course not. How could I use my full strength against just a few dozen guards? If I had, this entire block would probably be gone.”
Aila rolled her eyes at Midir, thinking to herself that she was only holding back because she was afraid he would blow the whole area into ruins. After all, given the murderous aura he’d emitted the night before, if she had been a second slower, those two men would likely have been decapitated.
“You, on the other hand, controlled yourself quite well. When you grabbed Blake, I thought you were going to kill him.”
“Why would I kill him? He wasn't a threat to me. Besides, I thought catching him was the simplest method. To catch the bandits, first capture their leader.”
Midir didn't show any sign of feeling out of place, acting as if he had done something entirely trivial.
While the two were discussing, Rosal looked at her collapsed house and the battle-scarred street. It seemed she had made a decision, as she gathered her courage and spoke to Aila.
“Miss Aila, can you take me as your apprentice? I know I’m weak and have no talent, but your fighting stance just now was truly admirable! Please? I want to become a powerful person like you!”
“Huh? An apprentice?” Aila hadn't expected Rosal to make such a request and was stunned for a moment, but she quickly responded. “No, no, my style might not suit you. Besides, my old man always said I’m still far from reaching the level of a Master. It wouldn't be right for me to take an apprentice, would it?”
However, seeing Rosal’s red eyes—which seemed to flicker with a persistent, unyielding flame—Aila couldn't help but soften. The refusal that was on the tip of her tongue changed. “While I can't take you as an apprentice, I can give you some technical guidance to help you avoid some detours.”
Hearing Aila’s reply, Rosal’s heart surged with excitement, and she couldn't help but cheer, “Master!” This, however, triggered a firm objection from Aila.
“No! I’m only a few years older than you. Calling me that makes me sound way too old. You’re not allowed to call me that.”
“Then... what should I call you? Sir? Or... Instructor?”
“You’re getting more and more ridiculous. Just call me what you did before. It feels so awkward when you call me those things!”
The turbulent morning finally drifted away amidst the playfulness and laughter of the two women. It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that Blake Rowena appeared at the end of the road, jogging alone.
Upon seeing Aila and Midir, he couldn't help but shiver. Despite this, he still bowed deeply and respectfully to them, offering a solemn apology.
In truth, when Blake had been chased away earlier, his heart was filled with resentment. Having lived in a privileged environment since childhood, when had he ever suffered such humiliation? Being beaten was a minor thing, but losing his dignity in front of everyone was what caused him extreme grief and rage.
Despite his indignation, he suppressed his emotions and sent a message to his father, Duke Rowena, who was far away at the Azure Fortress.
Blake had thought his father, who always doted on him, would surely seek revenge for him. Instead, after explaining the situation, he was scolded to within an inch of his life for the first time in his existence.
“Do you even have a brain? Are you exactly like those subordinates of yours? You're in the Royal Capital—did you never consider the consequences of causing trouble right under the nose of the royal family?”
“It would be one thing if you offended some random person from the House of War God, but do you have any idea who that girl Aila is? Do you think any incompetent fool could be seen with a girl like her?”
“You need to realize that your bit of strength is absolutely nothing in the capital. Can you use that pig brain you haven't used for twenty years and think? If they had wanted to kill you, would you still be alive to contact me? Get over there and apologize right now! If they don't forgive you, I’ll peel a layer of skin off you myself when you get back to the Azure City-State! ...”
After being bombarded with such words for over ten minutes, Duke Rowena’s anger finally subsided slightly. He cut the communication off harshly, leaving Blake alone, his face full of daze and confusion.
But after careful consideration, Blake had to admit his father was right. Not only had Aila clearly shown mercy, but the silver-haired man’s methods were something he had never heard of in all his years.
He could clearly feel a faint trace of magic coming from the man, yet the man’s bizarre way of moving and that pure power he couldn't resist were completely beyond his understanding. From the man’s cold eyes, he could even sense a fear that transcended biological levels.
“I must establish a good relationship with them!” After thinking it through completely, Blake consulted with his staff, changed into formal attire, and personally came to their door to apologize.
...
Rate on N.U.
