Fortress City E-Rantel
The sun was already setting down the horizon when the group passed through the massive gates of E-Rantel, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. A warm, golden-orange glow bathed the city as evening settled in.
Shido looked around with wide eyes, a mix of wonder and excitement flickering across his face. It felt surreal, like stepping into the kind of fantasy world he'd only ever seen in games or anime.
Buildings of sturdy stone and cement lined the streets, some covered in creeping ivy, others marked with family crests or merchant signs. The city was alive with activity despite the late hour.
Children ran laughing through the alleys, their wooden swords clashing playfully. Street vendors called out to passing townsfolk, eager to make a few more sales before closing for the night. The aroma of grilled meats, spiced stews, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
Shido could also see people wearing armor, robe and wielding sword, bow and staff.
"So those are adventurers, huh..." Shido whispered softly, his gaze following a group of rugged individuals clad in mismatched armor and cloaks as they strode down the street, laughing and talking loudly among themselves.
"We're almost at the meeting place, Acheval-san." Climb who were by his side said while pointing at the luxurious inn.
Shido followed his line of sight and spotted a luxurious three-story inn tucked neatly at the corner of the main avenue. Unlike the more modest establishments lining the road, this one stood out with its clean stone facade, polished wooden beams, and soft lantern light spilling warmly from its windows. A small crest near the entrance marked it as a place where high-ranking individuals, likely nobles or elite adventurers, frequently visit.
...
"Princess!"
The moment Shido, Princess Renner, and Climb stepped into the lavish lobby of the Shining Gold Inn, a sudden voice called out, towards them.
Princess Renner smiled when she see this woman and Climb also didn't do anything as the golden haired woman arrived in front of them.
"Princess, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" The golden-haired woman bombarded Princess Renner with questions, causing a quiet sigh from the princess at her friend's exaggerated reaction.
"I'm fine, Lakyus." Renner replied, gently raising a hand to stop the flurry of concern. Her voice remained composed as she tried to keep the scene from escalating further, especially with so many people in the dining hall now turning to stare.
"S-Sorry, I'm just worried." Lakyus calmed down after seeing that they became the center of attention. After that, Lakyus continued to asked Princess Renner what happened and other question that almost had no relation with the accident.
"Who is she?" Shido asked, watching the two golden-haired girls converse like close friends. His eyes lingered on the beautiful woman who had approached them so suddenly.
"Oh, right. This might be the first time for you've seen her." Climb replied with a small smile, noting Shido's confusion then he continued. "Her name is "Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra" she is a noble and was also an Adamantite Adventurer, she also belonged to an adventurer group called Blue Roses and she is their leader."
"...I see." Shido nodded slowly, his gaze shifting back to Lakyus, who was now chatting cheerfully with Princess Renner. Without anyone noticing anythig, Shido activated his scan skill secretly while he and Climb watched the two talking.
Name: Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra
Level: 30
Age: 19
Height: 160 cm
Measurements (B/W/H): 88/50/85
Class: Templar
STR: D++
VIT: C++
AGI: D
INT: C+
CHA: B
LUK: C+++
Threat Level: C
Affiliation: Blue Roses
'So these are the stats of an Adamantite-class adventurer, huh...' Shido narrowed his eyes slightly as the data appeared in his mind. 'Not as high as I expected. But with those unique skills, her overall strength would scale up fast in the right situation.'
Shido analyzed Lakyus stats while observing her.
Climb on the other hand happened to notice Shido staring intently at Lakyus then a certain idea crossed his mind. 'Is he… interested in Lady Lakyus?' He thought that Shido was interested on Lakyus making him happy.
Relief bloomed in Climb's chest. He had been quietly worried that Shido might have taken a liking to Princess Renner, but it seemed to be not the case, especially when Shido's line of sight was directed on Lakyus ample chest.
'Does he like them big?' Climb thought inside his mind but he quickly shook those thoughts from his head since it was embarrassing.
...
After a few more minutes of pleasant conversation, Princess Renner and Lakyus finally brought their talk to an end.
"Climb, I'm glad to see you're well and fine." Lakyus greeted Climb with a small smile when she turned towards him.
"Thank you for your concern, Aindra-sama," Climb replied stiffly, his posture straightening instinctively.
Lakyus let out a soft sigh, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "Jeez, I've told you before not to be so formal, haven't I?"
"...Yes." Climb replied awkwardly, unable to do much else under Lakyus's direct gaze.
"Good." Seeing that Climb agreed Lakyus nodded in satisfaction. Then, turning her attention to Shido, her expression shifted to one of curiosity.
"So your the hero who saved the beauty, huh?" She looked up and down on Shido's body. She noticed that he was wearing a strange clothing, though it looked somewhat fashionable base on her perspective.
Climb who heard Lakyus words felt his chest tighten but he kept his expression neutral, masking the unease inside.
"I had just lent a hand, Aindra-san." Shido shook his head and replied modestly.
"You know me?" Lakyus was surprised when she saw that Shido know her, but thinking about her status as a noble and the leader of Blue Roses, she smiled to herself and felt proud that she was known even in this city. 'It's only natural, right? I am quite well-known, after all.'
However, Shido's next words shattered her fantasy.
"Climb told me about you just now." Shido shrugged and said casually.
Lakyus lips twitched when she heard Shido's words, she felt that he had just played her making her glare at Shido.
Princess Renner, on the other hand, could no longer hold back her amusement. She covered her mouth, trying to suppress her giggles as she watched Lakyus's expression shift.
The only one who looked panicked was Climb, he looked alternately at Shido and Lakyus, afraid that they might begin fighting. Lakyus was an Adamantite Class Adventurer, but Shido was also strong, he was good with sword and had various strange magic especially the black flame that he used to incinerate all the bandits without leaving their ash.
"You! You!" Lakyus stammered, her face turning a deep shade of red in embarrassment.
"I challenged you to a duel! Erm..." Lakyus pointed her index finger at Shido and challenged him in front of many people but she didn't know his name so she she felt awkward and stuck with her words.
"My name is Acheval Dreissen, Aidra-san." Shido let out a smile and said his name. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he observed Lakyus, finding her behavior oddly funny. Despite her mature and somewhat stubborn demeanor, there was something undeniably adorable about her, something that made him want to laugh and tease her more.
"R-Right. Acheval Dreissen, I challenge you to a duel!" Lakyus managed to regain her composure, her face still flushed, but she still continued her words and challenged Shido.
"Sorry, but I have to decline." Without hesitation, Shido rejected her challenge.
Lakyus stood there, dumbfounded by his immediate rejection, her mouth slightly open as she struggled to process his unexpected response. She had expected Shido to accept her challenge but he directly declined her without a second thought.
But with her pride as an Adamantite Adventurer and a noble lady of Aidra Family, she couldn't just let Shido reject her.