The gathered crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
"He did it!"
"Took him down like it was absolutely nothing!"
"Even the elite Solar Knights couldn't touch that criminal!"
The elderly victim hobbled forward with tears of gratitude streaming down her weathered cheeks. "That's my precious bag!"
Drake smiled warmly, retrieving the leather satchel with gentle care. "I believe this belongs to you, ma'am."
"Oh, bless your noble heart, young man!" she said, enveloping him in a surprisingly strong embrace.
The crowd's enthusiasm reached fever pitch.
"You're absolutely incredible!"
"Marry me!"
"No, choose me instead!"
"Ladies, please—everyone remain calm!" Drake waved diplomatically, his cheeks twitching with barely suppressed amusement.
Elsa stood several paces away, arms crossed, her staff still radiating faint mystical energy as she studied Drake with laser-focused intensity.
*I knew he wasn't ordinary... but now I absolutely must know the truth. Who exactly are you, Drake Lorenzo? And what other secrets are you hiding behind that charming smile?*
Just then, the Solar Knights recovered from their stunned shock and began pushing through the enthusiastic crowd with practiced efficiency.
"Make way! Official business coming through!"
"Dear gods..." gasped one of the armored guards, staring at the unconscious bandit sprawled across the cracked cobblestones.
The squad captain crouched and pressed two fingers beneath the criminal's nose. "Still breathing... barely," he muttered with professional assessment. "Who managed this takedown?"
Drake raised his hand with obvious reluctance. "Uh... that would be me, sir."
*Oh fantastic. I really hope they don't charge me for property damage to these ancient cobblestones,* he thought, nervous sweat forming on his brow.
The captain stood tall and approached him with measured steps, then extended his gauntleted hand in greeting. "Thank you, young man. This scumbag's been terrorizing the market district for weeks. We're grateful to finally apprehend him." The seasoned warrior gave a respectful bow.
"Really, no need to bow—it was nothing special," Drake replied, genuinely flustered by the formal recognition.
The captain smiled beneath his helmet. "If you ever need assistance—or feel inclined to join the Solar Knights—just find me. I patrol this sector with my squad every evening. You'll know exactly where to locate us."
"I'll definitely consider it," Drake said diplomatically.
"Aargh—this guy weighs a ton!" one guard groaned as they hoisted the limp bandit between them.
"Transport him to the detention center," the captain ordered, striding behind his men with a final appreciative wave. "Our sincere thanks again!"
"Who would've thought I'd get recruited by the Solar Knights just like that?" Drake chuckled nervously, returning the gesture.
A cheerful cart owner clapped him on the back like they were longtime friends as the crowd pressed closer with renewed curiosity.
"So what's your name, hero? Haven't seen you around these parts before."
*Ever heard of personal space?* Drake thought with mild exasperation.
"I'm Drake Lorenzo. Not originally from here—I traveled from Novaria."
"Novaria? That's incredible! Did you come for trade opportunities?"
"Well, technically yes. But unfortunately, my carriage was attacked by bandits during the journey. They took everything I owned."
"Oh no!" the people gasped in unison.
"That's absolutely terrible!"
"So sorry to hear that, lad."
*Please don't feel sympathy for a completely fabricated backstory,* Drake thought, forcing his most convincing smile.
"You know what, kid? Visit my stall tomorrow—I'll set you up with some fresh vegetables, no charge."
"Absolutely! Take some bread too!"
"And some quality fish!" offered another enthusiastic shopkeeper.
"Wow, thank you all! You're incredibly kind," Drake said, genuinely touched by their generosity.
*These people really are wonderful...*
The elderly woman returned carrying a cloth bag filled with colorful fruit. "A proper thank-you gift. There was an expensive birthday present for my grandson inside that stolen bag. I simply cannot express my gratitude adequately."
"You really didn't need to do this..."
"Yes, I absolutely did. You risked your life to recover my belongings. You could have been killed. So accept this—it's not a request, it's an order."
"Alright, alright... Thank you so much," Drake said, accepting the generous offering.
She beamed with maternal warmth.
Suddenly, a breathtakingly beautiful blonde noblewoman stepped forward and captured his hand with delicate fingers. "Sir Lorenzo, we've only just met, but... would you honor me by attending a banquet at my estate tomorrow evening?"
*Holy... her hands are incredibly soft,* Drake thought, his brain temporarily short-circuiting.
Before he could formulate a coherent response—
"WOOOOSH!" Elsa yanked him backward by his collar with considerable force.
The crowd gasped dramatically.
"Is that his girlfriend?!"
"Ooh, romantic drama!"
Elsa stormed away, dragging the bewildered Drake behind her like a misbehaving child.
"So... I'll interpret that as a tentative yes?" the noblewoman giggled melodiously, waving goodbye with elegant fingers.
Drake managed a sheepish smile over his shoulder. "Such genuinely nice people..."
*Wait—I completely forgot to ask her name or the location of her estate. I'm a complete idiot...*
"Elsa, please let go of my—!"
"LORENZOOOO," she growled in a voice that promised immediate violence.
Drake froze completely. "Yes, Elsa? How may I assist you?"
*That death glare could melt steel. I'm absolutely screwed...*
"Seems like you've become quite popular with the local ladies. Girls practically throwing themselves at those perverted fingers of yours. So tell me—exactly what kind of charm magic are you secretly using?"
"H-hey! It's not illegal to be ridiculously attractive and universally beloved! I was simply born with exceptional people skills!"
"Whatever you say."
*Good, she seems to be calming down—*
"Hmph!" Elsa puffed out her cheeks like an indignant chipmunk.
"Seriously? This pouty routine again?" Drake sighed with weary resignation.
"I'm legitimately angry, okay? You specifically told me you never awakened an Echoform, so what exactly was that superhuman display back there?!" She pointed her still-glowing staff directly at his nose.
"Ow! Elsa, seriously? Do I look like someone who awakened an Echoform? And if I had, why would I possibly hide it from you?"
She lowered her mystical weapon slightly. "Hmm... that's actually a valid point. But still—where did that monstrous strength originate? You nearly broke that criminal in half!"
FLICK!
"Ahh!" Elsa flinched as Drake's finger connected with her forehead.
"Didn't I already explain that I used to work as a monster hunter in Novaria? I spent years tracking dangerous creatures and building serious muscle mass. Simple occupational conditioning."
"Ow... okay, okay. I suppose that makes logical sense. Sorry for doubting your story."
"No problem whatsoever." He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
LUB–DUB!
A strange, ominous chill raced down Elsa's spine as she suddenly sensed an overwhelming dark presence emanating from within him. She instinctively stepped backward, eyes wide with alarm.
*W-What was that terrifying power I just detected...?*
"Elsa? Are you feeling alright?"
"Y-Yeah! Completely fine!" she forced a bright smile, desperately hiding her shaken expression.
"You sure? You look like you just encountered a malevolent spirit."
"Me? Absolutely not! Just... momentarily spacing out. Lost in thought about various things!"
Drake glanced upward. The golden radiance of sunset painted the entire kingdom in warm, amber light.
"It's getting quite late. Your father is probably working himself into a legendary panic."
"Oh no... You're absolutely right! He's going to execute me!" she panicked, frantically scrolling through her MirrorNet interface.
BOOP! She tapped a communication icon and pressed the crystalline device to her ear.
"What's she doing now?" Drake muttered curiously.
"Yes, coachman—please come collect me immediately. I'm near the central market district. Maximum speed, please." She ended the magical call.
*Incredible... that MirrorNet really does function exactly like a communication device. Absolutely fascinating technology.*
*Clop clop!* An elegant carriage arrived within moments, the uniformed coachman opening the door with practiced efficiency.
*That response time was genuinely impressive.*
Elsa stepped inside and leaned her head out the window.
"Drake, I absolutely must leave now. Take this MirrorNet—follow the red navigation dot to reach the inn I reserved for you. They'll provide fresh clothing, quality food, and a proper hot bath. I'll reconnect with you tomorrow."
"Oh, thank you!" Drake accepted the device. *It's surprisingly lightweight...*
"I apologize that I can't escort you there personally. I'm already catastrophically late."
"No worries at all. Get home safely—I'm fairly certain your father has already dispatched multiple search parties. If they discover me with you, I'm finished. Public execution style."
Elsa giggled sweetly. "You're such a dramatic goofball. Thank you for being so understanding."
*She's being genuinely sweet and feminine again... I definitely prefer this version of her personality.*
"What exactly are you smiling about, you perverted fool?" she snapped suddenly.
"Nothing whatsoever!"
*Wonderful... Gorilla Girl has returned with a vengeance...*
Elsa laughed musically, her face absolutely radiant in the fading light.
"Okay, farewell! See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Until tomorrow."
"Oh, and Drake?"
"Yes?"
"I had an absolutely wonderful day today. Seriously... it was genuinely fun."
*More like accidental groping and complete chaos, but sure...*
Elsa's smile glowed brilliantly against the approaching nightfall.
"Sleep peacefully—and don't go groping random girls again. Not everyone will be as forgiving as me!" she teased playfully, waving as the carriage began rolling away.
"I'll make absolutely certain of it," Drake laughed, waving enthusiastically back.
As the carriage vanished into the distance, Drake stood alone in the quiet street, holding the MirrorNet.
*She's gone... It's suddenly so peaceful.*
Whoooosh! A cool evening breeze tousled his dark hair.
"Brrr! I better locate that inn before I freeze to death out here."
SNIFF SNIFF.
"Ugh... yeah, I desperately need that hot bath."
He examined the MirrorNet's interface carefully.
"Alright... red navigation dot... Inn location. This shouldn't be too complicated. I'm exceptionally intelligent—I'll master this device in no time."
He smirked with characteristic confidence.
"Onward to the inn!" he declared boldly, following the glowing map display.