[ Shifting to Third Person Pov]
Their goblin extermination job finished, the three of them wound up crossing into the realm of Samsar—an opulent, polished, and strikingly beautiful kingdom.
What they hadn't heard yet were the murmurs that drifted through its streets, hushed warnings that women had a way of vanishing inside this nation…
The capital brimmed with diversions: rows of shops, playhouses, manicured parks, bakeries puffing out sweet steam, taverns and restaurants of every kind, more than anyone could hope to see in a single day.
Ashe split off and pressed deeper into the city's heart, pulling away from you and Rei to scout for somewhere to sleep that night. Lihan and Rei strolled together through the unfamiliar roads, taking in the sights at an unhurried pace.
"That Warren was laughable," Rei muttered, exhaling through her nose. "I mean, goblins are never exactly dangerous, but that lot folded like wet parchment." She let her eyes drift shut for a beat. "What was the guild thinking, sending us all the way out here? Still, I can't complain too much. Gives us a reason to wander around a kingdom this fancy." She flashed a grin, laced her fingers together and pushed her arms forward until her knuckles popped. "Doesn't happen every day."
After a few more strides, her expression sharpened as she watched a pair of locals hurry past. "Not sure if you picked up on it too, but people have been talking about women disappearing. Heard it a couple of times now." Another sigh, her shoulders drooping a fraction. "Here's hoping Ash locks down a room fast."
A sudden, brutal crack rang out—a spear slammed against the stone. An iron voice cut through the ambling noise of the street. "Halt! Yes, you two! Adventurers! Stop where you are!"
Rei twisted at the waist, finding a knight encased in heavy plate, spear clenched in his gauntlet.
"Are you talking to me?" Her eyes turned to slits, every instinct tightening.
The knight stabbed a finger toward her. "You. You'll accompany me at once. Lord Nirzael, prince of this sovereign nation, commands your presence. Defy me and I'll put you in irons." The words came down like a blade, dripping with disdain as he stared directly at Rei.
Lihan let out a long, tired sigh. "Rei, let's just get this over with. We'll be done quickly."
Rei clicked her tongue, clearly not liking the situation one bit. She turned to face him, her yellow eyes narrowing with suspicion. "You sure about this? I don't like the vibe this guy's giving off." She jerked her thumb toward the knight, who stood impatiently waiting. "And what the hell does some prince want with us anyway? We're just passing through."
"Did I stutter?! Move it!" The knight's grip tightened on his spear, his posture rigid and imposing. "His Highness doesn't like to be kept waiting!"
Rei let out an exasperated huff, running a hand through her short black hair. She glanced back at Lihan, reading his tired expression. With a reluctant grunt, she turned back to the knight.
"Yeah, yeah, we're coming. Don't get your panties in a twist." She muttered under her breath, already walking forward. "This better be quick..."
The knight led them through the bustling streets, the crowd parting way as they passed. The path gradually widened as they approached the palace—a grand structure of white stone and golden accents, towering over the rest of the kingdom. Guards lined the entrance, their eyes following every movement.
Upon entering, the interior was just as extravagant—marble floors, velvet curtains, chandeliers casting warm light across the halls. The knight stopped before two large ornate doors.
"His Highness will see you now. Enter." He pushed the doors open, revealing a spacious throne room.
At the far end, sitting comfortably on his throne with one leg crossed over the other, was a man with blonde hair and grey eyes—a scar cutting across his right eyebrow. He wore a fitted black suit with a blue tie, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of arrogance. A smirk played on his lips as his gaze fell upon Rei... and then lingered.
"Ah, so you're the adventurers I've heard so much about." His voice was smooth, almost honeyed. "Welcome to my humble abode. I am Prince Nirzael."
Rei stepped forward, her posture tense despite her casual demeanor. Her yellow eyes locked onto Nirzael with suspicion, her hand resting idly near her hip where her revolver-rifle hung.
"Heard about us, huh? From who?" Her tone was flat, unconvinced. "We literally just got here. Unless you got some weird obsession with tracking adventurers, I'm calling bullshit."
Nirzael's smirk didn't falter. If anything, her defiance seemed to amuse him. He leaned back further into his throne, studying her with those grey eyes.
"I make it my business to know about... talented individuals who enter my kingdom." His gaze drifted past Rei for a moment, scanning Lihan up and down before returning to her. "An S-rank huntress and... a B-rank warrior. Interesting pair."
Rei's jaw tightened at the mention of their ranks. The fact that he knew that much was unsettling.
"But where is your third companion? I heard there were three of you." He tilted his head, his voice dripping with false curiosity. "A woman, was it? An elf, if I recall correctly..."
Rei's hand twitched toward her weapon instinctively. Her voice came out lower, more dangerous. "How the fuck do you know that?"
Nirzael simply chuckled, the sound echoing through the throne room. "I have my ways. Now—" He rose from his throne, descending the steps slowly. "I have a proposition for you both. One that could be... very rewarding."
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