The next day, after a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the trio decided to take a day off from their adventures to explore the city and gather information.
Creed, always the leader, addressed the squad, saying, "Alright, let's explore today and see if we can gather more information about this world."
Shiiyo, the strategic thinker, chimed in, "I'll head to the capital's library to see if I can get my hands on any useful knowledge."
Kyru, his excitement palpable, added, "Alright, while you two are doing your things, I'll go out and hunt some monsters. I want to see if I can unlock more skills in my arsenal."
With their plans set, the trio parted ways for their activities.
As Shiiyo immersed himself in the vast archives of the capital's library and Kyru ventured into the wilds to challenge more formidable monsters, Creed, the wanderer, decided to take a leisurely walk through the city. He meandered through the bustling streets, admiring the diversity of the people and soaking in the sights and sounds of this new world.
While exploring an empty street behind the capital's church, Creed's curiosity got the best of him. He noticed a group of hooded individuals entering a discreet door in the church. He instinctively hid nearby to observe their actions.
Just as he was about to investigate further, fate took an unexpected turn. A random passerby bumped into Creed, causing the person to stumble and the boxes they carried to fall to the ground.
Creed extended a helping hand, saying, "I'm very sorry about that. Here, let me help you up."
The random person, while dusting herself off, apologized as well, saying, "No, I'm sorry for not looking where I was going." As the person looked up, she recognized Creed, her surprise was evident. "Ah! It's you! The adventurers who saved us from the Ogre!"
Creed recognized the person as Evelyn, the maidservant who had accompanied Princess Seraphina during their encounter with the Ogre.
Creed extended his hand to help Evelyn to her feet, and once she was standing, he glanced back at the shady individuals, but they had vanished.
With the hooded strangers gone, Creed returned his attention to Evelyn and asked with a courteous tone, "Excuse me, ma'am, do you need help with those boxes? They looked rather heavy."
Evelyn happily accepted the offer, a warm smile gracing her face. "Thank you so much. It's not often that gentlemen offer assistance to a lady these days."
With a nod, Creed inquired, "Where are these boxes headed, may I ask?"
Evelyn pointed in the direction of the royal palace. "We're delivering them there. They contain supplies for a royal party."
As they began to walk together towards the palace, Evelyn's curiosity got the better of her. She was intrigued by the man beneath the helmet, and Creed noticed her thoughtful gaze.
"Is there something on your mind, Miss Evelyn?" he asked.
Evelyn smiled, her eyes sparkling with interest. "It's nothing. I'm just curious to know what kind of person you are. I can't wait to see the princess's reaction when we arrive."
As they continued their pleasant conversation, Evelyn decided to ask, "By the way, Mr. Adventurer, we haven't caught your name yet."
With a friendly grin, Creed replied, "I'm Creed Katsuragi. You can just call me Creed."
Evelyn chuckled softly, "Alright then, Sir Creed. It's a pleasure to meet you." They walked together towards the grand palace, their newfound friendship blossoming during their journey.
As they approached the palace gate, Creed couldn't help but feel a little anxious. He worried that the guards might stop him from being a suspicious person.
Evelyn noticed Creed's unease and gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Sir Creed. The guards won't give us any trouble while I'm around." Creed nodded, appreciating the comfort of her words. "Thank you, Evelyn. I appreciate your help."
They continued walking towards the palace gate, with Evelyn's presence ensuring they could proceed without hindrance.
The two palace guards stationed at the gate noticed their approach and called out, "Halt! State your business."
Evelyn stepped forward with a confident demeanor and smiled at the guards. "It's me, Evelyn, the maidservant from the royal palace. This gentleman right here is just my acquaintance. We're here to deliver supplies for the royal party."
The guards recognized Evelyn immediately, and one of them nodded with a friendly expression. "Very well, Miss Evelyn. You may proceed."
The gate creaked open, allowing Evelyn and Creed to enter the palace grounds without further scrutiny.
As they entered the palace, Evelyn turned to Creed and said, "Please wait here for a moment. I'll be right back."
Curiosity got the better of Creed, and he decided to explore the area while Evelyn attended to her palace duties. As he wandered around, he couldn't help but be spotted by someone who appeared to have authority within the palace.
As Creed was exploring the palace, a commanding voice suddenly rang out behind him, and he felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly turned around to find a strong and beautiful female Royal Knight standing there, her gaze sharp and commanding. She was dressed in gleaming armor and bore the insignia of the Royal Knights on her chest.
The Royal Knight wasted no time, her tone unwavering and authoritative as she ordered Creed to halt. "Halt! State your business in the palace."
Creed felt a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as he stammered, "I... I'm just helping deliver supplies, ma'am. Nothing more, I promise."
The Royal Knight continued to scrutinize him, her eyes moving from his boots to his helmet, taking in every detail of his appearance. "You're not from around here, are you?"
Creed nervously tried to convince her, his voice shaky, "U-uhm, y-yes, I'm new to the city, and I just recently registered here as an adventurer."
With a hint of suspicion still lingering in her gaze, the Royal Knight issued her verdict. "Well, then, a commoner is not allowed to wander the palace without permission. Follow me. I will take you to the waiting area."
Creed, a bit taken aback by the encounter, could only nod in compliance. He couldn't help but mumble under his breath as he followed the Royal Knight, "What did I get myself into?"
As Creed followed Captain Leona Alderwood through the palace, his curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to strike up a conversation. His voice, though still nervous, carried a note of politeness.
"Uhm, may I know who you might be, ma'am?" he asked.
Leona turned her head slightly to look at him, her voice remaining firm and strict. "I am Leona Alderwood, one of the Royal Knight's Captains."
She turned her gaze back ahead as she continued walking, her armor clinking softly with each step. She decided to return the inquiry. "And what about you, Mr. Adventurer?"
Creed replied in a nervous tone, "I'm Creed, just an adventurer who helped Miss Evelyn carry the supplies."
Leona couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the tension she felt radiating from Creed, even though his face was concealed by his helmet. She reassured him, "Don't worry, Sir. Creed, I don't bite."
Creed, hidden behind his helmet, couldn't help but be impressed by Captain Leona's perceptiveness. He mumbled to himself, "Just as expected from a Royal Knight Captain. I might stay away from her bad side."
Leona's inquisitive nature prompted her to continue the conversation with Creed as they walked through the palace.
"So, Mr. Creed, what do you think of this kingdom during your stay?" she inquired.
Creed, still feeling uneasy about revealing too much, responded cautiously, "Well, it's not bad for a large city, I gotta say. So many nice people and a lot of delicious food."
Leona couldn't help but chuckle at Creed's tension. She then turned her attention to his unique armor, noticing the unfamiliar crest symbol on his shoulder. Her keen observation skills were at work again.
"By the way," she began, "I can't help but notice that armor of yours. It's quite different from a normal knight, and that crest symbol on your shoulder... I think I've seen that somewhere."
Creed, trying to avoid any further inquiries about the crest, stammered, "W-well, let's just say it's a keepsake from a certain someone... he...he...he...he."
In his thoughts, Creed couldn't help but wonder why the goddess had placed her crest on their armor, potentially putting them in a precarious situation.
Leona, understanding that Creed might not want to delve into his past, simply said, "Alright then."
Their conversation was interrupted when one of the Royal Knights noticed Leona and approached them, waving in greeting.
"Lady Leona!" he called out, a cheerful expression on his face. "Lady Leona, what are you doing here?"
As he neared them, his expression shifted to one of piercing gaze, tinged with a hint of jealousy, as he asked, "And...who might this be?"
Leona responded with a smile, "I was just escorting Mr. Creed here to the waiting area. his also an adventurer."
Creed, slightly taken aback by the royal knight's expressions, offered a polite greeting, saying, "Uh...nice to meet you... sir."
The knight, his voice dripping with mockery and annoyance, continued his tirade. He pointed at Creed, his words condescending and critical.
"An adventurer, you say?" he sneered, fixing Creed with a disdainful look. "A mere adventurer like you is not worthy to stand beside someone as great as Lady Leona!"
He gestured towards Leona, his admiration for her qualities evident. "Her sword technique, her impeccable manners, her caring nature toward her fellow knights, and the etiquette of her life... are not qualities an adventurer as you can appreciate!"
With growing frustration, the knight went on, his words dripping with disdain. "A low-life adventurer like you only wants fame and money, and you don't care about anyone around you!"
Creed, unable to reveal the truth of his origins or his heroic deeds, bristled under his helmet but remained composed on the outside, knowing that arguing with this knight wouldn't help his situation. He respected the knights' loyalty to Leona and understood their frustration.
As tensions simmered, Creed's annoyance was on the brink of surfacing. He struggled to contain himself, knowing that engaging in a heated argument wouldn't serve him well. Just as he was about to say something in his defense, Leona calmly intervened.
"Alright, that's enough," she said, her authoritative tone commanding everyone's attention. The knight, though still wearing a look of disdain, quieted down, allowing Leona to take control of the situation.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Leona proposed an idea that would not only put the knight's doubts to rest but also allow Creed to prove himself. "How about this," she began, "let's settle this with a mock duel."
The knight's eyes widened at the suggestion, and Creed couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. "A...duel, you said?" he stammered.
Confidence radiated from the knight as he accepted the challenge. "Hmmm... I will show this adventurer what a true knight is capable of," he declared boldly, the prospect of proving himself fueling his determination.
Leona looked at Creed, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. She gave him a wink and said, "I'm also curious about you, Mr. Creed. I'd like to see you in action."
With a reassuring smile, she led them to the knights' training ground, where the duel would take place, their swords and skills clashing in a friendly contest to determine the victor.
As the two combatants prepared their stances, Leona wore a small, eager smile, fully anticipating the exciting action about to unfold. She held their undivided attention as she raised her hand, ready to officiate the friendly duel.
The Knight, Cedric Ainsworth, took a moment to introduce himself with a flourish of his sword, arrogantly pointing it at Creed. "I am Cedric Ainsworth, Royal Knights Lieutenant. Consider yourself lucky, Adventurer, for facing me," he declared, his voice laced with arrogance.
Creed responded with confidence, introducing himself as the Captain of the Task Force Group. "And I am Creed, Captain of the Task Force Group. I'm honored to be in this fight," he stated, poised and ready.
Leona, with her authoritative air, commanded their attention. "Ready, both fighters," she said, her eyes flickering with excitement. Then, she raised her hand, and with a smile, she finally yelled, "Begin!"
Cedric wasted no time, moving with lightning speed as he dashed forward, catching Creed off guard. Creed couldn't help but mutter a surprised exclamation as he tried to swing his sword, but Cedric's swiftness seemed to make him a blur.
"Too slow!" Cedric taunted as he skillfully maneuvered behind Creed. Just as he was about to strike, Creed managed to block the blow from behind, taking Cedric by surprise. Creed quickly turned and attempted another swing, but Cedric anticipated it and narrowly dodged the attack.
Cedric, with a hint of arrogance in his voice, began to mock Creed, "You think an attack like that could—" but his words were abruptly cut short when a massive blast erupted from behind. He spun around to find a gaping hole in the wall, left in the wake of Creed's powerful swing.
Realization dawned on Cedric as he pondered the immense strength required to accomplish such a feat. He pointed his sword at Creed, questioning in awe, "How can a mere adventurer like you possess such ridiculous strength?"
Creed, undaunted and confident, stood there, provoking Cedric further. "Come and find out," he challenged.
The intensity of the battle attracted the attention of other knights, and soon, a small crowd of onlookers gathered.
Random Knight 1, excited and curious, exclaimed, "Woah, woah, what's happening here!?"
Random Knight 2, equally enthralled, responded, "I don't know, but the new guy is putting up a fight against the Lieutenant!"
Leona, watching the duel with a gleeful smile, nodded with satisfaction. "Looks like my decision was right," she mused, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding spectacle.