Back in the action, as Pan, Clara and Crispina faced Two Anihan Knights at a once energetic inn.
Pan declared her future intentions with Clara with great determination that Clara blushed red at her proclamation.
"How dare you speak in such a tone, peasant!?" The Knight says angrily, as he grips his blade tightly.
"Don't you know that it's forbidden for non-nobility to marry the opposite sex? You peasants don't have the authority to even defile natural human relationships." The Other Knight said.
Pan was a little ticked off by that as she stands up, her hands in her pockets.
"Pan, I-" Clara tried to speak up but Pan gestures to stay.
"Non-nobility? So you're saying that only the rich and powerful can love whomever?" Pan asked with an unimpressed glare, putting pressure onto the knights.
The Knights went on guard, alarming Crispina to do the same as she stood up, holding her blade on her hip.
"If you try anything funny, Peasant..." The Knight threatened.
"Im just asking a question." Pan said without skipping a beat.
The Knights are understandably intimidated, but soon they sheathed their blades and took a deep sigh.
"We'll try this again in a later date, and without any interruptions..." The Other Knight glared at Pan.
Pan just simply smirked and showed her bloodlust, she really held herself greatly from killing them.
The Knights flinched and turned away. Leaving the three to ponder and think on what happened.
"How tense..." Clara sighed.
"What they got to do with you, Clara?" Pan turned to Clara before sitting down.
It seems that the Inn went back to their business, now that the Anihan Knights are gone.
"Nothing, I barely knew this men. Although they looked familiar, I think I saw them in the Bakery twice or thrice." Clara said.
"Huh, just some stuck up corrupt government police, I say." Pan muttered.
"I know those faces, and those uniforms. I've seen them once in the local adventurer's guild..." Crispina says.
Pan and Clara looked at Crispina curiously, she looked a little tense.
"They're not just Anihan Knights, they're a subdivision. I once saw them talking to my guild master, or atleast, I saw their captain." Crispina explained.
"I overheard them talking about monsters roaming in Anihan Village. Asking us if we harbored or seen any strange monsters that we may have seen. Ofcourse, the guild master only explained what we knew."
"Strange... What's their deal, anyways?" Pan asked, rubbing her chin.
"Ah!" Clara then realized.
"Asking for monsters, you say?" Clara looks to the two.
"I know them, they're the Monster Hunters of Anihan Village. Like Crispina said, they're a subdivision of the Anihan Knights. But they're all about hunting and killing monsters that may try to infiltrate the village." Clara explained.
"But their tactics are simply diabolical, and outright unethical at times. I've heard reports that people were slain by their blade out of pure suspicion that they may have harbored monsters." Clara says with a grim look on her face.
"Hey, hey. That's really bad, that makes you a target since those two Knights came around. We need to get you home, now." Pan says as she stands up, holding Clara's hand.
"No worries, Pan." Crispina calmed Pan down, pulling her to sit again.
"The only reason they didn't outright kill Clara here, besides you, is because I'm also here. I'm an adventurer, and one thing about being an adventurer is that you're not a part of any government." Crispina explained.
"The Adventurer's Guild is a Non-government Organisation, and seeing us here means those Knights can't just kill us. If one of us gets killed by them without any reason, then the Adventurer's Guild can press charges. And you don't want to underestimate the power of the Guild's ability to investigate. They have great people in their ranks!"
"If they're that great, then why don't they just change up the government around this place?" Pan asked curiously.
"We can't do that silly..!" Crispina pouted.
"Didn't you hear? We're a NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION..! That means we don't have business with the Crown, let alone this village's mayor..!"
"Besides contract work, like we adventurer's take as quests. We don't have a reason to fight a government, our sole purpose is to help folks, fight monsters and deal with missions that the crown wouldn't bother doing out of legal reasons or just pettiness." Crispina nodded.
"Jeez, did I really need to hear all that?" Pan says with a tired look on her face.
"You don't know a damn thing about our village, so I might as well explain the situation..!" Crispina says with pride.
"Still, wouldn't those Anihan Monster Hunting Knights get in the way of your guild business? I mean, it IS your job to slay monsters. Evil ones at that." Pan asked.
"They can't do anything to complain, it's issued by the head of the Biringan Alliance that each Kingdom should issue atleast a department to battle any of the Darkness' Influence in the continent. But the way they just give HIM so much power by the mayor is just isn't right..." Clara says.
"Him?" Pan was curious as she looked back to Clara, Crispina as well.
"Yes, Captain of the Anihan Monster Hunting Knights. Viktor Malvado, he's an elegant fellow, but truly, he's a rotten man who only wishes to find pleasure in killing monsters... And his view of monsters aren't just for creatures out there, but the metaphorical monster in people. His justice is vile, and it isn't monitored..." Clara says solemnly.
Crispina looks down as well, but she's nervous to meet a man such as Viktor. Especially when Clara is a suspect now.
"Viktor Malvado, huh? So you're going around killing other people? Tch, if I meet you, I'll make sure to dish out my own kind of justice on you..." Pan thought.
"That's why..." Clara suddenly spoke and the two looked at her once more.
"I had a dream of becoming a mayor in this village, to make things right."
"You may have not seen it, but there are cruelties in this village that must be stopped." Clara says.
"The mayor is corrupt, and so are the people under him. The Kalakasan Royal Family does not care for the quarrels of small villages like these, but for me, someone who grew up in it, I want to make a change." Clara says with determination.
"I see, you weren't that great as a Baker anyway, Clara." Pan says bluntly.
"P-Pan! Be nice!" Crispina says a bit angrily.
"But..." Pan holds Clara's shoulder, smiling sincerely.
"Everytime I see you work diligently as the Bakery's cashier, I see you smile brightly. And people who see you can't help but smile back, you're a perfect woman for an audience like this village. I know you can be a mayor." Pan says softly.
Clara's eyes widened before looking away, smiling weakly as she Wipes her eyes.
"How kind of you, Pan..." Clara says.
"Ah!" Clara then composes herself as she remembers.
"Speaking of which, we have work tomorrow! We can't be out too late!" Clara says before pulling Pan and Crispina up.
"W-Wait! Let me pay first! Agh!" Pan says before slapping a pouch of coins onto the table, and the three rush out the door laughing and smiling.
Meanwhile, the Anihan Monster Hunting Knights that visited Clara returned to their leader at the Inn.
They reported back to him, the man named 'Viktor Malvado'.
"Sir, we couldn't get information from Miss Maria. We saw an adventurer next to her." The Knight said.
"Tch..." Viktor was a bit irritated but he sighs.
"Damn those good-for-nothing fools, always in the way of our purification." Viktor says before turning to his Knights.
"We'll have to try and meet her without that Adventurer, they must've hired them for security."
"It's not just that, sir. There was another woman, who declared that she was Miss Maria's future wife." The Other Knight said.
"How brave, but that information isn't relevant. Tell me what she looked like." Viktor says as he wipes off dust from a shelf
"Sir, she's a fairly white woman, like her skin is made of flour. Her hair is the same colour but her eyes are of a mystical pinkish purple, they look like they glow but not really." The Knight answered.
"Pinkish-Purple, you say?" Victor perks up.
"Yes, sir. It's rare to see an eye color like that, I think it's only prominent in mages?" The Knight continued.
"Hm, with eyes like those, she should be in the capital, making a name for herself as an upcoming mage, but..." Viktor thought before devilishly smiling.
"If some random woman has those eyes, then there's only one thing to conclude. She must be a monster in disguise..."
Viktor turns around to his Knights, satisfied with their investigation.
"Make preparations, call the others and tell them were going hunting." Viktor commanded and the other Knights nodded, leaving his room to do just that.
"Looks like we're going to have another exciting hunt. We'll be seeing you soon, Creature of the Flour." Viktor giggled evilly as his eyes shone with a mystical blue.
The next morning, Pan told the news to Basilio and Santiago.
Ofcourse, they were concerned. If the Anihan Monster Hunting Knights are making a move, then Pan's life was in danger, and so are theirs.
"This is truly a horrible development. I was thinking that Pan's existence would be kept a secret until a new mayor comes, but unfortunately, that's just wishful thinking. The mayor hasn't been replaced, noone had petitioned to do so." Santiago says as he rubs his beard.
"The more concerning part is that those bastards are hunting now. We'll be safe but I can't afford to lose the bakery, it's just so good!" Basilio says with determination.
"Wow, you sure got your priorities straight." Pan says.
"We can't also lose you, Miss Pan! You're the maker, afterall!" Basilio says in the same determined tone.
"Whatever." Pan says unimpressed.
"It's true that they can't just barge in here and start ransacking." Santiago says.
"With Basilio and Crispina around, then we're safe from death. A conflict between Knights and Adventurer would spell disaster for both organisation's reputation."
"Then Maria is safe, we can promise you that much." Basilio says with a nod.
"But you, Miss Pan, we can't protect you. Not only are you not a part of the guild or the knights, you make a pretty convincing monster." Basilio explained.
"I mean, sure, you've been a good person to us but we still see you as some sort of monster."
Pan sighs before waddling over to the sofa, jumping on it and lying back.
"It's that damned goddess' fault, I can't even enjoy my dates in these forms!" Pan thought.
"Okay, I'll tell you a bit about myself, you two. It's a thing I haven't said to Clara and Crispy." Pan stands up straight and the two men listened intently.
After a brief explanation, they fully understand-
"WHAT!?" They yelled in unison.
"Y-Y-Y-You're a champion!?" Basilio shouted, pointing at her in utter and complete disbelief.
"Not just a champion, b-but THE Champion of Creation!? Our Goddess, Liwanag!?" Santiago shouted in the same way as well.
"Yeah, and I'm not from this place, I'm from a place called 'Earth'. I'm not some interesting fellow, back there, just some gal who bakes." Pan chuckled nervously.
"W-Why didn't you tell this sooner!? I knew you were different cause I've never seen a monster speak, think and act like that!" Basilio says.
"O Liwanag, I thank you for blessing this village with a saviour..!" Santiago prayed on the spot.
"Hey, stop it! Both of you!" Pan shouted.
"Sigh... I don't want to be some champion for a goddess. I want to be a Baker and realise my dream to open up my own bakery. She can find another champion, but not me." Pan says.
"You defiled her wishes!?" Basilio says in shock once more.
"Otherworlders are brave and crazy!" Santiago was shocked as well.
"Hey! I said stop!" Pan said angrily.
"But yeah, I had my own thing going on, and she turned me into... This."
"But it's fine, though. I've gotten used to it and I have a human form, albeit a form made by flour." Pan chuckled.
"Hmm..." Basilio scratches his head.
"Well, I just realized, I don't care about all that!" Basilio says with a gleeful smile.
"Then why bother reacting, you dumbass!" Pan says before throwing flour at his face.
"But what I DO care about is Miss Pan's safety. As Crispina's Brother, I have to protect her beloved as well." Basilio nodded.
"Yes, I'd like for her to be safe from harm. I don't want my future daughter-in-law to be in danger, especially when Clara has an eye for you now." Santiago nodded.
"Thanks you guys, but I don't have a way to protect myself besides fighting back. And I don't want to stir up too much trouble for this village." Pan says in worry.
"Don't worry, Miss Pan!" Basilio says as he suddenly goes right up to her face, scaring her.
"I have a solution!" Basilio then stands up before taking out something from his belt pouch.
"Here, this is my Adventurer's Card. THIS is what you'll need." Basilio shows a wooden card with engravings and carvings.
It had Basilio's name and Rank, but also his picture, which was made by some sort of magic. It wasn't an exact picture but more like a pencil sketch that's luminescent.
"S-So you mean that I'll have to..." Pan looks up at him a little confused.
"Yes! You must join the Adventurer's Guild. You already know it's not affiliated with any government, so it should grant you protection from the Knights!" Basilio explained.
"But there's an issue, even though she's a Champion, she certainly does not look the part. The guild accepts a lot of different people from different races, but I've yet to see them accept a monster." Santiago explained.
"I was going to mention that too. With how monsters are terrorising this world, I wouldn't be sure if I could get into the guild." Pan says.
"Don't worry once more! Me and Crispina know the Guild Master here in this village."
"I'll help you get in the guild through him. If anyone can accept you, then it's got to be him!" Basilio says with determination once more.
"You're so bright that I can't physically see, turn it off!" Pan shouted.
"Alright, then we'll try that. Take me to the Guild later, arrange a meeting with Guild Master." Pan turns into her human flour form, patting Basilio's shoulder.
"I can't wait to meet him."
And so the day passed until it was time, the afternoon.
Pan was escorted by Crispina and Basilio to the Adventurer's Guild. She had to temporarily wear a hat to cover her eyes and identity.
"I understand you two escorting me, but why did YOU have to come along?" Pan turns to her side and Clara was walking alongside her.
"I can't just leave you alone, Pan. I'm here to always protect you!" Clara says with determination, pumping herself up.
"Ahah! That's so cute of you." Pan chuckled.
Crispina heard her and she immediately slows down to be at Pan's side.
"I will do so as well! I'll protect you from even darkness itself!" Crispina declared, blushing while looking determined.
"You're so brave, Crispy. Not to mention, super cute! Hehe!" Pan was happy to be with her two gals.
"Ah- Hey! I'll be the one protecting her! You can relax, Crispy!" Clara says out of Jealousy.
"You're not even strong enough to protect her from attacks!" Crispina rebutted.
"I-I'll protect her emotionally!"
"No way! I-I can also do that!" The two went at it for minutes, Pan slipped out of that since Basilio was heading somewhere else.
"Hey, where are we going? The main building is over there." Pan says.
"Nope, The Guild Master is on the back. No one's allowed here but B Ranks and higher, and the Ina Siblings, ofcourse." Basilio ensured.
"S-Sure, what kind of guy is he anyway?" Pan asked.
"You'll see~" Basilio says with a cheery chuckle.
As they approached the back part of the guild, a menacing presence was felt from where the Guild Master resided. It made Pan and Clara uneasy.
So, as they entered, they felt intimidation from a man sitting across the room. Many monster trophies laid on the walls, and old armor from revenants and Lords.
They entered the realm of Anihan's Guild Master.
"Everyone, meet our gracious and daring guild master!" Basildon presented.
"The Slayer of Darkness and the Dark Lords' Bane!" Crispina joined in the presentation.
"Cali Pulaco Natcam!" They both presented him like it's a magic show.
But for Pan and Clara, Cali's presence wasn't magical at all. It's like facing a final boss.
He was bald, his eyes glow bright red that contrasts with his dark skin. He wore regular villager armor but his magical presence was powerful. Scars around his arms and his muscular build spoke of his experience.
He is the S - Rank Adventurer of Anihan Village.
"So, you're the one Basilio and Crispina are talking about..." Cali says as he glared at Pan.
"Holy shit, he's no joke! No wonder those Knights didn't try to attack the guild here, even if they had total freedom." Pan thought as she shivered.
"So, you're the new girlfriend that Crispina's talking about..." Cali says before standing up.
"Now then, tell me why I should accept someone like you into the guild?"