In Bacain, Princess Khillian wandered through the rustic streets, inquiring about Nameless. Some claimed he was battling in a distant part of the state, while others whispered they had spotted him by the sea.
Bacain, the smallest and least developed state in the kingdom.
As Princess Khillian searched, the Chancellor rested at a nearby inn, aware that finding Nameless would be a treacherous endeavor.
Khillian's vibrant red dress stood out amidst the humble surroundings, her lute-turned-sword sheathed at her waist. She paused, surveying her surroundings, unsure who to approach next.
"I heard you're looking for Nameless," a voice called out from behind.
She turned to face a young man clad in tattered attire, his unkempt hair giving him the appearance of a vagabond.
"Yes, I am," Princess Khillian declared, her voice firm.
The man spun around, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Follow me," he instructed, his eyes darting over his shoulder as he walked, wondering if the princess would heed his command.
"You can simply tell me the location," Princess Khillian suggested from behind.
The man continued walking, his pace steady, without acknowledging her request. "The place defies description," he explained. "Its paths twist and turn, making it impossible to navigate without guidance. If you'd rather not follow me, you're free to continue searching for him on your own."
Princess Khillian's trust wavered, but curiosity propelled her forward. She trailed behind the man, her senses heightened.
As they ventured into a less crowded area, tall grasses swaying in the breeze, Princess Khillian's instincts screamed warning. Her hand instinctively rested on the hilt of her sword.
"Wait here," the man ordered, disappearing into a dilapidated house.
Princess Khillian scanned her surroundings, wary of potential threats lurking in the shadows. Suddenly, a piercing whistle shattered the calm.
She turned to leave, but the shabby man reemerged, a sly grin still plastered on his face. "Miss, where are you going? Nameless is here."
Princess Khillian took a deep sigh and turned, her gaze meeting the imposing figure before her. A hefty man with a black band tied around his head stood, his belt straining to contain his massive frame, and his unkempt beard adding to his rugged demeanor.
She raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "You... are Nameless?"
He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "That's right, miss. Why don't you come in, and we can chat more?" He motioned her toward the shabby house.
Khillian's expectations shattered, she turned to leave. "I've never seen Nameless, but the stories describe him as a young, handsome, and fit warrior. This..." She gestured toward Nameless, her voice dripping with disappointment. "This is the opposite. I've wasted my time."she said as she turned to leave and started walking away.
The hefty man's face contorted into a frown.
"If Big says you should come in, miss, you should come in!" the shabby man yelled, his voice laced with urgency.
Khillian scoffed, laughter dancing in her voice. "Big? That's your name? It's as lame as you!" She chuckled, continuing her departure.
Big's expression darkened. He blew a piercing whistle with his fingers, and suddenly, men emerged from the shadows, converging from every corner.
"You need a beating!" Big bellowed, his finger jabbing accusingly at Princess Khillian.
His men charged toward her, weapons at the ready. Khillian's smile gleamed, a fierce spark in her eyes.
"Yes, I need a beating?" she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But can you even come near me?"
With fluid ease, she unsheathed her sword, its blade glinting in the light. Summoning her internal power, she struck the ground with precision, unleashing a series of explosive shocks.
The earth erupted in multiple places, sending Big's men flying. Khillian pivoted, her sword slicing through the air once more.
This time, her strike found its mark, cutting down the remaining men and sending Big and the shabby guide tumbling backward. The force of the blow left them battered and helpless.
Khillian strode away, unruffled and unchallenged.
"Crazy people," she spat, dismissing the defeated group.
************************************
Hours later, Princess Khillian still searched for Nameless, exhaustion etched on her face. She pondered returning to the inn.
"It's possible he's not here," she thought. "Maybe I arrived too late."
Just then, a vendor's booming voice pierced the market's din.
"Get your Nameless portraits! Ward off demons! Buy two, get one free! The more, the better!"
Khillian's gaze swept the market, tracing the voice. Her eyes scanned the vibrant stalls and shoppers, finally locking onto the vendor's colorful stand.
With renewed interest, Khillian quickened her pace, weaving through the crowded alleys. She dodged shoppers haggling over goods and sidestepped .
The vendor's stand came into view, and Khillian's pace slowed. She examined the sample portrait, her eyes narrowing.
"If I get his portrait, identifying him will be easier," she thought.
"Mr," she addressed the vendor, her voice firm.
Khillian's gaze lingered on the sample portrait, the subject's familiar features teasing her memory.
"Miss, how many would you like? I hope you have sufficient funds," the artist said, his smile confident. "I'm Bacain's finest artist, and my portraits are unparalleled. Observe the exact likeness and the blue robe he favored."
He extended his hand, awaiting payment.
However, Khillian's attention remained fixed on the portrait, her mind racing to recall where she'd seen the person before.
Just then, a customer approached, distracting the artist.
"I need four portraits. How much will that cost me?" the woman asked.
The artist turned, his smile unwavering. "Just four gold pieces."
The woman's expression darkened. "You can die with your portraits! Who's stupid enough to pay a gold piece for this? It's just paper and ink!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.
The artist's smile faltered, his eyes flashing with defensiveness.
Princess Khillian furrowed her brow, still struggling to recall. "Give me one," she said, meeting the seller's gaze.
The man's smile widened. "Just one piece of gold, miss!"
Khillian retrieved her pouch, extracted a gold piece, and handed it over. The seller's eyes sparkled as he palmed the coin.
"Miss, no demon will dare approach you. Carry this portrait wherever you go," he assured, producing a rolled-up portrait.
Khillian accepted it, her expression thoughtful.
"Give the lady my free one," she said with a smile, walking away as the seller and the argumentative customer continued their dispute.
As she strolled, Khillian untied the rope securing the portrait and unrolled it. Her gaze locked onto the familiar face.
"Khailian!" a voice called out.
She turned, wondering if she'd truly heard her name because it was familiar.
"That's right," she confirmed, her eyes scanning the surrounding crowd.
Suddenly, memories flooded back. She recalled that fateful night in Tamil State, introducing herself to three strangers.
"I can't believe I already met him!" Khillian exclaimed, astonishment etched on her face.