The sun was already setting as Rex, Carl, and Lily trekked back from the deep mountains, their prize secured—a rare, luminescent herb known as **Solstar Bloom**, prized for its medicinal and magical properties. The journey had been arduous, with numerous beasts and hazards slowing their progress.
"Who knew a flower could be so much trouble," Carl muttered, adjusting his grip on his sword as they made their way down the rugged trail.
"It's not just a flower," Rex corrected. "Solstar Bloom is worth a fortune, especially to alchemists. The challenge was expected."
Lily walked silently behind them, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "Let's just hope the guild pays what it's worth," she added, her tone cold but practical.
As they descended the mountain path, a commotion ahead made them pause. From a distance, they saw a large, ornate carriage surrounded by a retinue of heavily armed guards. The reason for the gathering soon became clear—a pack of anemo wolves had ambushed the caravan.
The three of them ducked behind a rocky outcrop, watching the scene unfold. The guards fought valiantly, their swords gleaming as they clashed with the swift, snarling wolves. Despite their efforts, the pack's relentless assault began to take its toll.
Suddenly, one of the wolves broke through the defensive line, leaping toward the carriage with a feral snarl. Rex, Carl, and Lily tensed, but before they could act, the door of the carriage swung open.
A single figure emerged, though only briefly. A blade flashed in the dimming light, slicing cleanly through the air. The wolf fell, its lifeless body collapsing to the ground. The figure's movement was elegant and precise, leaving no doubt about their skill.
As quickly as it had opened, the carriage door shut again, the mysterious occupant retreating inside. The guards, reinvigorated by the display, redoubled their efforts, driving the remaining wolves away. The pack scattered into the woods, their howls fading into the distance.
Rex, Carl, and Lily remained frozen in place, their eyes fixed on the carriage.
"Did you see that?" Carl murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Rex nodded, his mind racing. "Whoever was inside the carriage wasn't an ordinary noble".
The Anemo Wolves, sensing their losses, began to retreat. The guards regrouped, tending to their wounded as the carriage resumed its journey without pause, disappearing into the forest.
---
Back at the guild, Rex couldn't shake the image of the mysterious woman. After collecting their reward for the Solstar Bloom, he approached the receptionist, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I noticed a carriage on the way back," Rex began. "It had a crest—two crossed swords with a star above. Do you know whose it is?"
The receptionist, a middle-aged man with a keen eye for details, leaned forward. "That would be the **Vander Family's** crest. They hold the Viscounty of Arinholt, a prosperous region near the capital. Old family, known for their military prowess and political influence."
Rex exchanged glances with Carl and Lily as the receptionist continued. "If you saw their carriage, you must've crossed paths with someone important. The Vanders don't travel without good reason."
---
As they left the guild, the three walked in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Who do you think she was?" Carl finally asked, breaking the quiet.
Rex shrugged, though his expression remained thoughtful. "Whoever she is, she's not just a noble. That sword strike was... precise."
Lily, ever observant, chimed in. "Her movements were practiced. She's a warrior, not just a passenger."
The mystery of the woman in the carriage lingered in their minds as they returned to their quarters. Little did they know, this brief encounter would soon intertwine their fates with the powerful Vander family, setting them on a path filled with danger, intrigue, and revelations about the world they now called home.