In the fortress city of Re-Estize, part of the Kingdom of E-Rantel, the annual conflicts between the kingdom and the Baharus Empire often take place in the plains surrounding the city. Of course, the Sylian Church also likes to meddle in the affairs.
Re-Estize is protected by three layers of city walls, and its appearance truly reflects its status as a fortified city.
Genji and Leticiel, dressed in ordinary clothing, stroll through the bustling streets.
Amidst the lively crowd, vendors call out about their goods while the enticing aroma of roasted meat wafts through the air, drawing the attention of those nearby. This vibrant scene won't fade until sunset.
To blend in and avoid attracting attention, Genji has deliberately disguised herself and Leticiel as regular citizens. However, Leticiel's graceful demeanor and stunning beauty still manage to catch the eyes of passersby.
"Wow, which noble lady is that?"
"Such elegance; the one beside her must be her attendant."
Despite their efforts to remain inconspicuous, they can't help but feel the weight of the gazes upon them.
Ah, how troublesome! Just thinking about how I assigned Leticiel the personality trait of an "elegant princess" makes my head ache. Perhaps it would be easier if she were just an ordinary girl.
However, this very state seems to have drawn the attention of some strange "adventurers."
Before they can even reach the guild, they encounter a group of rough-looking individuals.
"Hey there, kid, are you new here to get your adventurer's badge?"
The leader has a deep scar on his face, and the large blade on his back is quite conspicuous.
Next to him, one companion wields a bow, while another carries a sword and shield.
Genji glances at the "iron badge" on their chests, indicating their low status as adventurers.
An iron badge? It seems to be the most basic level, although the term "black iron" oddly comes to mind.
"Want to hang out with us? We're about to be promoted to a Mithril-level adventurer team."
Before Genji can respond, Leticiel scoffs at the two in front of them.
"How boring."
If it weren't for Genji's strict warnings against drawing blades or resorting to violence in the city, the three men would likely already feel like insects underfoot.
With that thought, Leticiel decides to pull Genji away.
But the adventurers continue to press on, unwilling to let it go.
"Hey kid, the path of an adventurer isn't easy, especially for someone just starting out like you."
"If your lack of strength leads to this beautiful girl by your side dying out in the wilderness, it would be quite the tragedy."
Genji chooses to ignore them, casting a disdainful glance away.
Seeing the newcomer's lack of resistance, the three men ramp up their taunting.
"Why don't we take that girl off your hands? I could even consider bringing you into my team."
"Hahaha!"
From the beginning, these lowlifes have been droning on, and Leticiel is clearly losing her patience.
Everyone's tolerance, even that of other races, has its limits.
"This bunch of scum."
Just as she prepares to use magic to deal with them, Genji interrupts.
The man holding the bow impatiently reaches for Leticiel's clothing.
Genji subtly shifts her arm.
"Whoosh!"
An invisible beam of light cuts through the man's hand.
It's as if a gust of wind has sliced through him, sharp and swift.
His hand, which hadn't even touched Leticiel yet, is cleanly severed.
The speed of the action leaves him momentarily stunned.
Only moments later does he realize that his hand has fallen to the ground, gushing blood, and he screams in agony.
"Ah... my... hand!"
The man collapses, staring in shock at his severed right hand, the pain sending jolts to his brain.
His screams quickly attract the attention of those nearby.
With an air of authority, Genji states, "If we meet again, I hope it's outside the city. By then, what you lose won't just be a hand."
The three men look at her as if they've seen a demon, their faces filled with terror.
The fear they feel is beyond what even they, who have faced life and death, can describe.
The man who lost his hand hastily picks up the severed limb and, in a state of panic, flees.
Blood continues to pool on the ground.
"What kind of guy is that? Is he even human?"
The two others quickly retreat as well, fully aware that they cannot afford to provoke him.
Does he want their lives? Perhaps he isn't even interested in that.
The surrounding crowd merely thinks that some foolish individuals have dared to provoke a powerful adventurer.
After all, Genji had clearly exuded an aura of intimidation.
Seeing Genji handle the situation, Leticiel quickly apologizes,
"Master, I'm so sorry for making you take action against those scum; it must have been difficult for you to deal with them. Let me help you handle it."
Surprised, Genji didn't expect her to say this—truly, she is an elegant princess.
"No, no, they won't dare come back. Let's go get your adventurer status set up first."
"Okay."