Once Roy departed, Shun (still intrigued by the presence of the guests) turned to Emma and inquired, "Hey, our solitary older sibling has visitors. What's happening?" Emma, with a playful yet assertive demeanor, flicked his forehead. However, the underlying curiosity remained palpable.
"Idiot, you don't have to know that."
Shun scowled (however) he said nothing further, sensing that Emma was not (in the mood) for conversation.
---
In the vibrant streets of Kranel, Erika and Ralf had just disembarked from the carriage. They found themselves in the heart of the bustling city, searching for Roy's mansion. Erika was increasingly impatient; her frustration (it seemed) was mounting as they roamed aimlessly. "What the hell! Where is his house? We're just wandering around like idiots!" she exclaimed. Ralf, however, remained the ever-calm presence, sighing before responding with a tone that was marked by patience.
"Be patient, princess. We'll find it soon."
However, Erika was not particularly renowned for her patience. She grumbled and advanced, her gaze sweeping across the streets. The instant they turned a corner, they found themselves positioned outside a tavern, where the scent of alcohol hung heavily in the air. As Erika passed by, a drunken man stumbled out of the establishment. His face was flushed a deep crimson due to the drink and his movements were unsteady. With a loud, boisterous laugh, he purposefully collided with Erika, causing her to lose her balance. "What the hell, bitch? Watch where you're going!" he yelled, clearly more focused on instigating trouble than offering an apology. He then flashed a grin— the kind that made Ralf's instincts flare with caution. "Or do you want to sleep with this great warrior, Rakhun?" he added, his laughter resonating maniacally, as if his words carried some sort of weight. Erika's expression turned dark as she glared at him. Her lips twisted into a mocking smile, her eyes icy. "Great warrior my foot," she retorted, her voice laden with disdain. "And as for sleeping with you— not even a dog would sleep with a dumbass like you. Now, scram!" The mockery pierced through him, but it was a sting that only fueled the drunk man's wounded pride. His face became even redder and his temper ignited further.
"What did you just say, you impertinent fool? I swear I'll kill you!" he yelled, raising his hands as if to seize her by the neck. However, before Rakhun could even make contact, Erika moved like a flash. In one fluid motion, her foot struck his crotch with deadly accuracy. "One decisive blow there and it's all over for you," she stated coldly, observing as Rakhun collapsed to the ground, unable to maintain his footing. Erika looked down at the now wheezing man, a wide grin spreading across her face. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to Ralf, commanding him, "Ralf, bind this fool. He will lead us to the mansion." Ralf raised an eyebrow at her approach to the predicament, but he nodded with a smirk, saying, "Oh, excellent idea, Princess." With swift efficiency, Ralf secured Rakhun's hands. The inebriated man struggled feebly, his pride thoroughly dismantled, yet his survival instincts began to awaken. He gasped, realizing he was being coerced into submission. Erika squatted down, her expression turning serious. "You foolish man," she began, her voice low and authoritative. "Do you know where the mansion of Narzan's Supreme Commander Roy is located?"
The instant Rakhun heard Roy's name, his eyes widened and his body seemed to freeze, as if he had been abruptly struck by an icy gust. He gulped nervously. "Shhh! Don't even mention his name!" he hissed, as though merely uttering Roy's name aloud could summon calamity. Erika and Ralf exchanged a glance; there was an unmistakable peculiarity in his reaction. Erika raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. "Why?" she inquired, her tone incisive. The inebriated man, recognizing that the situation was spiraling beyond his grasp, inhaled deeply before replying, his voice quivering. "His name... his name alone can issue a death sentence. Every noble family despises him. They have all held grudges against him for years. I can guide you to his mansion... however, you'll need to compensate me." Erika regarded him with a bemused expression. "Oh, so how much are you demanding?" Rakhun paused momentarily, then flashed a crooked grin. "I'm gonna make it cheap for you today," he said, attempting to sound persuasive, despite his evident trepidation. "Only 100 gold coins." Erika smirked. "100 gold coins?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow at the man. "You've got some nerve asking for that much from me, you realize."
---
### Money System:
- 1 copper coin = 10$
- 1 silver coin = 100$
- 1 gold coin = 1000$
---
Ralf, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the man's evident desperation. "Do you genuinely believe you can extract that much from her? You possess a remarkable amount of nerve." Erika glanced back at Ralf, her lips curling into a small yet perilous smile. "Very well. 100 gold coins it is," she stated, her voice suddenly turning cold. "However, if you even consider attempting anything foolish, I'll ensure you deeply regret it." Rakhun swallowed hard, his body quaking, yet he nodded rapidly, realizing there was no other option. "Y-Yes, yes! I will take you to the mansion!" he stuttered, now thoroughly intimidated by Erika. As Erika turned away and commenced walking, Ralf trailed behind, keeping a close watch on the trembling man. "Lead the way, Rakhun," he remarked with a tone that was part mocking, part authoritative. The group proceeded towards Roy's mansion, the atmosphere thick with tension. Erika's thoughts wandered toward what awaited her there. She had arrived in pursuit of answers, but she couldn't shake the curiosity about what kind of person Roy truly was.
---
The scene transitions as the guests (Erika, Ralf and the hesitant guide Rakhun) made their way toward Roy's mansion. Meanwhile (inside the mansion), Roy had made preparations for the arrival of additional guests, aside from them. What might transpire next, as the fateful encounter unfolds? Although the tension was palpable, the true nature of the gathering remained uncertain. This added an intriguing layer to the evening, because everyone was on edge. However, anticipation lingered in the air, hinting at unforeseen developments.