Beth had always been pushed around by the nobles of the Vyranthia, she hated it, hated it more than childbirth. It felt so demeaning to her.
She tried having an attitude, disrespecting nobles, and somehow it had worked. But not in all of them, especially the little girl who had spoken to her rudely.
Beth would have kept up her usual insolence, but the little girl's name… She was a Draven. As far as anyone knew, the Draven Household brought forth only swordsmen. Such as Lord Draven's four sons, but his fifth has been a girl, not just any girl but a mage.
A mage of incredibly raw talent. It took risking your life to disrespect a mage.
Beth ran with all her might carrying a silver plaque in her hand. She didn't know who the man who stood beside her was. He looked a bit older than her and bland. Even weak.
But then again, Beth felt a sudden thrill run through her veins, speaking so casually with a mage. Offering her services to one?
Especially to Liora Draven? It was an honor.
She ran back to her desk just in time to see the strange-looking man who stood behind Liora, pointing a finger at her and holding back his rage.
What an odd couple, Beth knew nothing of this man, she didn't think he was a son of a noble so she wondered why he walked around with an esteemed mage such as Liora.
"Here, you grace" Beth lowered her head as she slid the plaque towards Liora. She saw Liora cut her a glance, just for a moment but that was all Beth needed, she couldn't stop herself from blushing so she bowed her head lower to hide her smile.
"Here, put this on" Liora threw the plaque to Shadow.
He caught it and turned it around in his fingers, a frown settled on his face. "Why does this bear the arms of House Draven?" He asked.
"Because you represent the family, even if you aren't a part of it. It's simply saying 'Don't bring shame unto the family' and also for others to identify you with" Liora answered without turning back.
"Also, if you lose that thing, you'll be identified as a rogue" she said stopping and turning to look him in the eye.
Shadow paused for a moment.
"Wait, so I can't get another if I lose it?" He asked, growing a little anxious.
"Ooh you can, you just have to ask Father for another Letter of Truce" she giggled and turned away, waking back towards the entrance.
Shadow tightened his grip around the plaque, he knew he couldn't afford to lose it. It had to be on him at all times. With that, he sighed and pinned the plaque to the garment he wore under his cloak.
"So?"
"What?" Shadow asked feeling a little irritated, he didn't like being tracked or leaving clues for others to follow. Wearing a plaque that identified what house he came from was basically saying that whatever actions he took were the actions of House Draven.
Troublesome.
"Don't be all mad at me, Tch!" She cussed at him. Shadow sighed and shook his head slightly, just a little more and he would be rid of her. He'd have to take her back to Dravenhall, and he'd be rid of her for good.
"I'm asking what are you going to do? You have your freedom to do as you wish, so what's next?" At this point, they both walked past the Griffin who seemed quietly asleep.
Shadow made sure not to add a sound to his steps while he walked. It was an acquired skill he had learned.
"Well, after I drop you off, I'll go to the Silver Blade guild and sign up as an Adventurer and try making a name for myself? The rest is history, I haven't thought that far "he lied.
Well, he wasn't lying about wanting to become an Adventurer, that was the easiest way for him to scour the entire Empire and look for clues about the Demon cult.
Liora didn't say anything, and he didn't want her too. She seemed oddly quiet, but Shadow wouldn't dare risk the peace and quiet just to know what she's feeling.
They walked in silence until they passed the outer gates of the Imperial Arms, he turned around in the direction they had both come from, heading back toward the gates that lead into the city, hopefully he wouldn't run into the meat seller.
Shivers ran down his spine at the thought of that conversation.
"Uuhhm, where are you going?" Liora asked, she held his hand with both her hands to stop him from moving. He stopped and turned to look at her.
"Why are you holding me? Uurgh" he pulled her hand away quickly.
Liora eyed him for a bit then spat at the ground close to his boots. "Don't treat me like that".
Before Shadow could think of a follow-up, she cut him off with another question.
"Why are we going back home now? There's so much we could do, so many places we could see, and you want me to go back to that hellhole?" She stomped her feet on the ground.
Shadow looked at her seemingly amused by her adamant nature and addiction to freedom.
"Who was it that was pissed that we slept on the ground? Ate meat rolled in dirt? Walked around all day without a carriage to carry you around?" He asked her with a gloating tone.
"Certainly wasn't me. On your way Princess, you have no idea how glad I am to be rid of you" Shadow smiled a genuine smile, he really meant those words he said.
He suddenly realized that he had been at peace of late. The system hadn't disturbed him in any way, it almost felt like she had been turned off or something and Shadow wasn't willing to call her name and risk bringing back the system.
Things were going his way for once.
"Okay wait, let's do this instead" she stretched her arms out in a protesting manner.
"What?" He asked with a scowl on his face.
Liora bit her lip and played with her fingers for a moment before finding the courage to speak.
"Why don't you take me to the Adventurers guild, become an Adventure then take me back home" she said, her voice sounded more respectful, mellow?
Shadow smiled. "And why would I do that?" He asked.
"Because I'm your sister and a mage, and I'm asking so nicely… Please" she brought her palms together and looked at Shadow.
He sighed and walked away from her, but not towards the gate.