The capital was alive with its usual bustle, a symphony of voices, footsteps, and the clatter of carts rolling over cobblestone streets. Traders shouted their wares, their stalls brimming with fresh produce, shimmering trinkets, and exotic goods from distant lands. Buyers haggled with practiced ease, their laughter mingling with the playful shouts of children darting through the crowd. Elders sat on benches, sharing stories of their youth, while parents hurried to their workplaces, their faces etched with determination. It was a normal day in the capital, but beneath the surface, whispers of the new hero's capture had already begun to spread.
The hero, a young man with a reputation for cowardice, had been sighted near the outskirts of the city. As per the princess's request, he was immediately apprehended and thrown into the dungeon. The guards who had accompanied him were quickly whisked away to the wards, their bodies battered and weary from the skirmish. The princess's orders were clear: no one was to question her decision. The people murmured among themselves, but life went on as usual. After all, the capital had seen its share of heroes and villains, and the world kept turning.
I, Fernando, had my own routine to follow. As an A-rank adventurer, I had carved out a comfortable life for myself. I could have climbed higher, perhaps even reached S-rank, but I preferred to stay under the radar. Fame brought attention, and attention brought trouble. My days were spent completing quests, honing my skills, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Last night's escapade, a particularly grueling mission to eliminate 500 goblins, 100 orcs, and a pack of demon hounds, had left me exhausted, but it was nothing a good night's sleep couldn't fix.
This morning, Lupin, my companion and confidante, had left early to visit her cooking teacher, who had just returned from a long trip. Lupin was more than just a skilled cook; she was my anchor, the one who kept me grounded amidst the chaos of adventuring. Her absence meant I would be heading to the guild alone today, but I didn't mind. The guild was like a second home, a place where I could lose myself in the rhythm of quests and camaraderie.
The guild hall was as lively as ever when I arrived. Adventurers of all ranks milled about, some poring over quest boards, others sharing stories of their latest exploits. I made my way to the counter, where the guild clerk greeted me with a warm smile.
"Fernando! Back so soon?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You know me," I replied with a grin. "I can't stay away for long."
I handed over the proof of my completed quest, a bundle of goblin ears, orc tusks, and demon hound fangs, and received my payment in return. The weight of the coin pouch in my hand was satisfying, a tangible reward for my efforts. As I turned to leave, my eyes caught sight of a notice pinned to the board. It advertised a competition, an arm wrestling contest, an archery tournament, and a race. The winner would receive 200 gold coins, a sum that could change someone's life.
The thought lingered in my mind as I stepped out into the sunlight. The streets were just as busy as before, but my attention was drawn to a familiar figure standing near the fountain. It was Helene, she was in and out of the guild with tasks and adventures but today she seemed disturbd. She was a talented and skilled knight, but her lack of confidence often held her back. Today, she looked troubled, her brow furrowed as she stared at the ground.
"Hey," I called out, drawing her attention.
She looked up, startled, but her expression softened when she saw me. "Oh, Sir Fernando! What brings you here?"
"I could ask you the same," I replied, walking over to her. "I'm just coming from the guild. What's on your mind?"
Helene hesitated, then gestured to the notice in her hand. "I'm here for the competition. They said the winner gets 200 gold coins. If I could win that, it would really help me out."
I could see the nervousness in her eyes, the way her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the notice. Helene had always been hard on herself, doubting her abilities despite her obvious talent. I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't overthink it, Helene. You're more skilled than you give yourself credit for. Just go out there and do your best."
Her face brightened at my words, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Fernando. That means a lot."
We walked together to the competition grounds, where a small crowd had already gathered. The events were about to begin, and participants were lining up for the first challenge which was arm wrestling. Helene took her place at one of the tables, her determination shining through. I watched from the sidelines, cheering her on as she faced off against her opponents.
Helene performed admirably, her strength and technique earning her a respectable third place. The archery contest was next, and this was where she truly shone. Her arrows flew true, each one hitting the target with pinpoint accuracy. The crowd erupted in applause, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Her performance even caught the attention of a few hero organizations, who began whispering among themselves.
By the time the race began, Helene was riding high on her success. She didn't win, but her overall performance earned her second place and a silver trophy. When she returned to me, her face was glowing with pride, a smile playing on her lips.
"You did well, Helene," I said, patting her head. "I'm proud of you."
She pouted cutely, a gesture that made me chuckle. "Thank you, Fernando. I couldn't have done it without your encouragement."
We walked home together, the streets bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Our conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories. It was moments like these that reminded me why I had chosen this life, not for the glory or the gold, but for the connections I had made along the way.
When we arrived home, Lupin was waiting for us, a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. She had prepared a dish she called 'spaghetti' though I insisted it was just noodles. The name didn't matter, what mattered was the love and care she had put into it. We sat down to eat, all of us sharing stories of our day and enjoying each other's company.
Later that night, as the moon cast its silvery light through the window, Lupin and I found ourselves alone in our room. She leaned into me, her presence a comforting warmth. I reached out, letting my hand brush against her chest, feeling the softness of her skin. It was a moment of intimacy, a reminder of the close relationship we had.
We fell asleep together, the night wrapping around us like a blanket. The outskirts of the capital might have been a place of intrigue and danger, but in that moment, all that mattered was the peace we had found in each other's arms.