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I never expected that Scarlette Overland would have connections with the Emperor of the Silveria Empire himself… and from what she said, it sounds like the Emperor practically adopted her as a daughter for protection.
Ryan leaned back slightly, his thoughts swirling. The realization unsettled him—not because he doubted Scarlette's ability, but because he understood all too well what it meant to receive the attention of someone with overwhelming power. No matter how strong Scarlette was, the Emperor's influence could easily crush anyone if he chose to. Even she wouldn't be able to completely stand against a man who held authority over an entire empire.
In that sense, Ryan felt a subtle thread of familiarity between their circumstances.
Scarlette subtly noticed the shift in his expression, the way his face dimmed with unspoken concerns. She didn't need him to voice his thoughts; she already had a clear idea of what plagued him.
His situation is almost similar to mine…
But dwelling on such things was pointless. Scarlette had no intention of extending this conversation any further. It wasn't her responsibility to comfort him or explain her own burdens to someone who may or may not be trustworthy. She had already spoken more about herself than she intended.
Besides, she thought sharply, I don't trust him enough. If "Ryan Wayne" was sent by that person… then this is going to be troublesome.
The thought made her click her tongue quietly. Although she had already invited Ryan to accompany her, she wasn't foolish enough to let him roam freely without keeping an eye on him. If he truly had ties to that person, she couldn't let him slip away—not when there could be consequences for her.
She diverted the topic abruptly.
"It seems like my name has also spread outside the Empire," she remarked, glancing at Ryan. "You recognized it, after all… even though you didn't recognize me when you approached me at the guild."
Ryan immediately stiffened, his face turning bright red.
"I—I already apologized for that! You don't have to keep bringing it up!" He covered his face with both hands, groaning in embarrassment. "Please just forget that moment ever happened…"
Scarlette let out a soft chuckle—barely audible, but unmistakably amused. Ryan peeked through his fingers, stunned; he had rarely seen her smile, much less laugh.
But beneath her faint amusement, Scarlette's eyes darkened. There was a cold sharpness in her gaze that Ryan—lost in his flustered panic—didn't notice.
Mesmerized, was he? she thought silently. That's what his expression says.
Then she corrected herself. No… that's probably exactly what he was thinking when we first met.
Ryan, meanwhile, was having a mini-heart attack in his internal monologue.
I was mesmerized when I first saw her… Her eyes—those crimson-lilac colors—felt like they could hypnotize someone… He froze suddenly. Wait. What?! Did I really think that?! Seriously?!
His thoughts spiraled, and he nearly let out a sound of mortified disbelief.
Scarlette paid him no mind. Her attention had shifted inward, toward the questions that had quietly gnawed at her since the moment Ryan introduced himself back at the guild.
Why are you here, Ryan Wayne? And in the Silveria Empire, of all places?
Was your approach back at the guild really a coincidence, or did you want something from me?
Did you purposely act like you didn't recognize me? Had you known something beforehand?
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a brief flicker of hostility flashing within them.
If you're connected to him… then this becomes a problem.
She kept her killing intent tightly contained, but the air around her turned subtly colder. Fortunately, Ryan remained lost in embarrassment and failed to notice the shift in atmosphere.
If I catch you doing something that concerns me… especially if the person you're associated with has ties to my past… then prepare yourself. I won't hesitate to deal with you, even if we knew each other back then.
Scarlette's expression remained perfectly neutral, betraying none of her thoughts.
.......
.........
............….
Twenty minutes later, the long line at the city gate had finally cleared enough for them to proceed. Scarlette guided the wagon forward with smooth control, falling into formation behind the remaining travelers.
The guard from earlier approached them again and handed their identification cards back with respectful efficiency. After verifying everything once more, he stepped aside and signaled them through the gate.
They had officially entered Mirken City.
The moment they passed the threshold, Scarlette gently steered the wagon toward an empty space along the side, far from the bustle of arriving travelers. She disliked unnecessary obstructions, and causing trouble for others—especially at a city entrance—was the last thing she intended.
Once the wagon came to a full stop, she turned to Ryan.
"Stay here," she instructed firmly. "Rest. I'll be back."
Without waiting for confirmation, she hopped down from the wagon with effortless grace. She checked the supplies, the reins, and the wheels one last time. Then, with no further words, she disappeared into the crowd.
Ryan raised a hand, intending to say Wait, hold on— but she was already gone.
He exhaled heavily.
"Geez… that woman…" he muttered, his shoulders drooping in exhaustion.
Not only was his body still strained and bruised from yesterday's intense sparring match—where Scarlette had nearly beaten the life out of him—but her personality was equally draining. Managing her abruptness, cold tone, and unpredictable behavior required a particular sort of stamina.
Sometimes, Ryan thought while rubbing his temples, I honestly think Scarlette might be… allergic to people. Or at least something close to that.
He imagined someone attempting to be her companion long-term. They would either collapse in exhaustion or adapt to her behavior through sheer force of will. Maybe both.
Ryan shook his head, discarding the useless thought. He shifted inside the wagon, leaning against a stack of cloth-covered supplies that had survived their journey thus far. Scarlette was right—he needed to rest. His injuries weren't severe, but they were enough to remind him that he wasn't at full strength yet.
Just as he began to relax, his instincts suddenly screamed.
His eyes sharpened.
In one swift movement, he grabbed his sword, rolled to the side, and leapt off the wagon—
BOOM!
The wagon exploded behind him, splintering into flying shards and fragments of smoking wood. The sheer force of the blast rattled the air, and nearby pedestrians shrieked in panic, scrambling away from the area.
Ryan's heart pounded, adrenaline rushing through him.
What the—?!
He inhaled sharply, scanning the immediate area for the source of the attack. Nothing. No figure, no weapon, no mage in sight. Whoever did this—if they were even still nearby—had hidden themselves well.
Thank goodness the supplies are in the dimensional pouches… he thought grimly. Otherwise, this would have been worse.
A flare of irritation burned inside him.
Whoever dared attack him did so not only in broad daylight, but inside the walls of Mirken City, where security was strict. It wasn't just bold—it was insulting.
Okay… just who the living hell has the guts to attack me out in the open like this?!
The old Ryan—the one before all the restraint, he'd slowly forced into himself—would have already painted the street red in retaliation. He would've hunted the attacker down and dealt with them mercilessly.
But now, he wasn't alone.
And Scarlette Overland was not just any travel companion. Dragging her into his personal problems without warning would be beyond irresponsible.
He clenched his jaw.
However, since he wasn't alone in this journey and particularly, Scarlette Overland isn't just any ordinary companion of him as the crimson-haired woman had a reputation on her own and Ryan wasn't that of a scumbag to drag the innocent crimson-haired woman on his problem.
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