Morning came quietly.
The estate felt calmer now.
As if nothing had happened.
Adrian stood near the carriage, stretching lightly.
"…I'm finally leaving."
"Disappointed?"
He turned.
Seraphina stood a few steps away.
"…Relieved," Adrian replied.
She looked at him for a moment.
"…You changed things here."
"…Unintentionally."
"…Even so."
A brief silence settled between them.
Final Words
"…You're different from what people say," she said.
"…I've heard that a lot recently."
"…Then don't ruin it."
Adrian smirked faintly.
"…I'll try."
She turned slightly—
Then paused.
"…Next time we meet…"
Adrian waited.
"…don't be disappointing."
A small pause.
"…That sounds like a lot of pressure."
"…Good," she replied.
And walked away.
[+5 Reputation]
Departure
The carriage began to move.
Adrian leaned back, exhaling.
"…That was more trouble than expected."
Kael sat across from him.
"…You handled it well."
"…I survived."
"…That counts."
The estate slowly disappeared behind them.
Adrian glanced out once—
Then looked away.
Not bad… for a short visit.
On the Road
The journey was peaceful.
For once.
Trees lined the road.
The wind was calm.
Adrian almost relaxed.
Almost.
"…Stop."
Kael looked at him.
"…Why?"
Adrian frowned slightly.
"…I saw something."
The carriage slowed.
The Encounter
Near the edge of the road—
A figure.
Small.
Still.
"…A child?" Kael muttered.
Adrian stepped down.
"…This looks like trouble."
As he got closer—
It was a girl.
Thin.
Dirty.
Clothes worn out.
But—
Alive.
Her eyes opened slightly.
Sharp.
Alert.
Then—
Fear.
She tried to move back.
"…Don't."
Adrian's voice was calm.
"I'm not here to hurt you."
She didn't respond.
Just stared.
Suspicious.
"…You're not from around here," Adrian said.
No answer.
"…Running from something?"
A slight flinch.
That was enough.
Adrian sighed.
Yeah… definitely trouble.
[Reputation Opportunity Detected]
→ Assist the vulnerable
→ Reward: Moderate
"…Of course there is."
Kael looked at him.
"…We don't have time for this."
"…I know."
A pause.
Adrian looked at the girl again.
Weak.
But still conscious.
Still resisting.
"…Can you walk?" he asked.
No response.
"…Figures."
He turned slightly.
"…Get in."
The girl froze.
"…Or stay here," Adrian added.
"…Your choice."
Silence.
Then—
Slowly—
She moved.
Carefully.
Still watching him like he might disappear.
Kael frowned slightly.
"…You're bringing her?"
"…Apparently."
[+6 Reputation]
Inside the Carriage
She sat at the corner.
As far from him as possible.
Quiet.
Adrian didn't push.
"…Eat."
He handed her something.
She hesitated—
Then took it quickly.
Still watching him.
"…What's your name?" he asked.
Silence.
"…Alright," Adrian said.
"…We'll figure that out later."
Final Scene
The carriage moved again.
This time—
With one more passenger.
Adrian leaned back.
"…I just wanted a peaceful trip."
A glance at the girl.
And I picked up another problem.
The girl held the food tightly.
Still silent.
But—
Her eyes weren't as fearful as before.