Chapter 2

"Am I.... Interrupting something?" Elric asked the men in front of him.

The dozen or so armed bandits looked at each other in confusion before one of them spoke up.

"This ain't something to do with ya Mage. Walk away and we'll forget we saw each other."

"Is that so? Excellent!" Elric replied. "I really have shedding blood over trivial stuff."

Stepping to the side, Elric took a quick glance to the girl who seemed to be on the verge of crying.

"However, I hate seeing girls cry more." Elric smiled as his staff materialized in his hand.

"Tsk." The bandit spat. "I'll remember your face mage. Retreat!"

Some bandits followed while other were hesitant.

"Boss, he's just a single guy! We can take 'em!" A lanky bandit said. " 'sides, baggin' da prince-"

The so-called boss shoved a knife to the lanky guy's throat.

"If anyone of you wanna die then stay." The boss of the bandits said. "Rys ain't worth sh*t if yer dead."

With those words, the bandits disappeared into the woods, leaving behind the lanky bandit with the knife still in his throat.

"Disgusting," Elric said. "Cast:Flame<Modify:power>"

A tongue of flame lashed out and burned the corpse into ash as it made contact.

Looking back to the girl, Elric asked.

"Are you okay?"

"Eh?!" The girl, seemingly started by his question, started to stutter and fidget. "A-a.. eee... u-ummm.... I- I'm f-f... I'm f..."

"Hey, relax and take a deep breath."

The girl took a few deep breaths before relaxing.

"T-thank you." She said. "I'm fine."

"So what are you doing so deep in the woods?" Elric asked.

"I- we were travelling from the Capital to Helmsport when we were ambushed by those brigands." She replied. "They killed everyone and only took me and my maid as hostages. We managed to slip past them and run away but we got separated. They managed to find me and cornered me here. Then Sir Mage appeared."

"I see. Then I wish you luck in your journey."

Elric turned around and began walking away.

"W-wait! Please help me!" The girl shouted.

"Why should I?" Elric said without looking back or stopping. "Me saving you was just a matter of convenience. Anything after that doesn't concern me."

"B-but... I- I can pay you!" The girl desperately pleaded.

Elric stopped and tilted his head to look over the girl.

She had golden locks of hair and wore a dress that's now in tatters. Her blood red eyes were pooling with tears and her pink lips were quivering.

"With what?" Elric asked.

"I may not have anything now but rest assured that I will pay you when we get to Helmsport!"

"So you want me to help you with no guarantee whatsoever? Goodbye."

"W-wait! Take this insignia!" The girl took out a necklace that was hidden in her rather bountiful bosom. "This is proof of my identity!"

She then threw it at Elric who caught it and inspected it.

It was a circular token engraved with the motif of a dragon. A red gem was embedded at the center with a chain running through both sides, forming a necklace.

Elric recognized this from his alternate's memories.

"Huh, this changes things." Elric said. "Very well. Princess, follow me."

"Yes! Thank you!" The princess caught up to Elric and began walking by his side. "If I may be presumptuous, could Sir Mage also help find my handmaiden?"

"No." Elric replied immediately.

"Please, she's my closest friend." The princess pleaded.

"No." Elric repeated his answer.

"Why? It must be within Sir Mage's capabilities to defeat a measley camp of brigands!"

"Too troublesome. And those measley brigands managed to defeat your royal guards." Elric replied. "And don't think I don't see what you're doing. Goading me won't work. Try manipulating me again and I'd just leave you where you stand."

"I-I apologize, Sir Mage." The princess replied sullenly.

The two of them walked in silence with the princess giving occasional glance towards Elric's face.

Of course, Elric noticed this and just ignored her. His attention was spent on monitoring his surroundings, looking for potential ambush by beasts and people alike.

After a few minutes of walking, both of them stumbled upon a dirt path.

"This road leads to Helmsport." The princess said, recognizing the place. "We have passed through here before."

"I see. It might be safer to follow the road." Elric said. "Although the chances of ambush is greater, we only need to pay attention to our sides."