Chapter Nine - Isn't this story too generous?

Eiran dived into the water without hesitation. I also wanted to help but I wasn't confident in my swimming skills.

I nervously waited at the bank until they showed up. He pulled her onto the ground, she was unconscious. He gave her first aid and after coughing up some water she fell into a peaceful sleep. At least it was what I was hoping for. It was a long and tiring day for her.

„We should take her home," Eiran said completely drenched. They should dry off as soon as possible. But making some fire and waiting for their clothes to dry take too much time. But getting out of this forest would be time-consuming too. I sighed.

„I don't know where she lives." That was the other problem.

„Then why are you with her?" He asked with a frown.

„I met her today and helped because she ran into some trouble. But other than the fact that her name is Persiana I don't know anything. Well, she is a noble but it doesn't help narrowing it down." I told him the truth in the end. I still didn't trust him completely but the way he jumped after her without hesitation softened my heart a little. He tried to hide it but he was trembling and I don't think it was because he was cold. Maybe he didn't really like going into the water but still did it to save her. I also had some aversion to the sea and the ocean but I tried little by little to overcome it.

„So you really not around from here." He looked at me thoughtfully, almost suspiciously. I guess we had mutual distrust.

„No, I am not. I just traveling around a bit." I couldn't look into his eyes, it was too intense. And beautiful.

„I am not sure I believe you but that aside... I know where she lives."

„You know?" I raised an eyebrow.

„I think it's weirder that you don't know the daughter of the lord of this land." What? Are you kidding me? Did you make it so easy for me? I wanted to get closer to this family in the hope they could introduce me to some good healer but... So Persiana is the sick daughter? She wanted that fruit desperately for herself so she and her family could live a normal, happy life without worries. Poor girl. I wish I could do something for her. „I can see you didn't know but it doesn't mean your intention was good."

„Knowing her real identity didn't make you seem trustworthy either." I gave her a similar look. „It could be that you deliberately approached her knowing it. „At this rate, we will be here forever. „I say let's call a truce for the time being."

„Okay, but one wrong move and I won't show mercy." Sorry, sorry I didn't mean to laugh. But looking back on it now it's so funny. Or rather ridiculous.

„Samet to you. I will keep my eyes on you." Considering the difference in our strength I would die which I can't allow but I couldn't just abandon Persiana.

He didn't react, he just picked her up and started to walk out of the forest.

„So what's your real reason for being here?"

„I was really asked to take care of the ogres. But it was actually Persiana's father, Liewell who hired me and it's pretty unnatural for them to be in this forest so I would investigate anyway.

„Why are you telling me this now?" I looked at him quizzically.

„I am not afraid of being honest with people who are weaker than me." That arrogance.... was infuriating. He had every reason and he didn't even look smug, it was just like him stating facts. He reminded me of another annoying person but I didn't want to think about that. „The only reason I didn't say anything before was Persiana. I didn't want to make her worry when she was already weak, but I could handle you if you proved to be a threat. You saw me fight and probably figured out what am I." He looked over me slowly. „You may be a good swordsman but you don't have a chance." He was right and it was pissing me off.

„How do you know I am alone? I could have partners ready to attack you." I tested him.

„I know because I am not an idiot." He gave me a look that indicated he thought I was dumb. Hmph. I don't want to be childish but he made it hard for me to be mature. For some reason, I wanted to act like an unreasonable, spoiled kid. Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Going at a steady pace, bickering all the way we finally reached the mansion she was supposed to live. I had no idea what Eiran planned and I wasn't concerned but didn't expect that he would just knock on the door. Shortly it opened and the butler in a crisp uniform appeared. He gave us a judging look and when he noticed Persina on his shoulder he did a hand movement and in an instant we were surrounded by knights. Eiran stepped forward and put me behind him, putting his hand on his sword.

„Persiana!" A man's voice cut the tense silence and then the knights parted to give way to a man around my father's age. He was tall and well-built with a strong structure and strict features but his face was marked by worry. He had long white hair just like his daughter but his eyes were dark, almost black. He was a striking man but a bit scary. „I see you returned Eiran, but why is my daughter with you?" He asked grimly after taking his daughter into his arms. „And who is this girl with you?" He looked at me searchingly and I stood his glare.

„I don't want to seem rude but I think it's more important to get some dry clothes for Persiana and...him."

„Yes, you're right. It wouldn't be good if Persiana caught a cold." He nodded and gave her to one of the maids. „Found some suitable clothes for him as well." The butler bowed and led Eiran away. „Please, join me at the salon. I don't want to interrogate you but I would like to hear what happened." His tone was polite but his gaze was sharp. He still didn't make a judgement on me. I need to gain his trust if I want his help but I don't want to reveal my identity.

„Fine." I followed him, accompanied by two knights. Rumors said he is more of a politician than a fighter but I had a feeling he has no problem protecting himself.

After arriving in an elegantly decorated and furnished blue room I took a seat at the sofa across from him. He ordered some tea for us and told the knights to stay outside. We were alone.

„I would like to know your name, young lady."

„ I am not a lady." I shook my head. „ My name is Liri. Liri Callei." I made up a name quickly. I didn't feel the need to do it with Persiana and Eiran but he seemed a more difficult opponent so I had to be more convincing,

„Your demeanour and way of speaking betray you but I respect your decision to keep your real name to yourself." Hm...

„Just cause I can talk fancily doesn't mean I am a rich lady." I corrected him. „I learnt it by dealing with noble folk. It makes the work with them more easy. They can be snobbish and arrogant if they think I am beneath them so if I meet some nasty I pretend to be of higher status."

„Are you Eiran's partner then? He told me the same after all." I didn't know if it would be better to agree or deny it. Which would make my situation better? Maybe it makes us more suspicious. Or not. I wanted to ruffle my hair in frustration but I had to keep on a calm facade. „And he stepped before you to shield from my knights." I think he is just a gentleman. No, I am not praising him. In the end, I didn't say anything just gave him a little smile. Think whatever you want. „Then can you tell me how you met my daughter?" He leaned forward.

„I was just minding my own business when she ran into me because she was chased by two suspicious men. They told me they were her servant but it was hardly believable so I knocked them out and offered her to escort her home."

„And you didn't ask anything in exchange? If you are a mercenary you work for noble for money yet you did it out of the goodness of your heart?" He raised an eyebrow and made a disbelieving face.

„Persiana is just a child and a girl at that so it's easier for people to hurt and take advantage of her as she is physically weaker than an adult or even a boy. I am a girl too and not much older than her so I can sympathise with her. I would help anyone let it be a beggar an orphan or the crown prince even." That was the truth. In this world, I didn't experience it, but in my past life I received some crap. People who misuse their physical strength or authority are simple trash.

Before he could answer me the door opened after a knock and a maid and Eiran walked in. He took a seat next to me and the maid poured tea for everyone and left. There was a little bit of silence as everyone tried out the tea. It was delicious and refreshing, I missed the taste of expensive tea since I left my home.

„Then why didn't you accompany her home after it?" He continued the questioning.

„Because she refused to tell me where she lives and insisted on going to the forest." I narrowed my eyes. „She told me that one of the maids talked about a fruit there which can heal any sickness and she wanted to get it at all cost. „For a moment he looked heartbroken but quickly regained his calm. „I don't know if the maid heard some nonsense and were spreading it or deliberately told her to hear it but I think an investigation and reeducation can't hurt." It was rude of me as a commoner to say it that way but if he treasured his daughter he needs to act and change something.

„Thank you for your assistance and advice." It wasn't because of me that he seemed uncomfortable, but because of the whole situation. „I will reward you handsomely."

„No need as I told her already. Without contracts, I can't accept money. Anyway, after it we went to the forest where we met Eiran who was fighting with the ogres."

„I trust you dealt with them?" He turned his attention to him who simply nodded. „Did you find the fruit after it?"

„No, of course. Such a fruit can't exist without anyone's knowledge. But Persiana was so disappointed that she started to panic and fell into the lake. Eiran rescued her and we brought her back."

„You told me you didn't know who she was."

„I didn't but as you were the one who hired him he knew." I motioned toward Eiran.

„I didn't have the chance to meet her personally but I saw a family portrait and I recognised her in the forest." He supported my story.

„You had a really good eye that you were able to do that after just a glance."

„It's important to be detail-oriented and attentive in my profession."

„Well, yes. As promised I will pay for defeating the ogres. I will..."

„Not yet." He interrupted him without worrying about being rude. He scowled. „I am not sure if there are more so I want to sweep the forest through before saying I completed your request."

„If you are sure... I'll wait until you say you're done."

„Thank you for your patience." He stood up and bowed. I followed his example and did the same. „We will take our leave. Excuse me." We left the mansion as soon as possible but when we were outside he acted like he didn't know me. Annoyed, I grabbed his wrist but I felt like I was shocked by electricity so I let go hurriedly and looked down at my hand like it wasn't even mine.