Traveling

"Whoa, whoa, calm down. Calm down," Arin said hurriedly, trying to placate the frightened man.

"H-H-how can I?" the man stuttered, his eyes wide with fear.

"Just calm down," Arin reiterated, his tone growing slightly irritated.

The man nodded, taking a few deep breaths to compose himself. Two minutes passed in silence before he spoke again.

"Thank you for saving my family from those bandits," the man said, bowing his head in gratitude.

Arin chuckled, a little taken aback by the man's sincerity.

"It wasn't that hard, haha!" he replied, still adjusting to the unfamiliar feeling of being thanked.

The man's face lit up with determination.

"I don't have money right now, but I promise I will repay you someday!"

Arin nodded, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie with this stranger.

"Anyways, what's your name?" Arin asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

The man straightened, a proud smile on his face.

"My name is Louis von Alaska. This woman is my wife, and that baby is my child."

Arin's eyes widened as he took in the family's introduction.

"May I know your name, if it's not rude?" Louis asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Alright, I am Arin Vexar," Arin replied, his name feeling a little foreign on his lips.

Louis's eyebrows rose slightly.

"Arin Vexar? That is a very strange name...Not that it's bad!!"

He hastily added, crossing his hands in front of him to avoid giving offense.

Arin chuckled, used to people reacting to his unusual name.

"By the way, where were you going, Louis?" Arin asked, his curiosity sparked.

"I was going to the Royal Capital," Louis replied.

"Would you like to travel with us?"

Arin hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Uh...sure, I guess."

He didn't know anything about the Royal Capital or this kingdom, but something about Louis's warm smile put him at ease.

"Please get in the carriage and travel with us," Louis said, gesturing to the ornate vehicle.

Arin nodded, climbing into the carriage alongside Louis and his family.