NEW IDENTITY

The village of Manvis, although it is remote, is large and

known for being a crossroads of travelers, whether they are commoners or nobles, famous

for hotels, restaurants, Selling

weapons and magic tools ،and

trade based on the exchange

of goods from different

regions.

The place is lively and full of action.

We stayed in a hotel that received adventurers and

mercenaries.

Like the rest, I wore a black

robe that completely covered

my face, to avoid collisions

with those who knew my

identity, especially since this

area belongs to Herodotus district. 

We sat at the table while

waiting for the food to arrive.

  The atmosphere is suffocating

between us, as they did not

fully accept my presence

The food arrived, just soup

and bread, better than the

leftovers I've been stealing

from the kitchen.

Alvis looked at me frowning

-"What's the matter, didn't you

like the food..."

  Then he completed muttering

-"...Now we have an extra

mouth to feed him."

Dara replied

- "Why are you aggressive?

The child did not complain or

say anything. Quite unlike you,

you did not remain silent

throughout the journey."

Donal laughed, while Horner

said:

-"Shouldn't the kids be

whinying? He was silent the whole way."

Edgar sighed and put his hand

on his head

- "Hurry up and eat so we can discuss the next step."

We met in one of the two

rooms that we had,

Edgar put a map on the table

to show us which way to go

The feudal lords of Herodotus

and Aeolus share borders with the Western Kingdom.

To avoid the eyes of

Herodotus, we must turn

south towards the fiefdom of

Aeolus, to cross into the Western Kingdom, as the common border is nothing to mention, the guard will not be tight.

Then I will go to one of the villages in the kingdom, where I have been provided with housing and enough money to live well until I reach the age of majority.

We decided to stay for a couple of days to stock up on gear and get ready for the long trip.

We separated into two groups, I was accompanied by Dara and Horner, as for the rest, they went with Edgar to do mercenary matters only, according to Alvis.

Dara wanted to buy potions and some close range weapons like daggers, so we headed to the market .

Thinking about it she didn't treat me harshly or seem like she was upset with me, but I can feel the wall she puts between us.

The market is very crowded with people, even nobles. It is a very lively place.

As I looked around I caught a glimpse of Knights carrying swords with the lion's emblem،

They are the Knights of the Lions, one of the main knights of Herodotus.

What brought them here ,they must not stray far from the castle, they must be looking for me, there is no other explanation.

I tried to hide myself, I took cover behind Horner.

Then Dara said to me

- "Let's go to the clothes shop, to buy you some clothes for you?"

She looked at Horner with a smile, and he nodded his head in agreement.

-"I'll wait for you outside."

  She took my hand and we headed to the nearest store

That's great,at least I'll keep out of sight of the Knights, but her growls are strangely friendly.

As soon as we entered, she went to one of the expensive kits

- "Oh, my God, how beautiful it will fit you perfectly. Come on, try it."

The worker came quickly and said while smiling:

- "Greetings to you, madam. If you want to try it there's a changing room."

I felt embarrassed so i whispered to her:

-"what are you doing?".

She grabbed my shoulders and we headed into the room, she says:

- "Don't worry darling, I'll help you put it on."

While changing clothes she said in a calm tone:

- "Are you going to tell me your identity?"

I was surprised by her question, despite my tension, I answered her calmly

-"what do you mean?".

-"You are a noble of the Herodotus family?"

   I holded my tongue

-"Don't worry, I'm not your enemy. As long as Edgar supports you, I am."

-"How did you know?"

-"First, your coming from the province of Herodotus, and on the day of the missions, made me suspect you had a direct family connection ,  your appearance and the scars on you made me think that you were an illegitimate son, and your behavior today change my suspicion."

-"What action do you mean?"

-"Ah, don't pretend to be ignorant, the presence of the direct knights of Herodotus in this kind of place seemed strange, but your reaction is what solved the mystery, they are looking for someone, but who will waste his time on an illegitimate son, but you are not like that, you are a descendant  direct".

Tsk, she's more nimble than I expected

-"That's the only reason why you think so?"

- "Haha, pretend to be calm. First, whoever is born a noble continues to behave as a noble, even if he is a vagabond who eats from the garbage. In addition to what I said before, a period of time has passed since you came with us, but there are no rumors or even news at the information houses, meaning that the matter has been hidden very carefully, perhaps for fear of shame.  Of The disappearance of a noble child"

With a frightening smile, she finished

-"am i right?"

The intelligence of this woman is frightening,  she deduced all this from a little information, I must beware of her.

She came close to me and stroked my head

-"Don't worry, as long as you are our ally, you are safe."

I felt a strange feeling, as if mana had flowed into my head

I looked at the mirror and found that my hair color had changed.

Ir become blonde like gold threads

This is the magic of change, she is a high level magician .

She smiled and said:

-"What do you think? Does it suit you?"

-"Change it"

-"What? Didn't you like it?"

-"Yes, I did not like it, I want it as your hair color".

  She smiled warmly

-"Fine, as you wish"

My hair color has changed again,to  reddish-brown.

Huh (sigh)

  That's better, The first color made me look just like her.

-"Thank you "

- "No need, but we have to explain to the rest of the people, as you know this journey is not short."

-"Well, you're righ"

After that we met the other, and I explained to them what happened, they had some prior information about me, and they understood the matter.

Some of them felt remorse, like Elvis, and Horner, who sympathized with me and hugged me.

Donal, who felt pity for me, and Edgar, swore to protect me.

After the  intimate atmosphere has faded.

  Dara suggested an idea

-"We can't call you by your last name, so I'm going to suggest a name that suits you... It's Raiden..., do you like it?"

-"Let it be "

This was a step that improved my relationship with the mercenaries and brought me closer to them. Maybe after all it will be an enjoyable trip.