Seeds of Fate and Destiny

It took many more talks, but eventually, the group decided to escort her back to their camp so that Crystal could meet with the Sword Quest Mercenary leader. A man who has attained the rank of Arvus and has passed the test.

The group tried to talk to Crystal, but she felt really uncomfortable.

"It's impressive. You seem unbothered by this hike, Fair Maiden." Frank praised.

"Yes!" Others chided in and began to talk and ask her how such a fragile and fair maiden could ever have such a physique.

Crystal was quiet and only gave the team of obsessed mercenaries some random smile at times.

Crystal knew that this was because of her soul and the immaterial training she had undergone.

The dragon's soul gave her increased physical strength, and circulating the power in her body allowed her body to undergo some slight material changes.

The flames moving throughout her body improved her vitality and strength. Adam said her body was now similar to mercenaries who had some training. In short, she would have the physical traits similar to the mercenaries around her who weren't ranked as Captains.

The walk continued as they reached the camp, where many villagers had relocated since the great earthquake. Soldiers of the kingdom were all over the place.

But from what Crystal could see, none of the soldiers and fighters belonged to her father's fighting force.

She was amazed at the effects of the battle. Who knew that so many people would be relocated when the mountain collapsed?

Crystal kept her face hidden with a cloak and tried to avoid the eyes of the soldiers nearby.

But alas, Charm's power would draw these men's attention, and many even approached to get a better look at Crystal.

Thankfully, those who approached would be driven away by Crystal's loyal escorts.

"Even with your face hidden, you still draw their attention, lady Crystal." Frank praised.

Crystal did not answer. Crystal did not rejoice in her beauty. Adam warned her that though Phatom's eyes were not on her, she would still have to face the lingering seeds that Fate and Destiny had already planted.

She continued to glance everywhere, fearing she would meet one of the nobles she had wronged before. Even worse were the women who had envied her. With the power of Charm, these women would surely envy her even more!

"Adam said that since the power of Phantom will place terror upon terror in my life, that will make me face dangers according to the limits of my strength, connections, intellect, and opportunities and make me suffer. It won't go as far as to send a Divine Vessel to torment me, but will use whatever is just a step out of the reach of my capacity to defend against..." 

Crystal recalled how the nobles of power would toy around with his father, the mayor. Though they were already people of position, there were simply people that her father could not offend that would cross paths with Crystal and add more pain to her life.

Finally, the group arrived at one such person. Crystal had to try to ease this man's anger while Fate and Destiny would not make him an enemy!

Brent Dagger was of the famed Dagger family and is known for his skillful swordplay.

"Frank? Janker? Why are you here? And who is this?" The captain of the Sword Quest asked as he turned to the cloaked woman.

"Boss! You're in for a surprise! We found her!" Frank reported.

Crystal removed her cloak to show her face.

Brent was startled to see the woman who had caused her great trouble. Brent was one of the seven eligible bachelors that courted her. But all of these seven would cut ties with her because of misunderstandings, lies, and later on, the depression of Crystal.

But Brent could not present an angry face. He was amazed at the beauty of Crystal.

"Crystal... You're alive!"

"It's good to see you, Brent. I guess I have to start off with an apology. Or rather, a clarification. You were suddenly cold and distant towards me, even though I didn't know why. But I'm guessing you heard something bad about me. Regardless of what these news are, I did not do it or intentionally did it. It's just... many people wanted to hurt me." Crystal tried to be broad in her explanation. She was unaware of why exactly Brent suddenly hated her.

At once, Brent's eyes turned cold.

"You did not intend to sleep with that noble? You did not intend to trade me for one of... prestigious bearing? My honor and my pride are what's most important to me. I will not be someone who will be a cuckold!" Brent's shout echoed loudly.

Crystal was surprised.

"What? I've never slept with anyone! Whoever said that lied!" Cyrstal defended.

"Everyone knows you've been sleeping with whoever you could hold your pathetic scrawny fingers!"

"They all lied! Whoever they are, they aren't telling the truth! I've never slept with anyone! And I will not tolerate being called a promiscuous lady!" Crystal shouted back as her own rage began to rise.

"I came here to clarify my faults, but if your ego is the one to be blamed, I shall leave! You believed those lies without confirming them? Who told you that I slept with him?!" 

"Baron Chefler's son, Roden! He told me in detail what your activities were. He told me that he slept with you and tossed you away! It's fitting for a slut like you to be thrown out without receiving even a coin from him!"

"Roden?! That short brat?!" Crystal turned around to leave. She knew that Brent fully believed this lie. As Adam advised, Fate and Destiny will thoroughly twist events against her that would leave her little capability to reason her way out.

"Stop her." Brent coldly ordered.

The mercenaries suddenly stood against her.

"You have no right to detain me!" Crystal shouted.

"I approached you and made myself a fool. I bowed to your idiotic, money-grubbing father and spoke to that sickly mother of yours. I embarrassed myself to have you. And you just decided to sleep with someone else! My honor and reputation were tarnished! I was called the Cuckolded Arvus of Everprot! But not anymore! You were reported as dead, and you hid yourself when going here! So what do you think, boys? Won't she be a fine addition... to our collection?!"