Chapter 1 Crecyda-1

Lieutenant Varokar had just attempted to put on his helmet and walk away, but it was too late. The hurried woman had already made eye contact, and he involuntarily responded with a smile. After this seemingly natural smile, he quickly turned to a guard and muttered, "Didn't I instruct you not to let her know I passed through here?"

"But we can't hide it from Captain Niaes. She'll tell this woman you came, and we can't control that," the guard replied.

"This must be retaliation... Niaes is still holding a grudge for me rejecting her date request two years ago. Women, sigh," Varokar intentionally raised his voice, but it didn't catch the guard's interest as he left with his horse. By now, the woman had approached, and Varokar had to place his helmet under his arm, looking at her. "Hello, Lady Crecyda."

"Hello, Mr. Varokar."

"Lady, I prefer you to address me as Lieu..."

"Patrolling this most dangerous route every day must be tough on you."

"For the happiness and safety of the Arathi people, it's nothing. It's also a personal challenge for me. Lady Crecyda, you see, after bravely fighting for so many years, my will and spirit are beyond the ordinary sergeant. Still, I won't indulge myself because the people of Arathi can't tolerate any laxity on my part."

"I have something to ask you."

Almost habitually, Crecyda interrupted Varokar again. Though conventionally indicating disinterest, Varokar didn't see it that way. He had heard that women are generally interested in everything their crush says, finding even the most tedious details fascinating. If they were too shy, they might deliberately interrupt the conversation to conceal this fact. Varokar believed he was facing such a situation.

"Anything, Lady, as long as..."

"Has Prince Galin allowed me to go to Stromgarde?"

"Oh." The abrupt characters sprang from Varokar's throat as if trying to escape a cage. "No."

"Really? What a pity."

Crecyda didn't hide her disappointment, but she still smiled at Varokar. This smile prompted the lieutenant to spout a series of pre-planned lines.

"Don't misunderstand, Lady. Prince Galin is primarily concerned for your safety, especially given the current instability. Although our area is open to ordinary people, for someone of your status, entering without proper preparation could be damaging to your reputation and Prince Galin's."

Varokar couldn't fiNiaesh his words because Crecyda suddenly approached him, gripping his right hand and smelling a fragrance that made him feel light on his heels. Not to mention the softness of her palm—but this soft touch suddenly turned into something hard and cold. Crecyda slipped five gold coins into his hand.

"I'm very eager to go to Stromgarde Keep. Can you understand that?"

"Under...stand."

"Well, I hope you can convey my eager thoughts to Prince Galin."

"You can, no, you must trust that I can do that, Lady."

Crecyda released his hand, smiled, and walked away. Varokar hid the sweaty gold coins. The guard returned, and Varokar remarked, "A really insincere woman," but the guard evidently didn't understand.