Getting Recognized

Sitting at the bar, James enjoyed the quite moment to himself. He was never the kind that went to parties. He preferred his training. However today's event he could not skip, as it was organized by Loraine.

Enjoying his drink, his peace and quiet was disturbed by someone, "I wasn't sure, but you are James aren't you?" It was a young man that sat next to James and also ordered something to drink.

Initially James tried to deny it. He left his previous life and now was hiding. So getting recognized is the worst possible outcome there is. Especially now that they had something established. They would have a life here in Valencia, far from the capital. Yet it was not even a month and he was already recognized.

Even though James tried to deny it, the individual insisted on it. He then continued, "It has to be you. You saved my life in Hermes during our fight against the demonic beasts."

Now that the individual mentioned their fight in Hermes, James took a closer look at him. This time, James was surprised himself as he indeed remembered the individual. There were a lot of people that went to Hermes together with the prince, however after spending three months together, everyone got familiar with each other.

After realizing who he was, James didn't deny it anymore and joined in the conversation, "You are Jacob? I remember you. We were neighbors in the infirmary. How are your wounds doing?" The conversation was better than joining Loraine in scouting out people.

"It is a lot better, however there is a nasty looking scar where the claw hit me." Jacob said. He was about to show his wound, however realized that he was in a party and decided not to do it. He continued, "What brings you all the way to Valencia? I thought that you would keep on serving the prince. Or at least improve your power and land."

"After the battle in Hermes and my near death experience, I decided to live a quiet and normal live. Therefore, for now I decided to leave the dangerous part aside. As for Valencia, I figured, whenever I need some extra coin, Valencia would be the ideal place to get it." James tried to make up a story. He could not tell that he fled the King's City.

Luckily for him, Jacob didn't question the reason. He understood the idea of taking a break after going to Hermes. He was in a similar situation. "I see. That makes sense, I also am on a break for now. Getting my wounds looked after and recovering from it." After a moment of silence, Jacob continued, "You know what. How about coming over once, we can spar for a bit. I know how good of a warrior you are, so I would love to offer an easy paid job. You just have to train a bit of the new recruits. It would not take much of your time, and it will also help you stay I shape. What do you think?"

Hearing that, James was about to accept the offer as it was something that he wouldn't mind. However he was not sure. This uncertainty was also noticeable as he did not directly give an answer.

Seeing this uncertainty, Jacob cut in, "Don't worry, and take your time to think about it. You can tell me when you come to visit."

This was an agreeable option. So they started to talk about their experiences and stories in Hermes. They were both the kind that did not like to go to parties and preferred improving their fighting skills. So talking about Hermes was more pleasant for them.

…

As Loraine was finishing up her conversations with Aiza, she heard a voice call out from the back, "Loraine? Is that really you? I didn't know that the Bloom's were also attending this event."

Loraine froze at her spot. How could anyone know who she was? Slowly turning around, Loraine saw the one that was talking to her. It was Abby Walden. She usually visited the king's city and also attended the parties that Loraine was in. "Abby! How are you doing? I did not expect you to be here as well." Loraine said, with a desperate smile. There was no relationship between Loraine and Abby. They just knew each other.

"What are you doing all the way here?" Abby asked, as she was slowly enjoying her glass of wine.

Trying to figure something out, Loraine made something up, "I heard about an event concerning sweets. So I had to come see it for myself." The only thing that Loraine hoped was that Abby would believe in her story.

"It was a wonderful event wasn't it? I really enjoyed it. And the things that they made were so delicious, I would definitely visit that store in the future. Maybe you can come along?"

Feeling lucky that Abby believed her story, Loraine eased up. "It was indeed an exciting competition. I cannot wait for the next one. As for your invitation, that would be great. I would love to."

With that the two girls talked a bit longer before Loraine left the spot. She felt as if all her muscles tensed at that moment. Luckily nothing major had happened. However, before she took the next step someone called her out again.

…

Walking around, Mira was looking for Loraine. She had heard that Loraine started to approach the participants in the competition and started to offer them work. However has her own position in the competition was rather low, she feared that she would not get the chance. Unlike the other participants, she was in need of a job. Especially in order to cut her ties with the rats. Therefore she decided to act on her own.

She decided to first look for the other participants. As she did not know who Loraine was, maybe she could get a certain description on what she looked like. After asking around a bit, she discovered how Loraine looked like and what she was wearing. She spent some time trying to find the person in the description.

Haven looked for a moment, she finally found the woman in the description. She was currently talking with another participant of the competition. To not bother her, she decided to wait a bit. Moments passed and Loraine left the other participant. This was her chance. She walked over to Loraine and spoke up, "Excuse me. You are Loraine right? I am Mira, I was a participant in the competition."

Loraine was a bit startled when she was called by her name. However as she turned around she saw a mediocre dressed girl. Not forgetting her manners she spoke, "Oh forgive my manners. I am indeed Loraine. How can I help you?"

Being a bit nervous, Mira directly went into the subject, "Please allow me to work for you. I need this job."

Startled by this, Loraine was not sure what to say. She looked over at Mira with a sad face as she said, "I am sorry, I just have agreed to work together with Aiza. I am not sure if taking another worker directly at the beginning is smart. But I will contact you when the store grows."

Hearing this, Mira was a bit shocked. She desperately needed this work. So she tried her best, "I don't require a high pay. Just hear me out. please." At that moment, Mira was begging, feeling her eyes get wet. This was her only chance to make money to help her mother.

Curious about it, Loraine decided to at least hear out the story that Mira had.

…