The gates of Elvaria stood like silent giants that's silver-plated and flanked by towers humming with magical wards. The city beyond them shimmered with ivory stone buildings, arched bridges, and streets woven like lace through canals and plazas.
Kenzo's breath caught as the carriage rolled through the open gates. "So this is the capital…"
Akina leaned out the window beside him, her green eyes wide. "It's beautiful."
They passed marketplaces bursting with color and life, temples crowned with crystal spires, and nobles in embroidered robes being carried in floating palanquins. Magical glyphs pulsed faintly in the air, like silent guardians.
"Sir Kenzo," one of the guards called from outside. "Your audience is scheduled for sunrise tomorrow. You and your companion are free to explore until then."
As the carriage stopped near a designated guest manor, Kenzo stepped out and stretched. Akina slipped her hand into his and smiled softly.
"Let's walk a little. Just us."
They wandered together through the lower districts, enjoying the smell of fresh bread and roasted meat from street vendors. Laughter echoed through alleys, and kids played by fountains. For a moment, it felt like peace.
But then
A cry.
Down a side street, the sharp crack of something... a whip? echoed off stone.
Kenzo turned.
A group of rough-looking men stood in a circle around a girl. Her hands were bound; her brown hair matted with dirt. Her dress was torn, and one eye was swollen. She was no older than him or Akina.
"I told you what happens when slaves run," one man snarled, raising his hand again.
Kenzo's body moved before his mind caught up.
"Stop!" he shouted, storming toward them.
The man turned. "Who the hell?"
The whip never landed.
Kenzo's hand caught it mid-air. His black eyes burned.
"She's not yours anymore."
"You've got no authority!"
Kenzo's free hand surged with blue light as a Memory-Shard Blade flared into existence. The edge hovered dangerously close to the man's neck.
"I'll say it again. Let her go."
There was silence.
Then the men backed off, muttering curses under their breath. One of them threw the girl's ID tag that was a chipped iron collar onto the ground and spit.
"She's your problem now."
As they scattered, Kenzo knelt beside the girl.
She looked up at him with wide brown eyes, tears streaking down her dirty cheeks.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head weakly. "N…No. Just sore…"
Akina came up beside them and gently unbound her hands.
"What's your name?" Kenzo asked softly.
"…Rina."
"Where's your family?"
Rina flinched. "…They sold me. Said there wasn't enough money to feed everyone. I thought… if I ran, I could find someone who'd… let me just live."
The words hit Kenzo like a knife. He exchanged a glance with Akina.
She gave him the smallest nod.
"…Can I go with you?" Rina asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I…I don't care what I do. I'll cook, clean, fight, anything. Just… don't sell me. Please."
Kenzo didn't hesitate. "You're not a slave. Not anymore."
Her eyes filled with tears again. "So… I can come?"
He nodded. "Yes."
[Bond Formed – Rina: Level 1]
Effect: Minor boost to regeneration and resistance when near bonded allies. Status: Devotion potential: Undetermined.
Rina stumbled forward and hugged him, trembling. Kenzo felt her pain, her desperation but also a faint flicker of hope.
Akina stood beside them, her eyes unreadable, but she didn't protest.
"Let's get you cleaned up," Kenzo said. "Tomorrow, we meet a queen."