After nearly two months of travel and a few bandit attacks we were just outside the capital city of Erd. Though the fortified walls of the city were still a distance away there was what appeared to be a long line of carriages and caravans waiting in a line. Like us, I'm sure they were all waiting to be allowed entry into the city.

The three business men allowed us to stay with them for at least a day while we waited but felt it'd be too much of a risk to be with us once closer to the inspection at the gate. I figured that'd be the case considering I was hiding my identity. For all they knew I was a wanted criminal in the city.

"After everything you've done for them they still don't trust you..."

Marie let out a huff while pushing at her glasses. I understood her frustration with them after all we put our lives on the line for them a few times. Marie was even in serious danger at one point but I also knew my existence was a liability, even while masked. No, maybe even more so.

We made our way away from the caravan but not too far as to seem to be cutting in line. I saw someone yesterday get stabbed in the shoulder for cutting in line and I wasn't about to put Marie at risk.

Luckily most people seemed to not even notice we existed. I thought it might have been the mask but I did notice a few eyeing suspiciously so that may not be the case. Most likely they were far too concerned with themselves. From overhearing various conversations it seemed everyone in line except us were merchants. When speaking of their businesses endeavors they all spoke in hushed whispers. It seemed everyone here was the shady type which was good. It might mean that we can easily bribe our way into the city.

"What'll we do if the bribe doesn't work?"

Marie and I began discussing the notion of such an event occuring. I knew it could be a possibility and I needed some input.

"Hmmm, well, they'll likely throw us in jail as criminals. But before that they'll unmask you as an undead and probably try to kill you. Oh no..."

Marie's ears nearly dropped as a shadow fell over her face. Yeah, I had figured that would be the outcome and it was not a good one. So do we bet it all on this working? We had to. It was our only option. We knew that coming into this so no point in getting cold feet.

"It'll be fine. I have a plan."

Like hell I do!

"Okay!"

Marie's smile was like a dove flying through a beautiful blue sky. She really was too trusting. And I will not betray that trust (hopefully).

As I reassured Marie a commotion could be heard further down the line. I was curious as to what happened but I quickly found out as three individuals on horseback could be seen approaching down the line from the gate. Not just any three individuals, I had no doubt they were knights.

All three were clad in armor but not just any armor, they seemed far more special than that. Like they had been crafted with great care and for a hefty price. Their armor was also painted in vibrant colors. The two knights in the back, one being red and the other purple, were led by a knight in a a piercing gold colored armor. The way the sun reflected off its chest could easily blind.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Those knights... they're part of the Old Order..."

"The hell are they doing here?!"

Two merchants in front of us seemed to know who those knights were and became physically nervous. If it wasn't for my undead body I feel as though I'd be shaking too. Just based on the name alone made them quite intimidating and of course when seeing them in their armor; I was definitely worried.

"Do you know anything about this 'Old Order?'"

"Hmm, a little bit. They were an order of knights established by the Old Heroes when the Erdmont Kingdom was founded. They're supposed to be elite knights."

Oi, elite knights?! That's bad right? One look at me and they'll surely get suspicious and I doubt they're the types to take a bribe.

I try desperately to blend in with the crowd but before I can even make the attempt the knight leading the other two turns directly towards me and points their golden gauntlet at me.

"You. With the mask. Come forward."

Shit. Shit. Shit! I'm sure on the outside I'm as cool as cucumber but holy shit am I freaking out now! This is seriously the worst case scenario. Marie looks at me with nervous eyes but I turn and speak under my breath to her. "Pretend like you don't know me." If things turned out bad I at the very least didn't want her to suffer the consequences.

I made my way through the crowd towards those three knights and my possible end.

"Before starting your business in the city I must ask you to remove your mask at once."

The strong and femine voice beneath the golden helmet barked at me the thing I did not want to hear. If I take it off they'll probably kill me on the spot using [Holy Light] and if I don't they'll probably force it off me and either way I may end up dead!

"E-Excuse me madam knight!"

In shock I turned to see Marie at my side.

"And you are?"

Though I couldn't see the knight's face I couldn't help but feel her eyes glaring down at Marie. More than likely suspicious as to why this girl came forward.

"Forgive me! I'm Marie Hart and this is uh... m-my f-fiancé. You see he was in a terrible accident and is too ashamed to show his face and, if I may, say that it is quite a grizzly site."

Oi, Marie with the save! They'll definitely buy her story. She said it with such earnestness! But fiancé? Does she think of me like...? No! Of course not! I'm a skeleton that's ridiculous.

"I've been to war. I've seen bodies mangled beyond repair. A scarred face doesn't scare me. Remove the mask at once!"

Or not.

I slowly raise my hand to my mask. So this is it huh? My power fantasy life didn't last very long but maybe if I willingly give myself up they'll let Marie live. Or if I can prove I'm an Abnormality of the World like Henry said they may welcome me with open arms. The thought was nice but the likelihood of them giving an undead a chance was slim.

Before I could pull away my mask the unthinkable happened. Something, like an act of God. An explosion could be heard coming from down the line. It wasn't a large one but it was enough to draw the knight's attention.

"It must be them..."

She turned back to us for a moment and turned away while motioning the two knights behind her to follow.

"It's your lucky day, Masked Man."

Oi, aren't I too lucky?