I opened my eyes and scanned the unfamiliar roof. I tried to pull myself up but sharp pains circulated my body. I turned my head to look at the door oddly; it was very familiar to the crown prince’s chambers door. A thought came rushing in my head. Am I in his chambers? Then I should leave quickly. I once again summoned all of my strength to move my wounded body but failed again. Why is my body not reacting to my will?

[Edmond]: Patients should obediently lie down.

I turned my head to towards the window and saw him sitting on the edge of the window while drinking a glass of wine.

[Alex]: Your highness how did I get here.

[Edmond]: James brought you here. You are very brave fighting him like that but your skill was very impressive it has been a while since I saw him wounded like that.

[Alex]: I failed in the end if I was not able to defeat him who knows what threat may lie in the future

[Edmond]: Who said you would fight alone when that time comes? You should concentrate on training more so that you will not lose again.

[Alex]: Your highness I must leave the contact will be waiting.

He then reached inside his pocket and threw me a small leather suck. Upon opening it, I saw green leaves. I stared at him with a blank expression.

[Edmond]: Take that with water it will temporarily numb your pain and regain your ability to walk.

[Alex]: Thank you, your highness.

I took the content some of the leaves and drank them with water. A sour taste quickly filled my mouth and stopped myself from vomiting the leaves.

[Edmond]: hahaha I forgot to mention that they are very sour but you took them like a champion.

I looked at the young prince who was laughing but then turned serious all of a sudden.

[Edmond]: Make sure that female mercenary is capable; tell her if she fails to protect her then she better die with her.

Behind those words, a malicious intent supported it. I never imagined a noble was capable of such an aura it would be best not to upset him or my life will be lost too.

After gaining some strength I left the room and went to the knight quarters with some bandages. I washed my wounds applied for some medicine. I stared at my already scared body and wondered if a girl would like them. I rested for 2 hours, then I got up and prepared myself to leave the palace.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Outside, I started making my way to the old cottage inside the city. I admired a dark orange, which filled the sky as the sunset. Soon darkness engulfed the city I made some quick turns to make sure nobody was following me. Once again, the old bar was in front of me, as usual, it was quiet but suddenly a person flew off the window. I stared at the unconscious person then entered. Inside the bartender was in his usual position serving drinks and the other people sat while playing their games. I sat at the counter as before but this time a figure was waiting for me.

[Mercenary]: Took you long enough please take her with you or she may destroy the bar.

[Alex]: Where is she?

[Mercenary]: At the end of the bar.

I was annoyed by the fact that my work was late. They are either brave or foolish either way I am charging extra for this bullshit. I saw a figure approach me but his scarlet eyes shone through the darkness. Soon a tall figure stood before me with his silver hair and red eyes he was a quite handsome man.

[Alex]: Are your contact?

[Erza]: Depends on who is asking.

[Alex]: Your new employer will that be enough for you.

[Erza]: It will do for now. So what do you want?

He sat on the opposite side of the table but he seemed injured like a man from fighting 10 royal knights. He stared down then requested for two drinks. He waited for them slid one towards me. In a smooth manner for a second, it was very cool but my mind snapped back.

[Erza]: Just tell me what you want time is lives.

[Alex]: I will pay you any amount of money and you have only one mission.

[Erza]: Interesting is that mission killing a king or a general?

He chuckled at my question and proceeded.

[Alex]: I wish it was that easy but the person who I work for wants you to protect a noblewoman.

[Erza]: What is so hard about protecting a fragile noble?

A face of fear painted his face as if remembering a bad dream. He then raised his head and looked at me.

[Alex]: If you accept this might be your last job.

[Erza]: What do you mean?

[Alex]: My employer said that if you fail to protect her then you should be next to her.

[Erza]: Is that a threat? Do you know who I can kill your employer the next day?

[Alex]: You will not even be able to pass his butler.

[Erza]: You’re wasting my time.

[Alex]: Do you accept or decline

[Erza]: I cannot say no to easy money so I accept but if you pull something. I will kill you and your employer.

He laughed at my statement then stood up.

[Alex]: You have no idea how long I waited to die. Then with that, i will inform the employer but someone may be tempted to test your strength so watch your self.

He took three steps forward then he stood still and suddenly fell. I quickly stood up and approached his unconscious body. I checked him and blood was all over his clothes. He wore unique clothes within but it was covered by the hooded jacket. Hedidn’t bandage his wounds nicely. Should I just leave him but if he doesn’t notify the employer my deal will be off. I also didn’t know the employer or the noblewoman. Maybe I should just help him till the deal is finalized.

I carried his body like a princess in the movies and made my way through the dark allies but I sensed someone’s gaze so I did my best to shake him off but I still sensed him following us. I turned quickly and threw a knife to his direction.

[Erza]: Who are you?

[James]: What is with you people and knives?