“No, please, no!” Irene cried out, her voice filled with terror. She bolted upright in bed, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was cloaked in the soft glow of moonlight, casting eerie shadows. All the windows were closed tightly. She glanced around, her eyes wide with fear. The nightmare, still vivid in her mind, sent shivers down her spine. She lowered her head, her hands trembling as she clasped them over her face, desperately seeking solace from the haunting visions.
“Calm down, Irene. Take a deep breath. Just like Jaxith said, it’s just a dream,” she whispered to herself, attempting to soothe her racing heart. Recalling Jaxith’s words, she turned her head to find him seated in a chair beside her, he was sleeping. His black sword, unsheathed and ready, rested beside him. He was clad in his long-sleeved black shirt, his coat discarded on the chair. His watchful presence, fixed upon her, offered a sense of comfort and security.
“It’s a miracle he didn’t wake up from the noise I made. But I won’t complain. I don’t want him to think I’m a child afraid of nightmares,” Irene thought, her gaze lingering on Jaxith. “He must have been too exhausted to fall asleep like that. I guess he’s good at hiding his fatigue. I told him he could sleep in the other bed, but he insisted on staying here to ensure that I’m safe. You’re being a bit dramatic, Jax,” she thought, a faint involuntary smile playing on her lips.
“Shhh, it’s a bit chilly in here. I just pulled the blanket up and felt cold, even though the windows are closed,” Irene whispered, rubbing her shoulders to warm herself. She noticed that Jaxith wasn’t covered by anything. “He must be kidding. Sleeping without a blanket in this weather?” she thought, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She got out of bed and walked over to the other bed. “I know you’re strong, but even the strongest can catch a cold,” she murmured, grabbing the blanket and returning to Jaxith’s side.
“Damn it, you’re not even wearing your coat. How did you not feel cold? And I thought I was an idiot,” Irene muttered, pulling the blanket over Jaxith. “That’s better,” she murmured, relieved. But then she noticed that Jaxith hadn’t moved or reacted to her. A wave of worry washed over her. Was he ill?
She gently placed her hand on his forehead, checking for a fever. His skin was cool to the touch, his breathing slow and steady. Relief washed over her as she realized he was simply asleep, his body at peace.
“It seems he’s just exhausted. Perhaps I’m not accustomed to seeing him so vulnerable,” Irene mused, taking a step back. “Please, Jaxith, if something’s hurting you, just ask for help. I still can’t forget the image of you gasping for air,” she thought, her gaze filled with concern. The events of the past couple of days had left a deep mark on her, especially the fight with the scarlet giant and the part she didn’t see, and she feared that he might be hiding an injury or illness.
She retreated to her bed, drew her blanket over her, cradled her head on the pillow, then succumbed to slumber, lulled by the comforting presence of Jaxith.
The tranquility was absolute, the night undisturbed, save for Jaxith’s vigilant eyes, he was awake! He gazed upon Irene, now enveloped in peaceful sleep.
“Jax, listen, I think it’s silly. It was just a nightmare,” his mind echoed Irene’s words.
“What shadows haunt you, young girl?” he pondered, also recalling her fitful sleep the previous night at the inn, her fearful murmurs while sleeping, like something is stalking her dreams. Now, her startled cry had alerted him, revealing her vulnerability. Determined to shield her from harm, he wasn’t sleeping deeply and stayed close to her, a silent sentinel, should anyone dare to threaten her or if Officer Ronald’s assurances proved hollow, that’s why he immediately noticed her cry but wasn’t surprised, he kept his calm so that she doesn’t know that he saw how afraid she was. After a moment of contemplation, Jaxith yielded to the serenity of the night, closing his eyes.
Sunlight kissed Irene’s face, prompting her to turn away from the windows and stay on her left side while still closing her eyes.
“Time to rise and shine, it’s nearly afternoon. Planning on sleeping the day away?” Jaxith inquired calmly.
Irene sighed, her eyelids fluttering open. Jaxith was no longer seated beside her, but his coat remained in the chair.
“Are we running late or something?” she asked sarcastically, still nestled in her bed.
“We don’t know when the mayor will summon us. And by the way, breakfast has arrived. You haven’t eaten since yesterday’s inn breakfast, have you?” Jaxith replied.
Irene slowly discarded her blanket and sat up, scanning the room for Jaxith. She found him standing by the window, the sunlight illuminating his figure as he cleaned his sword, his back to her and he also noticed that she was awake too without looking back, just like yesterday. His sharp senses, so evident the previous day, had returned, dispelling the weariness of the night. She felt a sense of security in his presence and that he’s looking fine again.
“I nibbled on a cake while wandering the market to draw the assassin’s attention, just as you suggested. You look well today, your breath is much improved, right?” Irene said, yawning softly.
“I told you I’d be fine. But something odd happened last night. Someone, a mysterious figure, covered me with a blanket while I slept, and I didn’t even notice,” Jaxith replied, turning from the window as he continued cleaning his sword.
“Probably one of the maids. You must have been exhausted,” Irene suggested innocently.
“Of course, a maid. How could I not have thought of that?” Jaxith teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Irene shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
“Anyway the bathroom’s in the back of the room. I’m sure you need it after sleeping through our arrival. And your breakfast is on that table. Make sure you eat well,” Jaxith instructed, setting his sword aside on the wall.
“A bathroom inside a room? Wow!” Irene exclaimed, discarding her blanket and leaping out of bed.
“Quite a house,” Jaxith remarked.
“Whatever, I’m going,” Irene replied, dashing towards the bathroom.
Jaxith watched her enthusiasm with a fond smile, then turned his gaze to the window. The mansion’s garden, stretching out behind their room, was a serene tableau: three gardeners tended to the lush greenery, their diligent efforts a testament to the garden’s grandeur, of course a large garden like this needs at least 3 persons maintaining it. The scene was both calming and nostalgic, reminding Jaxith of the few peaceful mornings when he rarely gets up early in Lumina, the village that had once been his refuge. His recent tumultuous days, marked by restless nights and the disturbing nightmare, had shattered his tranquility. Now, as he basked in this momentary peace, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was merely a prelude to a larger, more ominous event. The enigmatic dream that brought him here and the subsequent chain of occurrences had ignited a sense of uncertainty, a fear that he might be caught in a whirlwind of unforeseen circumstances. He could only hope that his actions, guided by reason and intuition, would steer him through this tempestuous journey.
Jaxith lingered, lost in the serene vista, until the bathroom door creaked open, heralding Irene’s return.
“Ah, that was refreshing. By the way, I found these clothes behind the door and put them on. My previous ones were quite soiled from the recent events. Fortunately, these fit perfectly,” Irene remarked, her damp red hair a testament to her recent bath.
“The maid who delivered breakfast gave them to me. She said Officer Ronald sent them. Seems like he’s kept his word,” Jaxith replied calmly, turning to face her.
“Good. All my clothes are at the hideout, and I can’t return there. Jax, please handle what happened there, I really can’t leave them like that, no one knows about them. You understand my concern, right?” Irene inquired, her voice tinged with worry.
“I understand, young girl. Leave it to me. Now, focus on your breakfast. This is a unique opportunity, and who knows what trials await us,” Jaxith responded gravely. He recognized the weight of her request and the urgency of the matter. He should ensure that the situation at the hideout gets resolved, allowing her to move forward without lingering concerns.
“Don’t worry, I’m a thief, I know how to seize opportunities, especially those that come free of charge,” Irene said, heading towards the table laden with food. Her gaze fell upon a full wine bottle beside the table.
“That wine bottle wasn’t here last night,” she mused.
“It came with the breakfast, for me,” Jaxith explained.
“So, you haven’t eaten yet? Let’s have breakfast together,” Irene suggested, returning to the bed with the tray of food.
“I already ate. Don’t worry about it,” Jaxith replied.
“Then you must be one of those who stay away from alcohol during the day to stay sharp,” Irene surmised, settling onto the bed.
“No, I don’t drink at all,” Jaxith replied in his characteristically calm tone. His aversion to alcohol, a facet of his disciplined lifestyle, was a stark contrast to the carefree existence of a thief like Irene. Yet, it was this very discipline, coupled with his cunning and resourcefulness, that made him a formidable warrior.
Irene smiled, “If you want to drink and my presence prevents you, don’t worry. I’ve seen plenty of people drinking in the hideout and never felt the urge. It's something I might do when I’m older, but please don’t mock me with that talk. You don’t drink, that’s a joke, Jax.”
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Jaxith moved towards the table with the wine and said, “You’re right about one thing, actually. You’re too young to even see it close to you.” He grabbed the bottle and tossed it out the window.
Irene’s eyes widened in shock. Jaxith turned to her with a serious expression. “Wait, you were really talking?” she asked, stunned.
“Of course I was,” Jaxith replied.
“I thought you were saying that because you didn’t want me to feel bad for not being able to drink because of my presence,” Irene said, her brow furrowed.
“I really don’t,” Jaxith replied calmly. “I never have.”
“That’s the first time I’ve seen something like that,” Irene said, taking a piece of bread. “Anyway, it’s your life, not mine.”
“Are you sure you had breakfast? The juice jug is still full,” she asked.
“I don’t drink that, either,” Jaxith replied.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Irene said, staring at him incredulously. “That’s strawberry juice, Jaxith. Do you know how much that costs?” The girl clearly doesn’t understand him.
“Not my favorite fruit, not even its juice,” Jaxith said calmly, walking over to the other bed and sitting down facing Irene.
“Then what is your favorite fruit?” Irene asked, eating a piece of a pie.
“Irene, I don’t think your questions are of any importance right now,” Jaxith replied bluntly.
“Hey, no need to be rude,” Irene said angrily. “I’m just trying to understand you and get to know you better. If we’re going to be stuck together for a while, I thought it would be nice to know more about you. If you don’t want to, fine. Like I care.” She turned back to her food.
She remains the same impetuous girl he encountered two days ago, unchanged. He must approach her with greater wisdom to preserve her trust, a delicate flower he has only recently cultivated, he mustn’t break this trust to be able to deal with her. Her youth makes her vulnerable to his austere lifestyle, a challenge she may struggle to overcome.
“Orange juice,” Jaxith replied calmly.
“What?” Irene asked, turning to face him.
“My favorite fruit and juice. Didn’t you want to know?” Jaxith questioned.
“Yeah, but I thought you didn’t want to talk to me,” Irene admitted.
“No, that’s not what I meant,” Jaxith clarified, attempting a gentler tone.
Irene regarded him for a moment before sighing.
Irene spoke rapidly, “Listen, Jax, I know you’re the calm type, and maybe I talk a lot more than you do. But I’m just trying to understand you better. I feel like I’m dealing with a shady person, although you’re a good person, there’s nothing to discuss about that. Maybe I prolonged the conversation unnecessarily, but when I feel offended, I can’t stay silent. It’s just my personality. I was raised on the streets, Jaxith, not as a pampered princess who only listens politely and waits for a knight to save her. I'm not like that, I’m just not afraid to speak my mind.”
Jaxith looked at her, gaining a deeper understanding of her. She wasn’t a cowardly or useless girl; on the contrary, she hated feeling that way. She wanted to understand him better and grow closer, to avoid feeling useless and merely following him.
“I know,” Jaxith said comfortingly, “just because I’m helping you doesn’t mean you’re useless. You helped me yesterday, and I told you that was a brave act. So don’t think I’m neglecting you or treating you like a burden, okay?”
“Okay, I’m sorry for my words,” Irene apologized. “I really didn’t mean it. When I feel offended, I act like that.”
“I know,” Jaxith said with a smile. “In the end, you’re the only one who knows the maid who covered for me.”
Irene smiled warmly, shyly looking to the side. She felt good again and continued her meal.
After finishing her meal, Irene poured herself a glass of juice and returned the tray to its place before returning to her bed, facing Jaxith in the other bed.
“Now, tell me what will happen?” Irene asked.
“We’ll see what the mayor wants, but I need to understand a few things first about what happened. All I know is that you sneaked into the mansion we’re staying in, kept an incredibly low profile without being noticed by any guard. Putting aside your stealth skills, I want to know what happened between you and the mayor. How did you steal the ring from him?” Jaxith asked.
“Well, I knew that the security in the mansion is tighter at night, and the mayor only removes his ring while sleeping or bathing. So, my only hope was to sneak in early in the morning. Luckily, I found the ring on the table by his bed when he wasn’t in the room. But unfortunately, he was taking a bath and came out while I was still there, so I ran away from him and jumped off the balcony. I tricked the guards using my spell and then ran away. That’s it,” Irene said, taking a sip of her drink.
“So you didn’t insult him?” Jaxith asked.
“No, nothing like that happened,” Irene said innocently.
“Sure of that?” Jaxith asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Clear as a white flower,” Irene said confidently.
“Then I think I can reach an agreement with him to drop your bounty and clear things between both of you,” Jaxith said.
“And I hope that can be easily reached,” Irene said, taking another sip of her drink.
“Me too, Irene, me too,” Jaxith said calmly.
After a while, there was a knock on the room’s door.
“I’ll open,” Irene said, but Jaxith’s hand interrupted her.
“No, we don’t know who that is. It could be anyone. As long as we’re together in a strange place like this, especially where we can’t trust the people of the place, don't open any door or window by yourself, got it?” Jaxith said in a tutoring tone.
“As you wish,” Irene said. Jaxith stood up, walked to the door, and opened it to find Officer Ronald.
“The mayor is prepared to receive you both now. I came personally to guarantee your comfort as guests and that everything was fine, as I promised,” Officer Ronald stated.
“Indeed, everything has been satisfactory. I personally extend my gratitude for your efforts,” Jaxith replied, extending his hand to shake Officer Ronald’s.
“You’re welcome. All I ask is that you both conduct yourselves with respect during your meeting with the mayor, particularly her. I’ll wait for you outside. Take your time," Officer Ronald said before stepping aside.
Jaxith turned to Irene, who was preparing herself.
“I’m prepared to resolve this matter,” Irene declared.
“Where’s your bag?” Jaxith inquired.
“Oh, I left it in the bathroom. I’ll retrieve it,” Irene replied.
“Your dagger is in it, right?” Jaxith asked sternly.
“Yes, but I don’t think it’s the most important item in it now, unlike the ring,” Irene responded.
“A ring won’t protect you, unlike your dagger. We don’t know what may unfold, and we don’t know who the enemy is. Therefore, always keep your weapon close, as it’s more important than a mere ring,” Jaxith emphasized, his serious demeanor and intense scarlet gaze unsettling Irene.
“Fine, I understand your point,” Irene conceded, slightly disturbed by his intense gaze. He certainly transforms into a different person when he is serious.
Irene retrieved her bag, and they exited the room, following Officer Ronald.
“I want you to behave appropriately during our meeting, understood?” Jaxith instructed.
“Don’t worry,” Irene assured him.
“Leave the talking to me. When I tell you to hand over the ring, do it. If I want you to speak, I’ll let you know. Just don’t interfere. Is that clear?” Jaxith clarified.
“Yeah, I understand. Trust me, I won’t mess this up,” Irene confidently affirmed.
They walked for a minute before halting in front of a red wooden door guarded by two individuals, one on each side.
“We have arrived. A moment, please. I shall inform the mayor of your presence,” Officer Ronald announced before entering the chamber.
The two guards scrutinized them, their gaze lingering particularly on Jaxith, before Officer Ronald returned.
“Mr. Mayor David Holston is ready to receive you. This way, please,” Officer Ronald instructed, leading Jaxith and Irene into the room.
Guards were strategically positioned around the expansive meeting table, with the mayor seated at its far end.
A murmur rippled through the guards. “That’s the one who vanquished the colossal demon on the hills, isn’t it?” one of them whispered, their eyes wide with awe and admiration. The others nodded in silent agreement, their amazement by the hunter clearly palpable.
Jaxith tuned into the hushed conversations as they approached the meeting table. They were seated opposite the mayor, with Officer Ronald positioned between them at the table’s edge.
“I can’t fathom how you could have the audacity to sit here after your actions,” Mayor Holston declared, his tone laced with anger.
“Mr. Mayor, I believe these tensions can be easily resolved through mutual understanding,” Jaxith replied calmly.
“Before we proceed, I demand to know your identity and how you, of all people, came to her aid,” Mayor Holston insisted, his voice stern.
“My name is Jaxith. I reside in Lumina as a monster hunter. I came here for a much-needed vacation, but I overheard the townsfolk discussing Irene and her recent actions. So, when I noticed her at the local market, I was actually Intrigued to watch the one that caused all of what happened, I followed her and discovered she was being pursued by an assassin who had eliminated her entire guild and was going after her too. Duty compelled me to intervene,” Jaxith explained confidently.
“I see,” Mayor Holston acknowledged.
“Mr. Mayor, his account aligns with Mr. Desmond’s earlier report, who first brought this girl’s situation to Jaxith’s attention,” Officer Ronald interjected.
“And you mentioned that her guild members were killed?” Mayor Holston inquired.
“Yes, that’s correct. Mr. Mayor, I want you to understand that she didn’t steal the ring for personal gain. It was merely a wager between her and a friend. Irene,” he turned to her, "the ring.” Irene nodded, retrieved the ring from her bag, and handed it to Jaxith.
“This is your ring. I hope you won’t harbor resentment towards her. She’s just a young girl who doesn’t fully comprehend the consequences of her actions. I personally apologize on her behalf,” Jaxith stated politely.
“I appreciate your confidence, young man, but I don’t believe returning my ring is sufficient to restore my tarnished reputation,” Mayor Holston replied.
“I don’t comprehend your point, Mr. Mayor,” Jaxith inquired, puzzled.
“She insulted me in front of my guards. How can I forgive such a disgraceful act?” Mayor Holston demanded sternly.
“What?” Jaxith exclaimed, turning to Irene with a questioning look.
“Hey! ‘Chunky’ is a cool nickname,” Irene retorted to the mayor, oblivious to Jaxith’s exasperated expression. It wasn’t enough that she didn’t tell him exactly what happened, but she also had deviated from their agreed-upon plan, interrupting the conversation with her impulsive remark.
“Perhaps that’s an appropriate nickname for your friends, but not for the mayor. And that wasn’t the only offensive remark you made. Perhaps dishonesty is ingrained in you due to your tainted bloodline,” Mayor Holston sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.
“I’LL RIP YOUR HEART OUT OF YOUR CHEST, YOU F-!” Irene bellowed, rising to her feet in a fit of rage and the guards immediately started drawing their swords. Before she could finish her tirade, Jaxith shouted, halting her outburst.
“IRENE, SIT DOWN AND SILENCE YOURSELF!” Jaxith commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. Irene faltered, her anger momentarily subdued and looked angrily at him.
“What? Didn’t you-“ she began, but Jaxith cut her off.
“ENOUGH!” Jaxith roared, his firm tone forcing Irene to retreat and sit back down. She crossed her arms and turned away, her face flushed with anger. Her demonic heritage often fueled her temper, making it difficult for her to control her emotions. She must control this anger issue.
“With all due respect, Officer Ronald,” Jaxith began, his voice low and deliberate, “I won’t tolerate your men brandishing their weapons so casually. I’m seeing familiar faces in this room. They witnessed what happened to the demon yesterday. I doubt they’re eager to experience my wrath directed at a mere human.” Officer Ronald, sensing the undercurrent of threat, hesitated, he really wanted to talk but stopped.
“Mr. Mayor,” Jaxith continued, turning his attention back to the irate official, “insulting her in my presence will have dire consequences next time, understand?” His voice was a chilling whisper, yet it carried a weight that demanded attention.
“Men, sheathe your weapons, NOW!” Officer Ronald ordered, his voice firm. The guards, sensing the escalating tension, reluctantly complied, their hands trembling as they returned their blades to their scabbards. The room fell into an uneasy silence, the only sound is the soft rustling of fabric as the guards shifted uncomfortably.
“You can’t hold me accountable for her actions; they were inexcusable,” Mayor Holston insisted, his tone unwavering.
“There’s always a solution that doesn’t involve racism,” Jaxith retorted, his voice equally firm.
“Perhaps you could perform a task that might make me overlook her insolence,” Mayor Holston suggested, a sly smile playing on his lips. Jaxith understood the unspoken request; the mayor sought a favor in exchange for forgiveness.
“I’m listening,” Jaxith replied, his gaze unwavering as he met the mayor’s.