Like a fierce whirlwind, before the group of bandits could react, the sharp blade swiftly swept across their necks.
Silvery streaks appeared and disappeared in the air.
With swift movements, these individuals were unable to even touch Fraia's garment before meeting their demise.
Exceptional agility is most suited for the task of elimination.
The Baron, standing on the periphery, watched in mild astonishment as his daughter effortlessly dealt with the situation, only able to catch a few stragglers.
"This child seems to have grown even stronger," the Baron murmured to himself as he casually dispatched a fleeing bandit who stumbled into him.
Meanwhile, the three swordsmen, already prepared to fight to the death, stood dumbfounded as the bandits fell like wheat before a scythe, mouths agape in disbelief.
With a gentle flick, Fraia's crossblade lightly sliced the last bandit's neck, as she watched the blood spurt and wiped the blade clean with a white silk handkerchief she carried.
In her eyes, these bandits were inferior even to the soldiers of Byron's Empire, moving as if intentionally slowed down, each effortlessly dispatched with a precise strike to the neck.
If not for the fear of a mass exodus like the previous imperial soldiers, she could have easily slain them all without needing to invoke her qi, the difference between them merely a matter of time.
"Too... formidable," one of the dumbfounded swordsmen muttered as he gazed at Fraia's composed demeanor, his face incredulous.
Perhaps feeling inadvertently responsible for his discomfort, after his amazement subsided, he solemnly approached Fraia and the Baron, expressing gratitude as he casually struck down a panicked bandit who ran into him.
"I am deeply grateful to you both! Without your intervention, we might have been doomed," he said, bowing deeply along with his two companions in a gesture of thanks.
"No need for formalities. Our caravan heard sounds of a scuffle in the distance and came to investigate. We didn't expect to find you battling bandits. After all, we're all travelers, and helping each other when we can is only natural," the Baron replied with a feigned air of familiarity, waving his hand casually.
"I am Dangler, and I don't even know your..." The swordsman's gratitude soared upon hearing the Baron's words, unexpectedly volunteering his name.
"I am Andrew, and this is my daughter Eluda. We are merchants from Byron, headed to the port of Dazzle to sell some goods," the Baron smoothly introduced himself with a false name, seizing the opportunity to disclose their destination.
"Dazzle Port?" Dangler's eyes lit up with joy. "Coincidentally, we are also bound for Dazzle Port. I am the guard of the Chabrol family. We are escorting my family's third young miss back to the city. If it's convenient, we can travel together. Of course, I will ensure proper hospitality upon our arrival..."
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"Chabrol?" The Baron feigned surprise. "Are you from the Chabrol family, known for having the largest shipyard in Dazzle City?"
"That's right! We are indeed the shipbuilders of Chabrol," Dangler said, looking satisfied with the Baron's reaction, nodding slightly with pride.
Watching the Baron's performance from the side, Fraia couldn't help but feel a bit speechless, momentarily subverting the image she had of him in her mind.
Not interested in the conversation between the two, she casually glanced over the bandits she had dispatched, finding most of them devoid of anything valuable, a group of paupers indeed.
Clapping her hands with no gains, she turned curiously towards the carriage.
While Dangler conversed with the Baron, and after expressing gratitude to the two, the remaining two swordsmen quickly opened the carriage to check on the occupants' safety.
During their exchange, Fraia noticed a young, beautiful woman in a red gown inside the carriage, eyes closed as if unconscious, holding a sobbing child tightly.
Presumably, this was the third young miss of the Chabrol family. However, judging by Fraia's keen eye, this woman couldn't be more than eighteen years old, yet already had a child.
In her past life, women in their thirties were still unmarried, a sharp contrast to this world, causing Fraia to feel somewhat emotional.
Amid Fraia's contemplation, it seemed the Baron and Dangler had finished their conversation.
Waving his hand to summon Fraia, the Baron said, "Our caravan will follow shortly. Please wait here a moment."
"Of course, thank you again!" Dangler smiled.
While speaking with the Baron, his eyes occasionally drifted towards Fraia, expressing not only gratitude but also deep curiosity.
Though the Baron claimed they were merchants, anyone with common sense could discern this was a crude lie, considering their knightly prowess.
However, Dangler didn't expose this lie, instead continuing the conversation as directed by the Baron.
As the Baron and Fraia walked away to call the caravan, Dangler only withdrew his gaze after they disappeared into the grassland.
Gradually, the smile on his face faded.
Meanwhile, one of the swordsmen, who had been packing up their belongings, raised his head slightly and asked Dangler, "My lord, are we really going to follow these mysterious individuals?"
Considering the swordsman's question, Dangler took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
"With our current situation, and ensuring safety as the priority, we have no choice but to follow their lead. I also understand their disguises, but what does it matter? I can see that man saving us has his own agenda, but aren't we also going to use them... It's just a sudden transaction!"
Listening to Dangler's words, the inquiring swordsman could only sigh. Originally, they had come out with ten brothers, but now only three remained. This situation undoubtedly made it impossible for them to leave the West Seco Grassland in peace.
On the other side, walking briskly on the grassland, the Baron suddenly tossed a round badge in front of Fraia.
Quickly catching it, Fraia looked at the badge in her hand with slight curiosity, seeing the emblem of the dockyard on it.
"With this, we won't have to spend a lot of effort looking for a ship. This will save us a considerable amount of time and money," the Baron said cheerfully.
Fraia nodded in agreement.
She knew that although Dazzle City didn't prohibit outsiders from entering, strict control was exercised over maritime affairs. After all, matters involving the Sea Folk needed approval and scrutiny from relevant authorities, which was bad news for the fugitive Fraia and her group.
Just didn't expect to stumble upon members of the Chabrol family halfway. It seems the goddess of luck is also favoring them.
Soon, the two arrived at the spot where the caravan had stopped. Several guards were vigilantly observing their surroundings, relaxing slightly when they saw the two approaching from afar.