Edwin scoffed, a dramatic expression on his face, as he held a hand over his chest.

“You’re brutal, Asta.” He moved behind me, away from the other three people. I glared at the blonde to zip it.

A caned man stood with wide eyes, standing next to the other large men, who stared down at their friend. I held my boot on the groaning man, who squirmed around from the shock of getting thrown. He was out of commission for the time being. One down and three more till I was free.

“Brutal coming from the thief that’s bothering their employee on their day off,” I snapped, stepping over the man, and glancing over to the others. They all stood frozen, glued to where they stood.

“…Hey, we’re just here to collect the money that he owes us. You’re not involved,” The caned man spoke up, his voice sending a half-hearted warning. He pointed to Edwin, who looked at me with a nervous smile. So, he knew I was pissed. Good.

If you were going to threaten someone, at least make sure you sound confident.

I shook my head, exhaling, “Shame for both of us then. You get cheated out of your money and I sell my soul for this lunatic,” I stretched my arm, before sighing, “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Even if I wanted to, I shouldn’t kill them.

I charged forward, coming face-to-face with one of the more prominent men. Nice and light. He reacted slowly, as I brought my arm against the side of his face.

Slap.

The man’s body flew across the crowd, landing in a barrel of apples. I swore I saw imaginary birds, over his concussed self.

“You!” The other man yelled, swinging his fist toward me. I parred it away with my other hand, looking down at the hand that hit him. A little too hard, I suppose.

“My bad. It seems like I gathered more mana than I thought.” I emptily apologized, peering back up to face the other man, “I’ll adjust it for you.”

I twisted around, my hand landing on the other man’s face. Slap. This time, he landed up on the ground, out cold.

“Much better,” I muttered to myself, making eye contact with the caned man, who backed away slowly, “You’re the only one left, I guess.”

They shook their head, “You wouldn’t hit a man with a cane! Right?” His eyes danced to the small bag around his torso. Reach for it. I dare you.

I darted forward, ripping the bag from his body, and turning it upside down. A knife dropped from the bag. Its handle is wrapped in a white cloth.

“It’s a convenient little trick. With the cane and all, you know. You seem harmless but…” I remarked, throwing the bag behind me, and kicking the knife up.

I caught the handle in my hand, twirling it as I strolled forward toward the shaking man. That’s all I did. No threats, no gestures, just walking. Okay. I was a tad threatening. Could you blame me? It was my nature, of course.

A path was cleared through the crowd, passersby now observing the scene in front of them, holding their breaths. Geez. It’s not like I could kill them in front of the prince.

The caned man started to panic, as his back hit the wall, holding his hands up in defeat, he stammered, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. We’re all friends with the restaurant owner.”

I looked over at the downed men, then back at Edwin. Where did he go to eat? At the shadiest restaurant in town? I raised an eyebrow, to which he just shrugged. The message went over his head.

Not surprising.

In the brief moment that I looked away, hands jerked at the knife, unable to pry it out of my grip. A grunt from the caned man, as he nearly fell forward, barely holding on to the wooden cane.

Oh. So, the cane was real. I sighed.

“...Let’s deduce this, right? If I was able to send your friend flying, did you really think you were going to be able to pull the knife out of my hand?” I leveled, shaking my head. God, I was just so done with all of this.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Also. To answer your question from earlier. Would I hit a caned man? First off. Violence is universal. I don’t need an excuse not to hit someone if I feel like it,” I informed him, raising the knife in my hand, and planting the blade at the side of his head. A shallow cut formed; blood trickled from his cheek.

“Secondly, if you knew who that person was, I promise money is the least of your worries,” I stepped back, shooing him away, “Get out of here, before I change my mind.”

I didn’t want to death-slap this guy.

The cane man limped off, disappearing into the shocked crowd. I left the knife on the wall, walking over to Edwin, who stood clapping.

“Wow! I saw your skill at the exam, but this was tremendous!” He cheered, shutting up when I shot a nasty sneer.

“Follow me and shut up.” I dragged him, into the murmuring crowd, towards the direction of the estate, “Let’s go before someone recognizes you.”

He nodded, nearly running to keep up with my pace, “Thank you for helping me.”

“Not like you gave me a choice,” I grumbled, directing us into a less occupied portion of the street. I exhaled. It should be safe here.

“I’m heading back to the estate. I’ll just take you there.” I let go of him. He maneuvered over to walk to my side, skipping with joy.

Humans…

“…So, did you enjoy your day off?” He attempted to make small talk, which I didn’t entertain.

“No.”

“…Oh.” He choked, obviously taken back at my response, “May I tell you about my day?”

“No.”

“Then can I tell you about what happened…?”

“Stop.”

Edwin sighed, “Then I’ll talk to you about estate matters.”

“If it’s estate matters, then I can’t say no.” I gave in, hoping that we would get there faster.

“Okay then,” He continued, “How was your first day under Sir Serlon’s troop?”

“Killed two people. “You know, not bad,” I shrugged, pretending not to notice his taken-aback expression.

He cleared his throat, “…Ah yes. I do believe I heard about that. I commend you for your service in protecting my father and me that night.”

“I mean, if I didn’t kill them… the guards inside would have,” I commented, praying for this to be over. I had already given up on the idea of enjoying the rest of my day.

“…I suppose you’re right,” Edwin conceded, sighing as we neared the gates. He whispered low enough that the gate guard couldn’t hear, “Allow me to use you.”

Use me? My life’s purpose. No satire.

Whatever. I stepped back, watching him pull his hood down. Blonde locks fell from the folds of the hooded cloth. It was like the sun vomited on his scalp.

All the guards immediately bowed, and in unison, they greeted Edwin, “Light of the Kingdom, Crown Prince Edwin! We humbly welcome the liege back!”

I scoffed. Was this how I was supposed to treat him? No way I’d get on my hands and knees for this blonde bitch. It didn’t matter if I was exiled or not. I wasn’t that desperate.

“Raise your heads.” He commanded, his voice fitting his title for once, “Guard Asta escorted me for a short walk. Please keep this between us.”

“Of course, your highness!” The gate guards nodded, rushing to open the gates. They stood, side-by-side, bowing once more, as we walked through.

Once we walked a good enough distance from the gate, Edwin sighed, pausing to rest his hands on his knees, “They actually bought that.”

“It’s more believable than admitting you stole from that thug-filled restaurant.” I scoffed, stepping up into the courtyard in front of the estate.

Edwin gasped, panicking, bringing his hands to his hair, “Wait! The money! I need to pay them!”

He wasn’t joking, was he? No.

“…Trying to kill you should be payment enough,” I reasoned, almost dumbfounded at the idea. It was a wonder that he hadn’t gotten killed sooner.

He slumped over, relieved, “You’re right, I guess. It really was an accident that I left my money.”

An accident? Sure. Let’s call it that—a fatal one.

“…Right.” I proceeded to the main entrance, surprised to still find Lars and Daniel on duty. They bowed to Edwin, exchanging formal greetings, their attention drifting back to me.

“How’s Jamie?” I questioned, noticing the light blood stains under their armor and the spats of blood on their boots. Daniel was the one to answer. Not to mention, he looked more awake than Lars, who looked like he was about to pass out.

“He’s resting. They were able to stitch him up and use potions. So, he’ll be able to return to work in a few days.” Daniel answered, yawning after the statement.

“Jamie was injured?” Edwin chipped into the conversation if you could even call it that, considering the zombie-like presence of the two.

“Yeah, that was the other thing I was interrupted with today,” I mumbled; the prince seemed hesitant to ask further.

Good.

I wasn’t sure if anyone in the troop was aware of my odd acquaintance with the Crown Prince. But they did now, both of them exchanging knowing glances between us. The doors of the estate flew open, nearly knocking the half-asleep Lars and Daniel, off their feet. Serlon marched out, like a rampaging bull, tearing away towards the Crown Prince. He was fuming.

“Your Highness,” He started with a tone that chilled Edwin to the bone, as he visibly froze from fear, “Where did you go?”

“…On a walk?” Edwin tried to lie, but his shaking voice exposed him, sending the head guard into a calm rage.

“…Ah. I see. You went on a walk, huh? It’s a lovely day to partake in a scenic trail, isn’t it? Your Highness…” Serlon smiled, unsettled.

He reached out his hand, patting the prince’s shoulder, “Well then. Now that you’ve decided to return… shall we walk back to your office to finish your paperwork?”

It wasn’t a question, but a threat. Everyone knew.

“Ah, right…the paperwork” The prince uttered, his eyes draining of light.

“Yes, your highness. The paperwork. Shall I lead you?” Serlon grandly motioned with his hand, the unsettling smile still on his face.

“…No need, Sir Serlon. I know the way.” Edwin dragged his feet into the estate, the doors slamming behind them. Silence.

“Well, he’s fucked.” Lars mourned for the prince, frowning.

Daniel nodded with a heavy expression, “Sir Serlon is terrifying.”

For once, I could see it. Even for a human, he had his moments. Lars yawned, nearly toppling over from exhaustion. There was no point in resting today, I wouldn’t be able to after this. I needed something to do. To keep me busy. I sighed, peering over at Lars.

“I’ll take over for the rest of your shift, Lars.” I sighed, moving towards him.

“I’m not going to fight you on that one, sorry.” Lars agreed, unbuckling his sword holder and passing it to me.

He looked over at Daniel, “I’ll send someone out to take over for you. Thanks, Asta.” He announced, quickly retreating into the confines of the estate, closing the doors behind him.

“You don’t strike me as the caring type. Plus, isn’t it your day off?” Daniel commented, watching as I strapped the sword to my waist.

Caring? Because I wasn’t. Not in the slightest. Zero.

My day off? Lies.

“I wished it was.”