Illia frowned as she touched the bloody dirt beneath her feet. Something is wrong, she should never have been able to beat this beast.

After checking the spot where Skarlet fought the wolf she headed back to Seraph's mansion. She headed downstairs to the basement and approached a group of men who looked very suspicious.

"Ahh, Miss Lilly. Here look at this!" One of the men recognized her and stepped to the side to reveal a large crystal on a pedestal. There's was something in the crystal, Lilly approached the crystal to examine it. She frowned as she saw a girl inside, she was young, probably about Maria's age. Though she had some interesting characteristics, demonic horns, wings, and a tail.

"Is that from Maxwell?" Lilly asked with curiosity as she placed her hand on the crystal, she could feel a large amount of mana circulating.

"Yes, he says that he felt bad not giving Seraph enough of a chance. So he sent this to give him another way to score points." One of the men responded.

"Hmm, in other words he's unloading more work on me, haaa." Lilly didn't seem happy as her eyes turned away from the crystal.

"We'll leave the instructions for awakening the demon here." One of the men told her as he set a small note book on a nearby desk.

"I'll go tell Seraph of his new work." Lilly frowned as she headed back upstairs.

"Come in." Seraph spoke up and the door opened, in came Illia in her maid dress carrying a plate with a two cups of tea.

"Do I have a guest?" He asked in confusion, she smiled as she set the two cups down and then sat in front of him.

"Yes, me. Maxwell has relayed some new orders. Um might I ask what your doing sir?" Illia asked as she watched him ignore her and continue writing.

"I'm gathering a contact to drag Skarlet to the streets. She's been moving, no longer wallowing in her despair." Seraph replied absently as he was still focused. Suddenly he sat back as a knife stabbed into his desk. His eyes finally landed on Illia, confusion and wariness filled them.

"Sir, Maxwell sends his regards. As much as Skarlet continuing to be in despair is one of his goals it doesn't give you the leeway to just ignore him when he calls. Do you want to lose his support. I'll take your traitorous neck right now!" She growled at him, he frowned, then he sighed as he prepared to listen.

"Maxwell has sent an item to your basement with the other items from the shipment. You'll know it when you see it, anyways. You now have three tasks." Illia held up a single finger. " One, bring Skarlet to despair and keep her there." Another finger came up. "Two, get rid of Maria by any means." A third finger came up. "And finally, complete the ritual connected to the crystal in the basement. So why don't you earn some brownie points and get that ritual completed. There will be some of Maxwell's men helping you so don't bring your own men. And as always I'm under your control so send me where you need me, ah but don't make any stupid requests or I'll cut that second head of You're off." Seraph was quiet, thinking.

"Alright, fine, I'll head down to check the item myself tonight. But I need to finish this." Seraph removed the knife she pierced into the table and document. Illia's eyes landed on the paper.

"Oh, that's an interesting duo, and their skills should be far superior to hers. But are you sure. There's evidence that she's growing at a rapid rate. You could always send me." Illia suggested, Seraph scoffed instead.

"No offense, I'm definitely starting to be aware of your skills, still if I accomplish everything while relying on Maxwell's tools. I will be of little worth to him."

"Well, you're certainly aware of your situation. I hope you succeed, afterall. Being a low quality tool to Maxwell is better than being discarded by him." She warned before drinking her tea.

"I can't believe I'm drinking tea with a beast who dares talk to me like that." Seraph grumbled as he looked at her. She simply smirked at him.

"I'm enjoying every second."

~

The first thing Cody saw as he opened his eyes was the bed, Maria and Clara were still asleep, curled up on the cheap inn mattress. He couldn't help but smile, they were cute together. He got to his feet and pulled the blanket up over them. Cody grabbed his sword and tied it back on his waist. He then pushed the door open, he widened his senses sending out his mana, he intertwined it with the natural mana in the air. As his mana stretched out he could sense most of the inn. The door to their room closed behind him, he focused for a moment but didn't notice any odd characters. All the living mana signatures were acting normal.

Satisfied he then descended the stairs, the smell of breakfast greeted him. The tavern on the first floor was decently full with people eating, once again Skarlet was nowhere to be seen, maybe she noticed my interest in her and is avoiding me? He thought as he made three plates of breakfast before heading back up the stairs. Upon opening the door, he noticed that Clara's eyes were open and staring at him.

Cody approached the bed, setting the plates down on the desk, he began shaking Maria's shoulder. She resisted at first, but soon was rubbing her eyes and sitting up.

"What is it, morning already?" She asked, yawning in the middle, then she smelled food and her tiredness seemed to melt away. "Ooh, I've never seen such greasy food before!" She exclaimed, causing Cody to flinch.

"Hey, that's our breakfast you're talking about." He chastised her as he handed her and Clara their plates. He sat down at the desk and began eating, Maria and Clara ate on the bed. They ate quickly. When Cody finished his food he turned to them and spoke. "I was planning to head to the guild today, the guild is separate from the country, it governs itself. Due to that, it is a place where we can get help and advice. More specifically we'll be meeting the guild Master and explaining the situation." Cody explained. Maria nodded, but for some reason he didn't feel like she really heard him, her eyes sparkled.

"The guild! Let's go!" She exclaimed, hopping up. She brushed down her clothes, Shook her head before brushing her fingers through her hair. "All ready."

"You're really jumping on this Adventurer's Lifestyle thing aren't you." Cody sighed, she seemed undeterred, Clara on the other hand seemed extremely confused by Maria's odd behavior, her tail swayed back and forth and her ears twitched in a circular motion. It was the body language of a curious fox.

Cody led the way out and down the stairs, Maria and Clara followed as he stepped out into the sun. The town was as busy as ever, Maria skipped happily hand in hand with Clara who'd finally begun to relax a little.

They passed by a food cart selling apples and oranges, another cart on the other side of the street was selling meat skewers, Maria purchased an apple as they passed, while Cody grabbed himself a skewer.

"Ooh, this is yummy," Maria announced as she bit into the apple, Maria began buying food, things like apples, meat skewers, and other on-the-go food as she called them.

Clara was trying to remain professional but was slowly caving to the way that Maria treated her. "Maria, don't speak while chewing." She spoke up, pausing with her own meal.

"Yeah yeah, I know It's unladylike, but I'm not a lady at the moment! I'm an Adventurer!" She replied, smiling mischievously. Clara just sighed and took another bite of her food, her tail flicked in annoyance. Cody watched from a few feet away, taking a bite out of the burger-like food, some meat between buns with a sauce leaking out the sides. He couldn't help but smile, they were cute together. The young noble girl who wants a friend, and the maid worried about taking a wrong step, unaware that her master couldn't care less.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Cody finished up his food and thanked the man who sold it to him, Clara and Maria were just about done as well.

"Weeell, why don't we head to the adventurers guild then." Both girls perked up at that, quickly getting ready to go. Cody led the way once again, out of the plaza and back onto the main street, not much later the guild loomed in front of them. Cody pushed open the door and stepped inside, gazes from the many adventurers scanned them with interest, only for a moment before the air was once again loud with voices and noise.

Cody approached the counter and showed his guild card to the green eyed receptionist, Cody noticed her name tag displayed her name as Charlie, "Hey, I need to speak to the guild master, is he available?" Cody asked, Charlie nodded and led the three of them behind the counter and up a flight of stairs at the back. Maria seemed extremely excited, Clara on the other hand was nervous, her tail swayed and flicked, betraying her emotions. They were brought into an office with the guild master Cody had met before, an older man in a robe, he was a wizard most definitely. Though their was someone else here at this time, a young Lithian in a simple dress. She looked to be about twelve she was sitting on the floor next to his desk scribbling on a piece of paper. She had floppy dog like ears and pretty Amber eyes.

Cody stood in front of the Guild Master, "Sir-"

"Andy." The man interrupted, "Call me Andy sir hero." His voice was rough, but his face looked kind. "Charlie, thank you. You may return." The receptionist bowed before closing the door behind her.

"Alright, Andy, I've come to ask a favor of the guild." Cody began, Andy's eyes sharpened. "The noble, Macuroll, who runs this town. It's come to my attention that his hands are deep in illegal dealings, the black market, murder, and assassination."

"Those are severe crimes, but you'll need proof," Andy replied, rubbing his chin. "You, you're Maria Macuroll right, what do you think of this?" Maria stepped forward, clearing her throat, she began.

"My father is corrupt, I'm the eldest of his children, however I don't agree with the way he runs things. And I'm even aware of his more illegal dealings. He wants me dead so that I can't inherit the family head seat. He is trying to influence my younger sister to think like him and replace me with her," Maria explained, Andy nodded and Maria stepped back.

"Well, I'll tell you this, because you have Maria's backing this has become plausible. If you were trying to get the whole family convicted it'd be impossible, but backing Maria while pushing evidence to force Seraph Macuroll to step down is a fine idea." Andy nodded, "While I can't help you directly, I can keep secrets, and be the accuser when the evidence has been gathered."

"That's all I ask, It'll be a big help having someone to consult and compile the evidence with." Cody thanked him, "And if you need something, I'll be there, I owe you a favor now."

"Hahaha." Andy bellowed, "Getting a hero at my beck and call is well worth it, It's not like I really like Seraph anyways."

Maria bowed, "Thank you, guild master Andy sir, I will remember this when I take over."

"Girl, as long as you are honest, show true care for this town and its people, and don't deal with the illegal, I think we'll be great friends moving forward," Andy spoke seriously.

"That was my desire from the start, I will defeat my father in this game of nobles, I'm even prepared to challenge him to a duel." Maria replied, ending her bow and shaking his hand. Cody coughed, a wry smile on his face.

"Oh, really now that's a fine determination you have there." There was an odd look that made Cody slightly wary that appeared in his eyes. But he just brushed it off, he can't be that bad he's helping us afterall. "Cody, it seems your putting off your inspection of the ritual sites. Is that really wise?" The Guild Master changed the subject, causing Cody to pause in thought.

"I believe I'm treading the path Gia wishes so I wouldn't worry." Cody responded confidently as he stepped forward to stand in front of the Guild Master.

"That was the main business I had here thank you Andy sir." Cody shook his hand before turning and leading both Maria and Clara back down the stairs.

"Serine." The Guild Master spoke to the girl on the floor. "I have a task for you."

"Um, yes master!" She exclaimed as she stood up abruptly. She was clutching the paper she'd been scribbling on in her hand as she looked at him and awaited her order.

"What do you have there? could I see?" Andy's voice was soft and she responded to it positively, a smile bloomed as she placed it on his table.

"It's me and Mommy, before. . ." Her happiness disappeared like an illusion. The Guild Master sighed. Most Lithians were like this, either separated or orphaned. Her parents had died due to some incident he wasn't aware of but after that she was left on the street as a begger. She became a criminal slave after stealing some food from a Noble who used his power to incriminate her for a much worse crime. Andy had purchased her in Otalos and was helping her work off her sentence. Andy smiled softly as he ruffled her hair, "They've probably finished interrogating that man downstairs. I'll need you to clean up after them, wash the blood away. When you're done with that ask Sasha to help you make some tea." Serine nodded, dropping her scribbled drawing on his desk before heading out of the office. Andy frowned as he looked at the childish drawing.

~

Cody and his companions were stepping out from behind the counter when Cody heard the guild door open, and almost immediately afterward the guild went silent. Cody turned to look and froze as well, it was Skarlet. She looked barely conscious, swaying as she stood there. Her clothes had several gashes in them, she was missing an entire sleeve, and there were claw marks gashed into her face.

Skarlet Ignored the attention, and walked briskly up to the counter to deposit her hunt, She quickly collected her pay and left. Cody, as well as the rest of the guild stared after her.

Maria pulled on Cody's sleeve, he turned to her, "Know her?" She asked him, but Cody shook his head

"No, I don't."

"You look worried, want to follow and make sure she makes it home?" Maria asked, "I'm a little worried myself."

"No, it'll be fine I think." Cody shook away his worry. What happened to you Skarlet? He wondered, his eyes then moved to a group that stood up suddenly. It was two Lithians and an older man, they conversed with each other shortly before splitting. The two girls, a quiet black cat and an energetic wolf dashed out of the guild while the older man passed Cody, a smile barely visible among the white hairs on his chin. Cody frowned, assuming it would be ok, he then pushed himself to move on.

"Come, let's go, I've yet to visit the orphanage in this town." Cody pushed over, walking briskly to the entrance, the guild slowly ramped up in volume as he went. Everyone was back to being just as boisterous as before Skarlet barged in.

Cody led the way towards the market, "Why are we visiting the orphanage?" Maria asked, she sounded curious, not opposed.

"I always visit the orphanage in every town I visit." Cody explained, "I bring them food and play with the kids."

"You're kind Cody," Maria observed and a smile snuck onto her face. "Okay, let's go."

They stopped by the market and bought arms full of bread before heading towards the orphanage. Maria was skipping along happily, she seemed to be having a lot of fun doing commoner things. They arrived at the orphanage and knocked, the door peaked open, a young girl about five years old with deer-like ears and a tail. She had rather prominent freckles on her face.

"Whoo awe you." She asked defiantly, suddenly a noise was heard behind her and the girl was suddenly yanked from view. A few moments went by before the door opened. A girl, about twenty-five, stood there smiling.

"How can I help you lady Maria." She ignored Cody and spoke to the person she perceived to be in charge.

"Ah, hello, my name's Cody. I'm just here to bring some food, and maybe stay a bit." He showed her his ID. "My companions are just helping me carry the bread," he explained, his voice and demeanor were very warm. The Lady was shocked for a moment, her eyes wavered as she pulled the door open to let the two very important guests in, and Clara.

The bread was taken from them by a flood of kids, human and not, they all seemed to not care for the difference. Maria sat down, a pleasant smile on her face. Clara was a bit overwhelmed by all the activity, attempting to stand behind Maria like a proper servant. One look from Maria though and she soon was sitting on the couch beside her master. Maria was happily petting Clara's tail as it lay across her lap.

"I hope the bread is helpful, don't want the kids to be hungry," Cody spoke up while standing by the door.

"Y-yes, it's very helpful, th-thank you sir hero." She stuttered, she was still standing however unlike Cody she looked awkward and unrelaxed

"Sit down, calm yourself, we won't bite I promise." Maria leaked out, a joking tone in her voice. The girl did just that, Cody followed suit.

"Yes, forget the formalities. My name is Cody, and this is Maria and her friend Clara. I'm helping her with a few personal matters. In return, she indulged my selfish desire to help the less fortunate."

"Name's Ruby." The girl spoke up, she seemed nervous. Her hair was cherry red and it complimented her name. While her focus was on Cody, the young girl from before approached Maria.

"Why is miss Ruby so nice to you, you're just a little kid?" The deer girl spoke, her voice wasn't respectful at all.

"Sarah! Apologize!" Ruby exclaimed suddenly, fear in her eyes. Cody realized that Ruby was frightened of Maria, likely due to her father, but Cody wasn't worried.

"Oh, it's ok, don't worry about it." Maria lifted Sarah onto her lap. "Sarah, the reason Ruby treats me with respect is due to me being the daughter to the family that controls the city. In a few years, I'll be the one in control, for some, those with power deserve respect simply due to power. For others, respect is earned through actions. I don't mind you speaking to me casually, I have yet to do anything to earn respect." Maria was kind, her voice wasn't loud or reprimanding, but teaching. Ruby was left in shock.

"How could that man raise a daughter like you?" Ruby asked suddenly, then covered her mouth as she realized it could be seen as a disrespectful question.

"He didn't, my mother did. Until she died, protecting what she believed in. I'm resolved to do the same." Maria explained, a sadness enveloped in steep determination filled her green eyes.

"So mature for someone so young." Ruby sighed, she watched in awe, Sophie had taken a liking to Maria and after an hour or so she'd curled up and fallen asleep on Maria's lap, stealing the spot from Clara's tail much to the young fox's disappointment.

Cody spent those hours telling heroic tales to the boys, and tales of damsels saved from distress to the girls. Before long the sun was setting, Maria and Cody headed back to the inn.