I woke up with a shock.

The carriage braked quite strong I nearly flew off the chair. Then I heard Mr. Rudolph apologizing.

"My deepest apology! Your highness, we shall take a detour!"

...huh...? Why? I peeked out from the window and I saw a disturbing scene. We're traveling through a forest, not too thick but the trees were similar to pines. Tall and rigid. Bushes and wild grasses fenced the animal path and there were vines to veil the content of the forest, but ahead of us...

The road was blocked with fallen trees, and there were some unusual broken woods. Not to mention a trace of red dragged away into the bushes.

"Wait. Are they parts of a carriage?" I asked.

Don't tell me it's raided?! Once I thought of such thing, the bushes rustled and I saw a shadow of a person dashing out from it. Long flowing blonde hair with thin shades of green and cloaked with an expensive dress, slightly tattered at the ends. It was a girl with pointy ears.

Following after her was a boy with identical expensive clothing. Though having different color variation and motifs, the boy with honey brown hair and sharp eyes possessed a grim look and he brought out an ornamented sword.

"Curses! We're back here again!?" The boy shouted.

"Do something about it then!" The elven girl shouted then shrieked.

Ah, there are a group of bandits and... wait, what? Those green skinned fellows... goblins!? Humans and demi-humans are banding together!?

I raised my brows upon the sight but I soon realized the carriage turning over. This is bad... Mr. Rudolph is also panicking. Forget it! I'll do something about this!!

I kicked the carriage door open and launched out, taking my swords with me. My feet landed smoothly on the ground and I turned sharply before flying off toward the mixed up bunch of hostiles.

"M-Milady!?" Mr. Rudolph raised a yelp.

However, I have already arrived in the danger zone. One of the goblins widened their dull yellow eyes and several pointed their fingers at my running figure. But, I have already arrived in front of them and unleashed a wide slash.

"Khiikk!?" A goblin let out its death throe after I slashed its carotid.

As expected, Tyrfingg has sharpness in addition of its light weight. The sword was swung in succession and the goblins fell without any resistance. I raised my body and stared at the corpses, minding not the bandits or two nobles who are frozen stiff and I frowned.

"Collars...? Slaves...? Then you are all..."

I looked at the bandits. They were clothed with rag armors and there were no decency in their clothing. Worn out bandanas, dirty sleeveless tunic, belts made from dried animal skins cut roughly and there were collars as well as cuffs engraved with Runes strapped on their belts.

To be honest, they all have tanned skins and their bodies were leaning to muscular. Though saying goes that, they had creepy glares and their eyes showed darkness. A pit less darkness full of malice.

"...Slavers...!" I shouted in anger.

Posing an offensive stance, I roared as I struck a bandit at the shoulder with Tyrfingg. The bandit flew off the ground and I hammered him into a tree.

He gasped and air was expelled from his lungs. Both the shock and injury caused him to faint and I heard an angry howl from behind me.

"Watch out!" A voice shouted and when I turned, the bandit approaching me was slashed down by the noble boy.

He glanced at me and his ruthless expression was shattered with a tint of red on his cheeks. His pupils grew larger but I did not hesitate to pull out my katana and threw it towards him.

"Don't move or you'll die!" I shouted and the boy flinched.

The moment the black sword flew to him, he shut out his eyes but the weapon simply passed by him. Grazing his hair, the flying sword stabbed a bandit who's nearing the elven girl. He groaned as his arm was pierced by the blade of the katana, then he fell down only to be hit by my flying kick at his temple.

"Please stand back." I told the elven girl who's fallen to the ground, and retrieved the Japanese sword seamlessly.

Oh my, her sitting position is a bit awkward... I looked away as peeping isn't my hobby and it's not like I must know the shameless side of a lady. Even if she's so scared she pissed herself, of course.

But, seeing my actions, the bandits paled and they hurried back to return into the bushes.

"You all won't return unscathed!!" I roared.

I leaped past the noble kid and the elven girl. My legs infused with magic and I felt lighter than usual.

In two steps, I reached the other bandits and without hesitation, struck the back of their necks with Tyrfingg's handlebar, punches and kicks. Within several minutes, all hostiles were neutralized and I looked down on them.

They were ordinary slavers, or maybe bandits. They didn't look like assassins and none were skillful enough to handle more than a strike from me. I was disappointed by their battle prowess but I smelled rust.

Looking around, I found dead bodies lying tragically, drenching in their pool of blood. A knight had his chest stabbed through with a spear, another sprawled on the ground with his throat slit open. I also saw two female knights but they were in a state much horrible than the males.

"......fireball." I commanded with a will.

The corpses were burned down into ashes and I proceeded to gather the ashes with magic. Though I can't really waste my mana, I can't allow the dead be left alone only for them to return back from their graves as undead monsters. It's my last respect for the dead and it's my responsibility since I am a witness of their last trace of existence in this world.

Burning the scene into my memories, I clasped my hands and prayed for their souls. Once done, I was about to return but I noticed suspicious trails as if something was dragged away into the tall grasses. I closed my eyes and extended my perception by fiddling with my aura, but...

"......I didn't make it in time." I exhaled in regret and self-disgust.

If I were right, slavers always came with their own carriages to bring over the slaves they captured. From the looks of it, the carriage had fled and it probably took some surviving knights to be sold as slaves. Counting the corpses, I also realized that there were no female elves among the casualties.

If so... I really am late. Too late to save them.

I raised my head and felt saddened. After all, if it's only at this extent, I won't reach his back even if I devoted myself to purge all evils in the world. I shook off the thought immediately and slapped myself back to reality.

I checked the bandits for hidden weapons and tied them all with their belts. Although I killed the goblins, it's not like I don't have any mercy in me. Well, I do want to kill these bastards but I'm a stranger to their targets.

"Hm... let's just have those two pick their punishment." Once done, I returned only to find a chaotic scene.

"Pervert! Fiend!! You looked right!? You saw it, right...!?"

"I! Don't! Know! What! You! Are! Talking about!!"

...wow. A full blown romcom situation. The elven girl was furious while gripping the hems of her dress and the human boy was looking away with irritation written clearly on his face. I heaved a sigh, then Mr. Rudolph who was watching from the sideline noticed me.

"Milady! You're safe!!" He rushed to me.

"Ah, yes. Here's the rest, Mr. Rudolph." I presented the bandits in tow.

The three persons gazed at me with slack jaws now. What? What are you looking at? Did I do something wrong?

Snapping himself out of it first, the noble boy stared at me, looking up and down intently while crossing his arms. Next, he said.

"How impressive... To think that such a young girl is capable of defeating a band of trained slavers... and so quickly. I think I'm in love."

...uh... right. Let's pretend I didn't hear the last line. While saying that in my mind, the noble boy approached me and... He's tall. Not too tall compared to Fei but he's still taller than me by a head. He has straight nose, firm build and he's... somehow average.

Compared to Leon or Fei or Senior... he looked the most normal except his host-like face that placed him between Fei and Senior. Either my eyes turned bad or maybe the boys in Magnis are natural born Bishounen or Ikemen.

"Good day to you, O Battle Maiden. I thank you for your kindness in assisting us from the maw of death. This debt shall forever be engraved in my heart."

The boy said, taking my hand and kissed the back of it without any shame!

Eew...! So disgusting! This is why I hate chatterbox which is nobility!! I yanked off my hand immediately and I explained.

"I am simply passing by. There's no need to thank me."

"But you saved us. Without our guards, only doom and fate worse than death would await us. In accordance to my family's tradition, I will definitely pay off this debt I have incurred."

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Hah. So blunt... but still honeyed words. I was about to sneer at him yet when I saw the Elf... I chose not to. Why is she glaring at me as if I killed her parents?

"...you. You're wearing Leimburg Academy's uniform. Are you a student?" The girl asked.

"Hm... I am not obliged to answer you but... Indeed I am." I answered.

The elf pondered, then her brows knitted down even deeper. She snorted and turned away as if losing interest soon after.

"Ah... my deepest apology. She's not so sociable but she does not possess ill will." The boy said.

Well, I guess that is expected, seeing a fellow woman who could defeat a group of bandits and goblins all by herself. I definitely don't look like ordinary person and I'm not too good in controlling my emotion once I met the worst kind of people.

"It is fine. Besides, I am used to it." I answered with a smile.

Both Mr. Rudolph and the boy had their complexion clouded over. Once again, I have yet to understand what words I spun out from my tongue but I couldn't allow the situation remained as is.

"The two of you... are you traveling together?" I asked.

"Yes, we are." "No, we don't."

...I got two different reactions. Damn, just how difficult can nobles be? Somehow, I can see the elf girl as an obnoxious snob too. I exhaled and glanced at Mr. Rudolph.

"Mr. Rudolph, is it fine for you to take in two more passengers...?"

The old man bowed with his signature 'hand on his left chest' move. So perfect, so refined and so elegant I could call him as Dandy but I don't want to shame myself in front of two aristocratic brats.

"Your kindness knows no bound. Of course this lowly servant does not mind, and also... It is necessary for the three delegates have gathered in one place."

...huh? Did I just hear it right? I stared at the butler with a blank face, then I turned to the two noble kids. What I got was the same, dumb response as if clowns have gathered around the sacred round table.

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"My name is Elliot Albasque Von Aeinsland. The First Prince and the legitimate successor of my father, King Arthur Aeinsland. It is truly a blessing for having to meet the rumored daughter of our kingdom's heroes."

The noble boy bowed. With me sitting across the two delegates in the carriage, a sudden introduction was given out and I was gawking like a bird seeing another prince with absurd level of humility unlike a certain Seventh Prince.

I mean... how the hell I am supposed to know the potential king of my kingdom is sitting face to face with me!? Isn't this way too much to be true!? And heroes...? Are my parents really that famous...? Wait, that doesn't matter now...!

"Pl-please raise your head, your highness...! I do not deserve anything worth for you to lower yourself..!!" I stammered and prevented the prince from bending down his body to the limits.

But, he did not listen to me.

"How could I disrespect my lifesaver? You have allowed us a chance to live and you avenged our guards. Is it not common courtesy to pay our gratitude to such noble person?"

Well, that's... I don't think it's wrong, but...! I don't like the elf's stare! It hurts, you know!? Stop looking at me as if I'm your love rival!! I'm not a third wheel, okay!? I'm just a passing by ally of justice!!

"Hmph. You sure have the nerves to lower your head to a stranger like her. So it's true that humans' loyalty is lower than a dog's." The girl criticized.

What a harsh word to say... she's showing an uncute side and yet, His Highness does not look offended by her. His business smile plastered with a hint of bitterness, then he said.

"That might be so, but pride does not compare to the weight of a life, Seina." He said.

Ah... so her name is Seina. A good name with a nice ring, but it ended with a vocal letter. Melinda and she does bear some similarity like her hair. It's very long and possessing a particular gradation of color.

"Also... you were saved by her too. Don't you think it is rude to not at least give out your name and gratitude to her?"

The temperature has dropped visibly. To think he did not have any hesitation in demanding something from another Territory's princess... my heart was beating fast, expecting some sort of chaos to happen, but...

"......fine. I won't repeat myself so listen up, human!"

Eeeeh...?! She took the bait!?

"My name is Seina El' Etria Serilia, the rightful heiress of the Elven Kingdom Celestia! Know that only the most honorable is allowed to hear my name so pay your respect!"

...uwah, it's the archetype of the typical Rich Girl character...! I hate those kind of women the most!!

"No, no...! That is not right!! The three of us are all equal here, Seina!!" His Highness Elliot retorted.

"What do you mean by that, Elliot? Isn't it obvious that she's simply a replacement to our guard?!" Her Highness Seina pointed at me.

Hey, that's rude, princess...! I was about to yell out but Elliot exhaled. He closed his eyes, and when he reopened them...

"Enough, Seina. You are going overboard."

" ".........!?" "

I gasped while a shiver ran down my spine. I gripped the handle of Tyrfingg but the cold pressure instantly vanished. I saw Elliot smiling and Seina... wow. She's like a small animal cornered by its natural predator.

"Lady Charlotte was the one who fended off our enemy with ease. Instead of leaving us to fates, she jumped into the fray, saving us and even gave us a shelter. You have no right to insult her, do you understand?"

"Y-y-Yes....."

Good, the prince relaxed his shoulders and the absolute zero pressure dissipated. I exhaled in relief, but an impression rose from my gut.

"...I... never thought you could express such hostility, your highness..." I muttered with a mix of admiration and fear.

"Ah... well, life as an imperial heir is a cruel one. Actually, did I scare you?" He asked.

I shook my head and chuckled.

"No, just a little surprised. I have yet to see many respectable nobles in my days as a student in Raumia, so I am glad to have met someone such as you."

The prince nodded. He said 'It is an honor to hear your praises' with a slight bow. Neglecting the shivering Seina, I remembered something important and so I slipped my hand into my shawl.

"That's right..." I paused. "Please take this."

Presenting a small bottle filled with dust, Elliot had his eyes widened in question.

"The last remnant of your knights. I took the liberty on cremating them so please accept it."

Then, the prince's eyes flashed before narrowing down. His smile vanished and he stared at the tiny bottle. After a while, he raised his hand and I put the bottle onto the open palm.

"Take good care of it, although I believe that giving it to the knights' families is the best option."

"......Why did you go to such extent...? Lady Charlotte, I don't believe you did this out of obligation... right?"

...well... if asked like that... I don't really know how to respond either. I tilted my head to the sides and pondered, then I looked at Elliot squarely.

"If they are forgotten... wouldn't they truly died in vain?"

Then, a silence long enough to last until the dusk emerged. I averted my eyes since I didn't want to worsen the mood, but when I gazed outside of the carriage, I remembered.

I died once. I know how important life is, and that's why I don't want to see the dead being disrespected, much less forgotten. When I gazed up, though... a question rang inside my head.

...shouldn't I have died back when Fei pierced my heart? Why am I still alive?

I placed a hand on my chest. I felt my heart beating normally, I sensed the warmth of a living being, but... Why? How is it possible?

Although there are spells to heal wounds, the experts in healing magic could only be counted with fingers. There's no way my wound could be healed in a short time, and too much time passed. Enough for my soul to ascend to heaven judging from the story I heard. Not to mention my illness disallowed my body from possessing and wasting mana beyond a certain amount..

The torn heart. Massive blood loss. Broken limbs and numerous injuries. Empty mana reserve as well as relapse of the unique illness, also the suspicious sword which could disintegrate a mutated Asura into black dust.

There were too much hindrances it's not possible for me to survive. I should've died back there, but here I am. Alive... and well enough to feel as if my body is as light as feathers.

Moving my hand up, I felt the area where my wound was. Not only that, another realization dawned upon me and I gasped.

"...could it be... This Crest is what's keeping me alive...? Or..."