That afternoon, the air in the corner of Astoria's slum district felt different. The stench of rotting garbage and stagnant water that usually dominated the area seemed swept away by the frantic bustle of a large convoy's preparation. Nine horse-drawn wagons stood in a neat line, ready to transport those long considered the "dregs of society" toward a new life in the City of Vanzhas, the heart of the Vedegra Region.
In the midst of the chaos, everyone's attention shifted to an unusual interaction. Melisa, the purple-haired girl who had just received a magic staff as a gift from Arvin, stood tall with a deep flush creeping across her cheeks.
Her courage had finally reached its breaking point. In front of many watching eyes, she openly declared her feelings to the young nobleman.
"If only you were a man, I would definitely accept you!" Arvin exclaimed, trying to mask his awkwardness with a casual, nonchalant tone.
Melisa did not shrink back. Instead, she let out a clear, melodious laugh before gazing at the handsome face of the man before her. "I also wish I could be a cute-faced man and become your wife! Hahaha!"
Snap!
A sharp flick landed squarely on Melisa's forehead. The girl instantly cried out in pain, her hands covering her forehead as it began to redden.
"Ouch! Why did you flick my forehead?" Melisa protested with a pout, her expression a sharp contrast to her boldness just a few seconds ago.
"I don't want to imagine a man's face on a woman like you!" Arvin replied curtly, though his eyes couldn't hide his amusement.
Seeing Melisa start to sulk, Arvin let out a short sigh. He stepped closer and suddenly pinched the girl's cheek gently. It was a painless pinch, yet it was enough to make Melisa's heart race uncontrollably.
"Enough, don't sulk like that. Hurry up and pack your things into that magic bag!" Arvin commanded.
Melisa turned away, grumbling softly as she walked toward her wagon with a face still crimson. Arvin could only shake his head at her antics. Deep down, he thought to himself, She is already this beautiful as a woman. What if she really were a man? Would she truly have a face as cute as she claimed?
However, he quickly brushed those thoughts aside.
A moment later, Gaile, Melisa's father, approached Arvin with his head bowed low. His face was etched with profound guilt.
"I am deeply sorry for my daughter's insolence, Young Master Arvin. Please, punish me to atone for her disrespectful behavior." Gaile said with a trembling voice.
Arvin patted the old man's shoulder, offering a reassuring pressure. "I don't mind it, Gaile. Melisa is certainly unique. Now, get ready! We will be leaving this place soon."
One by one, they boarded the wagons. Melisa, already seated in one of the carriages, continued to stare at Arvin with a lingering pout. But when their eyes met, Arvin gave her a wide, genuine smile, a rare expression he seldom showed.
The effect was instantaneous. Melisa immediately looked away, her heart hammering wildly in flustered excitement.
"What are you doing? Sit properly!" Arvin shouted from below.
"S-Shut up! It's all because you suddenly gave me that big smile!" Melisa shouted back, her voice high-pitched as she tried to hide how captivated she was.
"Hahaha. You really are entertaining!" Arvin burst into laughter.
"Be quiet! Shut up, you heartless Young Master!" Melisa snapped, though she tucked the memory of that smile deep into her heart.
After everyone had boarded the wagon, the convoy began to move. The nine wagons rolled forward slowly, leaving the slums behind. However, what made this sight truly extraordinary were the banners mounted on every wagon. Blue flags emblazoned with the gold-yellow Vedegra family crest, featuring three ice crystals lined up in a triangular pattern, fluttered gallantly in the afternoon breeze.
As they entered the main streets of the Capital of Astoria, the atmosphere changed instantly. The city's bustle and the flow of pedestrians came to a sudden halt. Everyone scrambled to the sides of the road, clearing a wide path for the procession. Their eyes widened in disbelief.
"Look at that... That crest... That's the Vedegra family!" a merchant exclaimed, his face turning pale.
"Why is that banner being flown on such shabby wagons?" another asked, filled with bewilderment.
The event sent shockwaves through the capital. The Vedegra banner was not something to be flown lightly. It was a symbol of absolute power, authority, and protection. Not a few citizens were seeing the banner in person for the first time. Even the soldiers guarding the checkpoints along the main road could only stand at attention and salute, not daring to ask a single question. They knew that obstructing a convoy under the Vedegra banner was an invitation to death.
Upon reaching the capital's main entrance gate, Arvin raised his hand. "Stop!"
The nine wagons halted simultaneously right under the arch of the massive gate. Arvin hopped down from his wagon and called for Gina, an S-rank adventurer and one of the individuals he had hired for the escort.
"What is it, Young Master?" Gina asked with a respectful stance.
Arvin pulled out a letter bearing his family's distinct yellow wax seal. "Once you arrive in Vanzhas, all these banners will likely be removed by the border guards since you'll be entering the Vedegra territory. So, use this recommendation letter whenever you enter a city or return to the capital!"
Gina accepted the letter with slightly trembling hands. She read the contents and breathed a sigh of relief. It bore Arvin Vedegra's name, his sharp signature, and a valid seal.
"Thank you very much, Young Master! We promise to carry out this escort mission to the best of our abilities until they arrive in Vanzhas!" Gina stated firmly.
"I trust their journey to you and the other adventurers. Take good care of yourselves." Arvin said softly, yet with heavy emphasis.
And then, the convoy moved again. This time, they passed through the gates and began to tread the road leading out of the city.