The adults surrounded her, watching her with undisguised disgust.

  “It’s not advisable to try to gain her favor,” one man said. “That child can see the true nature of people.”

  “Then we’ll have to win over the first princess,” another added.

  “That spoiled little brat?” a woman spat, making no effort to hide her contempt.

  “It’s all we have left,” the man replied, resigned.

  The memory faded, and Rosa returned to the present.

  “Rosa, are you okay?” Dash asked, looking at her with concern.

  “Y-yes… I was just remembering something,” she replied, lowering her gaze slightly.

  “Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Luke insisted.

  “Yes, don’t worry…” she said, then quickly changed the subject. “Velt is taking a long time, isn’t he?”

  “He said he had something to do first and then he’d come here,” Dash answered.

  “Where could he have gone…?” Rosa murmured.

  “To buy a new sword,” a voice said behind them.

  Velt suddenly appeared.

  “You scared me!” Dash complained.

  “A sword? But you already had one,” Luke commented.

  “I did, but it was on its last legs,” Velt explained. “I first tried to have a blacksmith sharpen it, but he said it was impossible. The blade was too worn out—trying to reforge or sharpen it would’ve broken it.”

  As he spoke, he showed them the new sword.

  “So I had to buy another one.”

  “Well… I guess we’ll be taking another mission today,” Dash said.

  “Why are you asking me?” Velt replied.

  “Because you’re the party leader,” Luke said.

  “When was that decided?” Velt asked, surprised.

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  “Yesterday, when we defeated the vampire,” Dash answered.

  Velt sighed.

  “…You just want to give me more work, don’t you?”

  “Yes. That too,” Dash and Luke admitted at the same time.

  “I wouldn’t mind Velt being the leader,” Rosa said. “He’s good at what he does, and he’s Rank A. He’s more than qualified.”

  “That’s true,” Dash agreed.

  “Look, I don’t really mind… but I’ve never led a group before. Don’t expect too much,” Velt said, resigned.

  The others simply smiled and nodded.

  “Has anything come from the royal family?” Velt asked, glancing at the receptionist.

  “Sorry, Velt. Nothing at all,” she replied.

  “I see…” he murmured. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Let’s take another mission.”

  He sat down with the others.

  “Anything interesting?”

  “I checked, but nothing out of the ordinary,” Dash said. “Just gathering jobs and simple requests.”

  “No Rank A missions?” Luke asked.

  “Nope. Nothing.”

  “Herb gathering…” Rosa murmured.

  “Is something wrong, Rosa?” Velt asked.

  “N-no, nothing… I just remembered that I need to make new potions,” she said, pointing at the mission board. “And they require herbs.”

  “What if we take that one?” Velt suggested.

  “The gathering mission?” Dash asked.

  “Yes. It’s peaceful, it helps Rosa with her potions, and honestly… I’m not in the mood to fight another monster today.”

  “Mmm… I agree,” Luke said. “Yesterday was dangerous. A bit of calm would be nice.”

  “But I don’t want you to choose it just because I mentioned it,” Rosa added, looking uncomfortable.

  “Don’t worry,” Velt replied with a smile. “It helps all of us. Supporting each other is part of being a team.”

  “I-it’s okay then… thank you for helping me,” Rosa said, blushing slightly.

  “Ooooh, someone’s blushing,” Dash teased.

  “I-I’m not!” Rosa protested, covering her face.

  “Hey… you two were together yesterday,” Luke said. “Is there something going on between you?”

  “Hey, what kind of question is that?” Velt complained.

  “T-those kinds of questions aren’t appropriate,” Rosa added, turning even redder. “You really don’t know how to talk to women.”

  “You’re both red,” Dash said, grinning.

  “That’s enough,” Velt said. “I’m married.”

  Silence fell over the table.

  “WHAT?!” Dash and Luke shouted.

  “Married? You’re still young!” Dash exclaimed.

  “Another surprise for the list,” Luke added.

  “Don’t shout. You’re bothering everyone else,” Velt said calmly.

  “To who? Is it someone from that village you want to save?” Dash asked.

  “It has to be,” Luke nodded.

  “Guys, stop. It’s not official yet, but it’s already settled,” Velt replied.

  Rosa remained silent.

  So… someone else already has him, she thought, glancing at Velt from the corner of her eye.

  “Let’s go gather those herbs for Rosa,” Velt said, cutting off the conversation.

  However, as he approached the counter, someone tapped his shoulder.

  When he turned around, he saw two large, well-armed men.

  “Are you Velt?” one of them asked.

  “No,” he replied without hesitation.

  “Lying to the authorities is considered a crime,” the other said.

  “Fine. It’s me. Who’s asking?” Velt answered.

  He didn’t finish the sentence before one of the men struck him brutally in the stomach. The air was forced out of his lungs, and his body collapsed unconscious.

  “Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!” Dash shouted, standing up.

  “Who are you people?” Luke demanded.

  “Royal business,” one of them replied. “Are you his party?”

  “Yes, we are,” Dash said firmly.

  “Then you’re coming with us.”

  One man restrained Dash and Luke, while the other grabbed Rosa… and hoisted the unconscious Velt over his shoulder.