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Ryan fully admitted to himself that he was, without a doubt, an idiot for not recognizing such an important figure the moment he laid eyes on her.
Not just any adventurer—
Scarlette Overland.
The strongest of them all.
Even remembering how casually he had spoken to her earlier made him want to dig a hole and bury himself.
Kira noticed the way Ryan's face contorted between horror and embarrassment. She also noticed the way the other adventurers were still staring at him—some amused, others envious, a handful clearly irritated.
As someone who understood the unspoken hierarchy within the guild all too well, she felt a surprising twinge of pity for the poor man.
So, she stepped in and smoothly changed the topic.
"Since you're new here," she began, folding her arms and tilting her head in thought, "how about I give you a tour around the Capital? You'll need to pick up supplies anyway. Didn't Scarlette say you two are leaving tomorrow morning?"
Ryan blinked.
Ah… right. She did say that. Sort of…
Well, Scarlette's way of speaking wasn't exactly descriptive. His only clear instruction had been:
"Tomorrow morning. Central Plaza. Don't be late."
Everything else had been a blur—his shock had swallowed the rest whole.
Was that even a conversation? I barely understood anything she said!
He let out a long sigh.
Still, Kira's offer was sincere, and the reminder snapped him back into reality. He couldn't show up tomorrow unprepared—especially not when his companion was Scarlette Overland.
He nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Kira. I'd really appreciate the help."
With that, the two left the guild. Behind them, adventurers remained in a tight cluster, immediately bursting into frenzied gossip the moment the door closed.
This day would mark a turning point for many of them—
and none of them knew just how far the ripples would spread.
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LOCATION: CROWN CITY, CENTRAL REGION OF SILVERIA EMPIRE – XXX STREET
"So, these should be enough for tomorrow," Ryan said as he balanced several bags of supplies in his arms. "Thanks for helping me go back and forth."
Kira waved a hand dismissively. "It's no big deal! Honestly, Ryan, it's an honor to assist Scarlette's chosen companion. You have NO IDEA how jealous we all are!"
Ryan winced at her volume.
Please don't say it so loudly… I'm still trying to wrap my head around it myself…
He nervously laughed, trying to pretend he didn't feel like collapsing. Inside, his thoughts were spiraling.
Why did Scarlette pick me? What did I do? Did she mistake me for someone else? Am I going to die on this mission?
It didn't help that Kira had been surprisingly easy to get along with. Sure, she was overly touchy and loud, but he had to admit… she wasn't bad company. She was straightforward and helpful—qualities he appreciated.
As they walked through the bustling marketplace, Kira proudly flashed her adventurer card to him—a Gray card, marking her as an A‑Rank adventurer.
Ryan, feeling slightly self-conscious, showed his E‑Rank copper card in return.
Kira whistled. "Wow! No offense, Ryan, but you're really just an E‑Rank… yet Scarlette acknowledged you? I applaud your luck, bro!"
Her tone was playful, but her admiration was genuine.
Ryan chuckled awkwardly.
'She's right… I don't even know why Scarlette chose me. It's an honor, yes—but this is too fast!'
At that thought, Ryan felt a sudden rush of heat crawl up his neck.
He replayed Scarlette in his mind—her calm demeanor, her mismatched eyes, the crimson strands that slipped out of her hood, the low yet striking voice…
She really does have an… aura about her… Wait—WHY am I thinking about her like this?!
Ryan's cheeks turned bright red.
Kira noticed instantly.
She blinked. Then she smirked.
"Oh? Brooooo~~" she drawled, poking his side. "Your face is getting red. Thinking about something naughty, are we?~~"
Ryan choked on air.
"N‑NO! I‑I'm not—! W‑what even gave you that idea?!"
His voice cracked so loudly that a few people in nearby stalls turned their heads.
He clutched his bags tighter and looked away, desperately trying to calm the storm inside his head.
Kira watched him with amusement dancing in her eyes. She knew exactly what was happening. She'd seen the same expression on many other men—adventurers and civilians alike—whenever Scarlette Overland's name came up.
Geez. Of course he's flustered, she thought. Who wouldn't be? It's Scarlette, after all.
Even Kira herself admired the woman—deeply. She wasn't the only one. Scores of adventurers, both men and women, held admiration—or something deeper—for Scarlette Overland. It was impossible not to. The woman was powerful, mysterious, and gorgeous in her own cold, distant way.
She sighed and threw an arm around Ryan's shoulder again—this time in a gentler manner, as if comforting a spooked rabbit.
"Relax, bro. It's natural. Everyone thinks highly of Scarlette. You're not the first and trust me—definitely not the last."
Ryan's face turned a deeper shade of red.
"W‑what?! Why would you say it like that?!"
Kira groaned dramatically and flicked his forehead. "Oh, for crying out loud—never mind! Forget I said anything!"
He rubbed his forehead, grumbling.
Still, he couldn't deny it.
Standing next to Scarlette Overland—even just for a short time—had left an impression he couldn't ignore.
Kira, noticing his persistent embarrassment, sighed again before tugging him lightly toward another stall.
"Come on. Let's look around while we're here."
Ryan exhaled shakily and allowed himself to be dragged along.
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Minutes passed as the two wandered deeper into the crowded street, weaving through merchants shouting prices, adventurers trading jokes, and children darting between stalls. The air smelled of spices, roasted meat, and freshly baked bread.
The marketplace's lively noise did little to settle Ryan's thoughts.
Eventually, something weighed on his mind too heavily to ignore.
"Kira," he said, pausing mid-step, "could you tell me more about Scarlette Overland?"
Kira blinked.
Ryan continued, "I… don't want to rely only on stories I heard before. Now that I'm going to accompany her, I should… at least know something real about her."
Kira raised an eyebrow, a slow grin forming on her lips.
"Oh? Curious about your new partner, huh?"
Ryan sputtered. "I—no! I just—! I mean, it's only natural to want to understand the person you'll be working with tomorrow!"
Kira chuckled under her breath.
She could see the honesty—even nervousness—behind his request. And while she liked teasing him, she also respected genuine intent.
She crossed her arms, giving him a thoughtful look.
"Alright, bro. I'll tell you what I know."
Her tone shifted—lighter but sincere.
"Scarlette Overland… is someone most people want to talk about. But very few can actually understand."
Ryan's eyes widened.
Kira nodded slowly, her expression sobering.
"She's not just strong. She's… different. And if you're going to be by her side—" she paused, tapping a finger against her own arm, "you better be ready for that."
Ryan swallowed.
A mix of nervousness and curiosity curled inside him.
He nodded.
"I'm ready to listen."
Kira smiled.
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