“The stronghold isn’t a sanctuary for commoners,” Val voiced. He was ever the realist, acutely aware of the lurking dangers within the fortified walls that offered a deceptive sense of security.
“But it’s still safer than the refugee camps established outside the strongholds.” She countered his claim, her voice as strong as her conviction. Her words rang true. In comparison to the lawless zones that the refugees had been pushed into, the stronghold was a veritable fortress.
“I guess that’s true,” Val conceded, his voice barely a whisper, his agreement getting lost in the ambient noise of the bustling marketplace.
Meanwhile, the maiden served him his requested tea, pouring the hot liquid into a simple clay cup. As she set the cup down, she noticed him staring intently at her. His penetrating gaze made her feel self-conscious, prompting her to query, “Sir, is there something on my face?”
Val shook his head, but his unwavering gaze didn’t waver. This prompted a sense of bewilderment within the maiden. If nothing was amiss, why was he still staring at her?
“I have a surprise for you,” Val broke the awkward silence, a glint of playful mischief sparkling in his eyes, shrouded under the brim of his hat.
Her heart fluttered, her eyes widening with anticipation, “A surprise? Really? What might that be?”
“Stretch out your hand if you want to find out,” he instructed, an enigmatic smile tugging at his lips.
Baffled yet obedient, the maiden did as told. The moment her delicate hand was outstretched, she felt a surprising weight land on her palm. Looking down, her eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she saw a gleaming gold coin resting on her hand.
“Just remember, don’t let anyone else know,” Val warned her. His voice was firm but not without kindness, “I’m saying this for your own safety.”
The maiden didn’t need any further coaxing. Swiftly, she closed her fingers around the coin, tucking it safely within the confines of her clothing. Her grateful eyes met Val’s, her voice choked with emotion, “I… I can’t believe this… Thank you, sir!”
He brushed off her heartfelt gratitude with a nonchalant wave of his hand, “It’s nothing, really. I can afford it.”
With renewed determination, she asked, “Is there anything else I can assist you with, sir?”
Val looked into her sincere eyes and replied, “I’m heading towards the northern frontier soon. I hope you can pray for my safety. Will you?”
Her response was immediate and resolute. “I will!” Her head bobbed vigorously, the fervor of her words causing a few loose strands of her hair to slip out from under her scarf.
In a move that surprised both of them, Val leaned in and brushed away the stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. Her skin felt warm beneath his touch and her earlobe flushed a rosy red. “I’m glad to hear that you will,” he whispered, his gaze locking onto her wide, innocent eyes.
The intimacy of the moment allowed her to take a closer look at him. His handsome features were highlighted under the bright morning sun. His chiseled jawline, the slight stubble adding an element of ruggedness, and those deep, bottomless eyes of his, left her spellbound.
Bathump! Bathump!
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and an unmistakable blush began spreading across her face. The sight of her crimson cheeks made Val ask in a concerned tone, “Are you running a fever?”
His hand reached out to touch her forehead, the sudden move making her recoil slightly. She shook her head vehemently, stammering out a reply, “No, sir. I’m alright. Thank you for your concern.”
Val, who had long worn the mask of a socialist that he had polished for 15 years, merely smiled at her reaction, “As long as you’re fine,” he said, his voice a soothing balm.
Little did he know, his simple concern had caused her heart to flutter even more.
I’m Eliana,” the young maiden finally whispered, revealing her name as if it was a secret meant only for his ears. “May I know your name, sir?”
Val smiled softly, like the gentle glow of the moon, warm and welcoming. “I am Val V. Whitemore,” he introduced himself, his voice smooth like velvet.
As their brief exchange came to an end, Val picked up the cup of tea she had brewed for him with one hand, while his other grasped the small bag of freshly baked loaves. With an aura of regal grace surrounding him, he turned on his heel and strode off, his departure as swift as his arrival.
He left, his presence lingering like a captivating melody that echoed long after the notes had been played. The street seemed a bit quieter, a tad bit emptier without him. In the depth of her heart, he had carved a lasting impression, leaving behind a young maiden whose heart had been unknowingly stirred by his kindness.
Eliana was utterly rizzed by him!
“Val,” Eliana murmured his name, her voice carrying a promise that was as solid as the earth beneath her feet. “I won’t forget the favor you’ve shown me. I’ll definitely repay your kindness someday. I swear this on my name, Eliana D. Grace.”
If only Val had heard her full name, he might have considered bringing her along on his journey. Just to bind her life with his, he would’ve even married her. The church of Light promotes reproduction. A man could marry a nun if he was sincere enough. But alas, their interaction was cut short, and the secrets of Eliana remained hidden.
Once Val vanished from sight, Eliana promptly closed her small tea stall.
With a firm sense of duty, she rushed towards the local holy church of light that was nestled three streets away. Her promise to Val had become her immediate priority.
She chose to pray for his safety before fetching her brother from the refugee camp. It wasn’t that she held her brother in lesser regard, rather, the present time was safest for everyone in the stronghold. The sun, currently at its zenith, served as a powerful deterrent against the nefarious creatures walking the land such as the devils and the Walking Dead.
Moreover, praying under the bright sunlight was considered the most auspicious time. Eliana had faith that under the radiant sun, her prayers for Val’s wellbeing would surely be heard by her deity.
Like a pious wife, she prayed wholeheartedly for Val!
As a result, a system notification popped up in Val’s vision.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Completion of a superstition has borne fruit. You’ve gained mystical protection through the sincere prayer of a virgin maiden. This divine blessing will protect you from a lethal strike, saving you from certain death once. Please note that this is a one-time use buff and will disappear after activation. Use this blessing wisely!]
His actions, solely driven by a strategic foresight, had proven to be a smart move!
By aiding the young maiden, he had gained a valuable protection charm in return, strengthening his resolve for the trials that lay ahead!!!
After breakfast, Val decided to make his way towards the prestigious Starlight Auction House with the intention of auctioning one of his most valuable possession.
As he neared the imposing entrance of the establishment, a burly guard, assuming Val to be a commoner due to his plain attire, obstructed his path.
“Hold up, kid,” the guard growled, his eyes dismissively sweeping over Val’s simple attire. “This ain’t a place for country bumpkins.”
Under the shadow of his humble brown hat, Val’s face remained hidden. His youthful smile was the only discernible feature, as his clothing – a pair of ordinary trousers and a white shirt – gave no indication of his true status. It was easy to see how the guard had mistaken him for an unremarkable commoner.
Unruffled, Val replied with calm assertiveness, “I am not here to mess around. I am here for business.” 𝔬𝓋𝔩xt.𝒸𝑜𝑚
He didn’t want to offend the Starlight Auction House as he wanted to establish a long-term relationship with it. It was precisely because he wasn’t here to mess around that he didn’t react aggressively to the guard’s rudeness.
“What business would a country bumpkin like you have here?” The guard retorted, his tone smug.
Val chose not to respond to the guard’s provocation. “I have no interest in arguing with you,” he replied evenly.
Ignoring the guard’s antagonism, Val reached into his pocket and produced a medallion. On its surface was engraved the crest of the Whitemore family, a symbol of significant influence in the IronSpire Stronghold.
Recognition dawned on the guard’s face as he recognized the crest, and his earlier arrogance quickly evaporated.
Bowing apologetically, he stuttered, “I…I apologize, Lord Whitemore. I didn’t recognize you.”
With a brief nod, Val acknowledged the apology, “Your ignorance is forgiven, but remember this – people should not be judged based on their appearances. Next time you cross paths with someone, consider their worth before dismissing them outright. You never know when you might offend someone who’s not as forgiving as I am.”
His words carried a weight that left the guard visibly shaken. The clear warning served as a stark reminder for the overbearing guard – some mistakes could come with irreversible consequences. He had been lucky so far, but if he goes on like this, he would mess up and lose his life in the process.
“I understand, my lord. Thank you for your leniency. And thank you for correcting my mistake.” The guard replied, stepping aside to allow Val entry into the auction house.
Without another word, Val walked past the humbled guard.