Chapter 43: Taking Care of Your Business

Seeing Fratina insist on lumping him with the thugs and crushing them together, Ernst’s face darkened.

The onlookers split into two camps, some supporting Fratina, others backing Ernst.

“I have nothing to do with those guys. I’ve explained already, and you still don’t believe me?”

“If there’s no connection, why did they play along with your hero-saves-damsel act?”

“Hah, that’s just you talking nonsense.”

With that, Ernst turned to leave.

Fratina moved to follow but stopped, thinking of Lucia behind her.

“We meet again.”

Lucia smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Fratina, good to see you again.”

She gave a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I said I’d repay you last time, but here you are helping me again.”

The crowd, seeing the two girls chatting warmly, realized they likely knew each other.

That settled it—better a familiar companion than a stranger escorting her.

With the matter resolved, the onlookers began to disperse.

“No problem.”

Fratina smiled.

For some reason, seeing Lucia always lifted her spirits.

“But it’s a shame those guys got away without proper punishment.”

Thinking of Ernst and the thugs escaping, Fratina felt a twinge of frustration.

She’d pushed to the front when they surrounded Lucia, witnessing the whole “fight.”

It wasn’t even a fight—Ernst’s moves were sloppy, his strength lacking. In Fratina’s eyes, he couldn’t have floored those thugs.

She’d been ready to step in herself, but the thugs fled.

That’s when she knew it was a ploy to gain Lucia’s trust.

If Lucia had gone with Ernst, he’d likely have led her to a deserted alley, leaving her robbed—or worse.

As an adventurer, Fratina knew such dark schemes.

What surprised her was Lucia’s sharp instincts.

She’d planned to let Lucia follow Ernst, tailing them to take down the whole gang.

But since Lucia showed clear resistance, Fratina had no reason to hold back.

Lucia, still shaken, realized from Fratina’s words that Ernst was indeed trouble.

Now, though, she faced a new challenge—how to interact with Fratina.

“No big deal,” Lucia said. “Those types always get their comeuppance. Even if you didn’t catch them today, Fratina, they’ll get nabbed eventually.”

Her reassurance eased Fratina’s focus on the thugs.

Turning her attention to Lucia, Fratina asked, “By the way, I forgot to ask your name last time. What is it?”

Lucia froze.

Should she use her real name?

Her name, Lucia, was a feminine version of Lucius.

The similar pronunciation might raise Fratina’s suspicions.

But she couldn’t think of another name on the spot.

“I… I’m Lucia.”

After some thought, she went with her real name.

It wasn’t rare on the continent. A coincidence wouldn’t confuse Fratina.

In Fratina’s mind, her master was a mysterious figure, nothing like her current form.

“Lucia?”

Fratina paused, briefly connecting the girl to her master.

But she shook her head.

‘My master isn’t this cute. Lucia’s a common name. There must be a dozen Lucias in Elan City alone. They can’t all be my master.’

She smiled. “I knew you were special last time. You’re definitely a city girl.”

“Hehe… not really. My family are traveling merchants, just passing through Elan City.”

Lucia crafted a merchant’s daughter persona. If Fratina saw her elsewhere later, she could claim to be with the caravan.

As for which caravan, she’d never tell.

“Do you need me to take you back?”

“No, I’m fine~”

Lucia started to refuse, but Fratina’s expression grew serious. “Those guys might still be nearby. If I leave and they come back, what then?”

Lucia considered it—fair point.

Seeing Fratina hadn’t suspected her, Lucia had a new idea.

“Fratina, would you like to explore the city with me?”

“Huh?”

Fratina was caught off guard by the request.

“Why the sudden idea?”

“Well, I’m new to Elan City. When I was doing business near Dragon’s Roar Valley, I got bored and wandered in, only to get lost…”

Lucia touched her head, grinning. “Back then, I thought you might be trouble, so I didn’t share my real identity. Now that you’re here, I’d love for you to show me around.”

As if fearing rejection, she added, “Of course, I’ll pay you! Think of it as a commission. Adventurers live off commissions, right?”

“I’m just supporting your business~”

Lucia’s silver tongue stirred Fratina.

They did seem fated—meeting again after the valley rescue.

Lucia didn’t seem bad, and Fratina didn’t mind exploring the city with her.

It was only noon, and her Lord Lucius was likely still resting. No rush to return.

She nodded. “Alright, I’m in.”

Lucia’s face lit up with joy.

Seeing the girl’s delight, Fratina’s breath caught for a moment, her heart skipping a beat.