Chapter 50: Late Night Chat

“Uh…”

The young man, seeing Orlando and the townsfolk staring at him with complex expressions, felt confused.

Wasn’t it the mayor who sent him to fetch help? Why did they look displeased now that he’d brought people?

A bandit stepped forward, gripping a large blade. He eyed Fratina by the carriage, struck by her beauty but soon filled with regret.

Their trade had strict rules.

Boss Emmeline forbade harming civilians or committing vile acts like looting or worse.

This pretty girl, if defeated, would likely have to be silenced.

He opened his mouth to rally his comrades but saw Orlando step between them. “Put your weapons down.”

The bandit looked at Orlando, puzzled. “Mayor, aren’t these two kingdom spies?”

“I said, put them down!”

Orlando snapped, snatching the blade and throwing it to the ground.

Turning to Fratina, he bowed deeply. “Forgive us, Hero. We didn’t know it was you.”

Fratina and Lucia knew his words were for the bandits behind him.

The bandits, hearing Fratina’s title, froze in shock.

A loud clatter rang out as some dropped their weapons, staring at her.

“This… this is the Hero?”

“Can we even fight her?”

“No way we’d win. Let’s run!”

The crowd grew restless.

Fratina moved to grab Orlando and have him calm them, but Lucia stepped forward.

Addressing the group, she said loudly, “Everyone, don’t be afraid. We’re not here to fight. We just want to understand the situation.”

Her words eased their tension.

If the Hero attacked, no number of them would suffice.

If they knew the cloaked figure beside her was a “dragon,” they’d be terrified out of their wits.

*

Half an Hour Later, Mayor’s House

“So, you’re just here to learn about the bandits and our towns’ relationship?”

“Yes.”

Fratina was about to speak, but Lucia answered first.

Watching Lucia chat with the mayor, Fratina felt a mix of emotions.

She’d wanted to handle this simply, but Lucia had barged in, meddling.

As her master, Lucia left Fratina no room to vent her frustration, so she held it in.

“At first, our towns and the bandits kept to themselves. About three years ago, they settled on a nearby hill.”

“We lived in fear, expecting raids, but they just farmed and hunted around their base, sometimes trading game with us. Over time, we built mutual trust, seeing them as refugees fleeing harsh taxes.”

“Later, they started helping with farm work, and our ties grew stronger.”

“Last year, they began robbing supply caravans, sharing much of the grain and goods with us.”

“Doesn’t Londe investigate that?”

Lucia asked, curious.

“Of course. That’s the issue. They share food, so we live better, but the city officials can tell.”

“They resent us, but we work the land and pay taxes. If they move against us, the fields go fallow, and any new settlers would face bandit raids. The officials know this, so they leave us alone.”

“We know half our livelihood comes from us, half from the bandits. We have no choice but to cooperate.”

Lucia nodded, understanding.

If the bandits were wiped out, Notting City would settle scores with the towns.

The status quo benefited all three sides.

“If Notting City sent a large force to raze your towns, what would you do?”

Orlando’s voice rose with indignation. “I’d fight them to the end!”

“Then… can you introduce us to the bandits’ leader? We’d like to talk.”

“Sure.”

Orlando nodded eagerly.

His tongue wasn’t as sharp as the bandit leader’s. If she could convince the Hero to stay neutral—or join them—perfect.

“Some of their people are in town today. They can take you tomorrow. If you don’t mind, I can offer my room for the night.”

“No need. The carriage is spacious enough.”

Fratina answered for Lucia.

She wasn’t petty, but she wasn’t comfortable sleeping in a house that had just been hostile.

Lucia glanced at Fratina, surprised, sensing a hint of pique.

But since Fratina decided, Lucia didn’t insist. After farewells, they returned to the carriage.

Townsfolk moved the carriage to a quiet corner, feeding the horses, now resting by a post.

Lucia climbed in first, sitting on the bed, with Fratina following.

“Lord Lucius, forgive me, but I’m a bit upset.”

Under dim lamplight, Fratina’s face showed rare grievance.

“You think I’m meddling too much?”

“…Yes.”

Fratina admitted openly. Their relationship had shifted. Though she hoped to break their contract and regain freedom, she no longer hid her feelings from Lucia.

“Fratina…”

Lucia spoke gently, guiding her thoughts. “Have you ever killed an innocent person?”