The moment Kazuki's hand touched the crystal, it lit up in a soft white glow.
Floating letters appeared above the pedestal in clean, glowing script.
Matsumoto Kazuki
Age: 25
Status: Single
Class: Wanderer
The captain's eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the class.
Wanderer...
That wasn't common. In fact, it was usually a sign.
Poor guy…
Her gaze softened.
His family must've really abandoned him. Wanderer class only gets assigned when someone's cut off. No backing. No house. No patronage. Just… drifting.
Thrown out, just like that. No wonder he showed up alone, with no escort, no guards.
She kept her voice neutral, professional. "Your ID?"
Kazuki blinked. "Ah…"
He scratched his head awkwardly. "I don't really have anything else…"
Kazuki reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Opened it. Slipped out a laminated card.
His driver's license.
He handed it to her like it was the most normal thing in the world.
The captain took it, glanced at the strange writing and photo.
…What is this? Some kind of decorative noble emblem?
She flipped it over, trying to understand the symbols. It made no sense.
Even his ID is strange. Poor guy. His family must've given him something fake or ceremonial, just to get rid of him.
Ahhh… if I were single, I'd already be dragging him to the public registry and forcing a marriage contract.
She handed the license back with a straight face.
"...Very well, Kazuki," she said, softening just a touch. "You're clear."
"Umm… thank you, beautiful," Kazuki said, his voice calm and smooth.
He gave a small, charming smile.
A soft breeze blew across the gate, rustling his hair slightly.
The female officer froze.
In her eyes.
A handsome foreigner.
Confident, respectful, calm.
Like a prince from one of those old romance tales.
Her heart skipped a beat.
W-What the hell was that?
Get a grip, woman! You're an officer!
"…T-Thanks," she muttered, clearing her throat.
Then quickly added, "Come here, Kazuki.
Kazuki scratched his head, a little unsure, but followed as she turned on her heel and walked ahead of him with brisk steps.
She spoke as they moved through the checkpoint.
"First, you need to register for a temporary ID. That way, you can legally enter towns and pass through gates."
Kazuki nodded along, even though he was only catching parts of what she said.
"Everyone who enters needs an official ID—even a temporary one. Normally, you'd be rejected or sent to holding until your sponsor appears…."
She paused, glancing back at him.
"But… I'll help you with the process this time."
Kazuki gave a nod. "Thanks again. You're really helping me out."
Inside, he finally let himself breathe.
Man… I really thought they were gonna arrest me for a second.
He followed the officer, eyes casually trailing down her figure.
Damn… she's beautiful.
That officer jacket hugged her curves just right. The black leggings showed off toned legs and a tight, balanced figure. Sharp face, full lips, and that confident stride, definitely not just a pretty face.
And the way the other guards stood at attention when she walked past? Yeah. She's probably got a real presence around here.
Kind, but clearly used to giving orders.
Strong type.
The kind of woman Kazuki never met back in his world.
Without thinking, his voice softened.
"Really… thank you for helping me, beautiful."
The officer paused mid-step.
Then glanced over her shoulder, face calm but voice a little quieter.
"…You can call me Sophia."
She turned away quickly after saying it, but not fast enough to hide the subtle flush coloring her cheeks.
Inside, her thoughts spun out of control.
Damn it. If he keeps calling me that… I'm seriously gonna fall for him.
That smile… that voice… he just casually calls me beautiful like it's nothing.
He has no idea what he just did, does he…?
They arrived at a large stone building near the inner gate.
Sophia gestured casually. "Come inside."
"Okay," Kazuki replied, following her.
The place was spacious. The ceiling stretched high above, supported by thick wooden beams. Rows of benches lined the waiting area, and several counters were along the walls, staffed by various clerks.
But Sophia led him past all that.
Straight to a large, isolated desk at the far end—clearly meant for higher-level cases or special registration.
As they approached, a woman sitting behind the desk looked up, and her eyes immediately widened.
"Ohoooooo~ Sophia," the clerk grinned. "Who's this handsome man? Where'd you find him?"
Kazuki blinked. He could hear the tone, see the smirk, but as usual, none of it made sense.
Sophia sighed. "Come on, Cassie. Don't start. He's probably a cast-off noble from the Eastern Isles. Just look at his clothes."
Cassie leaned forward on her elbows, eyeing Kazuki with playful interest.
"Poor, poor handsome boy~ So… he's single?"
"I don't know," Sophia said flatly. "I didn't ask."
"Mou~ what a waste. He's cute and so my type."
"Yeah, yeah," Sophia muttered. "Everyone handsome is your type."
Cassie grinned like a cat. "Mou~ this kind of guy's super rare! You should at least eat him once you're done helping him~"
Sophia didn't reply. Just crossed her arms and shot Cassie a sharp look.
Meanwhile, Kazuki stood quietly, still smiling.
Clueless.
( End Of Chapter )