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A year later.
On the far edge of the Empire, a small town welcomed two unusual travelers.
"This should be the borderlands of the Empire. A few more days and we'll reach it."
Venom and Saeko Busujima stood at the outskirts, watching common folk moving about. Their destination was close.
"Why are we even going to the Empire?" Saeko asked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. She still didn't understand why Venom was so insistent.
"Because there are people—and things—I want to run into."
Venom answered with a faint smile. That was all this trip was about: meeting certain people, crossing certain paths.
"I see."
Saeko gave a soft nod and didn't press further. Whatever the reason, she'd find out eventually.
"Let's go."
The two of them headed into town.
As they walked through the streets, passersby whispered when Venom passed, but no one dared to act.
It wasn't like back in the Barutus tribe, where he'd been treated as some dangerous creature. This place was different—remote, yes, but the people here had at least heard rumors about Imperial Arms users.
Ignoring the stares, the two started looking for a place to eat.
Then a voice tore through the street from a nearby alley:
"You filthy brat! Who told you you could steal my food? I'll beat you to death, you hear me?!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I won't do it again, I swear!"
Venom and Saeko traded a look and immediately moved toward the sound. Peering into the alley, they saw an old crone hurling curses while stomping on a little girl.
The child lay curled on the ground, wrapped in rags, pink hair a tangled mess. She clutched a hard bun to her chest like it was life itself, sobbing out pleas for mercy.
Both Venom and Saeko frowned. Words alone should have been enough to scold a child. But kicking her? That crossed a line.
Before Saeko could step forward, Venom was already behind the old woman.
"Stop."
The woman froze mid-kick and turned, ready to lash out—until she saw his face. Fear instantly drained the anger from hers.
"M-Milord, is there… something you want?"
"Why are you hitting this child? What did she do wrong?"
Venom's gaze flicked to the girl on the ground, then back to the old hag. He wanted the truth.
"My lord, you must not know," the crone said quickly, forcing a smile. "We live on the borderlands. Bandits and foreigners come raiding all the time. When they see a pretty woman, they… they…"
Her face twisted with spite as she spat in the girl's direction.
"That's how this filthy half-breed was born."
"I asked what happened. Not for your life story."
Venom's voice turned sharp, cutting her off.
"Y-Yes, yes. It's just that this brat dared to steal one of my buns, so I… I lost my temper, that's all."
The woman jabbed a finger at the girl, still seething.
"I didn't steal it," the girl whispered timidly. "I found it on the ground…"
Venom's face hardened as he looked back at the crone. She'd lied to him without hesitation.
"So what if I threw it away? It was for the stray dogs! Who said she could pick it up?" the woman shot back, panic rising in her voice.
"Is this enough?"
Venom pulled a bit of gold from his storage and tossed it at her feet.
"E-enough! More than enough!" The old hag scrambled to snatch it up, clutching it like treasure.
"Then get lost. And don't let me see you again."
"Yes, yes, of course! I'm going, I'm going!"
She scuttled away, thrilled by her luck.
Once she vanished, Venom knelt beside the girl.
She instantly hugged her bun tighter, guarding it like he might steal it.
"What's your name?" Venom asked gently.
"…Mine."
The reply was so faint it was almost lost in the air.
"Do you have any family?"
Mine shook her head, eyes downcast.
"In that case, how about coming with me? You'll have full meals, nice clothes… What do you say?"
Her eyes widened. She hesitated, then finally nodded with determination.
"Are you hurt?" Venom asked, smiling softly as he helped her to her feet.
She shook her head silently, still holding onto the bun.
Venom frowned at the filthy thing in her hands and reached out to take it away. But the moment he did, Mine flinched back in terror, hiding it behind her.
His hand froze in the air before he awkwardly pulled it back.
"…Maybe I should handle this," Saeko said, stepping forward with a calm smile.
"Fine. She's yours."
Venom stood and moved to the alley entrance, letting Saeko take over. After all, two girls would understand each other better.
He leaned against the wall, waiting.
A few minutes later, footsteps approached. He turned to see Saeko walking toward him, smiling, with Mine's tiny hand tucked in hers.
Venom blinked, caught off guard.
So it was true—women built bonds faster than anyone, no matter the age.
"What's wrong?" Saeko asked, grinning at his stunned face.
"Nothing. Let's get moving."
Venom shook his head with a small smile and walked on.
Saeko chuckled under her breath, squeezing Mine's hand as the two of them followed after him.
"....."