The streets were alive with movement. Humans, elves, demons, and those of mixed blood walked side by side along the clean stone road. Leo blended into the crowd, her eyes scanning every corner as she entered the bustling marketplace.
Seems like… there isn't any rental carriage shop here… she thought, frowning slightly as she searched.
"Oi, miss! Lookin' for somethin'!?"
A deep, booming voice rang out from behind her.
"Huh?"
Leo turned, startled.
A man in his forties stood there, tall and broad-shouldered. His short black hair was streaked with gray, his dark eyes sharp yet playful. He wore a green merchant's tunic beneath a loose white coat, and his lips curled into a sly grin as he winked at her.
"Need something, miss?" he repeated, smirking.
"Uh… thanks, but I'm fine…" Leo replied nervously. Her face tightened as she turned back, trying to walk away.
But the man's voice followed.
"Eh? Doesn't look like you're fine at all. Bet you're searchin' for something, huh?"
Leo froze mid-step. Slowly, she glanced back, forcing a smile.
"Um… actually, yes. I need a carriage. I plan to travel—to another kingdom."
"Ohhh, a traveler, eh?" The man folded his arms, sizing her up. "I see."
"Yes, thanks for asking."
"Wait, hold on a sec."
Leo blinked. "What is it?"
The man leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"Today, you won't find a single carriage for rent. Not a chance. Y'know why? The prince and half his army marched out this morning. Every last carriage got taken with them."
"What!?"
Leo's eyes widened. Panic raced across her face. Why… why now, of all times!?
"I see… then, when will the carriages return?" she asked quickly, her voice laced with tension.
The man tilted his head, stroking his chin as though calculating. Finally, he sighed.
"Two days. Maybe three."
"Two days!?" Leo nearly shouted. Her voice cracked as she slammed her hand against her chest. "But… I need to hurry…"
The man studied her face, her golden eyes trembling with desperation. Then, with a sly grin, he leaned back.
"Heh. If you're that desperate, miss… maybe I can help ya."
"Huh? Do you… have a carriage?" Leo asked, hope flickering in her voice.
"Eh, not exactly." The man chuckled awkwardly, scratching his cheek. "I'm no merchant anymore—used to be. These days I manage a hotel. But…"
Leo cut him off, stepping forward.
"Then can you help me!?" Her hands clenched together, her face glowing with sudden excitement.
"Uhh… well…" He laughed again, waving a hand. "Not so fast, miss. Like I said, I don't own one. But—my son's comin' back tonight with a supply caravan with merchants. They leave around one am in the morning. So, maybe you can hitch a ride."
Leo swallowed hard. "Th-then… could they take me to the Rezein Kingdom?"
Her heart pounded in her chest. Please… please let it be Rezein…
"Rezein Kingdom, huh?" The man's brows lifted. "Nah. My boy's route doesn't head that far. But—he can at least get you outta this kingdom."
"That's more than enough!" Leo exclaimed, her face brightening.
The man's grin widened. "Then it's settled."
Leo nodded, determination settling back into her features. Even if it won't reach Rezein, this will still get me closer. I'll take any chance I can get.
"Ah, we haven't introduced each other haha?" the man said suddenly, thumping a hand against his chest. " I am Henry. Nice to meet ya!"
Leo's hands trembled as she forced a smile. "I-I'm… M-Mion. Nice to meet you too."
Leo and Henry shook their hands.
Henry's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well then, Miss Mion… you can rest easy at my hotel till midnight. Heheh."
Leo gave him an awkward smile, sweat trailing down her cheek.
"What a cunning businessman… but at least he's willing to help me."
The clock struck nine at night. In a small, dimly lit hotel room, a single bulb cast long shadows across the walls. Leo sat on the edge of the bed near the window, the sweet blue moonlight spilling into the room like liquid silver. She stared at the moon, lost in thought.
"I don't know what will happen next…"
Her fists clenched tightly. The tension in her shoulders spoke of silent determination.
"Glad that Logen gave me money… it helped a lot."
A faint smile curved her lips, but it vanished almost immediately, replaced by a veil of sadness.
"I hope I can find that witch… I have to bring myself back… but why all of a sudden…?"
Leo glanced at her hands, then noticed her reflection in the window glass. Her pale face stared back at her, fragile and worn.
[Flashback]
Amidst red flower blossoms, Estrella's beauty shone like a ray of light. Her long, white hair danced in the gentle breeze, and her soft, blue eyes brimmed with hope.
"You will always be my special, Leo," she said, her gentle smile warming the heart, as she took Leo's hand in hers.
[Current Scene]
Leo's fingers trembled as tears slid down onto her hand.
"Sorry… sorry, Estrella. I… I didn't deserve you."
Her voice cracked under the weight of her guilt.
"Even if I am worthless… I will start over. I will become a new Leo, one who will never be greedy again!"
Wiping her tears away, she lifted her gaze to the moon, as if drawing courage from its serene glow.
By midnight, a loud voice broke the silence.
"Mion-san!"
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Leo looked toward the door.
"Yes… come in."
Henry stepped inside, a smile on his face.
"Glad you're awake, Mion-san. My son has come with a carriage," he said cheerfully.
"Oh, he's here? Alright, wait a moment. I'll get ready," Leo replied, her hands moving to gather her belongings for the journey ahead.
Later that night, the carriage came to a stop beside the hotel, black clouds rolling ominously across the sky.
Lucas, Henry's son, stood tall, a young man with messy black hair and piercing black eyes, marked by a dark sash beneath them. His green-and-black merchant's garb rustled slightly in the night wind.
"Father, is anyone traveling with us?" Lucas asked, curiosity in his voice.
"Yes, my son. Mion, a traveler headed to the Rezein Kingdom, will ride with you. She needs the carriage," Henry replied.
"A girl, huh? Well… that girl must be brave to travel with merchants at night," Lucas chuckled.
Thud—Thud!
Leo Julius Eros stepped lightly onto the stairs, her movements graceful despite the tension in her shoulders.
"Ah, here she is," Henry said, pointing toward her.
"Nice to meet you. Thank you for letting me ride. I'm in a bit of a hurry," Leo said politely.
"No worries, miss. Come, the carriage is ready," Lucas replied.
Leo nodded and moved forward, her steps measured.
As she reached the carriage, Henry called out warmly, "Be careful, Mion-san! I hope your journey goes well!"
"Hm, thanks, Mr. Henry," Leo said with a faint smirk as she climbed inside.
Lucas waved. "Well, goodbye, Father!"
Henry returned the smile softly. "Good luck, my son."
Lucas jumped into the carriage beside Leo.
"Go!" he shouted.
"Hay!!"
The postillion snapped the reins, and the horses surged forward, the wheels of the carriage crunching against the gravel road as they disappeared into the night.