I've been around the block a few times, but these people were a different story. They were completely sheltered.
How do you even begin to talk to people like that?
"This might be the smallest town in the entire world," Shin mused. "Most of the people here have never seen anything beyond it. But for some reason, I'm not surprised."
He chuckled to himself. 'It's simple, really. I've seen outfits far more ridiculous than yours.'
"Spoken like a true princess. You seem to know a thing or two," he said to Lucy. "But I have to admit, I'm curious. If you're so worldly, how did you get duped by some uncultured knight? If you're that easy to fool, then maybe I could convince you to—"
He leaned in, his expression turning mock-serious. "Ah, Lucy… even though you are my sister, I find I cannot suppress my feelings for you."
Her eyes widened.
"Do you know," he continued dramatically, "that sometimes, people are drawn together not by who they are, but by the connection of their souls? It might be a complicated thing to understand, but I know it's a truth I must follow. Otherwise, disaster will surely befall us."
He took her hand, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Why don't you come with me? I may not have much to offer, but as long as I have a crust of bread, you'll have half. And as long as I'm breathing, I swear I'll never let you die before I do."
He looked at her with feigned intensity. "I know I'm not worthy of you, but… but I truly love you. Come with me, my princess."
Shin had just been messing around, trying to get a reaction out of her. He never expected her to actually start crying. She looked at him with an expression of pure disbelief.
Then, to his utter shock, she nodded.
Shin was completely dumbfounded. Was she really this easy to fool? She didn't seem like an idiot, so how could a few cheesy lines convince her to run off with him?
'This is insane,' he thought.
"Hey, don't get the wrong idea," he said quickly. "I was just kidding. Don't take it seriously."
But Lucy just kept staring at him, tears streaming down her face. "Where did you learn such touching words? I… I really am going to go with you."
"What? You're really coming with me? For heaven's sake, we're supposed to be looking for your father! If he finds out you ran off with some guy after a few pretty words, he'll have a heart attack!"
"But I was so moved! Are you telling me I can't even say how I feel? I'm so confused."
At this point, Shin's head was starting to ache. He had no idea how to deal with the girl in front of him.
"Alright, alright, I get it," he said, sighing. "Let's just get to Hargeon City first."
The entire way, Lucy would walk for a bit, then start crying and begging him to repeat his little speech. Shin was at his wit's end.
He was the only one shameless enough to say those cringey lines without blushing, but even he had his limits. He'd said them on a whim. Repeating them now? Even he couldn't bring himself to do it.
But it seemed Lucy wasn't going to let him off the hook. She kept pestering him.
The town wasn't far from Hargeon City, and they arrived before long.
The difference was immediately obvious. The city was several times larger, teeming with people. The streets were lined with all sorts of shops and stalls, selling wares he couldn't even identify.
Shin felt a little sheepish. The city was a world away from the tiny town they'd just left. He hadn't realized that this world had such developed places, with so many people. The small town had given him the impression that the whole world was at that level. He never expected to find a place with this level of technology and power in this era. It was almost unbelievable.
He shook his head, pushing the thought aside.
"Lucy, you said there's a Mage Guild here, right? Where is it? I want to check it out."
Lucy suddenly looked flustered. The truth was, she had no idea where the guild was. She'd been here before, but it was with her father, back when they were still on good terms. She'd never had to worry about directions.
"It's… it's just up ahead," she stammered. "If you just keep walking forward, you'll get there. It shouldn't take long."
"Is that so? Then let's go."
He grabbed her hand, and before she could react, he was pulling her through the crowded streets.
Lucy's face flushed. "What do you think you're doing to a princess?" she protested. "What are you doing? Why are you running so fast?"
"I'm starving, and we're broke. I want to go to that guild and pick up a quest. Is that okay with you?"
Lucy's voice immediately became much smaller. "I… I see. Why are you shouting, then? Honestly."
"Why aren't we there yet? I've been running for ages, and I haven't seen a single thing. Are you sure you know the way?"
Lucy was at a loss for words. "How can you say that? Of course I know the way," she said defensively. "You… I'm a princess! I definitely know!"
Shin didn't press the issue. "Alright, alright. My mistake. But we really need to find that place."
Two hours later, they found themselves in the middle of nowhere, on some deserted patch of countryside. Shin's patience finally snapped. He spun around to face Lucy.
"Do you have any idea where that place is? I swear, what is wrong with you?" he fumed. "You just kept telling me to go forward, but we've been walking for so long! How could a Mage Guild be out in the middle of a small town like this? Be honest, you don't know, do you?"
Shin glared at her fiercely.
"I… I'm a princess! There has to be that… that second-rate Mage Guild here somewhere."
"But where? Where is it, my dear princess? I can't take this anymore! You told me it was just ahead, but there's nothing here! Do I look like an idiot to you?"
"I… I forgot, okay? Is it a crime to forget?" she finally admitted, her voice cracking.
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