I walked down an alley. According to the map this was supposed to head to the shop.

The distant shuffling I heard before coming into the alley, became louder. I saw a group of five? Mingling or either arguing.

“Don’t you hear the lady? Let her go man.” a man said.

“Huh, you wanna fight ya young little wretch?” The big burly man said.

I walked close enough to see what was happening. A woman trying to free herself from three guys and a young man who looked like a noble, judging by the leather that covered his sword.

As I watched them argue, I realized that the women and the 3 guys were accomplices. One of the man’s facial structures and figure looked similar to the woman’s. How did the noble-ish person not notice it? He should've just turned blind eye or powered away from them. Or maybe because they were close, he didn't realize the big picture. They moved nearer the dead end, away from the crowd. I moved closer, wondering if I should buy cooked corn and eat it while I watched.

Unfortunately the lady screamed. “Help!” and pointed towards me. Yes, she was totally their accomplice. Tsk. I didn't understand how they'd scam us, since they couldn't judge if I was a rich hipster by my clothes. Or my looks. On the other hand, I was quite surprised the guys didn't notice me watching them.

“Aah!” the main dude shrieked as he pointed his sword to me. His sword was worn out, the blade dull. Quite dangerous in a way, and really hard to kill. It might've been fine to use it in practice rounds. That thought made me smile under my hoodie.

“What are you doing? Just finish him!” one of his friends said.

I smirked. I swiftly took out my dagger and easily unarmed him. His dull blade skittered across the alley.

“Anyone else?” I challenged.

The guys whispered and finally the main guy growled “Scram.” they left in a hurry.

“Aw. That’s such a disappointment,” I said, glaring coldly at the lady. “If they challenged me, I would've decapitated them easily.” I watched the woman tremble.

“Thank you for saving me young men.” she bowed.

I started wondering if I should roast her, or if I should do a straight up fight or maybe if I should just let her go.

“Lady, I think you should follow them before they’ll dump you as you return with no money.” The guy advised. Ah-ha! So he wasn't as clueless as he looked.

The lady face turned paled and hurriedly ran off.

“Well,” he faced me, ”those sword skills were quite dang amazing.” he bumped into me like a friendly cat.

“Well, thank you.” I said. I looked closely at his face. He had brown eyes with bits of…. White or silver…. Or maybe platinum hair escaping from his loose hood. Heyyyyy. Wasn't he the young duke? What was he doing here alone?

We studied each other.

“Ah...” I realized I stared too long, ‘Please don't notice me.’ I prayed.

“Where did you learn those skills?” He asked. I could still feel his gaze. “Your frame seems smaller than a man’s…..” he mumbled.

“I am proudly self taught!”I said proudly. “My brother works at the Imperial Knights, and I used to watch and spar with him occasionally.” I quickly changed the subject. “What about you? What were you thinking?”

“Well, I was hoping to talk her out of it, since I knew she was working with them. But I’m glad you came.” He laughed. He didn't look like the Young Duke at all. In public he was known as a polite gentleman, with totally chill looks. His personality may be even a little boring which was concerning when he had to find a partner to marry. But here…… He looked fine enough to mingle around with the people in the square.

“Where were you going to?”

Telling him wont hurt.

“I’m going to the swords and weapons shop which should be…..” I scanned my surroundings. “There.” I pointed at the shop.

“Really? Cool! I was going there as well! I made an appointment if you don't believe me. Hmm. Your brother uses quite a nice sword.” He noted.

We headed to the shop.