Bodyguard for a day

The board looms tall—dozens of papers flapping from nails, each marked with rank symbols and hand-scrawled writing.

Ryu stands before it, staring blankly.

He reads slowly—picking up a few words. His eyes narrow.

Then—

Ryu (flat, to someone beside him):"Hey. You."

A young adventurer flinches, with a cheap sword and an oversized scarf.

Young Adventurer (nervous):"M-me?"

Ryu:"Read for me."

The adventurer hesitates. Glances around. Ryu's stare doesn't blink.

Young Adventurer (swallows):"Uh… okay, s-sure."

He begins reading the papers aloud.

Young Adventurer (reading):"Missing dog... spoiled wine shipment... uh—bodyguard duty for a minor noble visiting town. Name: Elrik Morvain. Age twenty. Escort during business day. Pay: moderate. Risk: medium. Rank suggested: C and above."

Ryu grabs the paper.

Young Adventurer (coughs):"I-I think that's above your temporary level—"

Ryu's already walking.

INT. GUILD FRONT DESK – MOMENTS LATER

Receptionist raises a brow as Ryu slaps the paper down.

Receptionist (dry):"Sure you want this one?"

Ryu:"Yes."

Receptionist:"This kid's from a well-known merchant family. You mess up, they won't fire you—they'll hang you."

Ryu doesn't flinch.

Receptionist (sighs):"…Suit yourself."

She stamps it and slides over a token.

EXT. MERCHANT PLAZA – LATER

A large carriage with silver trimming waits beside a bakery. Guarded lightly.

A young noble exits a storefront in finely-stitched clothes. Slim, confident. Well-kept. Hair tied in a short tail.

Elrik Morvain, twenty. Mildly arrogant, but not cruel.

He spots Ryu and blinks.

Elrik:"…You're the bodyguard?"

Ryu (quiet):"Yes."

Elrik (tilts head):"Cloak's ripped. Hair's a mess. Are you homeless?"

Ryu says nothing.

Elrik (amused):"Well. I asked for an E-rank, and I got… whatever you are."

He signals his assistant.

Elrik:"Get him some clothes. Something that won't terrify small children."

INT. TAILOR SHOP – SHORT TIME LATER

Ryu stands shirtless as a tailor eyes his torso.

Scars crisscross his chest, shoulders, back—burns, bite marks, old breaks.

Tailor (murmurs):"…Gods."

Elrik watches, arms crossed.

Elrik (casual):"You've clearly fought more than squirrels."

(beat)

"This is good. I like win-wins. You get clothes. I get someone who looks like they've wrestled a magical beast."

The sun beams down on cobbled stone. Stalls bustle with trade—spices, bolts of cloth, jewelers hawking fakes. Normally cheerful. But today, the energy is… subdued.

Ryu walks beside Elrik Morvain, dressed now in clean, simple attire—dark cloth tunic, reinforced trousers. Practical, but fitted.

The tailor had done his job. But nothing hides what's underneath.

The scars still peek out at the collar.

The eyes still burn.

Elrik smiles at passersby. Waves. Even jokes with one or two shopkeepers.

But everyone—everyone—responds carefully. With guarded smiles. With bowed heads and forced chuckles.

Not because of Elrik.

But because of the thing walking beside him.

Whispers trail behind them.

"That's Morvain's escort?"

"Looks like a killer."

Ryu walks as if deaf to it all.

Silent.

Still.

Watching everything.

Elrik (grinning, low):"You know… I think this is the most respect I've ever gotten in this town."

Ryu:(doesn't reply)

Elrik eyes a fruit vendor who quickly lowers his prices before Elrik even asks.

Elrik (amused):"See that? I used to have to haggle for half an hour."

He glances at Ryu's blank stare.

Elrik (smirking):"You could make a killing just standing next to nobles."

Ryu watches a nearby alley without comment.

They keep walking.

Elrik pauses at a scroll merchant, checking invoices and seals. He leans over the stand while Ryu stands at his back, motionless.

A group of rough-looking men, probably mercenaries, glance over.

Then… see Ryu.

And suddenly pretend to be fascinated by pottery.

Elrik turns slightly.

Elrik:"...You haven't said more than two words all morning, You are the silent type i see, I see."

Ryu looks at him but does not say anything.

Elrik (smirks):"Touché."

They pass a group of children playing dice. One drops the dice when Ryu looks their way he runs. The others follow.

Elrik sighs, mockingly disappointed.

Elrik:"And here I thought I had a face for politics."

(beat)

"But it's your face they remember."

They stop by a small tavern, where Elrik is expected to meet someone for a deal.

Elrik (looking around):"Stay outside. Don't let anyone stab me from behind. Or poison the ale. Or… you know what, just stand there. That's enough."

Ryu nods.

Elrik vanishes inside.

EXT. TAVERN FRONT – CONTINUOUS

Ryu leans against the wall. Arms crossed. Eyes scanning.

A nobleman's carriage passes by—and the guard beside it instinctively sits straighter at the sight of him.

A group of petty thieves across the square consider lifting a merchant's purse.

Then they notice Ryu.

They don't even try.

INT. TAVERN – SHORT TIME LATER

Elrik finishes his meeting, steps back into outside with a bag of coins in his hand and a cup of wife.

He sees Ryu, same place. Same position. Eyes focused on something else entirely.

Not a single muscle relaxed.

Elrik (grinning): "You haven't moved."

Ryu: "Didn't need to."

They start walking.

People glance—and then pretend not to.

Children go silent.

Guards instinctively straighten, hands closer to hilts.

Merchants smile too much. Too wide. Too fake.

Elrik notices.

Elrik (low, amused):"They look at me like I'm royalty now."

(beat)

"But they're not scared of me, are they?"

He glances sideways at Ryu—who keeps walking without a word.

Elrik (soft chuckle):"…Nope. Just the man beside me."

After a final meeting, Elrik steps away from a tradehouse and sighs.

Elrik:"Well, seems like I'm done for today."

He pulls a pouch of silver from his satchel and hands it to Ryu.

Ryu catches it one-handed. Looks at it. Then at Elrik—brow slightly furrowed.

Elrik (palms his face): "I just gave you a tip, Go buy food or whatever and you can keep the clothes"

"Or stare at people until they give you some. Whatever works."

Elrik (smirks and raise his fingers): "Do not think i'm not generous, What was your name again"

Ryu: Ryu...

Elrik: "I'm Elrik! Known as the greatest- Actually nevermind I'm just Elrik Morvain"

Elrik starts to walk off—then stops, turning back with a flick of his wrist.

Elrik (grinning):"Actually... seems my usual guards are out of town for a few days."

(beat)

"You free tomorrow?"

Ryu doesn't answer, but his eyes meet Elrik's.

Elrik (smirks):"I'll take that as a yes. Meet me here. Sunrise."

He turns, walking off with that same easy, Riding his wagon.

Ryu stands alone now, clutching the coin pouch. A few eyes still peek from alley corners—then disappear.

No one dares approach.

He pockets the silver.

Ryu (soft):"...Guess I've got work tomorrow."

He walks off into the dimming streets. Lanterns flicker. The stars hide behind drifting clouds.

No home. No destination.

Just forward.