Noble from Aurelius Kingdom

The next morning, Abigail and Modeus woke up in their hotel room after a peaceful night's rest. The sun had just risen over the horizon of Old World Network, casting a fresh glow over the city. They got out of bed and went about their usual morning routine.

After cleaning up, they headed to the hotel's canteen for breakfast. It was simple—toast and coffee, just enough to kickstart their day. As they sat down, Abigail glanced at Modeus, thinking about their next steps.

"We should check today's missions at the main building," Abigail said, taking a sip of his coffee. "We've been in the field long enough. It might be time to pick something lighter."

Modeus nodded while taking a bite of his toast. "Agreed. Preferably without insane monsters like yesterday."

Abigail smiled slightly, understanding exactly what he meant. Once they finished breakfast, they hopped onto Modeus's motorcycle and headed toward the main Old World Network building.

Upon arrival, they parked the bike in the large parking lot. The main building of Old World Network towered above the city with its sleek, modern design, surrounded by smaller towers and high-tech facilities. 

But before they could enter, the spear-wielding woman they had rescued the day before appeared from behind them, walking swiftly, her striking presence impossible to miss. She was dressed as elegantly as when they first met, radiating an aura of nobility.

"Wait a moment," she said, approaching them. Modeus and Abigail exchanged glances before she continued, "I wanted to thank you both for your help yesterday. In return, I'd like to invite you to a restaurant in Old World Network."

Without hesitation, both Modeus and Abigail nodded in agreement. Modeus seemed especially excited by the invitation, while Abigail, though more composed, was also intrigued. After all, fine dining wasn't something they experienced often.

They followed the woman to an upscale restaurant situated in one of the tallest buildings in Old World Network. As they arrived, Modeus couldn't contain his awe. The place was grand and opulent, with gleaming floors, massive crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and every detail meticulously crafted to radiate luxury.

"Wow, this place is insane," Modeus said, eyes wide as he took in the vast lobby of the restaurant. He barely hid his amazement.

Abigail, while more composed, was also impressed. He quietly followed the spear-wielding woman as she spoke briefly with the receptionist. After a short exchange, they were directed to a private elevator that whisked them up to the top floor of the restaurant.

As the elevator doors slid open, they were greeted by a breathtaking view. On the top floor, the restaurant was encased in glass, offering a panoramic sight of the entire Old World Network. The futuristic skyline, with airborne vehicles zipping between towering buildings, looked like something straight out of a science fiction novel.

"Please, have a seat," the spear-wielding woman said, gesturing to a table near the window. Abigail and Modeus followed her lead, with Abigail sitting directly across from her, and Modeus taking a seat beside Abigail.

Once they were all seated, a neatly dressed waiter approached and handed them menus. The woman glanced at them both, her voice calm yet gracious as she said, "Order whatever you like. This is my way of thanking you."

Abigail skimmed through the menu thoughtfully, while Modeus wasted no time, immediately picking the most luxurious dish he could find. "Wagyu steak, obviously," he muttered with a grin, clearly excited about his choice.

After the food arrived, the woman formally introduced herself to Abigail and Modeus. Sitting up straight, she exuded an air of authority as she spoke, the poise of a Royal Knight evident in her every gesture.

"My name is Lilianne Grandella. Once again, thank you for your assistance yesterday," she began, her voice firm yet refined. "I serve as one of the Royal Knights of Aurelius, and my duty is to protect Lady Oriana Micheline, a member of the noble Micheline family."

"I'm Abigail, and this is Modeus," Abigail responded, briefly glancing at Modeus, who merely nodded at Lilianne while continuing to eat.

Hearing the name Oriana Micheline made Abigail narrow his eyes slightly, though he kept his face composed. The Micheline family was well-known, particularly among the nobility. They wielded considerable influence in both politics and economics across the Aurelius Kingdom.

Cautiously, Abigail asked, "Are you allowed to share that kind of information with just anyone, considering your status?"

Lilianne fixed him with a piercing gaze, her eyes seeming to see right through him. "Normally, no," she replied calmly but decisively. "But you saved our lives, so I've chosen not to worry about that detail."

Modeus, still savoring his steak, glanced over at the conversation, though he remained focused on his meal. Abigail, more serious now, pressed further, "So, what were you doing in Fertissio? Given the dangers of the ruins we encountered yesterday, it's hard not to be curious."

Lilianne paused for a moment before answering, her expression growing slightly more guarded.

Lilianne gave a slight smile, but it was cold, filled with an air of secrecy. She let out a small sigh before responding, "Our purpose? It's nothing more than Lady Oriana's selfish desires. That's all." Her tone was sharp, as though there was a deep-seated disapproval behind her words, but she didn't elaborate further.

Abigail locked eyes with Lilianne, trying to read beyond the surface of her brief response. He knew, however, that the woman in front of him wasn't one to easily reveal more than she wanted. 

After a moment of silence, they finished their meal. Modeus placed his knife and fork down with a satisfied grin, his mood lifted after a good meal. Abigail, on the other hand, remained composed, though it was clear his mind was processing everything they had just learned.

Leaning back in her chair, Lilianne spoke with a more casual tone, "So, let's talk payment. How much do I owe you for your services?"

Abigail straightened, his eyes serious. When it came to compensation, especially after a dangerous mission, he never hesitated. "I'm asking for 2.5 million Nexbit."

Lilianne's gaze sharpened, but there was no sign of reluctance or hesitation. Instead, she nodded. "Very well. I'll pay whatever it takes for Lady Oriana's safety."

Without wasting time, both Abigail and Lilianne pulled out their A.R.M devices, and the transaction was completed in an instant. Abigail couldn't help but feel a bit surprised at how quickly the large sum appeared in his account.

He smirked, satisfied with the payment. "That should do. After all, Modeus had his fun fighting off those monsters, didn't you?" he teased, glancing at Modeus.

Hearing his name, Modeus chuckled lightly. "I won't deny it. Those monsters were like free practice for me," he said casually, his voice carrying a hint of excitement as he recalled the fierce battle in the ruins.

Lilianne, hearing this, glanced at Modeus with a clear look of admiration. "You really are a battle maniac, aren't you?" she remarked, raising an eyebrow. "But I have to admit, you're incredibly strong. You moved with such speed and precision. There are soldiers in Aurelius who don't even come close to matching your skill."

Modeus laughed again, louder this time.

Abigail simply shook his head, a small smile on his lips as he watched Modeus. The conversation eased into a more relaxed flow, and Lilianne seemed to open up a bit more. Although she still kept many of her secrets close, it was clear she had begun to respect Abigail and Modeus, especially after the fight they had just endured together.

They eventually left the restaurant after wrapping up their negotiations. As they walked out of the building, Lilianne gave her farewells.

Modeus and Abigail stepped outside, feeling relieved and satisfied. The Old World Network looked magnificent under the midday sun, but they knew that beneath the city's glitter, many things remained hidden, and many mysteries were still unsolved.

"2.5 million Nexbit… not a bad sum, huh?" Modeus grinned.

Abigail nodded. "Yeah, enough to keep us going for a while. But I'm still curious—why would a family as prominent as the Micheline take such risks just because of a young girl's ego?"

Modeus looked at Abigail, puzzled. "Who cares? The important thing is we got paid, right?"

Abigail chuckled softly, then gazed out at the city horizon with a serious expression. "Maybe. But I have a feeling we're not done with them yet."

The two of them then walked towards Modeus's motorcycle, leaving the luxurious building behind, their curiosity about the Aurelius noble family and their motives in the dangerous land of Fertissio still lingering.

***

After her meeting with Abigail and Modeus, Lilianne hurried through the corridors of a luxurious safe house in Fertissio, a hideout specifically designed for wealthy relic hunters with high security. Passing by several uniformed guards, she reached the large automated doors where Oriana Micheline was waiting. Lilianne took a deep breath before opening the door, ready to report the situation.

Inside the room, Oriana was seated on an opulent sofa, wearing a casual dress that still exuded her elegance as a member of the Micheline family. Next to her sat a young girl, sitting upright and equally elegant. The girl was Eun Min Hwa, a student from Lupusrica Knight Academy and one of Oriana's personal guards at the academy.

Lilianne recognized Eun Min Hwa immediately. She had suspected that the girl would be close by, given how protective she was of Lady Micheline. Nonetheless, Lilianne kept her face professional and, without altering her tone, addressed Oriana directly.

"Lady Oriana, how are you?" Lilianne inquired with a polite yet firm tone.

Oriana turned quickly, her face adorned with a relaxed smile. "I'm fine, Lilianne. The medical care here, while not as good as in Aurelius, is still impressive. No need to worry." Her tone was light, but Lilianne could sense there was more beneath her calm exterior. Before Lilianne could respond, Oriana swiftly changed the subject. "So, how did it go? Have you spoken to them? What are their names? The ones who rescued us yesterday?"

Lilianne was momentarily taken aback by the sudden shift in topic. Nevertheless, she answered promptly. "Abigail and Modeus," she said briefly, meeting Oriana's gaze with a neutral expression.

"And the one who carried me, what's his name?" Oriana asked, as if pressing Lilianne for the answer.

Lilianne, slightly surprised by her young lady's sudden change in demeanor, responded, "A-Abigail."

Upon hearing the name Abigail, Oriana fell silent for a moment, her face gradually flushing. A shy smile began to form on her lips, and she turned her face slightly as she softly repeated the name over and over. "Abigail… Abigail…" she murmured, as if letting the name fill her thoughts.

Lilianne watched the change in Oriana's expression with increasing wariness. Since their encounter with Abigail and Modeus, Lady Micheline seemed overly enchanted. Eun Min Hwa, sitting next to Oriana, immediately noticed this. She cast a cautious glance at Lilianne, silently conveying that the situation was very delicate, and maintained a serious expression without saying a word.

Lilianne could only sigh deeply, feeling the situation growing more complicated. Oriana's fascination with someone like Abigail was an unexpected twist, although Lilianne couldn't deny that Abigail had demonstrated a rare strength and resolve.

After a few seconds, Lilianne decided to return to the main topic. "Lady Oriana, why did you leave the academy and flee to Fertissio? You know how dangerous this place is, don't you?" Her tone was serious, meant to remind Oriana of her responsibilities as a noble and a student of a prestigious academy.

Oriana was startled by the question. The smile that had been on her face vanished, replaced by a stunned expression. Her thoughts about Abigail were abruptly interrupted, and she now looked like a child sulking. "I don't want to go back to Lupusrica!" she said, her voice louder than usual, like a child refusing to return to school.

Lilianne held her breath, trying to remain patient with Oriana's reaction. "Lady, with all due respect, you have significant responsibilities there. Your family is also very concerned about you."

However, Oriana shook her head vigorously, her long hair cascading with the motion. "I'm fed up with all the rules at the academy! Everyone there only cares about duties and obligations. I want to be free!" Oriana's outburst was filled with emotion, revealing that something deeper was troubling her.

Eun Min Hwa, who had been silent until now, spoke up with a calm but firm tone. "Lady Oriana, Lupusrica is a place where you can grow stronger and wiser. It's not just about personal freedom, but about taking responsibility for your own future."

Oriana glared at Eun Min Hwa with slightly misty eyes but remained stubborn. "I don't care! Fertissio is more interesting than that academy. I can do whatever I want here without all those rigid rules!"

Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa exchanged a knowing glance. Both understood that convincing Oriana to return to Lupusrica wouldn't be easy, especially with her volatile emotions.

Finally, Lilianne stepped closer, speaking in a softer tone, trying to ease the tension. "Lady Oriana, we just want to ensure your safety. Fertissio is full of dangers, and we don't know when another monster might appear. We have to be cautious."

Oriana, still visibly agitated, hugged her knees and looked down. "I know you care... but I just want to feel free for once, Lilianne. At least give me some time here before you force me back to the academy."

Lilianne sighed deeply once more. "Alright, Lady. We won't force you now. But please, think carefully. We're here to protect you, not to control your life."

Oriana stayed silent, but her defiant expression slowly softened. Meanwhile, Eun Min Hwa maintained her composed posture, though it was clear she was concerned about Oriana's decision to stay in Fertissio.

Lilianne took a step back, observing the two girls before her, knowing that this was just the beginning of a larger conflict. Fertissio might offer the freedom Oriana craved, but it also came with dangers that couldn't be ignored. And while Lilianne was a loyal Royal Knight, she knew that her role this time was more than just protection—it was about guiding and balancing freedom with responsibility.

***