Chapter 18: Breakdown.

A sudden roar of thunder split the night, causing villagers within the Dancing Dragon Inn to fall momentarily silent, their cheerful chatter replaced by startled murmurs. Outside, rain cascaded from the sky in heavy torrents, drenching Einsway Village and casting a foreboding shadow over the usually cheerful tavern.

The heavy double doors burst open abruptly, flung wide by a forceful gust of icy wind. Cold air and droplets of rain spilled into the warm inn, instantly drawing all eyes toward the dramatic entryway.

Standing framed impressively within the open doorway were two imposing figures, cloaked heavily in black. Beneath their cloaks, the muffled but unmistakable clink of armored plates resonated through the silence, hinting at their formidable strength and noble status. Both men stood tall and authoritative, their presence immediately commanding respect and wary caution from the villagers gathered inside.

Without hesitation, Arthur—known publicly simply as "Art"—stepped forward confidently, one hand gracefully pushing back his dripping hood. The tavern's lanterns cast a warm, flickering glow upon his striking features: golden-blonde hair slicked elegantly back from the rain, piercing icy-blue eyes that seemed to challenge and command attention simultaneously, and an unmistakable noble bearing that instantly differentiated him from the common folk present.

Beside him, Reinheart stood silently, towering impressively with his own heavy cloak dripping water onto the wooden floorboards. He sighed softly, shaking his head subtly at Arthur's openly confident and flamboyant demeanor. Reinheart's intense, deep-blue gaze quietly scanned the crowd, clearly disapproving of the unnecessary attention Arthur was drawing—attention that contradicted their carefully maintained covert identities.

Arthur, however, paid Reinheart's subtle disapproval no mind. With practiced ease, he reached down to his belt, grasping a heavy leather pouch securely fastened there. He lifted it high, allowing it to catch the tavern's warm lamplight, the unmistakable metallic jingle of coins clearly audible even above the rain pounding against the roof.

"Good people of Einsway!" Arthur's voice rang clearly through the silence, authoritative and confident. "Drinks tonight are on me—drink your fill and warm yourselves from this storm!"

Instantly, cheers erupted enthusiastically throughout the tavern, villagers quickly abandoning their wary silence in favor of joyful celebration. They surged eagerly toward the bar, eagerly claiming their free drinks and raising their mugs to Arthur in grateful acknowledgment.

Arthur smiled arrogantly, his clear satisfaction evident as he effortlessly established dominance and control over the villagers. He knew well the power of wealth, authority, and generosity, using them strategically to instantly secure his superior position within the tavern.

Meanwhile, atop the modest wooden stage, Lili stood utterly frozen, her wide blue eyes fixed anxiously upon Arthur's confident form. Her heart raced furiously, her breath catching painfully in her throat. Seeing Arthur so suddenly again brought vivid, overwhelming memories flooding back—memories filled with embarrassment, confusion, and deep emotional turmoil.

She recalled clearly their previous humiliating encounter—his confident explanations about her own girlish body, the spanking he had given her, and his accidental intimate touches that had left her bewildered and ashamed. Her pale cheeks flushed brightly with sudden embarrassment, and her slender hands trembled slightly against the strings of the lute she still held tightly.

Conflicting emotions battled fiercely within her: embarrassment at her previous humiliation, resentment toward Arthur's arrogant confidence, and—much to her own confusion—a sudden, overwhelming attraction she couldn't fully understand. Images of Arthur's drenched form flashed vividly in her mind—his powerful frame, those flawless eight-pack abs, his piercing blue eyes gazing at her with amused superiority.

Lili shook her head weakly, desperately trying to dispel these unwanted thoughts, her dizziness worsening sharply as blood rushed to her head. Panic gripped her tightly; she knew she couldn't continue singing—not now, not with Arthur watching. The mere thought of performing obediently before his arrogant gaze filled her with intense shame and embarrassment.

Without another thought, she hastily tried to gather her cloak around herself and step off the stage, desperate to escape from Arthur's intimidating presence. But in her emotional turmoil, her trembling foot tangled awkwardly in the trailing fabric of her cloak.

Lili stumbled sharply, her vision darkening rapidly as dizziness overcame her completely. A startled gasp rippled swiftly through the gathered villagers, who watched helplessly as she pitched forward, her delicate form plummeting dangerously toward the hard tavern floor.

Robin Loxley, standing anxiously near the front among other young villagers, reacted with swift instinct, lunging forward desperately. His strong arms caught Lili awkwardly just in time, preventing her from striking the floor. Robin's youthful face filled instantly with concern as he clumsily cradled Lili's limp, delicate body.

"L-Lili!" Robin stammered anxiously, his voice filled with genuine worry as he gently tried to steady her. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Yet despite his sincere efforts, Robin clearly had no idea how to properly handle the situation. He awkwardly held Lili in an upright sitting position, inadvertently worsening her dizziness and blocking proper circulation.

Lili's vision blurred sharply, darkness creeping rapidly across her consciousness. The distant, anxious murmurs of villagers surrounding her faded swiftly away, replaced by a heavy, oppressive silence. Robin's concerned blue eyes gazed helplessly into her own, but she was unable to speak, her consciousness slipping steadily further away.

Helplessly overwhelmed by exhaustion and dizziness, Lili's slender body went limp in Robin's awkward hold. Her eyes gently fluttered closed, her delicate features relaxing as darkness claimed her fully, her fainting spell leaving Robin holding her unconscious, vulnerable form amidst the confused, uncertain villagers.

Arthur's heartbeat thundered urgently in his chest as he saw Lili's slender form collapse limply into Robin's inexperienced embrace. A wave of intense frustration rose within him, tightening his jaw with irritation. It was clear that the boy holding her had absolutely no idea how to properly handle a fainting person—nor did the confused, anxious villagers who crowded helplessly around.

Without hesitation, Arthur moved swiftly forward, his armored boots echoing heavily upon the tavern's wooden floor. Villagers hurriedly stepped aside, intimidated by the confident authority radiating from his powerful, cloaked figure. Reinheart, noticing Arthur's sudden determination, quickly reached out, gripping his shoulder firmly.

"Art," Reinheart cautioned urgently, his deep voice low and stern. "This is beneath your station and risks revealing our identities. You cannot afford to get involved in petty village troubles—not with assassins and enemies actively seeking your life. Let the peasants handle their own problems."

Arthur paused, turning sharply to meet Reinheart's concerned gaze, his piercing blue eyes fiercely resolute. In a tone quiet but unmistakably commanding, Arthur spoke clearly, his voice carrying authority beneath carefully restrained anger.

"Reinheart, release me. Immediately," Arthur ordered firmly, shaking the older man's powerful grip effortlessly. "Do not forget who I am. I appreciate your caution, but I won't stand idly by while these ignorant fools mishandle something I can clearly remedy. This isn't negotiable."

Reinheart's eyes narrowed with silent disapproval, yet he recognized Arthur's determination and reluctantly stepped back, allowing the prince space to move forward freely.

Arthur turned swiftly back toward the unconscious Lili, gently but forcefully pushing through the gathered villagers, who quickly moved aside, respectfully intimidated by his obvious noble bearing and strength. His armor beneath his cloak clinked clearly, reinforcing the air of authority and competence he projected effortlessly.

Robin Loxley, still awkwardly holding Lili's limp figure, looked up startled, his youthful face filled with confusion and defensiveness as Arthur swiftly approached. Before Robin could utter a word of protest, Arthur spoke sharply, his voice firm yet controlled, leaving no room for argument.

"Hand her to me—now," Arthur commanded clearly, his icy-blue gaze narrowed sharply. "You're clearly incapable of helping her properly."

Robin opened his mouth, preparing to object, but Arthur did not wait for a response. With practiced ease, he swiftly but gently took Lili from Robin's grasp, carefully lowering her delicate form onto the tavern's wooden floor.

Moving with calm, efficient precision reflective of his past life as Frank—a former Navy SEAL and undercover police officer—Arthur laid Lili flat on her back, carefully elevating her legs onto his knee. The villagers around him watched with amazement, clearly baffled by Arthur's unusual yet effective actions.

Arthur quickly noted Lili's revealing attire beneath the fallen cloak, immediately feeling a sharp irritation. With deliberate care, he adjusted her cloak, gently covering her slender form to preserve her dignity and shield her from prying eyes. He acted without hesitation, instinctively protective yet meticulously respectful in his treatment of her unconscious state.

With his free hand, Arthur lightly but firmly rubbed Lili's thighs, stimulating circulation with precise movements. It was an essential first-aid measure deeply ingrained from his previous rigorous military training, designed specifically to restore proper blood flow and consciousness rapidly.

But to Robin, watching nearby with growing frustration and anger, Arthur's actions appeared entirely inappropriate—an obvious attempt to take advantage of Lili's vulnerable condition.

Robin's face flushed hotly, his fists clenching tightly, overwhelmed by jealousy and indignation. Unable to restrain himself any longer, Robin shouted fiercely, lunging forward aggressively.

"Get your hands off of her, you bastard!" Robin yelled furiously, grabbing Arthur roughly by the arm in a desperate attempt to pull him away. "Don't touch her!"

Arthur, however, barely budged. His strong, armored figure was unmoving, utterly unaffected by Robin's frantic tugging. With remarkable ease, Arthur turned slightly, gripping Robin's collar firmly in one powerful hand. In a swift, controlled motion, Arthur effortlessly pinned Robin to the floor beside Lili's unconscious body.

The villagers gasped audibly, clearly stunned and intimidated by Arthur's effortless display of superior strength and martial dominance. Robin struggled beneath Arthur's strong grasp, eyes blazing defiantly even as he found himself unable to break free.

"Calm down," Arthur commanded firmly, his voice calm yet coldly authoritative. "I'm helping her, you fool. Don't make this worse for yourself."

Robin gritted his teeth fiercely, glaring defiantly up at Arthur, unwilling to back down even when clearly outmatched.

"You liar!" Robin spat back furiously. "I saw how you looked at her. She's mine! You're too late. She already said she loves me! You're just trying to take her away!"

Arthur's eyes narrowed dangerously at Robin's claim, a surge of jealousy and possessiveness momentarily shaking his composure. A brief yet unsettling thought crossed Arthur's mind—the possibility of Lili having genuinely expressed affection toward Robin. Anger flared sharply within him, igniting fiercely in his chest.

"You're lying," Arthur growled softly, gripping Robin's collar tighter. "Why would she choose a common peasant like you over someone like me?"

Robin's face contorted in defiant triumph, his eyes filled with youthful pride despite his compromised position.

Before Arthur could react further, a middle-aged man from the crowd—Robin's father—rushed aggressively forward, his voice filled with fury and desperation.

"You damned noble bastard!" Robin's father shouted fiercely, lunging toward Arthur protectively. "Let my son go right now!"

In a swift, powerful motion, Reinheart intervened decisively. With agility and precision reminiscent of modern martial arts techniques, he moved swiftly through the crowd, intercepting Robin's father with astonishing ease. Reinheart tackled him firmly to the floor, effortlessly immobilizing him in a secure arm lock, displaying incredible skill that awed and intimidated the gathered villagers.

Amid the chaos, Lili's eyes fluttered weakly open, consciousness slowly returning to her exhausted body. Her vision was blurred, her mind confused. She saw Robin pinned beside her, Arthur gripping him fiercely.

Weakly, she whispered in confusion, her voice trembling softly.

"H-huh...? W-what's going on…?" she murmured weakly, her vision hazy and confused as she struggled to focus.

Arthur's icy blue eyes instantly softened as they met her confused, fragile gaze. His grip loosened slightly from Robin's collar, the anger in his expression momentarily tempered by genuine concern. However, before he could speak, Robin seized this momentary distraction to shout out defiantly, desperation coloring his youthful voice.

"Don't worry, Lili! I won't let this noble bastard hurt you!" Robin strained beneath Arthur's iron grip, face flushed from effort and humiliation. "You're my woman—I'll protect you!"

Arthur's composure shattered instantly, his anger returning tenfold at Robin's passionate claim. Eyes narrowing sharply, his voice dropped dangerously quiet, dripping cold fury as he turned to face Robin.

"Your woman?" Arthur hissed disdainfully, his powerful hand tightening once more around Robin's collar. "Do you dare insult me with such ridiculous claims? Explain yourself, boy—clearly—before I silence your insolence permanently."

Robin coughed harshly, stubbornly defiant despite his vulnerable position. He glared up at Arthur through fierce, wounded pride, forcing a mocking smile onto his lips.

"It's not an insult if it's true," Robin spat back with bitter triumph. "Lili herself said she loves me—right here, in front of everyone! You're too late, golden boy. She's chosen me already!"

Arthur's breath caught sharply, disbelief and sudden insecurity flaring dangerously within him. A troubling possibility seized his mind—that Lili might genuinely have declared feelings for Robin, a thought so absurd and humiliating it shook his composure to its very core.

But before Arthur could respond, Lili's quiet, bewildered voice intervened once more, filled with confusion and genuine distress. "W-wait… wh-what are you t-talking about?" she stammered softly, her voice trembling with embarrassment and confusion. "R-Robin, right? I d-don't even know you… h-how can you s-say that?"

Robin's face fell instantly, confusion and hurt replacing his confident bravado. "B-but Lili, you said earlier… y-you said you loved me…"

Lili's eyes widened in sudden realization, embarrassment deepening sharply across her flushed cheeks. "Th-that was j-just a joke!" she said quickly, voice weak yet earnest. "H-haven't you ever heard of sarcasm b-before? I-I didn't mean it l-literally! I don't even k-know you properly, Robin!"

Around them, villagers exchanged glances filled with amusement, surprise, and curiosity at the sudden revelation. Robin, clearly devastated by her clarification, looked away in embarrassment, his youthful pride deeply wounded.

Determined not to lose face completely, Robin turned back toward Lili, sincerity filling his young, earnest eyes. "I'm s-sorry, Lili—I didn't mean to misunderstand you. But p-please, just give me a chance! Let me court you—let me prove myself. I swear, someday soon I'll be the greatest hunter in Einsway! I'll provide for you and our future children—I promise you!"

Lili's mouth opened slightly in horror, her cheeks burning fiercely at Robin's sudden proposal. "W-what...? Children? M-marriage?" she whispered weakly, utterly stunned and mortified. She had absolutely no concept of marriage or motherhood, let alone romantic relationships—especially with a teenage boy in a medieval village.

Before she could process or respond further, Arthur quickly released Robin and turned swiftly toward her. With surprising gentleness yet unmistakable possessiveness, he effortlessly lifted her into a protective princess carry, cradling her securely against his chest.

Lili's heart quickened sharply, embarrassment mingling confusingly with unexpected warmth at Arthur's confident embrace. She opened her mouth weakly to protest, but Arthur swiftly silenced any objection by addressing Robin directly, his voice arrogant and authoritative.

"How utterly absurd. Do you honestly believe she would choose a mere village hunter like you over me?" Arthur said coldly, his piercing gaze locked directly onto Robin's flushed, defiant face. "She deserves far better than your pitiful offer."

Robin, emotionally wounded yet determined not to back down, stood up bravely, squaring his shoulders defiantly as he faced Arthur.

"Yes—I might not have your riches or your noble blood," Robin said, his voice trembling slightly with passionate sincerity. "But at least I'd offer her true devotion, as my one and only wife—not some concubine, another disposable toy for you!"

Lili's eyes widened sharply at the word "concubine," her heart racing with disbelief and embarrassment. "W-wait, what? C-concubine…?" she stammered weakly, confusion evident in her delicate features. "I-I'm not some object for you two to argue over!"

Both Arthur and Robin instantly turned toward her, their voices overlapping firmly and sharply in unison.

"Be quiet, Lili—men are speaking!"

Lili's mouth fell open, stunned speechless by their authoritative dismissal. Her heart sank deeply, anger and embarrassment overwhelming her at being treated so dismissively. Yet she was still too weak and exhausted to argue further, forced to quietly listen to their heated exchange.

Arthur, however, swiftly regained control of the conversation. With cold precision, he revealed the lion-emblem pendant upon his cloak, his voice ringing clearly and authoritatively through the tense silence.

"You see this pendant? Understand clearly, Robin—you've insulted a noble commissioned by your king. Consider yourself lucky today, for it is only due to this girl's presence that I refrain from harsher punishment."

Robin's face paled, recognition dawning swiftly upon his youthful features. He lowered his gaze, intimidated and visibly shaken by Arthur's noble status and authoritative claim.

Arthur continued confidently, addressing the villagers clearly and publicly, asserting his identity and their mission.

"Good people of Einsway, I am Sir Art, and my companion and I are royal monster hunters sent directly by the King himself. You have no reason for concern—return to your drinks and your conversations. Let this unpleasant incident end here."

Villagers exchanged cautious glances before slowly resuming their drinking and whispered conversations, clearly intimidated by Arthur's noble authority and evident strength.

Arthur carried Lili gently to a table that Reinheart had quickly cleared of occupants. With surprising tenderness, he wrapped Lili protectively within her cloak, holding her closely as he sat down.

Despite her embarrassment, Lili's pride stirred softly. Her weak voice came quietly, determined yet vulnerable. "Art...I-I appreciate your help, b-but I don't need you to treat me like some baby. I can handle myself."

Arthur said nothing but quietly loosened his hold, allowing her room to stand. Lili quickly rose to her feet, determined not to appear weak, but immediately dizziness returned fiercely. Her knees trembled weakly beneath her.

Before she could collapse again, Arthur's firm hands caught her gently, supporting her securely. In that instant, all the exhaustion, pain, and loneliness crashed down upon Lili, overwhelming her fiercely maintained pride and independence. Her eyes filled suddenly with tears, and in a soft, broken whisper, she finally admitted defeat.

"P-please...help me."