Alex stood in the aftermath of his earlier scuffle with the bandits, rubbing his temple as the gathered travelers continued to murmur.
Just moments ago, they had looked at him like he was some villain straight out of a horror story, but now, thanks to a soft and innocent voice, the atmosphere had changed.
"Mama, he's not a bad guy!" The little girl's voice rang out like a tiny bell, making several heads turn.
Her mother, a stunning woman with golden-blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, sharp yet kind blue eyes, and fair, flawless skin, stepped forward.
"Everyone, we shouldn't judge someone by their clothes alone. If this young man truly meant harm, why would he have defeated the bandits and not harmed us?"
The crowd murmured in agreement, some looking a bit guilty for their earlier accusations.
Alex, seizing the moment, crossed his arms dramatically. "See? I've been saying that from the beginning! Just because I look too good to be a normal traveler doesn't mean I'm a criminal!" He flicked his silver hair dramatically.
Still, proving his innocence wasn't enough for him—he needed concrete proof before someone tried to brand him a rogue again.
So, without wasting another moment, he called the local law enforcement. Within minutes, a group of armored officers arrived, their advanced energy weapons gleaming under the sunlight.
"Officer, these are the guys you need to take in," Alex said, nudging the groaning bandits with his foot. "They thought they could rob these good people. A tragic miscalculation on their part."
The leading officer gave Alex a long, scrutinizing look before nodding. "We've had reports of a bandit group operating in this area. Good work, young man."
With that, the officers quickly apprehended the unconscious criminals and secured them in their hovering police transport.
The travelers let out a sigh of relief, and one by one, they started thanking Alex. Some even offered him rewards.
A wealthy merchant stepped forward and extended a pouch of gold coins. "Young man, please take this as a token of our gratitude."
Alex gasped dramatically. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly take—" He reached out and snatched the pouch with lightning speed. "—never mind, thank you very much!"
The crowd stared at him, half in amusement and half in disbelief.
Sonia Starlight, the noblewoman from earlier, chuckled lightly at his shamelessness. "You don't waste an opportunity, do you?"
"Opportunities are like falling stars, My Lady ," Alex said with a wise nod. "If you don't grab them immediately, they vanish."
As the travelers began to disperse, Alex took one last glance at the little girl who had spoken up for him. Just as he was about to leave, her mother's voice stopped him.
"Young man, wait."
Turning around, he saw the lady and her daughter standing before him.
"My name is Sonia Starlight, and this is my daughter, Sophia Starlight," she introduced, smiling. "We come from the Marquis House of Starlight."
Now that he got a proper look at them, Alex had to admit—they were both breathtakingly beautiful. Sonia's golden-blonde hair and sapphire-blue eyes gave her a noble and elegant presence.
Meanwhile, little Sophia, with her same golden locks and bright, curious eyes, looked like an adorable doll.
Alex placed a hand on his chest and smirked. "Alex Dragonheart, at your service. A humble traveler trying to make his way in this world."
Sonia seemed amused by his introduction, and after a moment of thought, she spoke again.
"If you're heading to the capital, why not ride with us? It's a long way on foot, and after what you did for us, I believe it's only fair."
Alex's eyes subtly gleamed with the promise of luxury. "Oh, Lady Starlight, I couldn't possibly say n—"
"—No?" Sonia raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, I humbly accept!" Alex said immediately, making the crowd burst into laughter.
Moments later, he found himself seated inside a luxurious hover car, sinking into the plush leather seats as Sophia stared at him with wide, curious eyes.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You're really handsome," Sophia said innocently, her big blue eyes shining.
Alex chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I know."
Sophia beamed. "Are you a prince?"
"Well, not exactly," Alex replied with a grin. "But if I were, I'd be the most charming one."
Sonia, who had been observing their interaction, shook her head in amusement. "You're quite the character, aren't you?"
"Of course. If handsomeness was a crime, I'd be serving a life sentence," Alex said shamelessly.
Sophia giggled and leaned forward. "Can you teach me how to be cool like you?"
Alex smirked. "Step one: Always accept free money. Step two: Look good doing it. Step three: Never forget steps one and two."
Sonia sighed. "Let's… not teach my daughter to be money-loving , shall we?"
The ride continued in a lighthearted manner, filled with Sophia's innocent questions and Alex's playful responses.
However, amidst the laughter and jokes, in the distance, a shadowy figure watched their car from a high vantage point. His eyes gleamed as he whispered to himself.
"So… he still hasn't awakened his bloodline and still defeated the bandits....interesting huh "