Rossette and Adam, along with their captive, Eighth prince Alderic, entered the capital city of Rumenia with a sense of caution.

The city was alive with the bustle of its residents, but Rossette's sharp eyes caught the subtle glances and whispers that followed their unusual trio.

Alderic, bound and disgruntled, walked between them, his presence a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere of the capital.

Unbeknownst to them, their arrival had not gone unnoticed by more than just curious onlookers.

A small group of looters, four in number, had been lurking in the shadows, their eyes lighting up at the sight of what they perceived as easy prey.

Rossette and Adam, despite their fierce demeanors, appeared young and inexperienced to the looters.

The sight of a bound nobleman, who they assumed to be of considerable worth, only sweetened the prospect of a profitable ambush.

The leader of the looters, a wiry ma

n with a scar running down his cheek, gestured to his comrades, signaling them to move. They followed Rossette and Adam at a distance, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As the trio turned into a quieter alley, the looters saw their chance.

"Hey, you there!" the scarred leader called out, stepping into the alley to block their path. His comrades quickly moved to close off any escape routes. "Why don't you hand over your valuables and that fancy lordling? No need for anyone to get hurt."

Rossette's eyes narrowed, and Adam's hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. Prince Alderic, despite his bindings, managed a smirk. "Looks like your luck's run out," he sneered, hoping the looters would give him the opening he needed to escape.

Rossette, unfazed by the prince's attitude or the looters' threats, took a step forward. "You really should have chosen your targets more carefully," she said, her voice calm but laced with menace. "We're not as helpless as we look."

The scarred leader laughed, a grating sound that echoed off the alley walls. "Tough talk for someone about to be relieved of their burdens. Get them, boys!"

The looters lunged, but Rossette and Adam were faster. In a blur of movement, Rossette dispatched the first attacker with a well-placed strike to the throat, sending him crumpling to the ground.

Adam drew his sword in one fluid motion, deflecting another looter's blade before driving his own weapon into the man's chest.

The remaining two looters, now realizing their mistake, tried to flee, but Rossette was upon them in seconds, rendering them unconscious with swift, precise blows.

In mere moments, the alley was quiet again, the looters defeated and lying motionless on the cobblestones. Rossette and Adam stood over their fallen foes, their breaths steady and measured despite the sudden burst of violence.

Prince Alderic, still bound, gaped at the display. "You're... you're not ordinary travelers, are you?" he stammered, the fear evident in his voice.

"No, we're not," Adam said, wiping his blade clean on one of the fallen looters' cloaks. "And you'd do well to remember that."

Rossette glanced around, ensuring no one else was lurking in the shadows. "We need to move," she said. "The last thing we need is to attract more attention."

Just as they were about to leave the alley, a voice, smooth and familiar, spoke from the entrance. "You should clean up this mess before someone sees it."

Both Rossette and Adam spun around, weapons raised, ready to face another threat. However, the sight of the speaker made them pause. Standing there with a knowing smirk was Mary, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Mary," Rossette breathed, lowering her fists but still keeping a wary posture. "What are you doing here?"

Mary stepped into the alley, her gaze sweeping over the scene of the fight. "I was in the neighborhood," she said, her tone light. "And it looks like I arrived just in time to save you from a bit of trouble."

Adam sheathed his sword, a relieved smile tugging at his lips. "We could have handled it."

"Clearly," Mary replied, gesturing to the unconscious looters. "But it's good to see you two haven't lost your touch."

She then turned her attention to Alderic, who squirmed under her scrutinizing gaze. "And who's this?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

"The Eighth prince Alderic," Rossette said, her voice dripping with disdain. "We're keeping him under close watch."

Mary's smirk deepened. "Interesting. Very interesting. Well, it seems we have much to discuss."

Rossette nodded. "Yes, but not here. Let's move before someone else decides to try their luck."

Eighth prince Alderic, still bound and frustrated, seized the opportunity to address Mary as they made their way through the bustling streets. His voice took on a tone of desperation mixed with authority. "You there, Mary, was it? Help me out of this situation, and I'll make sure you're handsomely rewarded. Gold, titles—whatever you desire, just get me out of here."

Mary slowed her pace, pretending to mull over the offer. Her fingers tapped her chin thoughtfully, and a small, mischievous smile played on her lips. Alderic's eyes lit up with hope, the possibility of his freedom within reach. For a moment, he believed he had found an ally, someone who might betray the others for personal gain.

Then Mary turned around, her smile widening into a grin. "I've thought about it," she said sweetly. "And I've decided... not to help you."

Alderic's hope shattered instantly. His face contorted in anger, and he barked, "You'll regret this! You have no idea who you're dealing with! I am a prince, and I will—"

"You'll do nothing," Mary cut him off sharply, her voice cold. "You're in no position to make threats, prince or not."

Alderic clenched his jaw, his frustration mounting, but he said nothing more, recognizing the futility of his threats for the moment.

The group continued their journey, arriving at the inn where Layla was staying. The inn's cozy exterior contrasted sharply with the tension that lingered between them.

Just as they were about to step inside, Rossette suddenly stopped. Her face flushed slightly, and she glanced nervously at the inn's entrance.