Chapter 93: Kidnapped (1) (1/2)

(AN: Please don't lynch me, please don't lynch me! Before you throw the first rock at me, remember I did mention that we will be opening up the world and cover some darker themes. I already made concessions against the original version, so please just try to enjoy the arc and know that I will make it right, I promise!)

Underground of Higrove's notorious Slums, in a dimly lit room a battered, beaten and chained girl sat on the ground only in her underwear. Torn remains of her clothing were scattered all around the dirty floor, mixed with her red bloodstains. Strangely, however, her captors left the amulet on her neck untouched, still carefully hidden inside the black leather pouch. She had her face buried in the depths of her kneecaps, she was sobbing.

Maybe this all was her fault. In retrospect, she was naive. She should have been suspicious about the invitation. Who in their right mind would post a public post about it? And who would be stupid enough to actually show up? What was she thinking?

Either way, it doesn't matter now. The worst that could have happened already happened.

However, she still hoped for a miracle. Her savior, her beacon against the darkness. The light that saved her all those years ago and pulled her back from the depth of despair. Her beloved brother.

Even if it's just a wish of the heart, a nonsensical idea, she still clung to this tiny sliver of hope and kept muttering the same sentence under her breath, wishing that he would come and save her from all her heart.

”*sob* Brother, please save me. Brother, please… save me… *sob* Brother… please save me!!”

***Several hours ago, on the streets of Higrove***

After a filling meal, Lily and not too far behind Sir Michael was walking on the streets of Higrove. Lily was silent under the cover of her hood, thinking of ways what she should say to make sure this clingy knight would finally leave her alone and just go away.

Meanwhile, Sir Michael was thinking of possible locations she could invite Miss Lily to and enjoy a romantic afternoon together. He felt that he did really well today and made a lot of progress. He wanted to 'hit the iron while it's hot'.

Gathering his courage, he spoke up.

”Miss Lily, would you perhaps like to enjoy the refreshing afternoon breeze with me? I know a spot that Miss would most certainly find beautiful!”

Stopping in her tracks, and pretending to think about the idea, Lily answered after a few brief moments.

”I'm sorry Sir Michael, but I have to meet up with friends soon, so I have to decline. Perhaps another time?”

”Of course Miss, although I'm sad to hear that you already have arranged obligations, I will take the option Miss advises. How does tomorrow afternoon sound?” Michael advised.

”Sure, that sounds good. See you, tomorrow Sir Michael, and thanks for the help today!” Lily followed up, while happily smiling under the cover of the hood. She finally found a way to get rid of him without hurting his feelings!

Bowing, Sir Michael respectfully gazed at the ground, acknowledging and obviously misinterpreting the meaning behind her words.

”Not at all, I'm happy to assist the eager and new adventurers, and as a knight, it's my duty to protect miss!”

Lily giggled at his response, giving the lovestruck knight another fatal shot in the heart.

”Ehehe, Sir Michael, you sure are funny! But I have to go now, so have a nice day, and see you tomorrow!”

Turning around she started walking towards the direction of the Marketplace, but after a couple of steps, she stopped and faced the knight who kept gazing at her motionlessly, startling him in the process.

”Yes, Miss Lily? Did you forget something?” he asked after the momentary surprise.

”Oh yes, I almost forgot! Thank you for the lunch! It was delicious!” Lily answered with a wave.

”R-right, you're welcome Miss…” Sir Michael mumbled as she kept gazing at the receding back of the girl. As her figure finally vanished amidst the crowd that was heading to the marketplace, disdain set upon his fixture as he thought back that after spending the day with an angel, he has to go back home and look at the ugly sight of his wife…

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