The Hero's Puppet Master

Ronan and Aurelia arrived at Valtoria Manor as the evening sun bathed the grand estate in a warm, golden hue. The manor stood tall and elegant, a testament to the Valtoria family's wealth and influence.

A few days earlier, Ronan and Aurelia had received the request from Baron Kael. The letter, sealed with his personal crest, left no room for refusal.

Ronan had read the contents with a quiet sigh, handing it to Aurelia afterward. She raised an eyebrow as she scanned the message.

"Escort mission?" she said, disappointed. "Sounds boring."

"It's not optional," Ronan said flatly. "Baron Kael's vouched for us. but trust me, it will be more than fun."

Aurelia rolled her eyes but didn't argue further.

...

The doors to the manor opened, and they were led into a spacious sitting room where Lady Seraphina Valtoria and her young son Cedric Valtoria, awaited them.

Lady Seraphina, in a deep emerald gown, looked fragile but exuded an air of quiet strength. Her son, barely eight years old, clung to her side, his wide eyes curiously inspecting the newcomers.

Ronan's glance lingers on Seraphina for a moment as he thinks to himself, Marioness Seraphina Valtoria. Her husband died just a few months ago in a hunting accident gone wrong. A tragedy, they said. But in my other lives, her end has always been the same—to die in a bandit attack on the road to the capital. Some says it's Viscount Malthion Dremoor's doing.

Seraphina's sharp, assessing eyes studied them. "Baron Kael speaks highly of you both," she began. "But I admit I find it difficult to trust two B-ranked adventurers, and so young at that."

Aurelia opened her mouth to respond, but Ronan subtly placed a hand on her arm to stop her.

She looked at him steadily. Seraphina continued, her tone firm. "I have skilled guards, knights who have served this family for years. I trust them with my life and the life of my son. But Kael's word carries weight, and out of respect for him, I will honor his decision."

She paused, her stare unwavering. "You will ride with my knights when we head to the capital. We depart two days from today. Prove Kael's faith in you isn't misplaced."

Ronan inclined his head respectfully. "We'll do our best, Lady Valtoria."

Seraphina turned back to her son, whispering something softly into his ear before gesturing for the attendants to escort the adventurers out of the room.

As they walked down the hall, Aurelia muttered under her breath, "She's nice."

"Nice?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her in disbelief.

"Well, she didn't outright dismiss us," she said with a grin. "And she's pretty."

He gently flicked her forehead, causing her to yelp softly. "Concentrate, Aur. This is not as easy as it sounds. Keep your wits about you."

Rubbing at her forehead, Aurelia glared at him.

The two maids led them through the grand halls of the manor, gesturing to their rooms with curt bows before disappearing, leaving them to settle in.

Ronan smirked to himself as he pushed open his door, thinking, If this is really a planned murder, we will able to face strong opponents. Perfect.

The training grounds buzzed with men drilling in sync. Amid clashing swords and barked orders, Aurelia stood out—a lithe figure between burly, armored men.

Neither did her presence go unnoticed:.

"Who's the kid?" a knight sneered, his voice carrying over the clang of steel. "She looks like she wandered in from the kitchen."

Aurelia tilted her head slightly, the corner of her mouth lifting in a faint smile, but she said nothing.

The scarred, broader knight snickered. "Maybe she is here to cheer us on or hand out water."

Taunts kept coming, but it spread through laughter through the knights. Aurelia stood without movement, her sharp stare resembling a blade.

"Hey little girl," the broader scarred knight stepped forward, saying "You think you can hold onto that sword or show her which end is the which?

Aurelia's smile broadened. "Funny. I was just about to ask if you needed help with yours.

The man's grin dropped, and a scowl took its place. "Oh, you've got a mouth on you. Let's see if you've got the skill to back it up."

He didn't get another step before Sir Garran's commanding voice cut through the noise. "Enough!

The knights fell silent as Garran approached, his sharp gaze flicking between Aurelia and the scarred knight.

"What's going on here?" he demanded.

"She challenged me," the scarred knight said, sounding defensive.

Aurelia shrugged, a look of serenity upon her face. "Actually, I just suggested he should be training more and talking less. But if he wishes for a duel, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

A laugh ran through the crowd, though Garran kept his face expressionless.

"Do you mean that?" Garran asked, raising an eyebrow at Aurelia.

"Completely," she said, resting her sword against her shoulder. "I don't like bullies. Time to put him in his place."

Garran looked at her for a moment, nodded. "Very well. But if you want a duel, you'll face someone worthy." He turned to the group. "Tavin, step forward.".

Tavin, an old B-rated knight, stepped into the ring. He was full of himself with his large shoulders and easy smirk, thinking Aurelia would not be much of a fight.

"I'll be quick," Tavin cracked his knuckles.

Aurelia tightened her hand on her sword, her eyes scrunched up. But she didn't get to advance before a familiar voice penetrated the tension.

"Am I interrupting something?"

The crowd turned as Ronan strolled onto the training grounds, his black sword resting casually against his shoulder. His piercing blue eyes swept over the scene, landing on Tavin.

"Picking fights with Petite girl?" Ronan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Very noble of you guys."

Tavin smirked. "She challenged me, not the other way around."

Ronan's gaze shifted to Aurelia. "You sure about this?"

"It's my fight," she said firmly.

He sighed, shaking his head approached her and mummered. "Not yet, it's not. You're not in control of your power. You'll either cripple him or worse."

Aurelia frowned but didn't argue, the weight of his words sinking in.

Ronan turned to Garran, his tone casual but firm. "I'll take her place."

Garran shrugged, crossing his arms. "Fine. Ronan fights."

The scarred knight scoffed. "Oh, so the babysitter wants a turn now?"

Ronan's eyes sparkled with something cold as he stepped into the circle. "Be careful. You might regret saying that."

Tavin twirled his blade, smirking. "Big talk. Let's see if you can back it up."

Ronan yawned, spinning his sword lazily in one hand. "I'll make this quick. I've got better things to do than waste time on amateurs.".