Akira strolled down the busy thoroughfare on her way to the Guild campus. Being a prominent figure, the crowds around her instinctively parted, giving her space. It was nice, in a sense, that she wasn't packed shoulder-to-shoulder with other commuters, but it also meant she was far easier to pick out and quickly drew attention. Having grown up under this kind of scrutiny, she'd been desensitized to it for years.

That being said, she understood how it could be overwhelming for someone like Lukas. He was so obviously a recluse and a shut-in, given how easily he threw himself into things without realizing how much time had passed. That kind of mindset was one you'd see in loners and hermits who didn't have any obligations or people to look afte—at least none they cared about.

Then there was what little Akira knew about Lukas' time in his own world. All she knew about his personal life was that he had lived in a cabin out in the middle of the wilderness, presumably alone. She would've liked to know more but he was very closed off about how his life had been back on his home world, even though seemed to enjoy talking about his people's history and technology.

While Akira knew Lukas didn't like all the attention he garnered, she didn't approve of his newest idea, even if it was clever. What he needed was to get used to having eyes on him. Sooner or later, people would learn that he was an outworlder, and he'd be forced into making public appearances whether he liked it or not. People would want a look at the man from a world without magic. A man with brand-new racial abilities that could be passed down to any race. That would mean a lot of scrutiny, and it would only be harder to get used to if he insisted on hiding.

"You should be out here walking with me," Akira whispered down at her own shadow.

Shortly after entering the city gates, Lukas had slipped into Akira's shadow. Having witnessed this ability multiple times, she knew it was a stealth ability, but she also knew its drawback. As soon as someone knew where he was, it was a lot harder to evade detection from that person. This meant that while Lukas could hide from everyone else around, Akira could still sense him in her shadow.

Now, had the situation been slightly different, Akira would have appreciated such an ingenious idea—it could be immensely useful in the future—but at the moment she disapproved.

"You can't hide forever. People need to get used to seeing you around," Akira murmured, quiet enough that the non-magics around couldn't hear, but just loud enough for Lukas' perception to pick up.

There was no response from her shadow, as Lukas was unable to communicate while hidden—at least so long as he wanted to stay hidden. It was slightly frustrating not being able to have a conversation with him, though on the plus side, it did mean that she could talk without him being able to argue back.

"You're associated with my family now, and that means you'll need to be seen with my family out in public. You need to become a known figure, and you need to get used to being stared at by large groups of people," she continued, pushing further into the city.

"Maybe we could have this conversation somewhere else, when you're not surrounded by people," a whisper came from the growing darkness around her.

Shaking her head, Akira walked on, making it to the Guild campus within half an hour. Ignoring the glances from the adventurers that littered the grounds, she marched toward the contracts hall to turn in their completed contracts. Once inside, she found a more subdued scene than she was used to. Most times when she was in the building, it was full of adventurers looking for the next job. Now it was sparsely populated with most being those turning in contracts to get paid, like her. There weren't a whole lot of people looking for night work, after all.

"If you're going to stay in the shadows, at least pay attention while I turn in the contracts. You'll need to know how to do this on your own."

Without waiting for a response, Akira walked over to the nearest clerk, pulling out her membership crystal along with the contract she'd picked up in the village. Turning in the physical contract, Akira placed her crystal in the small array on the clerk's desk. The array was meant to check the contents of the crystal and verify completed jobs, while the clerk manually checked the physical contract. Once everything was checked and verified, the guild employee had Akira fill out a basic report. She would've liked to have Lukas there to make sure he knew what was going on, but with him hiding, she could only trust that he was actually paying attention.

Once the report was filled out and filed, the clerk placed a large stack of coins on the desk. Thanking the clerk, she gathered up the payment and placed it in her bag of holding. Turning to leave, Akira could sense Lukas lingering in a nearby shadow, eyeing the coins as they disappeared into her pouch.

Throwing a glance in his direction, she said, "I'll give you your cut once you come out of the shadows. Until then, it stays with me."

When she realized that Lukas wouldn't be coming out, Akira just shook her head and made for the exit. She'd made it halfway across the room when someone called out to her—and unfortunately, it was a voice she recognized.

"Ah! Lady Akira, it's so nice to see you again!"

***

Lukas watched from the sideline as a human man confidently strode over to Akira. He was Lukas's height, maybe an inch or two shorter, and was annoyingly handsome. He had thin features and a lithe build, making Lukas assume he had some elf heritage, even if he had normal human ears. He had slick black hair combed up, styled to point toward the ceiling, which made his face look longer and slimmer. The man wore a warm, greeting smile.

Compared to the light armor that both Lukas and Akira wore, the newcomer had medium armor. His bracers, greaves, and chest piece were made of metal and had a deep blue, almost purple color—like blued steel. The rest of him was covered in flexible leather.

Akira turned to face the approaching man, exasperation written across her whole body. "Hello, Elias," she said, barely containing a sigh.

Now, Lukas didn't have a whole lot of experience in social settings, and social cues weren't his forte, but even still, it was apparent that Akira didn't like this Elias. He couldn't see why—Elias seemed nice enough at first glance. Sure, the confidence he tried to project was a bit much, but he didn't seem belligerent. Whatever it was, Lukas was sure he'd find out one way or another.

"You look as lovely as ever," the man, Elias, said, coming to a stop before Akira.

"Elias, I'm half covered in monster blood and bruises."

As she spoke, there was a definite shift in Akira's body language. She drew herself up, standing tall and holding her head high like a proper noble lady. She even managed to radiate more grace and poise than she usually did—if that were even possible. It was to the point that she looked just like her mother.

"And yet your beauty shines through," Elias flirted, "Though it must be said that you look particularly good with armor on and a spear in hand."

"That's very kind. Now, is there a reason why you approached me? It's been a long day and I need to get home."

"Of course, Lady Akira. Someone of your status must have many calls on their time. I simply noticed you and wanted to give you this." Reaching into his bag, Elias pulled out an ornate glass case that housed a delicate-looking pink flower—one that Lukas was intimately familiar with.

"An Amor Lily, as gorgeous and pure as you," he said, offering Akira the case, which she hesitantly took. "And if you're looking to relax after a long day, I'd be more than happy to treat you to a night out."

Looking down at the glass case in her hands, a look of distaste flashed behind Akira's eyes before returning to a stony, neutral expression. "I'm going to have to decline. There's somewhere I have to be, and I'm waiting on someone now."

"Well, that's a shame," Elias said, looking truly saddened by her refusal. "Would you perhaps be waiting on that masked man everyone is talking about?"

"You would be correct," she said, before continuing in a more curious tone. "What have people been saying?"

Lukas had to admit, he was curious too—if a little freaked out by the fact that people were actually talking about him.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Oh, it's been all kinds of things, mostly speculation and rumors. Some think he's a young master from a faraway land. Others say he's a distant family member. There are even a few suggesting ridiculous things, like that you two are betrothed," he finished with a mocking laugh.

Akira leveled an even gaze at the man. "And what do you think, Elias?"

The man raised his brows in surprise, not expecting the question. "Oh. I can't say I have any particular thoughts regarding him. It's not my place to inquire about Anuk family business, and I know nothing about the man but his appearance."

"Mmm, wise," she said, not interested in the dull response. "He was meant to be here with me now, but it seems I'm waiting for him to show up." She glanced around the room, her eyes lingering on Lukas for a moment—an intensity in her gaze that told him he'd better help her out of there or he'd be in for it later.

Sighing internally, Lukas was about to pop out of the shadows when he stopped himself. Why should he step in and help her after everything she'd put him through today? He'd nearly been drowned by a water elemental and was an inch away from having his head turned to pulp by a badgermole because she'd withheld information from him. Then she had pried into his secrets, and he'd actually told her about parts of his racial ability. Not to mention all the other things she'd put him through before today.

Rather than step out of the shadows, Lukas moved through them, heading for the entrance and leaving Akira to deal with Elias. He'd wait for her outside. It was rude to snoop on what was meant to be a private conversation, after all.

*

Sometime later, an irritable-looking Akira marched out of the contracts hall straight toward Lukas. He was standing under a tree, fiddling with his puzzle box in the last remnants of daylight. The area just outside the building reminded Lukas of the quads found on the college campuses back home—a large open grassy area with a few paths to navigate through, the odd bench, and trees placed here and there. The area also seemed to double as a marshaling yard, as he'd spotted one group gathering before going out on an expedition.

He had gotten more than a few curious glances, most of them in recognition. It made his armpits a bit sweaty, and he found it difficult to focus on his puzzle, but at least no one had actually come up to him—for which he was immensely grateful. It probably helped that he was letting out a bit of his aura, using his ability to subtly keep people away.

Once he noticed Akira's approach and her less-than-happy expression, Lukas couldn't help but smile to himself.

"I should smash this thing over your head," she growled, holding out the glass case threateningly.

"What, didn't you like some alone time with your suitor? I just thought you'd want some privacy, seeing as you were enjoying yourself so much," Lukas teased as he put away the puzzle box.

"Oh, yeah, real funny. Just wait for tomorrow's training," she huffed. "You couldn't have just popped up and saved me from that guy?"

"See, I thought about it, but then I remembered what you put me through today."

Akira opened her mouth to retort but only ended up sighing. "Alright, that's fair, I guess. You can have that one."

"So what's up with that guy, anyway? You clearly don't like him, but he didn't seem like a bad guy."

Akira rolled her eyes. "Of course he didn't—that's the whole point. That's why he made the approach when he did. He probably knows I turn my contracts in during the evening and was waiting for me. He wanted to come up to me where people could see, but not so many that no one knew what was going on."

"So he knew you'd reject him in front of the handful of people in there?" Lukas frowned. "What does that have to do with why you don't like him?"

"Because that's not the first or even the second time he's made an approach. I've lost count at this point, and it's really annoying, especially when he does it so publicly."

"Why does he keep at it then?"

"Politics," Akira sighed in exhaustion, "and his family. From what I gather, he thinks he can use public opinion to pressure me into accepting him. That's why he does it so openly—so people think he's some wholesome, love-struck fool and I'm a cold-hearted monster who keeps shutting him down. It's ridiculous, and I don't see it working, but he clearly thinks otherwise.

"As for his family, they're low-tier aristocrats without any noble titles or power outside of the city. By all rights, he should not be trying to court someone with my status, but his family only pays lip service to their attempts at stopping him."

"But why? If your family is that important and powerful, you could just smack them down if they piss you off."

"Because my mother won't do that unless he does something incredibly stupid—which his family knows. But if by some miracle I do fall for him, then that's only good for them, as it will instantly raise their status and give them an extremely strong tie to one of the most powerful families in the region."

"That sounds really annoying."

"It is," she said before smiling, "but while I might have a few suitors chasing me around, you'll have a flood to deal with once your little secret comes out."

Lukas grunted. "Ugh, don't remind me. If you don't want anything to do with that guy, then why accept the flower?"

She looked down at the case with a pained expression. "Because I kind of have to."

She must've picked up on Lukas' confusion, because she shook her head and continued, "It's a cultural, political, and diplomatic mess. Let's just say it's extremely rude and offensive to decline—but I'm close to just smashing these things over his head at this point."

Lukas glanced at the case in her hands. "How many has he given you?"

She thought about it for a moment. "I believe this is the eleventh? Twelfth?"

"What, that many!?"

Laughing, Akira said, "I told you he's made a lot of approaches—and he doesn't even give me a flower every time. Do you want this one?"

"What? Why offer it to me?"

Akira shrugged. "I sure as hell don't want it. I'd love to just smash the thing on the ground and leave it to rot, but I can't do that publicly. But you're an alchemist, so maybe you can do something with it?"

Lukas once more glanced at the proffered case. "You're not going to stab me or anything if I decline, are you?"

Akira laughed again. "No, that's only if there's romantic intent."

He thought the offer over for a moment before accepting. He didn't have a use for the flower at the moment, but he might in the future. He still vividly remembered the rampage he'd gone through even though he'd only sniffed the flower once, and he was curious to see if he could turn the aphrodisiac into a berserking potion of some kind.

Holding up the glass case, Lukas inspected the flower, still finding it weird that it was shaped like female genitalia.

"I still think it's a little on the nose to hand these to someone you're interested in. You might as well walk up to them naked and tell them you want to have sex with them."

Akira shook her head ruefully. "The flower might have a very famous effect, but it's also cultural. The Amor Lily represents love, passion, marriage, and the desire to have a family. When someone offers you the flower, it's meant to show their sincerity and pure intentions. Obviously, it doesn't always work out that way."

"Oh," Lukas said, realizing something. "Is that why you can't decline? It would be like saying you reject the meaning behind the flower itself?"

"Exactly. And doing so would kick up a big political storm I want nothing to do with. It's just easier to suck it up and accept the flower—even if I'd rather kick the guy in the beans and burn every flower in his face."

Lukas stared at her for a moment. "That's… intense."

Akira gave him a lopsided grin before locking her arm with his, leading him away. While Lukas was confused and flustered by the action, she looked back over her shoulder, finding Elias at the entrance to the contracts hall watching. If Elias wanted to put on a show, then so could she.

***

Elias had watched as the key to his family's rise flirted with the masked man, and anger bubbled up inside him each time she laughed. Then he was forced to watch as she offered the man the flower he had gifted her. Upon seeing that, he'd had to force himself not to do something brash—despite how much he wanted to. Watching them walk away together arm-in-arm, and seeing that smug smile on her face, made it all the harder.

He hadn't been able to hear what they were saying to one another, and Anuk's back was to him so he couldn't read her lips. Then, of course, he got nothing from the masked stranger—not even his stiff body language gave anything away.

She was supposed to be his. He'd had it all planned out for months now. Things had been going so well for the family the last few years. Not only had their business exploded in popularity, but they'd even managed to gain the notice of some of Pinewood's top families. Then, despite the odds, they had been able to rise to become a proper aristocratic family, well on their way to the top. Akira was the ticket there. To claim the hand of the future matriarch's daughter would be huge and elevate his family to the very top of society.

Then there was heart and her beauty—far more gorgeous than the average woman, in a world where the most average woman was beautiful. Gods, he wanted her, but she insisted on stonewalling him at every turn, no matter what he tried. But that wouldn't matter. Soon the family would be elevated a step further, with his father ascending to gold rankand the competing businesses being bought out.

At that point, they'd be a perfect match, and pressure from all sides would bring her to him.

But now there was a stranger. He'd just popped out of nowhere and was ruining everything. According to branch members of the Anuk family, the two of them were spending most of their time together, and the thought made his stomach twist. He'd obviously heard all the rumors, and each time someone mentioned that he might be a suitor for the young lady, it made his blood boil.

The stranger couldn't be allowed to mess up his plans—and he needed to be dealt with one way or another.

"Marcus," Elias growled to his nearby teammate, an archer and scout with very good underground connections.

"Elias?" the man inquired gruffly.

"Please have someone look into that man as deeply as possible. Discreetly and quietly—we don't want some big shots breathing down our necks if he's someone important."

Marcus simply nodded as he and the other four on the team watched the pair disappear into the crowd. "Shouldn't be too hard. I imagine a lot of people are digging into who this guy is. Won't be cheap, though—snooping in on the Anuks isn't easy."

"Do it. My family is supporting me wholeheartedly."

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