As they stepped into the vibrant lands of Xandoria, the air thick with mana and the hum of distant ley lines, Elara took a deep breath, smiling to herself."So this is Xandoria," she said, eyes scanning the lush horizon. "The air here is rich with magic... a beautiful world."
Lilith nodded, her gaze fixed ahead. "Yes, it's the first world I traveled to alone. It feels familiar now."
Elara glanced at her. "Where are we headed first? And how should I address you when we meet others?"
Lilith thought for a moment before replying. "Here in Xandoria, I hold a status roughly equal to that of a baron. Not royalty, but enough to be respected—especially in noble circles like the academy."She added with a small smile, "The academy we're heading to is known for educating young nobles and promising elites, so how I'm introduced will matter."
Elara gave a graceful nod. "Understood, Mistress. I'll observe how titles are used and act accordingly. You'll blend in seamlessly."
"Oh, and I'm also recognized as a Platinum Mercenary here," Lilith added. "It's a top rank in their guild system, similar to the adventurers' guilds back home."
"How splendid," Elara said proudly, patting Lilith on the head. "You've done quite well for yourself."
Lilith chuckled, closing her eyes for a moment to focus. Soon, she pointed toward the southeast."There's a town in that direction. The academy should be near it. We'll start there."
Elara tilted her head. "You're planning to walk the whole way?"
Lilith smiled. "Yes. It's best we leave a clear, natural trail—just in case. Besides, I want to experience more of this world. And with you by my side, it'll be like old times."
Elara's eyes softened. "A wise approach, Mistress. And while we travel, I'll come up with a suitable name and cover for your noble identity at the academy."
As the duo journeyed across the winding trails of Xandoria, Elara took in the scenery—rolling hills bathed in fading sunlight, glimmering mana drifting through the air like fireflies. Yet her gaze often wandered to Lilith, her mistress, walking just ahead. She couldn't help but admire how much the young demon lord had grown—calm, capable, and confident in her steps.
By nightfall, they reached the edge of a lush, vibrant forest. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves glowing faintly under the moonlight. Lilith had already scouted a small clearing and was swiftly setting up camp. She moved with practiced ease, having already cast protective barriers around their perimeter. A fire was crackling to life under her careful hand.
Elara gasped dramatically and pointed a finger. "LILITH! What in all the realms are you doing? This is no way for a young lady of your standing to behave!"
Lilith looked up, puzzled. "Starting a fire?"
"This is my job," Elara huffed, marching over. "You are a noble— here, mind you—not some wandering vagabond. Go sit down over there and let me handle the cooking. Honestly…"
Lilith chuckled softly. "Relax, Elara. It's fine. I've been traveling alone for a while—I'm used to doing this. Besides, when it's just the two of us, I like helping out. It gets boring just sitting and watching you work."
Elara folded her arms, then sighed, her stern look softening into a warm smile. "Fine, Mistress. But at least let me be useful in some way. Set up the tent over there. Dinner will be ready by the time you're done."
Lilith gave a playful salute and got to work, the firelight dancing across her face as the forest around them hummed with quiet magic.
The next few days passed in steady travel. The pair made their way along winding forest trails and sun-dappled paths, their boots crunching over old stone roads and patches of moss-covered earth. Birds called in the distance, and the scent of pine and blooming wildflowers followed them like a gentle breeze. Then, at last, the town Lilith had sensed revealed itself beyond a hilltop rise.
"Look, Elara," Lilith said with a smile, pointing toward the horizon. "That's the place I felt when I traced the leylines. This must be it."
Elara shaded her eyes with a hand, taking in the view. "Mistress, this is less a town and more of a proper city. Look at those walls—tall, thick, reinforced with both stone and metal—and all those well-maintained roads leading to the gates. This isn't some frontier outpost. I wonder what it's called."
Lilith giggled, brushing some hair behind her ear. "I suppose I underestimated it. It feels like a castle town… only without the castle. I'm curious who rules this place."
As they drew closer, the scale of the settlement became even clearer. The bustling sounds of commerce and travel reached their ears—wagon wheels clattering on cobblestones, merchants shouting over deals, the low hum of magical machinery, and the melodic chime of mana-powered lamps.
Lines of people were forming at the front gates—merchants with packed carts, adventurers in worn armor, families with curious children, and individuals from nearly every race across the continent. What stood out most were the many youths in fine robes or carrying arcane tomes—clearly academy students preparing for the next leg of their journey.
Lilith and Elara quietly joined the end of the line. Though they said nothing, Lilith could sense Elara's mind at work. She could practically feel the gears turning as her maid-knight subtly observed the guards, the people, and the terrain, likely crafting the most convincing identity and backstory for their entrance.
When their turn came, Elara stepped forward with graceful ease and a respectful nod.
"I am Elara," she announced confidently. "This is my young mistress, Lady Lilith Sire De Mon. We hail from a distant region—an isolated barony far to the west. We seek rest, supplies, and safe passage as we continue on to the academy."
One of the guards, a grizzled man with a well-kept beard and the air of a veteran, narrowed his eyes. "A noble traveling on foot? With no escort? No guards? That's a curious sight."
Elara's pleasant expression didn't waver. She had anticipated this question.
"Indeed, under normal circumstances, it might raise suspicion," she replied smoothly. "However, my mistress is no ordinary noble. She is a registered Platinum Mercenary," Elara added proudly, producing Lilith's card and presenting it for inspection. "Despite her youthful appearance, she is highly capable. And as for myself, I serve as both maid and bodyguard. Together, we have little need for a traditional escort."
The veteran took the card, inspecting it carefully. A low murmur passed between a few nearby guards. Then he handed it back and nodded.
"Very well. Welcome to Scano City—the Merchant's Paradise. It's a trading hub known for its clockwork craftsmen and magical engineers. You'll find the inn district to the east, and I suggest you keep your card out of sight unless necessary. Platinum rank or not, there are those who might see it as a challenge… or an opportunity. Also, be advised—the academy city lies another three days east on foot."
"We understand. Thank you," Elara replied with a graceful bow.
As they stepped through the massive iron-reinforced gates, Lilith leaned in and whispered, "Sire De Mon?"
Elara smirked, brushing a speck of dust from her tunic. "You didn't like it? I thought it sounded sufficiently noble for a baron's fourth daughter."
Lilith giggled. "I'll allow it. Just don't go creating another ten-chapter tragic backstory."
Elara's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, I already have three in mind. One includes a scandalous forbidden romance, another involves a duel over honor, and the third—my personal favorite—features you being raised by a pack of wolves."
"Wolves?" Lilith nearly snorted, trying not to laugh.
"Very noble wolves," Elara said with mock seriousness, lifting her chin proudly.
"Oh, I see," Lilith smiled, amused. "I guess that could be a fun spin to the story. Maybe the noble wolves raised me with impeccable table manners."
Elara grinned. "Naturally. And you howled in perfect courtly etiquette."
Lilith laughed softly, then glanced around at the bustling streets. "Anyway, let's find an inn suited for a noble lady like me. I'd prefer a proper bed after all that walking."
"Ah, yes, Mistress," Elara said with a warm smile. "Only the finest accommodations for a baron's daughter raised by wolves."
They soon found themselves standing before a charming, well-maintained building with flower boxes under the windows and golden lettering above the door that read Sunny Side Inn. The scent of baked bread and something sweet drifted through the open door.
A cheerful, mature woman with silver-streaked brown hair greeted them from behind the reception desk. "Welcome to the Sunny Side Inn! I'm Miki, your hostess for the evening," she said brightly.
Elara stepped forward with practiced elegance. "Thank you for the warm welcome. My mistress and I are looking for a room with two beds and a meal or two. We'll be staying for two nights while we resupply in town."
Miki gave a kind nod. "Of course. We have a comfortable room on the second floor for two gold coins per night. Alternatively, there's a more private suite on the third floor for four gold coins per night—it comes with complimentary meals and bathing services."
Elara looked over at Lilith, who gave a subtle nod of approval. Turning back, Elara replied, "We'll take the suite on the third floor," and reached into her pouch, counting out eight gold coins.
Miki accepted the coins but paused, examining them closely. "Hmm... I haven't seen this type of mint before. Do you happen to have any standard currency for the region?"
Elara blinked, then flushed slightly in embarrassment. "Ah… Mistress, I may have grabbed the wrong pouch," she admitted, glancing over her shoulder. "Do you have any local coin?"
Lilith giggled and pulled a leather pouch from her belt. "Haha, I knew that would happen. Here," she said with a smirk, handing it over. "This is the gold I earned from my mercenary work—it should be more than enough."
Elara bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Mistress."
Miki smiled brightly as she counted the correct coins. "Perfect. Your room is ready. I'll have someone bring up some food shortly. Please make yourselves at home."
As the two made their way up the stairs, Elara whispered, "I really need to label those pouches better."
Lilith chuckled. "Or just let me carry the money from now on. You're already carrying my tragic backstory, after all."