Honsen village
The trio finally reached Honsen Village, a bustling hub of activity, significantly larger and more vibrant than the quiet Kido Village. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, children playing, and the general hustle and bustle of village life.
"We made it!" Yuzu cheered, her voice filled with relief.
"After all that chaos in the forest, we can finally continue on our journey in peace, right, Master?" Tomodachi asked, turning to Linn. Linn, however, didn't respond. The two turned around to see Linn sitting on the ground, his shoulders slumped, a dark cloud seemingly hovering over his head.
"Action figure... limited edition... last one..." Linn muttered, his voice filled with a deep, dramatic depression. Tomodachi and Yuzu exchanged a worried glance, a collective sweatdrop forming on their foreheads.
Yuzu whispered to Tomodachi, "Was that toy really that important to him?"
"I remember seeing a whole shelf of those same figures in his room back home," Tomodachi whispered back, his expression bewildered. "I don't really get it, but it seems to mean a lot to him, for some reason".
"I feel bad..." Yuzu said, looking down at the dejected Linn with concern.
"Don't be," Tomodachi reassured her. "You were right. It wasn't worth risking our lives for a toy, no matter how rare it was. I'm sure Master understands that, deep down. He'll get over it."
Tomodachi walked up to Linn and gently patted him on the shoulder, offering a comforting presence. "Come on, Master," he said gently. "You'll get another chance to find that action figure when we return to our world. We still have to focus on finding the girls. That's what's really important, right?"
Linn slowly got to his feet, a weak smile gracing his lips. "Yes, you're right, Tomo. You're always right. I'm sorry; I just... I lost track of what's important for a moment there. Come on, let's go. We shouldn't waste any more time."
The trio entered the village proper, deciding to split up to cover more ground and ask the villagers for any information about the missing girls. They agreed to meet back at the village center to discuss their findings. After a fruitless search, they regrouped, their expressions mirroring their lack of success.
"Did you guys find out anything?" Linn asked, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and weariness.
"Nothing," Tomodachi reported, his ears drooping slightly. "None of the villagers have seen the girls. No one matching their description has passed through here in the last few days."
"Darn it..." Linn said sadly, his shoulders slumping once more.
"It's okay, Linn," Yuzu said, trying to offer comfort. "We'll find your friends soon. We just need to keep looking. We'll find them, I promise."
"I know," Linn said, his voice filled with a forced optimism. "But I can't help worrying. They could be anywhere.."
"Don't worry, Master," Tomodachi said, trying to reassure him. "I'm sure the girls are fine. They're strong. We just need to—"
"AHH!"
Tomodachi's words were cut short by a piercing scream. The group turned sharply, their eyes widening with alarm. The scream had come from a nearby alleyway, a narrow passage between two tall buildings, shrouded in shadow. A knot of children could be seen gathered there, their figures silhouetted against the dim light.
"What's going on?" Linn exclaimed.
"It sounds like someone's in trouble," Yuzu said, her expression hardening with concern.
The trio rushed towards the alleyway, their hearts pounding in their chests. As they approached, the scene unfolding before them made their blood run cold. A group of older children were viciously bullying a smaller, younger boy.
"Please stop..." the little boy pleaded, his voice trembling with fear. His plea was answered with a sharp, brutal punch to the face by a tall, lanky boy with a sneer on his face.
"Please stop..." the lanky boy mocked, mimicking the younger boy's voice. He then burst into laughter, his eyes filled with cruel amusement. "Did you hear that, guys? He wants us to stop."
"I heard him, Bill," a fat boy with a cruel grin said. He stepped forward and delivered another punch to the younger boy's face, his fist connecting with a sickening thud.
"And I don't care! Hahaha!" he bellowed, his laughter echoing through the narrow alleyway.
"Nice swing, George," a short boy with thick glasses said, his voice cold and calculating. "Now it's my turn." The boy wound up his fist and punched the poor boy squarely in the nose, drawing blood.
"Nice one, Clark," a girl in a bright red dress said, her voice devoid of any empathy.
"It's your turn, Maggie," the lanky boy, Bill, said to the girl, his smile widening.
"Hmph! Punching is such a barbaric move," Maggie said, her nose wrinkling in disgust. "I have a much... more refined idea." She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a set of long, sharp, fake nails, the tips glinting ominously in the dim light. She carefully attached them to her fingers as she approached the bullied boy, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"You know, Makoto-kun," the girl said, addressing the boy, her voice sickeningly sweet. "You have such... chubby cheeks..." Maggie's smile widened into a predatory grin.
"No, please..." Makoto pleaded once more, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes wide with terror. His pleas were ignored as Maggie reached out and grabbed his face, her long, sharp nails digging into his soft skin.
"So chubby... it makes me want to rip them off!" she hissed, her voice filled with sadistic glee. She began to stretch his cheeks, her nails digging deeper, drawing blood.
"Owww..." Makoto cried out in pain, his voice muffled by Maggie's grip, his tears mixing with the blood trickling down his face. The three other boys watched, their laughter echoing through the alleyway, their faces contorted with cruel delight. Linn and Tomodachi stared at the scene unfolding before them, their expressions a mixture of horror and disbelief.
"What are they doing?!" Linn yelled, his voice filled with outrage.
"It looks like they're bullying that boy," Tomodachi said, his voice low and growling, his hackles slightly raised.
"Not on my watch!" Linn exclaimed, his body trembling with anger. He took a step forward, intending to intervene, but Yuzu suddenly pushed him aside, her expression dark and menacing.
"What do you think you're doing...?" Yuzu said, her voice dangerously low, her eyes narrowed into slits. The temperature in the alleyway seemed to drop several degrees, her presence radiating an aura of cold fury.
The children turned around, their earlier bravado instantly evaporating as they took in Yuzu's terrifying demeanor. Their faces paled, and their eyes widened with fear.
"Oh, crap! It's Yuzu!" Bill said, his voice trembling.
"W-what is she doing here?" George questioned, his legs shaking.
"I-I-I don't know," Clark stammered, his glasses fogging up with sweat.
Maggie gasped and let go of Makoto's cheeks, her carefully crafted facade of cruelty crumbling.
"I thought I told you guys to stop picking on Makoto-kun..." Yuzu said, her voice a low growl, her gaze sweeping over them like a predator assessing its prey. She held her trusty ladle in her hand, her grip tightening until her knuckles turned white.
"W-we weren't picking on him!" Bill stammered, sweating profusely. "We were just... just playing tag! That's all!"
Yuzu's glare intensified, her eyes burning with righteous fury. "And what kind of 'game of tag' involves punching someone in the face and pinching their cheeks until they bleed?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
The children continued to shiver, their bodies trembling uncontrollably as Yuzu slowly smacked her ladle against her other hand, the sound echoing ominously in the confined space.
"You guys obviously didn't learn your lesson last time," Yuzu said, her voice a low threat. "It seems like another... spanking is in order. And this time, I won't be holding back."
The children shuddered collectively, their faces contorted with terror. They instinctively clutched their rear ends, their imaginations conjuring vivid images of the painful consequences of their actions.
"W-we aren't scared of you!" Bill said, trying to sound tough, though his voice cracked with fear. "We have the numbers! We can take you! Right, guys?" Bill turned around to rally his companions, only to find them already fleeing the scene, their figures disappearing into the bustling crowd.
"You guys!" Bill shouted after them, his voice filled with betrayal. "Get back here! We can take her! Together!"
"Are you crazy?!" Maggie yelled back, her voice shrill with panic. "I'm not messing with her! Not again! I don't want my bum-bum spanked again! It took me a week to sit down properly!"
"Yeah!" George chimed in, his voice equally terrified. "My butt still hurts! It's like sitting on a cactus!"
"Sorry, Bill," Clark said, his voice barely audible over the sound of their retreating footsteps. "You're on your own! Good luck!"
And in an instant, the three other children vanished from view, leaving Bill standing alone, frozen in place, his mouth hanging open in shock and disbelief. He slowly turned back to face Yuzu, who was still holding her ladle, her expression unwavering, and Makoto, who was still sobbing softly, his face streaked with tears and blood. Without a second thought, Bill did the only logical thing he could think of at that moment: he ran.
"This isn't over!" Bill shouted over his shoulder as he sprinted away, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. And just like that, all the bullies were gone, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Yuzu calmly spun her ladle once, then tucked it back into her hoodie, her expression softening slightly. She walked over to Makoto, her demeanor shifting from intimidating enforcer to gentle protector.
"Are you okay, Makoto-kun?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. Makoto wiped his tears with his sleeve and nodded shakily.
"Yes, I'm fine," Makoto assured her, though his voice still trembled slightly.
"Thank goodness," Yuzu sighed with relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Linn and Tomodachi, who had watched the entire scene unfold with a mixture of awe and apprehension, finally joined them.
"Wow, Yuzu, that was amazing!" Linn cheered, his eyes wide with admiration. "You were like a force of nature! Those kids didn't stand a chance!"
"Yeah, but I must say," Tomodachi added, his ears drooping slightly. "I've never seen you so... angry before. It was a little scary, to be honest."
Yuzu giggled, a slightly sheepish expression on her face. "Sorry you had to see that," she said, rubbing the back of her head. "But if there's one thing I can't stand, it's bullying. It just... it makes my blood boil."
"We understand," Linn said, nodding in agreement. He then turned his attention to the young boy, Makoto. "By the way, Yuzu," he asked, pointing to the boy. "Who is this?"
Makoto, who had been hiding behind Yuzu's legs, peeked out shyly, his eyes wide and uncertain. Yuzu patted his head gently and offered a reassuring smile.
"It's okay, sweetie," Yuzu assured him. "These are my friends. They're not going to harm you."
Makoto took a hesitant step forward, his gaze fixed on Linn and Tomodachi. He bowed slightly, his voice barely a whisper. "H-hello. My name is Makoto Kusanagi," he introduced himself.
Linn observed the boy, taking in his appearance. He was small and slender, even shorter than Yuzu, and appeared to be around eight years old. He had messy brown hair, a plain black t-shirt, and gray shorts. His eyes, though still filled with a hint of fear, held a spark of curiosity and gratitude.
"I'm Linn Tsukiyomi, and this is Tomodachi," Linn introduced himself, offering a friendly smile. Tomodachi waved, his tail, though invisible, probably wagging slightly.
Yuzu smiled warmly at Makoto, her expression filled with a gentle affection. "Now that introductions are out of the way, I need to take Makoto back to the orphanage. He shouldn't be wandering around the village alone. Come on, Makoto-kun," Yuzu said, taking Makoto by the hand and leading him away, causing the young boy's cheeks to flush a delicate pink.
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged a curious glance, their brows furrowed in unison.
"Orphanage?" they both said, their voices filled with a mixture of surprise and intrigue.
000
The trio arrived at a humble but well-maintained building with a sign above the entrance that read "Honsen's Orphanage." Yuzu confidently opened the door, and the group stepped inside, the sounds of children's laughter and playful chatter filling the air.
"Finesse-san!" Yuzu called out, her voice warm and cheerful. A woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties emerged from a back room, her expression kind and welcoming. She had long, straight blue hair that cascaded down her back and wore round glasses that framed her gentle eyes. Her attire consisted of a simple but elegant green dress covered by a practical white apron.
"Yes?" the woman, known as Finesse, replied, her voice soft and melodic. She looked towards the entrance, and her eyes lit up as she spotted the group. A bright smile graced her lips.
"Oh, Yuzu-chan!" she exclaimed joyfully, rushing forward to embrace Yuzu warmly.
"Finesse-san! It's so good to see you again!" Yuzu replied, returning the hug with equal affection.
"When did you get back to Honsen?" Finesse asked, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
"Just a little while ago," Yuzu replied, her smile fading slightly as she broke the hug and looked at Finesse with a serious expression. "But we have a bit of a problem. A serious one." She gently pulled Makoto forward, placing him in front of Finesse. Finesse gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she took in the young boy's battered state.
"Oh my god, Makoto-kun! What happened to you?" Finesse exclaimed, her voice filled with shock and concern.
"It was them again," Yuzu said grimly, her gaze hardening.
"Oh, I see," Finesse sighed, her expression a mixture of sadness and resignation. She gently took Makoto by the hand, her touch soothing and comforting. "Come on, Makoto-kun, let's get you cleaned up and patched up. Don't worry, you'll be alright." Finesse led Makoto towards a back room, leaving Linn and Tomodachi standing in the entrance, a heavy silence settling between them.
"So, Yuzu?" Linn asked, breaking the silence, his brow furrowed with concern. "What's going on exactly?"
Yuzu sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's exactly what it looked like, Linn. Those kids... they were bullying Makoto-kun. Again."
"Do you know them?" Tomodachi asked, his ears twitching slightly. "They seemed... very afraid when you showed up. Like they knew they were in trouble."
"Yes," Yuzu replied, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and weariness. "They're a group of kids that live here, at this orphanage. I've... I've encountered them before, during my visits here."
"I see," Linn nodded, his expression thoughtful. He then had a confused look on his face. "Wait, you've been here before? To this orphanage?"
Yuzu blinked, her head tilting slightly. "Well, yes," Yuzu replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Didn't I tell you that before? That I come to Honsen Village occasionally?"
"Uh, no," Linn said, shaking his head slightly.
"Oh, well, yes," Yuzu explained, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I visit this place occasionally to trade with the villagers, and I always make sure to stop by the orphanage to see Finesse-san and Makoto-kun."
"Is that... is that where you met those kids? The bullies?" Tomodachi asked, his voice low and growling.
"Yes," Yuzu replied, her expression hardening. "They call themselves the 'Justice Warriors'. Can you believe that? They think they're some kind of heroes."
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged a skeptical glance, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
"If they call themselves heroes..." Tomodachi began, his voice filled with incredulity, "...why are they picking on a defenseless kid like Makoto? That's the opposite of being a hero."
"I don't know," Yuzu said, her voice filled with frustration. "But I intend to find out. This has got to stop. It's not right."
"Wait, this has happened before?" Linn asked, his eyes widening with concern. "This isn't the first time they've done this?"
"Yes," Yuzu replied, her expression grim. "They pick on everyone, but Makoto-kun seems to get it the worst. They target him constantly. Every time I visit, I catch them doing it. It's heartbreaking."
"So what do you do?" Linn asked, his curiosity mixed with a hint of morbid fascination.
"What else can I do?" Yuzu asked, her lips curving into a small, mischievous smile as she reached into her hoodie and pulled out her trusty ladle. "When children are being bad, they need to be... corrected. So, I take the liberty to correct their behavior with a few well-aimed swats on the bottom with this." She held up the ladle, its wooden surface gleaming ominously in the dim light.
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged another glance, a collective sweatdrop forming on their foreheads. 'No wonder they're so afraid of her,' they both thought, a shiver running down their spines.
Yuzu put her ladle away, her expression softening as her thoughts turned to the injured boy. "In any case, I hope Makoto-kun will be alright. He's such a sweet, gentle child. He doesn't deserve this."
"He will be fine, Yuzu-chan. Don't worry," a warm and reassuring voice called out. The trio turned to find Finesse emerging from the back room, drying her hands with a clean towel, her expression calm and composed.
"Sorry to interrupt," Finesse said, her gaze sweeping over the group. "But I think I can explain the reason behind their behavior. It's a rather complicated situation, I'm afraid. Come with me. I'll explain everything."
Finesse turned and walked away, leading the group through several hallways and into a large, brightly lit dining room.
The group gathered around a large wooden table in the dining room. Finesse served them tea and a plate of freshly baked cookies, the aroma filling the room and creating a more relaxed atmosphere. The children from the orphanage played nearby, their laughter and chatter a constant background noise, though they occasionally darted towards the table to swipe a cookie or two.
"Are you all comfortable?" Finesse asked, her voice warm and inviting. "I hope the children aren't bothering you too much. They can be a bit... enthusiastic at times."
"No, they're okay. Not a bother at all," Linn said, offering a strained smile as a little boy and a little girl on opposite sides of the table tugged on his arms, their faces smeared with cookie crumbs.
"Yeah, they're real bundles of joy," Tomodachi said sarcastically, an angry vein mark throbbing on his forehead as six children climbed on him, pulling his ears and tail, their tiny hands surprisingly strong. Tomodachi let out a loud growl, causing all the children to scatter with squeals of delight, leaving him covered in cookie crumbs and slightly disheveled.
Finesse giggled, a light, musical sound. "I'm sorry about that. I know they can be a bit... hands-on."
"Anyway," Yuzu interrupted, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. "About the 'Justice Warriors' and Makoto-kun. You said you knew why they were doing this?"
"Oh, that's right," Linn piped up, his expression serious again. "Why are they picking on him? What's their problem?"
Finesse sighed, her smile fading as a shadow of sadness crossed her face. "It's... It's a complicated story. It may have something to do with the Empire."
Yuzu gasped, her eyes widening with shock. "The Empire?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged a confused glance, cocking their heads to the side. "The Empire?" they echoed, their voices filled with uncertainty.
Finesse nodded, her expression grim. "Those children, the ones who were bullying Makoto-kun... and Makoto himself... they weren't always orphans. They all had families.
"What happened to them?" Linn asked, his voice filled with a growing sense of unease.
Finesse looked down, her gaze fixed on her hands, her voice barely a whisper. "...The Empire killed them. All of them."
The trio gasped in shock, their faces paling.
"N-no..." Yuzu said, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Why?!" Linn yelled, his voice filled with anger and disbelief. "Why would they do that? To innocent people?"
"Wait, what does this have to do with Makoto?" Tomodachi asked, his brow furrowed with confusion.
"Makoto's parents... they worked for the Empire," Finesse explained, her voice heavy with sorrow. "I don't know the whole details, but... supposedly, it was them who were responsible for the deaths of the other children's parents."
The group stared at Finesse, speechless, the weight of her words sinking in. A heavy, oppressive silence had replaced the happy atmosphere of the orphanage.
"Then... then what happened to Makoto's parents?" Tomodachi asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Finesse took a slow sip of her tea, her hand trembling slightly. "... The Empire also killed them," she said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. "They were silenced."
"Oh my god..." Yuzu said, her hand flying to her mouth, her eyes filled with horror.
Linn was visibly shaking with anger, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. Tomodachi watched his master with concern, his ears drooping slightly.
"So you can see why those children... why they hold such a grudge against Makoto-kun," Finesse said, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding.
Just then, Linn stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor. He slammed his hands hard on the table, the force of the impact making the teacups rattle and the children nearby jump in surprise.
"NO, I DON'T SEE IT!" Linn yelled, his voice filled with raw anger and pain. "That's not Makoto's fault! He was just a kid! Why are they taking it out on him?!''
"I believe it's because they can't get revenge on Makoto's parents, so they are going after their son. It's like the saying 'the sins of the parents are visited upon the next of kin,'" Finesse explained, her voice gentle but firm.
Linn sat back down heavily, his anger slowly giving way to a deep sadness. "Well, that's a stupid saying," Linn said, his voice low and bitter. "They shouldn't be getting mad at Makoto. He had nothing to do with it. Makoto lost his parents, too. They should all be mad at this stupid Empire for ruining their lives!"
At that, Finesse and Yuzu gasped, their faces paling.
"NO!" Finesse shouted, her voice filled with alarm. "You can't say that! You don't understand!"
"She's right, Linn! You can't just go around saying things like that!" Yuzu added, her voice trembling slightly.
Linn raised an eyebrow, his expression confused. "Why not? It's the truth, isn't it? They're the ones who killed their families!"
"Why not?!" Finesse said, her voice filled with disbelief. "My dear boy, do you not know what the Empire is capable of?! Do you even know what the Empire is?!"
"Not really," Linn admitted nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Neither do I," Tomodachi added, his ears drooping slightly.
"EH?!" Finesse exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock, practically popping out of their sockets. She looked like she was about to faint, her face turning pale and comically foaming at the mouth.
Yuzu nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. "I... I can explain," she stammered, trying to diffuse the situation.
Yuzu quickly explained Linn and Tomodachi's situation to Finesse, recounting their journey and their lack of knowledge about this world. Finesse listened intently, her initial shock slowly giving way to a mixture of surprise and understanding.
"I-I see..." Finesse said, adjusting her glasses and trying to gather her bearings, though she still looked slightly shaken.
"So, what exactly is the Empire?" Linn asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It's one of the most powerful and ruthless kingdoms in the world," Yuzu explained, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and fear. "They rule all of Seren with an iron fist. Their power is absolute, their reach is vast, and their cruelty is legendary."
"I see," Linn nodded, his expression thoughtful.
"Crossing them means certain death," Yuzu added, her voice barely a whisper, a shiver running down her spine. "They have spies everywhere, informants in every village. They tolerate no dissent, no opposition. They crush any resistance swiftly and brutally. For your sake, I hope we don't ever run into them."
"Well, whether we run into them or not," Linn said, his voice firm and unwavering, his eyes filled with a newfound determination. "They are not going to stop me from finding my friends. I don't care how powerful they are. I won't let anyone stand in my way."
"As for the 'Justice Warriors, " Linn continued, his gaze hardening. "I need to have a little... talk with them. I need to teach them what it really means to be heroes."
Yuzu cocked her head, her expression puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that picking on others, especially those who are weaker and more vulnerable, is not heroic at all," Linn explained, his voice filled with conviction. "It's cowardly. As a fellow hero, I feel it's my duty to set them straight, to show them the right path."
As Linn spoke, the group heard a loud thud and a small yelp coming from the kitchen. Finesse and the gang turned towards the kitchen door, their expressions filled with concern. They found Makoto lying on the floor, having collided with another child who was rushing past. The other child bowed apologetically and quickly ran off, leaving Makoto to stand up slowly, his face flushed with embarrassment. He looked towards the group, his gaze meeting Linn's, then quickly looked away shyly.
"Makoto-kun!" Yuzu exclaimed, rushing to his side. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Makoto looked up, his eyes wide and innocent, and offered a small, reassuring smile. "Uh-huh! I'm okay!" he said, his voice still a bit shaky. He then turned his gaze to Linn, his expression filled with a mixture of awe and admiration. "Linn-san, is it true? Are you really a hero?"
Linn rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, a small smile gracing his lips. "Well, sorta," he replied, his voice humble.
"Do you... Do you think I can be a hero too?" Makoto asked, his eyes shining with hope.
Linn smiled, his expression softening. He knelt down to Makoto's eye level and gently patted the boy's head, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement.
"Of course, you can be a hero, Makoto," Linn said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "If you have a good heart, a strong sense of justice, and the courage to stand up for what's right, then anybody can be a hero. It doesn't matter how small or weak you are. What matters is what's inside."
Makoto looked at Linn, his eyes wide with amazement and gratitude, his face glowing with newfound hope.
*Horns noises*
Suddenly, a series of loud, ominous horn blasts echoed through the village. Their sound was deep and resonant, sending a shiver down everyone's spines.
"What is that?" Linn asked, his eyes widening with alarm.
Finesse rushed to the window, her face pale, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief as she peered out at the street. "It can't be!" she exclaimed in shock, her voice trembling.
"Finesse-san! What's wrong? What is it?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with worry.
"It's... it's the Empire!" Finesse shouted, her voice barely a whisper.
Yuzu gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her eyes filled with horror. "WHAT?!" she exclaimed, her face paling.
"What are they doing here?" Tomodachi asked, his ears drooping, his hackles slightly raised.
"I don't know!" Finesse said, her voice filled with panic.
"Wait! Is it tax day for Honsen Village already?" Yuzu asked, her expression confused.
"No! That was last week!" Finesse exclaimed, her voice rising in hysteria.
"Then why are they here? What do they want?" Linn asked, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern.
"I told you, I don't know!" Finesse shouted, her voice cracking with fear. "I can't stand here! I have to go!" Finesse turned and ran out of the dining room, her footsteps echoing through the orphanage, her panic contagious. The gang was left speechless, their expressions a mixture of shock, confusion, and a growing sense of dread.
"Okay...?" Linn said, his voice filled with uncertainty.
"What should we do, Master?" Tomodachi asked, his ears flattened against his head.
"Follow her, I guess," Linn said, his voice resigned. "We need to find out what's going on." Everyone nodded in agreement, their earlier sense of purpose renewed, and they rushed out of the dining room, following Finesse into the chaos and uncertainty that awaited them outside.
000
The village of Honsen fell silent as the villagers gathered, their faces a mixture of apprehension and forced obedience, as a pristine white chariot rolled to a halt in the center of town. The chariot was opulent, adorned with gold trim and gleaming under the morning sun, a stark contrast to the rustic simplicity of the village.
Four imposing figures, clad in gleaming, full-plate armor, acted as the Empire's vanguard. Two stood rigidly at the front of the chariot, their visors obscuring their faces, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Two more flanked the rear, their presence a silent threat, a reminder of the Empire's unwavering power.
With a practiced flourish, one of the front soldiers opened the chariot door. A man emerged, his presence radiating an air of arrogant authority. He was tall and impeccably dressed in regal clothing, rich and vibrant fabric adorned with an elaborate emblem emblazoned on his chest: a stylized depiction of the sun, radiating power and dominance. He had straight, perfectly combed blond hair, and his features were sharp and haughty.
The man cleared his throat, the sound echoing through the hushed village. "Attention, citizens of Honsen Village," he announced, his voice smooth but laced with an underlying menace. "I am James Rhodonite the Third, emissary of the glorious Empire, here to deliver some... troubling news. I request that the mayor of this village step forward."
The villagers parted, their eyes downcast, their movements hesitant. A man with graying hair, dressed in a respectable but straightforward brown suit, stepped forward, his face etched with worry.
"I am the mayor," the man said, his voice trembling slightly. "What seems to be the problem, sir?"
James Rhodonite the Third fixed the mayor with a cold, dismissive stare. He walked slowly towards him, his polished boots clicking ominously on the cobblestone street. "Ah, yes, thank you, mayor," he said, the title dripping with condescension. "As you are undoubtedly aware, tax day was last week. And while the village has, fortunately, managed to scrape together the majority of the required tribute, there is... a discrepancy. One of your... citizens has failed to fulfill their obligation to the Empire."
A collective gasp swept through the crowd, a wave of shock and fear. The villagers exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale.
"But... but that's impossible!" the mayor stammered, his voice filled with disbelief. "I... I'm certain that every household has paid their due. Surely, there must be some mistake... some clerical error—"
Before the mayor could finish his sentence, James Rhodonite the Third's demeanor shifted instantly. His smooth facade cracked, revealing a chillingly cruel and volatile nature beneath. With lightning speed, he lashed out, punching the mayor squarely in the stomach.
The mayor crumpled to his knees, clutching his abdomen, his face contorted with pain. He gasped for breath, unable to speak. James Rhodonite the Third seized the man by the hair, his grip tight and unforgiving. His face was twisted into a grotesque mask of fury.
"Excuse me?" James Rhodonite the Third growled, his voice low and menacing. "Did I hear you correctly? Did I hear you, you insignificant little worm, dare to suggest that I am mistaken? That the Empire is somehow... fallible?" He yanked the mayor's hair, forcing the man's face closer to his own. "Because if you're saying I'm mistaken, then you're saying the Empire is mistaken. And if you're saying the Empire is mistaken, then you must, by extension, be questioning the wisdom and authority of our glorious King. So tell me, mayor... are you questioning our King?"
"N-no! I would never... I would never dream of such a thing!" the mayor choked out, his eyes wide with terror. James Rhodonite the Third finally released the mayor's hair, letting him fall to the ground, gasping and trembling.
"Well, that's good then," James Rhodonite the Third said, his voice returning to its previous smooth, almost jovial tone, though the underlying threat still lingered. "Now, back to business. As I stated, one of your... unfortunate villagers has failed to meet their financial obligations. And we have, after painstaking investigation, identified the... delinquent individual." James Rhodonite the Third snapped his fingers with a flourish. One of the armored soldiers stepped forward, producing a crisp, official-looking piece of parchment. He handed it to James Rhodonite the Third, who took it with a smirk and cleared his throat.
"We are looking for... Miss Finesse Lamborough," James Rhodonite the Third announced, his voice ringing out across the silent village. "Will Miss Finesse Lamborough please step forward and face the consequences of her... oversight?"
Finesse, who had arrived at the edge of the gathered villagers, her face pale but resolute posture, stepped forward, her shoulders squared.
"I am Finesse Lamborough, sir," Finesse said, her voice trembling slightly as she nervously adjusted her glasses.
"Ah, yes, thank you, Miss Lamborough," James Rhodonite the Third said, his smile widening, though it didn't reach his eyes. "As I have stated, one of your villagers has failed to pay the amount due, and we have identified that person as you. You are the one who has failed in your duty to the Empire."
"Yes, that is... that is correct, sir," Finesse confirmed, her voice barely a whisper.
"And is there any... valid reason why you have not fulfilled your financial obligations to the Empire?" James Rhodonite the Third asked, his tone deceptively polite.
"Yes, sir," Finesse said, taking a deep breath and trying to explain. "You see, I... I run an orphanage, a home for young children who have lost their families. Most of the money I earn, every single coin, goes towards feeding them, clothing them, providing them with a safe and loving environment. So, sometimes I simply cannot afford the full amount of taxes."
"I see..." James Rhodonite the Third said, his expression thoughtful, though his eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating light. "Be that as it may, Miss Lamborough, all villagers under the Empire's benevolent protection must pay their taxes. It is the price of our... protection. You had a full week to gather the necessary funds. Surely, you must have it now, yes?"
Finesse gulped, her gaze fixed on the ground. "Well, you see, sir... I... I still don't have it."
A collective murmur of shock and sympathy rippled through the crowd. James Rhodonite the Third was silent momentarily, his smile vanishing completely. His face contorted once more into that grotesque mask of fury.
"Excuse me?" James Rhodonite the Third growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. He lunged forward, his hand shooting out and clamping around Finesse's throat.
Finesse gasped, her eyes widening with terror as she struggled for breath, her hands clawing at his grip. The crowd watched, paralyzed with fear, too terrified to intervene.
"Do you have any idea what this means for me?!" James Rhodonite the Third continued, his voice rising, his grip tightening. "I had to waste a week of my valuable time, meticulously counting and verifying all the money from this pathetic village, only to discover that one insignificant little woman couldn't be bothered to pay her dues! Do you have any idea how insulting that is?! Do you know what kind of inconvenience this is?!" James Rhodonite the Third's face was inches from Finesse's, his eyes burning with a cold, merciless rage. "It means I had to come out to this backwater, this dump of a village, having to look at all you ugly, ignorant, peasant faces, just to get what is rightfully owed to the Empire! And you have the nerve to stand here and tell me you don't have it?! !" He tightened his grip on Finesse's throat, his fingers digging into her skin.
Finesse's face was turning blue, her struggles weakening. The crowd remained frozen, their fear outweighing their compassion. Just then, a small object whizzed through the air, narrowly missing several heads. It struck James Rhodonite the Third squarely in the back of the head.
James Rhodonite the Third roared in pain, releasing Finesse, who collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, clutching her throat. James Rhodonite the Third spun around, rubbing the back of his head, his face a mask of incandescent fury. A comical bump was already forming.
"WHO THREW THAT?!" James Rhodonite the Third bellowed, his voice echoing through the village.
The crowd instinctively stepped back, widening the space in front of them, revealing four small figures standing defiantly, each holding a rock in their tiny hands. They were the same children who had been bullying Makoto earlier.
"We did!" the lanky boy, Bill, declared, his voice surprisingly firm. "You evil, heartless minions of the Empire! We have come to deliver justice upon you!"
"That's right!" the glasses-wearing boy, Clark, chimed in, his voice filled with righteous indignation. "For too long, you have plagued these villages with your tyranny and oppression! But today, your reign of terror ends! Today, we fight back!"
"Yeah!" the fat boy, George, added, his voice surprisingly booming. "We will no longer stand idly by and watch you torment the innocent and helpless! We will not be silenced!"
"Correct!" the girl, Maggie, declared, her eyes flashing with determination. "We have come to punish you for your crimes, in the name of all that is good and just! We are here to avenge our parents!"
"For we are..." all four children shouted in unison, striking a series of dramatic, if somewhat awkward, poses. "...THE JUSTICE WARRIORS!"
The villagers stared at the children, their expressions a mixture of shock, confusion, and a hint of amusement. James Rhodonite the Third and his soldiers just stared blankly, their faces devoid of any emotion.
"... what is this mockery?" James Rhodonite the Third finally asked his soldiers, his voice flat and incredulous. The soldiers simply shrugged, their armored shoulders moving slightly.
James Rhodonite the Third sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He turned his attention back to Finesse, who was still recovering on the ground, when another rock, thrown with surprising accuracy, struck him in the back of the head. He whirled around again, his face contorted with pure, unadulterated rage.
"Don't ignore us, you pompous, self-important buffoon!" Bill shouted, his face flushed with anger. "We worked super hard on that speech! We even practiced our poses in front of the mirror!" The other three children nodded in agreement, their faces equally indignant.
"What do you little brats want?" James Rhodonite the Third demanded, his voice dripping with venom.
"We are here to stop your evil deeds, you monster!" Bill declared, his voice filled with righteous fury. "And to get revenge for our parents! We know you and Makoto are in cahoots! Once we take care of you, we will finish him off once and for all!"
"Who?!" James Rhodonite the Third said, his face a mask of disbelief. He pinched the bridge of his nose again, his patience clearly wearing thin. "This is why I hate dealing with peasants," he muttered under his breath. He turned to his men, his voice sharp and commanding. "You! Deal with these... children. I have more important matters to attend to."
Three of the armored soldiers, with a collective sigh of resignation, stepped forward, their heavy armor clanking with each step.
"Listen, kids," one of the soldiers said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We are on an important mission for the Empire, and we really don't have time to play games with you. So, how about you just run along, and we'll forget this ever happened, okay?"
Bill responded to the soldier's attempt at reason by throwing a rock directly into his face. The soldier yelped in pain, clutching his nose.
"Hey! Now that's not very nice! Throwing rocks at people is wrong!" another soldier said, his voice filled with mild reproach. Clark and Maggie thanked him for his valuable insight by pelting him with rocks as well.
"Hey, stop that! We're being serious here! This is an official order from the Empire!" a rather pudgy soldier exclaimed, his words falling on deaf ears as he was also struck by a rock, courtesy of George.
"Fire!" Bill shouted, his arm raised in a dramatic gesture. The children unleashed a barrage of rocks at the soldiers, their aim surprisingly accurate. The soldiers, caught off guard, raised their arms to shield themselves, their heavy armor providing little protection against the onslaught of small, but determined, projectiles.
The barrage finally came to an end when the children ran out of ammunition, their small hands empty. The soldiers, battered and bruised, glared at the children, their faces red with a mixture of pain and embarrassment.
"We're out of ammo!" George announced, his voice filled with a hint of panic.
"What do we do now?" Clark asked, his glasses slightly askew.
Bill surveyed the approaching soldiers, their expressions grim. A mischievous grin spread across his face.
"There's only one thing we can do now," Bill declared, his eyes gleaming with a manic energy. "Run!"
And with that, the "Justice Warriors" turned and fled, their small legs pumping furiously, their capes (made of hastily tied-together rags) flapping behind them. A wacky, comical chase ensued, the soldiers lumbering after the children, their heavy armor hindering their movements.
The chase was filled with slapstick humor and cartoonish antics. In one scene, Bill ran headfirst towards a dead-end wall, his eyes wide with panic. One of the soldiers, with a triumphant cry, leaped at him, intending to apprehend him. But at the last moment, Bill ducked, and the soldier crashed face-first into the brick wall with a resounding thwack, leaving a perfect imprint of his face in the masonry.
In another scene, Clark and Maggie were being pursued by a particularly determined soldier. They darted into a nearby dress shop, the soldier hot on their heels. A few moments later, Clark and Maggie emerged from the shop, transformed into a surprisingly convincing "couple" on a romantic stroll, their disguises consisting of oversized clothing and elaborate hats. The soldier, slightly disoriented, came to the shop and politely inquired of the "couple" if they had seen two children matching the descriptions of his quarry. The "couple" pointed to the left, their expressions innocent. After a moment of hesitation, the soldier thanked the "couple" and ran off to the left, his mind momentarily boggled by the "beauty" of young love. When he was out of sight, the "couple" removed their disguises and ran off to the right, giggling mischievously. After a few seconds, the soldier stopped, a confused expression on his face. He thought about how nice it was to be young and in love, and then it hit him. Those two lovebirds looked suspiciously like the two kids he was chasing! A metaphorical cuckoo clock appeared above his head, and a small bird popped out, holding a mallet. The bird looked at the soldier, then bonked him on the head with the mallet, the sound echoing comically. The soldier shook his head, his eyes widening in realization. He spun around and shouted at the fleeing children, who were now far ahead. The kids, in response, simply stuck out their tongues and continued to run.
One more scene involved the pudgy soldier and the rotund George. A delicious aroma wafted through the air, distracting both pursuer and pursued. The two sniffed the air, their eyes widening, and turned to find a group of villagers engaged in a raucous eating contest, the table laden with mountains of food. Their priorities momentarily shifted, the soldier and George, walking towards the table, and they joined the hungry throng. As the number of contestants dwindled, the competition narrowed down to the soldier and George, their faces smeared with food, their bellies distended. As they were both about to take the last bite, George quietly slipped away, leaving the soldier to devour the final morsel. The victorious soldier was declared the winner and presented with a gaudy trophy. He wept tears of joy, thanking his mother, his coach, and "the academy" for his victory. After a few seconds of celebrating, he suddenly remembered his duty. He dropped the trophy with a clatter and resumed his pursuit of the elusive George.
000
The "Justice Warriors," battered but unbowed, reconvened in the village plaza, where the rest of the villagers remained frozen, their faces a mixture of fear and anticipation. The three Imperial soldiers, their pride wounded, their armor dented, charged at the children, their movements clumsy and enraged. A comical dust cloud erupted as the soldiers grappled with the children, their shouts and grunts mingling with the sounds of struggling bodies. To everyone's surprise, the children, fueled by adrenaline and righteous fury, seemed to be gaining the upper hand. Despite their superior size and strength, the soldiers were outmaneuvered and outwitted by the smaller, more agile "Justice Warriors."
The chaotic brawl continued until a deafening crack echoed through the plaza. The fighting abruptly ceased, and all eyes turned towards the source of the sound. James Rhodonite the Third stood with his arm outstretched, a gleaming golden pistol pointed towards the sky, smoke curling from its barrel.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!!" James Rhodonite the Third roared, his voice filled with fury, silencing the stunned onlookers. He lowered the pistol, his gaze sweeping over the scene with disgust. He turned his attention to the three disheveled soldiers, their armor dented, their faces bruised and humiliated. "What is wrong with you incompetent fools?! You're allowing a group of children to make you look like complete and utter buffoons! Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is for the Empire?!"
The three soldiers, their heads bowed in shame, their faces burning with humiliation, mumbled apologies, their voices barely audible. James Rhodonite the Third turned towards the chariot, his eyes scanning the remaining soldier standing beside it. Unlike the other three, whose armor was a dull, standard silver, this soldier was clad in gleaming, ornate gold armor, his presence radiating an air of quiet power and authority.
"Domon!" James Rhodonite the Third yelled, his voice sharp and demanding. "Why are you just standing there, you imbecile?! These are your men! You're their superior officer! You should be disciplining them, not me! What kind of example are you setting?!"
The gold-plated soldier, Domon, stirred, as if just waking from a deep sleep. His head snapped up, his expression slightly dazed.
"Huh? Oh, sorry, sir," Domon said, his voice surprisingly calm and even. "I was... I was just pondering a rather perplexing question. Whether tomatoes are botanically classified as vegetables or fruits, it's quite the conundrum, you see."
James Rhodonite the Third stared blankly at Domon, his face a mask of incredulous disbelief. "What are you... are you serious? Right now? You're thinking about tomatoes?" He shook his head in exasperation. "You know what? I don't even care. Just... just do something about these damn brats. Put an end to this ridiculous charade so we can leave this godforsaken village."
Domon nodded slowly, his expression unchanging. He turned his gaze towards the "Justice Warriors," his eyes scanning them with a detached, almost clinical interest. He then began to walk towards them, his movements deliberate and unhurried, his heavy golden armor clanking softly with each step.
"Sorry, kids," Domon said, his voice surprisingly gentle, yet firm. "But you've disrespected a noble of the Empire, and by extension, the Empire itself. That's a serious offense. I'm going to have to take you into custody."
"Over my dead body!" Bill shouted, his voice filled with defiance. He threw a wild punch at Domon's stomach, his small fist connecting with the unyielding metal. The blow had absolutely no effect. Domon didn't even flinch. He simply sighed, a sound of mild exasperation, and slapped Bill across the face with a swift, almost casual motion. The force of the blow sent Bill sprawling, his cheek stinging.
"Bill!" The other three children cried out in alarm. With an economy of movement, Domon quickly incapacitated the remaining "Justice Warriors." He delivered a sharp, precise punch to Clark's face, the impact shattering his glasses, and a powerful kick to George's stomach, sending him doubling over in pain. The three boys collapsed to the ground, groaning and clutching their injuries, their earlier bravado completely extinguished. Maggie, her face streaked with tears, her body trembling with fear, watched helplessly as Domon approached, her small form defenseless.
Domon was about to reach for Maggie when Finesse, her face pale but her eyes filled with desperate courage, stepped forward, grabbing Domon's arm with both hands.
"Please stop!" Finesse pleaded, her voice trembling. "They're just children! They don't understand what they're doing! Please, have mercy!"
James Rhodonite the Third, his patience finally snapping, grabbed Finesse by the hair, his grip tight and painful. He yanked her away from Domon and threw her roughly to the ground, his face contorted with a twisted expression. He then pointed his golden pistol directly at her head.
"Don't interfere, you insolent woman!" James Rhodonite the Third yelled, his voice a venomous snarl. "You still owe the Empire a considerable sum of money, so you have absolutely no right to speak!" He turned his attention to the terrified crowd, his gaze sweeping over them like a predator assessing its prey. "That goes for all of you spineless peasants as well! Don't move a muscle, don't even breathe too loudly, or this woman is getting a bullet in her brain! Do you understand me?!"
"Finesse-san!" Maggie cried out, her voice filled with despair, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't worry about me, Maggie-chan! Just... just run! Get out of here while you can!" Finesse gasped, her voice strained, her eyes filled with fear and a desperate plea. She was then kicked brutally in the side by James Rhodonite the Third.
"I thought I told you that you don't get to speak, you worthless wretch," James Rhodonite the Third said, his voice cold and devoid of any emotion, his twisted smile sending a shiver down everyone's spines. "Domon, hurry up and take care of this little girl so we can finally leave this wretched place. I can't stand to be in this town any longer than I have to."
Domon nodded slowly, his expression unreadable, and turned his attention back to Maggie, who was being helping up the injured "Justice Warriors." The children, their faces pale and tear-streaked, began to run away, with Domon, hot on their trial.
Bang
A deafening gunshot echoed through the plaza once more. Silence descended upon the village, heavy and suffocating. Everyone stared in shock at James Rhodonite the Third, his golden pistol still smoking, his face a mask of cruel satisfaction. The "Justice Warriors" stumbled, their faces contorted with horror. They looked down and saw that one of them had been hit. Maggie lay on the ground, clutching her leg, her small body wracked with pain, her cries muffled.
"Maggie!" Clark and George shouted, their voices filled with anguish. They rushed to her side, attempting to help her, but Bill restrained them, his face grim.
"Forget her! We have to go! We can't help her now!" Bill said, his voice trembling, but firm.
"But... but what about Maggie?!" George protested, tears streaming down his face. "We can't just leave her here! She's our friend!"
"You want to fight him?" Bill said, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes fixed on Domon, who was looming over Maggie, his expression impassive. "Are you insane? He'll kill us! If you want to try and be heroes, go ahead! I'm getting the hell out of here!" Bill turned and fled, his small figure disappearing into the crowd, leaving his friends behind.
Clark and George looked at Domon, their faces pale with terror, their eyes filled with a desperate plea. They hesitated for a moment, torn between their loyalty to their friend and their own survival. Then, with a whimper, they turned and ran, following Bill's example, leaving Maggie alone and vulnerable.
"Guys... please... don't leave me..." Maggie cried out, her voice filled with pain and betrayal, her small hand clutching her wounded leg, the blood staining the cobblestones. Domon, still towering over her, looked down at her with a hint of sympathy, then turned to James Rhodonite the Third for instructions.
"Was that... was that really necessary, sir?" Domon asked, his voice low and hesitant.
James Rhodonite the Third blew the smoke from his golden pistol, his smile widening, his eyes gleaming with a cruel delight. "Just making things easier for you, Domon. You were taking too long. Besides," he sighed happily, his expression almost wistful, "it's been so long since I've had the pleasure of shooting a peasant. It feels... good. Now, grab the girl, and let's get out of this godforsaken place."
Domon shook his head slowly, his expression conflicted. He looked down at Maggie, her small body trembling, her face streaked with tears and blood.
"Sorry, little girl," Domon said softly, his voice filled with a strange mixture of regret and resignation. "But he's in charge. I have my orders. I have to take you in."
''You wouldn,t hurt a girl, would you?" Maggie pleaded, her voice barely a whisper, tears streaming down her face.
Domon stopped, his hand hovering over her. He hesitated for a moment, his expression thoughtful, his inner conflict evident. "My mother always did say... not to hurt girls," he muttered to himself.
Maggie sighed in relief, her tears slowing slightly, a flicker of hope in her eyes. Domon continued, his voice flat and emotionless, "So... I'll just pretend you're not a girl."
"NOOO!" Maggie screamed, her voice filled with terror, as Domon reached down to grab her.
"STOP!" a voice rang out, clear and strong, cutting through the silence and the despair. Everyone turned towards the sound, their eyes widening in surprise. A figure was running towards Maggie, their movements swift and determined. It was Makoto.
Makoto reached Maggie just as Domon was about to lift her. He stood protectively in front of her, his small body trembling, but his eyes blazing with a fierce determination.
" I won't let you hurt any more people in this town!" Makoto declared firmly, his voice filled with a newfound courage.
"Makoto-kun!" Maggie gasped, her voice filled with surprise and a glimmer of hope.
Makoto turned to Maggie, his expression gentle and reassuring. "Are you okay, Maggie-chan? Are you badly hurt?"
She nodded slowly, her tears subsiding slightly. "Uh-huh... but my leg... it hurts a lot." Makoto gently lifted Maggie into his arms, his small body straining with the effort.
"What is this now? Some kind of pathetic attempt at heroism?" James Rhodonite the Third scoffed, his voice filled with disdain. "I said, no interfering! Domon do something about this! I'm losing my patience!"
Domon didn't respond immediately. He looked at Makoto, holding the injured girl, his expression thoughtful, his gaze lingering on the boy's unwavering determination.
"DOMON!" James Rhodonite the Third roared, his face turning red with fury.
"Huh? Oh, sorry, sir," Domon said, his attention snapping back to the present. "I was just... just pondering the subtle, yet crucial, differences between an alligator and a crocodile. It's truly fascinating, you see."
"For the love of... just take care of the brat too!" James Rhodonite the Third yelled, his voice cracking with exasperation.
Domon nodded slowly and turned his attention back to Makoto and Maggie.
"Sorry, little boy," Domon said, his voice surprisingly gentle, yet firm. "But if you're going to try and protect this girl, I have no choice but to take you in as well. I can't let you interfere with the Empire's business."
"Go ahead," Makoto said, his voice trembling slightly, but his eyes unwavering. I'm not scared of you! A hero is brave, protects the innocent, and never gives up, no matter how bad things look! And I will be a hero!"
"Very well then," Domon said, his expression unreadable. He raised his fist, preparing to strike. Makoto and Maggie closed their eyes, bracing for the impact.
"Well said, Makoto!" a clear and strong voice declared. Makoto opened his eyes to find a figure standing before them, shielding them from Domon's attack. It was Linn.
"Linn-san!" Makoto cheered, his face lighting up with relief. Linn flashed him a reassuring smile. Yuzu walked to stand beside Makoto, her expression grim. Glaring at the nobleman, Tomodachi appeared as well, gently taking Maggie from Makoto's arms, his expression a low growl.
"Oh, now what is this nonsense?!" James Rhodonite the Third asked, his face contorted with fury. "What part of 'do not interfere' do you ignorant fools not understand?! Do you not care about the consequences? Do you not care what happens to this woman and these children?!"
Linn let go of Domon's fist, his expression calm and collected, a small smirk playing on his lips.
"What woman?" Linn asked, his voice deceptively casual.
"What do you mean, 'what woman'?! This one!" James Rhodonite the Third shouted, pointing to the spot where Finesse had been lying, only to find it empty.
"What?! Where did she go? Where is she?!" James Rhodonite the Third sputtered, his face a mask of confusion and disbelief.
"I rescued Miss Finesse when you weren't looking," Linn explained calmly, his smirk widening. "She's safe now, thanks to us. Now, I suggest you and your men leave this village at once."
A collective murmur of shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd. The villagers, who had been silent and submissive until now, watched in stunned amazement as this strange boy dared to show such blatant disrespect to a noble of the Empire, a representative of the King himself. James Rhodonite the Third's face turned a dangerous shade of purple. He raised his golden pistol once more, pointing it directly at Linn's forehead, his hand trembling with barely suppressed rage.
"Excuse me?" James Rhodonite the Third said, his voice a low, menacing growl. "Do you have any idea who you are speaking to, you insignificant little peasant? I am James Rhodonite the Third, a noble of the glorious Empire! I am smarter, stronger, faster, richer, and handsomer than you could ever dream of being in your entire pathetic lifetime! I would call you trash but that would be and insult to trash! I am high-class, you are low-class. I am above, you are below. I am at the top, you are at the bottom. I am better than you in every single way. Do you understand me?!"
Linn, his expression still calm and unfazed, his eyes fixed on James Rhodonite the Third, took a deep breath.
"I have one question for you," Linn said, his voice low and steady.
"Oh? The peasant has a question for me? Fine, I'll indulge you, you ignorant fool. What is it? Make it quick, I'm losing my patience," James Rhodonite the Third sneered, his finger tightening on the trigger of his golden pistol.
"How strong is your jaw?" Linn asked, his voice deceptively gentle.
"What is that supposed to—" James Rhodonite the Third began to reply, his brow furrowed in confusion.
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