"Lady Yvette?!"

The group of guards outside the city gate recognized Yvette even though they were still quite far. It's probably because of her mana fluctuation or maybe her expensive blue dress is just that recognizable.

"Was there a report that I was already dead?" Yvette couldn't help but smile after seeing the shock and relief on the guard's faces.

Although she doesn't know their names, her reputation as the daughter of Count Marshall made her famous in a way. Most of the citizens here also know her due to her identity as one of the youngest female Master Magicians in this region.

"Y-yes, Lady Yvette. A messenger bird from has arrived yesterday reporting about your team's death in the hands of a Magic Beast. It was sent by the Austere Blade Mercenaries."

"That's right… They must be punished for giving such a piece of false information. The Count has even sent out an investigation to be sent at the Green Fog Forest."

"He must be worried now. I will report to the count about your arrival… Jill, take the carriage and assist the lady."

The leader of the guards ordered as he looked at the youngest one in their group.

"Yes, leader..." Jill replied before he hastily left to bring the carriage. They can't just allow the Count's daughter to walk in the streets like this.

"Thank you, Sir. May I know how to call you?" Yvette asked the leader.

"Just call me Adrian, Lady Yvette. I'm the Captain of 10th City Guards Squadron" The middle-aged man replied.

All the guards are wearing the normal white leather armor which is the uniform of the city guards.

However, the hilt of Adrian's sword has a red mark on it allowing her to recognize that he's the leader of the guards.

Apparently, the rank of the officers here in the city can be identified using this method.

"Alright, Sir Adrian. You mentioned that my father sent a group of soldiers to the Green Fog forest. Why would they go there? Isn't that too far? That's three days away from where I supposedly went missing." Yvette asked in confusion.

"T-this… You're right, Lady Yvette. But the message we have received was that you went missing in that place."

Yvette can only shake her head after hearing this. Well, it's not really surprising if she thinks about it, since the one who provided the information was the Austere Blade after all!

They probably wanted to buy more time.

Soon, Jill brought the carriage with him and he also took the reins.

"Lady Yvette. I will bring you and your group to the Manor." Jill offered.

"Wait, Miss Yvette…"

Finally, Vincent thought that it was time to separate from Yvette.

"We'll be looking around the city now… I don't think that you still need our help anyway."

"Ahh… You're right. About your reward, I'll be sending someone to give it to you. If it's possible, you can stay at Florence's Inn so I'll know where to send them."

"Florence's Inn?" Vincent repeated.

This time, Adrian spoke.

"It's near the Auction House. I can have someone to bring you there."

After settling everything, Yvette finally went on her way while Adrian decided to personally accompany the two.

"I'll lead the way to the inn. May I know both of your names?" Adrian asked as they started walking on the streets.

There were a lot of people here since there is a market nearby. Aside from that, there seems to be a popular tailor shop where a lot of people gather.

Vincent noticed all of this as he carefully observed the surroundings. This place is completely different from the villages he saw.

'This is a real prospering civilization here...'

"I'm Vincent and my companion here is Tara. We just met Yvette while we are on our way here to the city. We realized that she was in a bind so we decided to just offer our help and bring her here to the city safely."

Vincent answered. He actually realized that they have skipped the normal process of entering the city thanks to Yvette's presence.

Now that she left them, the captain of the tenth squad naturally has the task to ensure that they aren't some criminals using Yvette as a cover.

"I see… Vincent, Tara… Thank you for helping the lady… The news of her death has already spread throughout the city so I can't wait to spread the news of her return."

"Oh… You must really adore her."

"Of course… Her family did everything they could to improve the condition of this city. This place wasn't prosperous before but thanks to their help---Ah! I must stop here. I'll just waste your time listening to my story. That's the Florence's Inn right there. It's one of Lady Yvette's properties so she suggested the place for you." Adrian replied as he pointed to the three-story building next to the large Auction House.

Vincent then saw the name of the auction house on its large placard outside.

"The Guardian's Auction House."

It is like an arena that can surely pass as one of the city's attractions.

Before Adrian left them, Vincent also asked for the nearest library where he can purchase the Compendium of Beasts.

"That book? There is a library and bookstore on the opposite side of the city. It's near the northern gate's flea market. I'm not sure if they are still selling that book but you can try."

"Thank you, Adrian." Vincent thanked the middle-aged man as he invited Tara to enter the Inn.

They rented two rooms to take their deserved rest and order meals to be delivered in their own rooms.

After finishing their meals and taking a rest, Vincent decided to speak with Tara to ask about her plans.

"Tara, I'm planning to go outside to sell some of my Beast Cores and other materials I looted. Ehem… Are you still planning to join me on my travel? Or are you thinking of separating on our ways?"

Vincent sincerely asked.

To be honest, he's really interested to know more about this Celestial Being. He barely had a glimpse of her abilities and he wanted to know more. Aside from that, she's very reliable and quiet as well.

Tara went silent for a moment before she answered.

"I haven't recovered my full strength yet. I still barely know anything about this world. Since you're discovering this world slowly as well, allow me to join you in your journey for now."