Levi made a quick exit from the kingdom and returned to the humble streets of the capital.
The city was a hive of activity, people scurrying to finish their tasks. "Such dedicated fellows," he thought with a wry smile, watching them. The streets were clean and decorated with hanging ribbons that depicted soaring eagles. Posters plastered everywhere showed a man with lustrous black hair and a woman in heavy armor, a royal couple he didn't bother himself with. At over a hundred years old, such trivialities were fruitless.
"Funny bunch," he muttered as he made his way to a simple wooden building nestled in a worn-out alley. He walked inside, greeted by the familiar, pungent scent of stale beer and liquor.
The tavern was a constant, whether during a festival or not. Wooden tables and chairs were scattered throughout the space, with people drinking and chattering about meaningless things. Shelves packed with bottles lined the walls, and behind a counter stood the only person in the world Levi actually liked: Cassie.
"Hey, Levi," she said, her smile lighting up the room as she waved. Cassie was a simple girl with a slender, athletic build, but her ordinary green dress seemed to brighten everything around her. Her blonde hair fell from her shoulders like a waterfall, and her beautiful green eyes sparkled with mischief. She was cleaning a cup, her hand moving with an elegant, practiced precision.
Levi slid onto a wooden stool at the counter and let out a long, weary sigh. Stress was creeping into his muscles. "I'm good. Just went on another mission for the king to retrieve some stupid ring. The reason... I don't even want to talk about it. And guess what? My horse died again. There's no way in hell I'm ever leaving these walls on foot."
"It's stressful," he lamented, throwing his hands up in defeat.
Cassie watched him for a moment, then a soft, melodic giggle escaped her lips, sounding like music to his ears.
'Why don't I hear that more often?' he thought to himself, a smile formed in his lips.
"You're really funny," she said, unable to stop giggling.
Levi feigned a frown. "What's so funny?" he asked.
Cassie set the glass down and looked at him, the last traces of laughter fading, but her smile remained unwavering. "Are you serious?" she asked.
Levi nodded, looking out the window. Cassie poked his arm gently, offering him another smile.
"What would you like to drink, Mighty Sword Hero?" she said, walking to a nearby cabinet and opening it to reveal rows of drinks.
"The usual," he answered, tapping his foot restlessly under the table. His mind drifted back to his horse. Even though they had only traveled for three days, he'd grown a little attached to it. After all, it was the only one that had ever passed the two-day threshold.
Cassie poured a drink into a glass cup and handed it to Levi. He nodded as he accepted the cup.
"So… how are you doing?" Levi said, sipping the bittersweet drink.
Cassie smiled. "The same, except for the orders from the king for his son's wedding. Everything else is pretty much the same as always." She took a cloth and started wiping the counter.
Levi looked around the bar. "Anyone been giving you trouble lately?" he whispered as he finished the last sip of his drink.
Cassie shook her head. "Who would want to mess with me when I have the best bodyguard in the world?" she said in a cheerful, mischievous voice.
Levi smirked, placing his empty cup down. "Bodyguard? Is that how you see me?" he said, feigning a hurt tone.
Cassie froze and looked up, meeting Levi's gaze. "Of course not. You are my helper, bodyguard, carrier, and many more," she said as a laugh escaped her lips.
Levi raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?" he said, watching Cassie refill his drink.
Cassie shook her head, trying to stop herself from laughing. "I'm just joking. No need to get so serious."
Levi smiled. "When did I get serious? Have you ever seen me serious before?" he asked with a playful tone.
Cassie handed him his refilled drink. "Nope! And I don't want to see it. Ever," she declared.
Levi laughed and sipped his drink, watching the cheerful girl in front of him.
Cassie was always a cheerful girl who looked on the positive side of things. Sometimes Levi wished he could be as positive as she was, but constant positivity had its disadvantages.
If she had ever seen half the things I've seen, she would quit this positive life and become depressed, Levi thought as he drank from his cup and watched Cassie attend to more customers.
The tavern's atmosphere was easygoing as always, as long as she was around when—
The door suddenly flung open, the force of the kick was so much that it flew off it's hinges, and two knights clad in golden armor strode in. Their special golden armor marked them as knights of the king. The customers in the tavern started whispering.
"Aren't does the royal guards?"
"What the hell are they doing here"
"Did they come to drink because drinks on me"
Levi frowned as soon as he saw the two. Cassie sighed and walked back to the counter, her smile faltering.
The leading knight walked forward and looked down at Cassie from the visor of his helmet.
"Miss Cassie, we were sent by the king," he spoke in a deep voice that demanded authority.
Cassie frowned and looked up at the man, brushing her forehead. "Why must you always kick my door off its hinges whenever you come here? The doorknob isn't just a decoration."
The knight who stayed behind scoffed with disdain. "Don't forget your manners, commoner." His eyes burned with hate as he looked at Cassie from his visor.
The leading knight continued, ignoring Cassie's question. "The king requests that the drinks are ready by this evening."
"Tomorrow. But I thought he said next week. That's unfair," she retorted.
The leading knight frowned and said, "Commoner, do not take us for a joke."
Cassie raised her eyebrow. "What if I do?" she said with a mischievous smile.
The knight at the door stormed forward, unsheathing his sword and pointing it at Cassie.
"Watch your words, woman," he barked with fury.
Cassie's frown deepened. "Didn't you read the sign outside? No weapons allowed."
The knight grinned as he brandished his sword. "Oh yeah? Who is going to stop me?"