Sampo: ?
The princess of the Snow Elf tribe? What the heck?
Originally lying on the ground, clutching his stomach in pain, Sampo froze at Clara's words. He shot a confused glance her way before deciding it was better not to ask.
He didn't dwell on it and went back to holding his stomach, groaning in agony.
Clara's punch earlier might have looked neither light nor heavy on the surface.
But only Sampo knew—that blow had struck his very soul, almost shattering it.
As for why he was clutching his stomach? Just for show, of course.
The soul-shock was over in an instant, but he still had to put on a performance.
People gotta act based on the situation, you know?
Otherwise, you won't even know how you died.
"Guests of the Supreme Guardian? The princess of the Snow Spirit tribe?"
The Silvermane Guards fell into a brief discussion after hearing Clara's words.
"Do you have any proof to verify this claim?"
One guard who seemed to be of higher rank signaled his subordinates with a look, then turned his gaze to Clara.
The Silvermane Guards caught his meaning and quickly walked over to Sampo, hauling him up and slapping cuffs on him.
"You can just ask and find out."
The officer shook his head at that. "The Supreme Guardian isn't someone we can contact casually. Please provide another way to verify your identity."
"Hmm… I know your Captain of the Guard. I believe he can confirm our identities."
"Is that so? Please wait a moment. I'll send someone to notify Gepard right away—"
"No need. I'm here."
Before the guard could finish, Gepard's voice rang out.
At his arrival, all the Silvermane Guards present saluted him.
"These two are speaking the truth. They are indeed guests of the Supreme Guardian."
"Understood!"
Hearing Gepard's words, the officer stepped before Clara and Firefly and bowed apologetically. "My apologies for the misunderstanding."
"No worries, no worries~" Clara waved it off, unconcerned. Then she lifted a hand and pointed at Sampo, who was being held by two guards. "But this guy here—he needs to be punished properly."
"We were on the street, enjoying Belobog's unique scenery, when this man suddenly blocked our path. He told us he had a 'big treasure' to show us."
"Since we're new to Belobog and had seen how friendly everyone here is, we thought the people were all quite nice."
"So we followed him without any suspicion…"
"And then… and then…"
Here, Clara even made a show of wiping away completely nonexistent tears from her eyes.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
Listening to Clara's account and watching her expression, the Silvermane Guards understood exactly what Sampo had done to her…
The two guards restraining Sampo gradually tightened their grip, as if trying to wrench his arms off.
"And then…"
"He brought us here and started getting handsy with us…"
Clara's voice grew softer, sounding more wronged, as she spoke.
"Say no more!" Gepard didn't doubt the truth of Clara's words.
A wanted criminal versus a sheltered "princess"—who was telling the truth? Did it even require thought?
Besides… cute girls don't lie.
Therefore, Gepard unconditionally believed every word Clara said. He cut her off, his gaze turning toward Sampo, ice-cold and undisguised…
"To disregard the Silvermane Guards and harass Belobog's honored guests…"
"You will spend the rest of your life behind bars!"
Sampo: ???
Wait, I publicly harassed Clara?
Seriously?
Do you have any idea she could probably slap ten thousand versions of me to death?
If you told anyone in The Tavern that Sampo publicly harassed Clara, they'd die laughing.
Knowing those two as he did, Sampo was sure they'd sooner believe the Aeon of Elation had kicked the bucket than believe he'd dare harass Clara in public…
Hell, that topic might even dominate The Tavern's trending charts for a long time.
"Wait, let me explain—"
"Take him away!"
Sampo tried to speak, but Gepard cut him off directly.
"Yes, sir!" The Silvermane Guards obeyed, mercilessly kicking Sampo once each before dragging him away without an ounce of pity.
"Phew…"
Watching Sampo being hauled off, Gepard took a deep breath and bowed solemnly to Clara and Firefly. "My apologies. This was a failure on our part…"
"It's fine, really~ You arrived just in time. He didn't manage to do anything to us."
"Phew… A fortunate escape, then." Gepard let out a sigh of relief at that.
"We'll be going now." Clara waved, took Firefly's hand, and turned to leave.
"Wait."
Gepard called out to stop them.
"What is it?"
"To prevent such an incident from happening again, I will accompany the two of you to ensure your safety!"
"That won't be necessary." Clara shook her head at that.
If you tag along, how am I supposed to stir up any trouble?
"My apologies." Gepard offered another apology, his expression utterly serious. "This is not a request."
Clara: …
…
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