Kala hesitated as the leader's eyes bored into hers, silently threatening her to lie and turn Caspian away.
She faced a choice: appease them and lie—or tell the truth and place her trust in a noble for the first time in her life.
But the longer she thought, the more she realised she didn't truly have a choice.
If she turned him away, she would likely be violated and killed.
They were wary of Caspian—not just his status, but him as a person.
Still, it was a terrifying gamble to place her life in a noble's hands after everything that had happened since her parents' deaths.
Then their teachings resurfaced in her mind.
She steadied herself.
Decision made, she stepped out from behind the counter.
Her dress swayed as she moved.
"I need your help, Your Highness!"
She dropped to her knees before him.
"This group of men didn't just harass me—they were going to violate and kill me before you arrived. They also killed my parents!"
Her declaration threw the room into chaos.
__________
What in the hell did I just walk into? Caspian thought. I only wanted a book.
He couldn't deny that Kala drew his attention.
He had seen beautiful women since arriving in this world—his mother included—but what he felt now wasn't just attraction.
The moment he saw Kala, something clicked.
A quiet sense he couldn't quite name.
He didn't believe in love at first sight—not after his disastrous relationship on Earth—but her composure, resilience, and refusal to break despite everything spoke volumes about her character.
If nothing else, she intrigued him.
Then something unexpected happened.
[ Kala ]
[Level 1:
[Objectives:
Take revenge on those who killed your parents
Learn and master three water spells
Defeat 100 monsters within a dungeon (0/100)]
Wait… I can see other people's evolution paths? Isn't that overpowered?
[Only women you feel a close connection with. Establish the connection, gain access to the information.]
A rare water dragon bloodline as a commoner… interesting.
He pushed the thought aside for later.
The leader opened his mouth to protest, but Caspian lifted a hand, silencing him.
"Who killed your parents?" Caspian asked calmly.
The question stunned everyone.
Kala answered immediately.
"Those two."
She pointed at the leader and the large dragon beside him.
"Alright. You two can leave."
Then he looked at the rest.
"As for you…"
He snapped his fingers.
"Holy Fire."
Golden flames erupted instantly.
There was no time to react.
Their screams lasted only moments before they turned to ash.
The shop fell silent.
The leader staggered back, fury replacing shock.
"You half-breed! You can't just kill nobles—especially those aligned with Prince Balgor!"
Caspian smiled faintly, utterly unbothered.
"I don't care who they serve. Now run along."
He waved dismissively.
"His Highness will hear about this!" the man spat before retreating with his last companion, their earlier arrogance completely gone.
"Get up," Caspian said casually, already glancing around the shop as if nothing unusual had happened.
Kala's emotions tangled together.
Why would he kill nobles for me?
But another question weighed heavier.
Why did he let those two go?
Caspian smirked slightly, as if reading her thoughts.
He picked up a book and spoke lightly.
"You're wondering why I let them go, right? Let's just say it's better for you that way."
Her confusion deepened.
Before she could press him, he looked up and said without the slightest embarrassment:
"Your eyes—has anyone told you they look like the ocean? Vast, calm, but unyielding when needed. I think they're… pretty."
Red flooded her face and neck.
Overwhelmed, she covered her cheeks and hurried behind the counter into the back office.
"Cute," Caspian muttered with a quiet laugh.
As he wandered the shop, reflecting on how trouble seemed to follow him, the system chimed.
[ Spellbook Found! ]