"What a well-behaved little girl."
Suddenly, an unexpected presence appeared from behind, making Rin startle and turn around.
Then, she was stunned by what she saw before her eyes.
Rin: "So beautiful!"
She couldn't help but blurt out her thoughts.
The one who approached Rin was a breathtakingly beautiful young woman, with hair split into two distinct halves—black and white.
If one had to describe the beauty of a goddess, Rin believed it would look exactly like what she was seeing now.
Hearing Rin's sincere remark, the young woman smiled gently and replied:
"Thank you. You're also very cute and lovely."
Rin felt flustered at such praise. Being complimented on her looks by someone so dazzlingly beautiful was an embarrassing, shy experience.
Rin: "Do you need something?"
She asked, trying to hide her feelings.
Moreover, Rin was genuinely curious about the woman's purpose.
After all, she didn't think an ordinary girl like herself had anything worthy of such attention.
With that appearance, Rin wouldn't be surprised if the woman before her was of noble blood.
Rose: "First, to make introductions easier, my name is Rose. Could you tell me yours?"
Rin: "I'm Rin."
Rose: "Rin, earlier, I saw you helping that child. To be able to help others at your age, you truly are a kind girl."
Having her actions noticed and then praised made Rin even more embarrassed. If her face had been red like a tomato before, now it felt as though smoke was rising from her burning cheeks.
Rose: "Witnessing such a heartwarming scene made me want to come and get to know you. And if possible, I'd also love the chance to speak with your guardian."
Placing a hand on her cheek, Rose explained her reason with a sweet smile.
Even the smallest gestures radiated elegance and grace.
The more Rin looked at her beauty, the more overwhelmed she felt.
It was like a humble chicken standing before a majestic phoenix. She felt torn between wanting to run away and being irresistibly drawn closer.
Lost in her thoughts too long, Rin didn't respond, prompting Rose to ask with concern:
Rose: "Rin?"
Realizing her rudeness, Rin quickly answered.
Rin: "You want to talk to my guardian? For what reason?"
Rose: "My companion and I just arrived in this city. Surrounded by strangers, of course, I hope to make acquaintances and friends among kind people here."
Hearing this, Rin nodded in sympathy.
Arriving in an unfamiliar place can easily bring anxiety and unease. Meeting kind and friendly people naturally helps ease those worries.
Rin: "But why did you come alone to the slums? Aren't you worried about the dangers in such an unsafe place?"
She voiced her concern for Rose.
Knowing Rose had just arrived in the city, Rin thought she might have wandered here by mistake.
Rose: "Aren't you alone here, too?"
She seemed puzzled why a younger girl worried about her safety.
Rin: "I'm already familiar with this area. Besides, I can protect myself."
She said, pointing to the weapons and armor she carried.
In contrast, Rose didn't seem to carry any weapons at all.
She wore a white cloak, but when the cold wind blew, Rin glimpsed the outfit beneath—a short dress in black and white, matching her hair.
Anyone could tell at a glance that the exquisite garment was very expensive.
Rose looked like a noble lady stepping out of a mansion, completely different from Rin's practical adventurer attire.
That was why Rin's concern wasn't unfounded.
Hearing Rin say she could protect herself, Rose cheerfully flexed her arm and proudly said: "(๑•̀ㅂ•́)ᕤ Don't be fooled, I'm strong too. I can protect myself."
Looking at her slender arms with no muscle, the claim seemed unconvincing.
Yet in a world with spiritual energy, appearances could be deceiving.
Rin herself was proof—she still found it hard to believe she had defeated a Magical Beast far larger than herself.
Rin: "Are you a Mage?"
She guessed based on Rose's appearance.
Rose: "That's right."
She confirmed Rin's suspicion.
With that answer, Rin understood why Rose claimed to be strong and capable of self-defense—it was simply true.
Rin knew well how extraordinary a Mage's powers could be. After all, almost every day she had been right beside such an extraordinary existence, from dawn until late at night.
Beautiful like a goddess, seemingly wealthy, and a powerful Mage, Rose was someone Rin both admired and envied.
She couldn't help but sigh at life's unfairness. Some are born with everything, while others are born with almost nothing.
As if sensing the shadow in Rin's eyes, Rose gently patted her head and asked:
"Are you happy with yourself as you are now?"
Hearing that, Rin's face lit up, and she nodded cheerfully.
Though vague, she understood the meaning behind the question.
Her Master had once said similar things about loving oneself and ignoring others' judgments.
Rin also realized she might have judged too superficially. Even someone seemingly perfect like Rose must have her own struggles—like the fact she kept her eyes closed and never opened them.
Though curious, Rin refrained from asking, not wanting to be rude.
And since Rose was a Mage, Rin didn't bother questioning how she could still perceive everything clearly with closed eyes.
Her Master too often seemed able to observe multiple places at once, even far away.
After that, Rin and Rose continued chatting naturally, comfortably, and warmly.
Rin suddenly realized that, in such a short time since meeting, she already felt close and familiar with Rose.
Thinking about it, Rin was struck with amazement:
"Rose and Master… they feel so alike."