A Background Character’s Path to Power

"My lady, we couldn't find the person. It seems like they left as soon as the auction ended. The guild's attendants didn't notice their departure either." A heavily armored knight reported to a beautiful red red-haired young woman.

It was Carmine.

"...What about that woman?" Carmine asked, her eyes narrowing.

"We... We couldn't find her either. And it seems like she changed inns too." The knight replied with his head low.

"Tch, escaped huh? What a coward." Carmine clicked her tongue in irritation mixed with satisfaction.

That insufferable b*tch must have realized she couldn't fight with her. Not in here, where her family ruled over.

...No, I can't let her get away like this!

She had to pay the price for humiliating her, insulting her family, and his highness.

"Send people again, search thoroughly." Carmine's voice was sharp, a chilling resolve hardening her delicate features. The knight nodded, turning to issue the orders, but Carmine wasn't finished yet. "And inform the city guard. I want every gate watched, every carriage inspected. She can't have gone far. Bring her to me, no matter what it takes."

"Yes, my lady." The knight bowed again and quickly took his leave.

"I have to show you what it means to mess with a future queen," Carmine muttered to herself as she was left alone, a dangerous glint passing through her eyes.

That's right. She had to act like a queen from now on if she didn't want to embarrass her husband in the future.

"You can never escape me."

_____ ____ __

"Alright, we safely escaped." The hooded figure said, letting out a long breath.

"..."

Cassandra silently looked at the figure, her mouth opening slightly before closing again.

Her expression was unreadable, a blend of surprise and something akin to quiet amusement. Thankfully, they were hidden behind the veil.

The air around them was still, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the auction hall they'd just left.

She recalled what happened just now. She was just leaving the auction, and several people surrounded her, asking her to follow them.

She asked who they were and what they wanted. But they didn't answer at all, just asking her to obey them.

She naturally refused, but they were unnaturally clingy. They refused to give her a way and threatened to use force if she didn't comply.

Just as she was about to confront them, this figure showed up. The next moment, white mist enveloped the scene, obscuring the vision.

Then, the guy asked her to follow after him. Now they were here.

"...Who are you?" She still couldn't help but ask. Everything was suspicious. What if he was associated with the others and was leading her to a trap?

"Huh?" The figure froze at her question, and as if realizing something, quickly removed their hood, revealing a slightly handsome and mature face. But it was the ears that stole Cassandra's attention.

"It's you!" She pointed at him, surprisedly. That's right, he was the half-elf she shared a table today during lunch. Although he left quickly, it wasn't important.

"Yeah, it's me." The half-elf smiled faintly in response. "It's good you see you again, Young Lady."

"I'm not..." She wanted to say she wasn't young, but stopped at the right time. "You didn't answer my question."

"Ah, sorry, the situation was a bit chaotic for me to introduce back then." The half-elf scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Anyway, better late than never. I'm Luminiel, a traveler. You can also call me Lumin."

"...Alright, sir Lumin." Cassandra's suspicions decreased a bit, only a bit. Sure, his reason was logical, but that didn't explain everything. "Then, let me introduce myself, too. You can just call me Cassie."

"Understood, Lady Cassie." Lumin nodded. "And... is there something you want to ask?"

"...Why did you do it?" Cassandra hesitated for a moment before asking. She wasn't surprised by him realizing her intent. He must be an experienced traveler, like she suspected.

"Ah, you mean just now?" Lumin replied. "Of course it was to save you. You looked like you were in a pinch, so I thought I'd help you out."

"..." Cassandra stared at him, as if not entirely impressed.

"Let me be honest, then. I was in a similar situation to you just now, and I figured those guys were from the same group. So I thought it would be better to combine our efforts and get away from them together. Strength in numbers, after all. Besides, I needed to avoid them just as much as you did." Lumin explained in a more solemn tone. "So what do you think?"

"...Let me think for a bit," Cassandra replied after a pause.

She then started to analyze the situation. She could already tell who the perpetrator behind this mess was.

...That girl.

It was 99% her while the remaining 1% was that man from the auction...

No, it was the Carmine girl, only she had a grudge against her, and only she would do something as petty as this.

But why was this guy being chased as well? Did he offend that girl too? Or was it related to her somehow? No, that was too far-fetched.

But one thing was clear now - she had to cooperate with this man if she didn't want to be involved in any more trouble.

Sure, she could handle the situation by herself, but she was new here, didn't know the place, or the powers. While the man before her seemed to be knowledgeable. But there was one thing she needed to know. And the fact that he was a traveler, he must be experienced with these kinds of things.

"Can you take me to the Luthaire Family? Don't worry, I will pay you accordingly."

"Huh, Luthaire family?" A surprise flashed through Lumin's face. "You mean you are going to the Luthaire House too?"

Now, it was Cassandra's turn to be surprised.

"Coincidences really happen in the most unexpected ways, don't they?" Lumin smiled genuinely for the first time. "It seems fate truly brought us together, Lady Cassie."

"...Yes, it seems like it," Cassandra replied, her own smile hidden beneath her veil.

"Then, shall we go?" Lumine offered, gesturing forward.

"Alright, please lead the way."