Finally... I don't even know for how long I was travelling...it must have been weeks already.

  Leyon exhaled with a sense of relief. He got off his horse, and for the first time in a long while, he admired the view in front of him. Low and worn-down castle walls, green and yellow fields filling the empty space in front of the city, coupled with a long line of wagons stationed in front of the gates. Look at them, acting so peacefully. Who would have thought I would live to see this kind of scenery? He started stretching; his body seemed to be unusually stiff today.

  "What a beautiful sight, right?" said an unknown yet calm voice, startling Leyon.

  I was followed?! Leyon unsheathed his sword, a masterpiece so sharp that even grazing the bde could be fatal. "Who are you?!" He pointed his bde towards the direction of the voice. It took him a good second to realize what was going on. An old man, dressed like a local merchant. Without saying another word, Leyon slowly pulled back his sword.

  Embarrassed for making such a hasty move and letting his guard down, "I apologize for the misunderstanding; it seems like I mistook you for someone else," he said in a calm tone, even smirking due to the mix of emotions he just felt.

  The old man just smiled. "The youth these days, always in such a hurry," he said while pointing towards Leyon's horse. "It seems like you are not from around here. Horses with that type of pattern on their body are usually from the southern continent. The horse armor is tailored in the north. And your appearance..." The old man took a moment to think, his eyes focused on Leyon's cloak. "You are from the western part of the continent. Must have been a wild ride coming here; that is quite unusual indeed..." The old man let out a ugh, expecting an answer from Leyon.

  He...is spot on. How did this old man figure it out? Perhaps it's thanks to his profession as a merchant. With such an old age comes an abundance of experience. Judging by his words, he most likely has seen more bizarre people than me. Leyon took his time thinking. Sheathing his sword, turning to his horse, and adjusting the armor. He can't feel any ill intent from the man, yet the air has become rather unsettling. Something feels off. Should I just... He gazed over to the man, his hand firmly grasping the handle of his sword.

  "It seems like my guess was correct; I always get these right," the old man let out a loud ugh. "Don't worry, I am not looking for any trouble. It's just a habit of mine. I happened to notice you while I was resting at a camp nearby. I am but a humble merchant seeking to expand his business. Whatever is going on in your private life is no matter of mine. I know better than to question people that try to hide their identity. Or how do you think I managed to get this old? By questioning others?" He let out an even louder ugh this time.

  This man...is annoying. "What business do you have with me? I don't believe that you approached me for small talk," Leyon asked, curious as to what the man had to say.

  The old man slowly sat down on the ground, dirtying his noble and expensive-looking attire. He then took a deep breath to answer, "As I said, I'm a merchant. Seeing how you come from a faraway pce, I wouldn't be doing my craft if I at least didn't ask if you have anything with you that could be of interest to me." He then pointed towards the rather rge bag on Leyon's horse. "You surely know that the city of Blue uses a separate currency than the West. After all, you are currently located in a different kingdom. I'm guessing you'll need some coins for your stay here. Let me be your first customer. I'm sure you have something interesting with you. I have a good sense when it comes to quality goods."

  He's not completely wrong. I do need some coins for my stay. Unfortunately for him, I have my own way of getting those coins. However, this could be a perfect opportunity to...

  "That makes sense. Out of curiosity, can you show me what the currency in this kingdom looks like?" Leyon asked the old man.

  "Of course!" The old man took out a golden coin, not bigger than his thumb and engraved with the kingdom's signature dragon. "This is the currency we use. This is the highest form. I unfortunately don't carry around silver or copper coins, but they also exist. It's very simple. Ten copper coins equal one silver coin. And ten silver coins equal one gold coin. For a night in an inn, you would need around one silver coin," he proudly announced.

  Leyon focused his eyes on the golden coin. So this is the currency. It's rather practical, way better than the western coin, which is basically double its size. He then smirked. This is great; with this size and material composition, I don't have to spend a lot of mana to replicate it!

  Leyon, the Bloodhound of House Lion, has kept a secret from his masters.

  In this world, magic is power. The ability to utilize magic is a rare gift. There are no limits as to what the abilities can be, although they do follow a structure. A magic user always has a specific type. The types can range from simple magic, such as elemental, to more complex types, such as time and even space. One does not know that they can wield magic; it has to be discovered. Although, some say that the fact that one can use magic is revealed to them through senses or even dreams.

  Leyon has lived his past life as a Bloodhound for the prestigious House Lion. Following their every order and making sure that problems are taken care of. Through his missions, his expertise in combat has risen drastically. On a fated day, he accidentally discovered his magic ability:

  Replicate—This ability allows its user to replicate any item that the user has already seen before. The mana cost of this ability depends on the item that is to be replicated.

  Using this ability, Leyon has increased his strength rapidly. Using it to replicate items that strengthen not just his core, but also his mana. It didn't take him long to outcss a big portion of House Lion. A growth that seemed to threaten the masters of said house...

  "Well, you got me. I actually do have something that could interest you; let me get it for you," Leyon said with a smile.

  Although I don't have a need for his coins, he has other uses. It seems like he is a rather wealthy local merchant; he'll have an inventory of items that I have not seen before. Getting access to such an inventory would benefit me greatly. Leyon reached into his bag, rustling through the items and acting like he was searching for something. Replicate! Instead, he replicated an item into existence. He then presented it to the old man.

  "What do you think about this? A rare grade seven western pill of health. Give this to someone, and their internal wounds will be healed within a week," said Leyon with an intriguing tone. This pill...it reminds me of the days in which I had to strengthen my vitality using this. What a pain it was.

  "You have a grade seven Western pill?!" The old man got up and screamed in excitement, startling Leyon for a moment. This is the only grade seven pill I can replicate. Acquiring it was another type of pain...

  "Well...with the right price it can be yours." Leyon pulled away the pill before the old man's gaze dirtied it any further.

  "Normally, I would doubt if it's even real. But looking at it even from this distance, my merchant instincts are screaming to buy it," the man said while pulling out a pouch filled with gold coins. "In here are 100 gold coins. I believe this is a fair price for such a pill. And, I'm taking a risk here; I don't even know if it's real."

  "I'm fine with the price. But I think I can offer you something even better. How does zero coins sound? I just have a few conditions." Leyon threw the pill over to the old man.

  "Name your conditions," the old man replied, analyzing the pill meticulously.

  "I want to enter the city of Blue. But, as you can see, I look rather suspicious with my cloak hiding my face. I'd like you to pretend I'm one of your merchants and grant me entrance to the city. On top of that, I'd like to work with you in the future. I believe I might have some more interesting goods for you. In exchange for all of that, this seventh-grade pill and more can be yours." Leyon smiled while extending his hand for a handshake.

  The old man didn't hesitate. "You got a deal," he said while ughing loudly again. If only he had a less annoying ugh...

  The firm grip in his hands made Leyon take a closer look at the man. He looks like the word merchant...that mustache of his and even the attire. He is around half my size, yet the strength in his hands is firm. This man...I feel like he will be very useful. Leyon slowly pulled away his cloak, revealing his face.

  "Oh my, what a fierce-looking young man you are. Are you a soldier or something? Silver hair and even an eye patch—how did I not notice that?" the old man asked jokingly.

  "I guess you could say it like that," Leyon smirked, finally releasing his hand from the man's grip. "Let's get going; I don't want to spend my whole day on this hill," Leyon said, mounting his horse and getting ready to ride.

  "I'll meet you down at my caravan," the old man said, concluding the encounter.

  A while ter, at the city gates...

  "It's been over an hour already; how long do we need to wait for?" Leyon let out a sigh, bored by all the waiting.

  "I already told you, there is a major festival here soon; with all the merchants and travelers arriving at the city, it might take a few more hours for the guards to check through everything," the old man replied. "Come to think of it, you never told me your name. I'm Bazran, from the Bazran merchant group. You should feel honored to meet the head of such a great group," Bazran procimed proudly.

  "I'm Leyon. I was something like a warrior in the past. I'm visiting this city since I heard that it's a city of opportunities. Although, now that I'm seeing it in person, I wonder if it's true. These walls sure don't look sturdy to me. Is the city struggling financially?" Leyon lied. I can't tell him about my real past. He has no need to know...

  "The City of Blue. A great free city with the rgest port in the kingdom. This is a city of wealth. I have not witnessed this territory struggle financially, ever. And the walls are like that because there have not been any conflicts in the past ten years, but I guess it's also the fault of the dy; she seems to be rather out of the loop." Bazran snickered; he seemed to be compining about something that he ought not to talk about.

  Leyon didn't pry any further into the topic. Instead, he y down on the stacks of hay and rexed for the first time in years. Never would I have guessed that I could enjoy such peace, lying on a wagon and smelling the ocean breeze. His gaze followed the clouds, trying to figure out what each of the clouds resembled. Thanks to Bazran, I now have some proper local attire, although I do resemble a merchant now. Hmm...maybe more like a merchant bodyguard; at least that's my new identity...

  His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of trumpets.

  "It seems like the dy has arrived. What timing! Now we have to pull the wagons to the side. What a hassle," Bazran said, disappointed.

  Guards formed a line in front of the gates, banners dropped from the walls, and the wagons pulled to the side to make way for the incoming royal wagon. What a sight, such extravagant entry. All of that for one person? Leyon looked over, annoyed that his rexing time had been interrupted by the loud noise. A white grand wagon with golden details, decorated with the kingdom's signature dragon. Beautiful white horses and guards armored in golden, shining armor. What a waste of gold...

  "I'm sorry, Leyon, but it looks like this might take a while. It was almost our turn to pass the gates; now we can wait again..." Bazran sighed.

  The wagon stopped next to Leyon. Guards are now closely passing by, doing their routine checks. My beautiful view got blocked...the royals really have no consideration. To cause such a ruckus...all of that for some entry? Who even is inside? Leyon gnced over to the window, not noticing that it had been pulled down already. His gaze was met with a judging look from the dy.

  "She is the dy of the city; it would be wise to show some manners and at least sit up straight," Bazran whispered to Leyon. He complied, not wanting to cause a scene.

  Leyon took a good long look at the dy. Pale skin, long red hair, fire in her eyes, and...long pointy ears? She is...

  "Right, you don't know. She is this kingdom's one and only princess. An elven one at that," Bazran whispered again.

  It seemed like Leyon was captivated. A man that has only known blood and war has found a red rose.

  "Are you done staring?" the dy asked in an annoying tone. The attention of the royal guards was now pulled towards Leyon.

  However, Leyon didn't react. He just continued looking...but not at the dy. He smirked, unsure if he should proceed with the question.

  "Your fme is rather weak; did you acquire it recently?" Leyon asked the dy.

  Silence. No one dared to speak. Even the royal guards were unsure how they should react. After sharing some confused and flustered gnces with each other, they looked over to the dy.

  Confusion. Frustration. Humiliation. Her face said it all. Yet at the same time, it said nothing.

  "You...can see it?" she asked carefully.

  Magic users can't detect other magic users unless their proficiency is on the level of an expert. Finding a magic user is rare in itself, so it's no surprise she reacted like this. Let me give her something to control her fme better. Leyon carefully transferred some of his mana towards the fme, using his expertise to double the size of the fme in an instant.

  The dy, within the moment, started to sweat uncontrolbly. Her body temperature has risen; she has to now focus on controlling the fme.

  Excitement. Curiosity. Mystery. She felt all of these feelings at once. While gripping the edge of the wagon window, she couldn't help but start panting wildly. Her face turns red as she looks over to Leyon again.

  "It's a small gift; no need to thank me," Leyon said with a smile, trying to hold in his ughter.

  The royal guards are now on high alert, pointing their spears at Leyon. "Capture him! He tried to harm the dy!" the soldiers shouted. Just then, "Stop! Let him be!" the dy responded while still panting in excitement. "I'll deal with this matter personally; just hurry up and get me inside!" she smmed down the window. As commanded, the wagon started moving again, entering the city and leaving the city gates.

  Both Leyon and the dy now had only one thought in their minds.

  "I want her.""I want him."