> Ellie PoV

We walk up to the city gates.

Since I made a promise with Kira, I turn off my [Telepathy].

As expected, I feel uneasy.

But Kira is here so I'm a bit relieved.

We approach the gate guards.

When they see us, they raise their guard and glare at us with suspicion.

"Hello Rupert." (Kira)

Kira calls out to the guard with a round face.

"Miss Quasse?" (Guard)

"I'm here to apologize and turn myself in. I'll cooperate, so please be lenient." (Kira)

Rupert looks over both of us.

"... That's awfully obedient of you." (Guard)

"This time was partly my fault, so I'm here to take responsibility." (Kira)

"What about your friend there?" (Guard)

Rupert tilts his head in my direction.

"This is Ellie. She's ... involved in what happened.

She gets really nervous if we're separated, so please bring her along." (Kira)

Rupert glares at me, then turns back to Kira.

"That... how nervous are we talking?" (Guard)

"That is, um..." (Kira)

Kira seems at a loss for words.

Let's back her up a little.

"If you take Kira away from me, I will break your arms and legs." (Ellie)

"!" (Guard)

The two guard tense up.

"Pff, pahahaha!" (Guard)

They start laughing for some reason.

It was a serious threat you know.

"This little miss is terrifying, isn't she?" (Guard)

They're clearly looking down on me.

Don't underestimate adventurers!

Ah, but I'm not an adventurer yet.

At least they don't look like they want to attack us anymore.

"Right, I'm sorry about that, Ellie was it?

I understand, but if you go together, I need to arrest you too. Are you fine with that?" (Guard)

"Yes." (Ellie)

"Then my bones will be healthy today as well, eh?" (Guard)

A few more guards come out and bind our wrists with shackles.

They ask us to disarm, so Kira hands over her staff.

I don’t like disarming outside of our home though.

I trust Kira, so I'll do it.

But I can't trust these people at all.

I take off my belt, sword and my (visible) throwing knives.

However, one of the guards was eyeing them with envy.

I'll make sure to break his wrists if he runs off with something.

* * *

The guards took me and Kira to the guard captain's office.

We sat in front of his desk while he was working on some papers.

He has no hair and his face is covered in scars.

This is not a face that has lived an honest life.

The kind of person that will put you in a headlock for no reason.

He kept switching his gaze between me and Kira.

Somehow, Kira's face kept cramping up.

Kira was actually nervous.

Was this uncle such a formidable enemy?

Having decided something, he stood up.

This is bad.

That ice cold stare is bad!

We're still shackled so resistance will be limited.

We must watch for signs of weakness and escape!

He walked around, stood in front of Kira and with a sudden movement-

"Yo Crackhead, howsit hangin'? *slap* " (Captain)

-started vigorously slapping Kira's shoulder with a stupid smile on his face.

"Still kickin' yea? *slap*" (Captain)

Ah I see.

"Ya been gone awhile so I was worried! *slap*" (Captain)

I was naive.

"Ya need ta visit more! *slap*" (Captain)

This is not an enemy I can handle.

"C'mon don't be such a stranger! *slap*" (Captain)

Lieutenant Kira is already down!

"Liven up a lil'! *slap*" (Captain)

Escape route C-55 was compromised!

"Oi, somethin' up with yer lil' friend over here?" (Captain)

We're abandoning explosives and food!

"Kaaahahaha! Don't be so nervous, little miss!" (Captain)

Rendezvous at point Alpha!

*slap*

*snap*

"GYAAAAAAA!" (Captain)

I broke his arm on reflex.