Grim and Arriane arrived at the city's central, in which the market place is located. Some houses are also built here, blacksmith's workshops, inns for the adventurers, store booths for different goods, clothing stores, and everything goes on. There are also lot's of people here every day, but today a lot more people are gathering here. This is because of the festival. Today, you can see some adventurers who are selling hides and parts of monsters that they could gather outside of city, others like the Holy Knights are rare to the capital's district since most of the time they are fighting higher level monsters, demons in the outlands or in the Snowy Mountain Island, the citizens are also here, and there are some students from the nearby prestige school of sword and magic.

The place where Grim needs to deliver the fishes is just a few steps away, so he stopped his carriage and went at the back to gather the boxes. He looked at Arriane and asked, if it’s alright with her to wait a bit for him, Arriane didn’t hear what he said as her attention was captured by someone who is so far away. It is a holy knight. Grim looked at the knight and smiled at Arriane.

“You know Arriane, you can do it you know.” Grim said while he smiles at Arriane.

Arriane looked back at Grim and asked, “Do?”.

“Be a holy knight!”

Grim gave her a sincere smile but Arriane just lowered her head as she kept touching her arms. Grim already knew what's behind her reaction, and why she kept touching her arms. He knows her situation, but since they are still kids and there was no evidence, the elder just kept laughing at them when they tell the truth. Also they are scared. But today he had enough, seeing his friends getting hurt and now that he is in age he can now protect her. Like what he always wanted. He looked at her again but with a serious face.

"Arriane, this time... I - I'll protect you!"

Grim is just an average boy, though skilled at fishing because of his dad's teachings. His combat skills weren't that great. But to make up for it, he always does or tries to do what he says. He always makes sure that he makes his promises, no matter what the situation is. Arriane blushed, she always like him. He makes her laugh just like now. A laugh that warms hearts. She loves him, because he always keeps his promises. She loves him, because he respects her dreams and wishes. Since Arriance always wanted to be a Holy Knight, she never should be tarnished in her body and soul. But now, as she remembers that night she cried and almost puked.

Grim got shocked of the turn of events, even though he wanted to comfort her, he did not know what to do.

Grim silently hugged her till she stopped crying.

"Arriane! What happened!"

A boy came running towards them. A blonde-haired guy, wearing a students uniform that has a badge of their school at his left chest. His name was Elliot Vineheart, child of a noble who owns the armory and weapon business, not just in Whiteshore but also in Fallhan. Elliot have always liked Arriane and always sees Grim as his rival in everything. Though he always win in every area, the only thing he can't win is Arriane's heart. He is open about his love for Arriane, even though she rejects him everytime. He doesn't just like her, he loves her.

As he came running towards the two, he saw Arriane crying. He slowed down and walked toward them. Gently, he asked her if she's okay. Grim asked him to look after her a bit, since he has to carry the boxes inside the shop.

"Sure Grim. I'll handle it here."

"Thanks, El."

Grim carried the boxes and left the two of them. Elliot looked at her and asked her again what happened. Arriane opened up to him, since Arriane sees him as a brother. After hearing what happened, how that night turned into a nightmare for her, how her own uncle not just physically abused her but also sexually, taking her first time and her virginity that night. Elliot got furious. For the very first time, people around him even Arriane felt his anger. The Elliot who was a happy go lucky, and like a big brother who is always cool and calm, is now gone. Arriane tried to snap him back into reality, but he just stood up silently. Grim came back and saw how angry Elliot is.

"Grim take care of Arriane, I have few things to do today."

Arriane hurriedly asked him, "What are you trying to do!?"

"Arrianne, I'll ask you again, but this time seriously. Do you want to marry me?"

Arriane was shocked at his proposal. She got confused and she did not know what to do or to answer. Grim just looked at the two while Elliot kept talking.

"I don't care if something in you has changed. I still love you no matter what. And what he did is a crime. I just can't let that go unpunished. But, he is still your only relative and I don't want you to be alone. If you don't want to marry me, you are always welcome in my family. Even as friends. No matter what Grim, especially me, will always be here for you."

Arriane's tear fell. Not just because of the feeling that she can rely to someone, but she felt that she is not alone. Because, even though there are things that changed. Because of that scar. She still felt joy because of his words.

"Thank you." That's the only thing she said.

After that Elliot gave her a handkerchief, he told her that he will meet up with them afterclass.

Elliot left to go to his class.

Grim actually overheard everything. He is also angry. Her uncle did not just destroy her humanity and dignity, but also her life long dream. Because someone who is not a virgin cannot serve the angel of life. Grim clenched his fist, and tried to remain calm. He pretended that he did not hear the two's conversation. After delivering the fishes to the customers, the last place he needs to deliver to, and Arriane's destination, is her Uncle's fish stand in the market. When they arrived, Arriane's uncle gave them a wide smile, Grim felt disgusted but he didn't show it.

"Sir Hans, here are your ordered fishes."

Even though he did not show how furious he was. How he wanted to kill the man in front of him. He kept his calm, but he did not smile.

"Atta boy! Good work! These are good qualities."

"Thank you, that will be 5 gold, sir."

"Hmm... Can't it go down a little. I'm kinda tight on budget haha"

He laughs like they were close.

Grim wanted to puke, but he stayed calm and laughed.

"Okay. I'll down it to two gold if you could lend me Arriane for 3 days! Is that alright?"

Hans' face brightned up and thanked the Grim. As Arriane and Grim went off, Hans' hands waved at them and shouted,

"Take care! Enjoy the festival kids! Arriane take care!"

"Good thing you still got some worth, stupid trash" Hans' whispered and spit at the ground.