Princess Tiana carried a terrifying secret in the dark of her soul. A secret that kept her locked away in the castle for 18 years. A secret even the mightiest of demons feared. It was a powerful gift passed down from her mother, the dreadful Queen of the Black Forest.

The Empress Eye. 

At level one, Tiana could perform basic skill appraisal on monsters and demons. Once mastered, it promised even greater abilities – advanced perception, intimidation, even discernment. It was this very power that had made her mother formidable, feared by all and coveted by the Demon Lord himself. And yet, she was powerless to use it herself.

An ominous silence filled the air. If only she had applied herself in training. If only she had followed in her mother’s footsteps. If only she had been the perfect princess and not a…

I don’t want to die! Tiana said.

But none of that seemed to matter now that Ephriam’s knife barrelled toward her. Hands limp, eyes frosted, she awaited the cold touch of death.

But instead of death…

Warmth. A soft hand gently brushed up against her cheek, wiping the tears from her face. She clenched back, almost involuntarily, before slowly opening her eyes. 

It’s ok now. He spoke in a soft, confident voice. I’ll take it from here. 

Her heart froze as she watched Shobai push back the knife. The air crackled with energy, raising the hairs on her arms. Was this the same man she had summoned earlier? Had he always been so… heroic? The word caught in her throat. 

Stepping in front of her, Shobai squared off with the demons. Ten vicious monsters vs. a loud princess and him, an outcast with -1 HP. A grim chuckle escaped his lips. There was no way he’d come out of this alive. But still, he had to try.

I’m Shobai. Sweat poured down his back. I-Is there a problem?

Hold on a second. Ephriam said. What… is that smell?

Huh. 

That disgusting odor! Ephriam’s followed his nose around the alleyway. Is it coming from… you? 

Shobai blushed. How could he have forgotten about the ‘latrine incident’! 

I mean, I heard humans smelled, but this is DIABOLIC. Ephriam said. What, did you fall in?

…Yes.

Look, stinky. Ephriam pushed Shobai aside. I’m busy collecting a debt, so get lost! 

How much?

Excuse me? Ephriam said.

I’ll pay. Shobai said. Just tell how much she owes. 

His eyes burned with such fierce intensity, that even Ephriam stumbled backwards. A glint of excitement twinkled in his eyes as he studied Shobai with newfound interest. Just who was this foolish human? An adventurer? a mercenary? No, this felt more personal. Perhaps, a lover? A mischievous smirk crawled up his lips. 

950 bronz, he purred. That’s how much your girlfriend owes me!

Girlfriend? Tiana said! I am not–

Ephriam slapped Tiana. Shut it, slave! This was the perfect opportunity to extort two birds with one stone. A pathetic princess and a wannabe hero boyfriend.

Here. Shobai said and handed over a small bag of money. Inside was his salary: 15 bronz, a satchel of water, and some loose leaf tea. That's all I have now.

Don’t just stand there! Tiana said. Beat him up! Throw the book, do something!

Ignoring her, Shobai bowed down before the men. Please accept this apology on behalf of my friend.

Ephriam smiled at Shobai with a mix of pity and disgust. 

You know, I like you, kid. So I’ll give you some advice. Ephriam placed an arm on Shobai’s shoulder. Stay away from these pathetic nobles. They don’t care about people like you and I. And they never will.

SLASH.

Ephriam buried his knife into Shobai’s stomach, sending him to the ground. 

This is the position they want to see you in. Ephriam knelt down beside him with a twisted grin. A slave, begging on the ground. Remember that.

I am a slave to no man. Shobai said.

Is that so? Ephriam said and grabbed Shobai by the neck. A bloodlust surged in his eyes as he squeezed tighter and tighter.

And neither are you. Shobai wheezed, struggling between breaths.

Ephriam tightened his lips. And then, as if possessed, released Shobai from his grip. No matter, you’ll be dead soon, anyways. 

Let’s go, men. Ephriam said. I’ve lost my appetite. 

At his command, the thugs vanished into darkness, leaving only Shobai and Tiana.