Erron: [ Well, I'll be darned if I say no to a please, girl]
Silver haired girl: [Eh!]
The young girl with silver hair looked taken aback by Erron's words, and her surprise only grew as he released the dwarf from his grip. As he got to his feet, he smoothly slid his revolver back into its holster, then raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. A sly grin crept across his face,
Erron: [Well, shucks, you look too surprised moonlight, ain't you used to people payin' attention to the sweet words comin' from a beauty like yourself? If that's the truth, then by god, they must be a real low-down asshols. Just point 'em out to me, and I'll take care of 'em for ya, no questions asked.]
With a grin on his face, he spoke those words deliberately, mixing seriousness with jest, but the girl scowled at him, her expression resembling that of a disappointed mother scolding her misbehaving child.
——Erron black finds it amusing.
Silver haired girl: [ I will never let you hurt anyone else. Don't you think you've caused enough pain already?]
The girl, with a determined gesture, directed Erron's attention towards the two bandits sprawled on the ground. Among them, chin appeared to have succumbed to unconsciousness, while the burly brute Ton continued to emit agonizing cries. Meanwhile, the diminutive bandit kan frantically attempted to rouse the unconscious chin——the little basterd was crying like a little girl.
Erron nonchalantly glanced back at the girl, his shoulders shrugging in a carefree manner.
Erron: [ It ain't my fault moonlight, Believe me when I say those low-down bastards had been tailing me for who knows how long. But when I stepped into this dark alley, they thought they could just snatch my belongings away from me by sheer force. Well, let me tell ya, if there's anyone wearin' the white hat in this situation, it's me. I'm the good guy, fightin' to keep what's rightfully mine.]
Erron, in an effort to clear his name in this predicament, gave the two, rusty knives a good kick with his boots, sending them clattering towards the girl who stared at them with a puzzled expression. Determined to set the record straight, Erron made up his mind to explain the whole situation to her.
Erron: [ Them blades right there, they belong to that scrawny fella lyin' unconscious in the corner. He was wieldin' 'em like a mean son of a gun, tryin' to put the fear in me.]
Silver haired girl: [I see...]
The girl appeared to be paying close attention to his words as she brought down her hand. Erron grinned as he also lowered his hands, yet he still had a hankering to make things clearer.
Erron : [ And, I reckon that this dang ol' racket right here belongs to that hefty fella yonder, the one who's been screaming nonstop. Seems like he's fixin' to use it to bust my noggin open, no doubt about it.]
Erron grabbed the hefty wooden racket and flung it towards the girl, causing it to land with a loud thud on the dirty hard ground beside the knives. The girl seemed to grimace in pain, as if she's envisioning a scene unfolding based on Erron's words.
Erron: [And as further evidence of my clean hands]
Kan: [H-ey!]
Erron roughly grabbed the panicking dwarf boy by his leg and presented him to the girl, causing her eyes to widen in fear.
Silver hair girl: [wait don't throw him too!]
Erron: [Oh...]
——Aw, dang it! I was fixin' to do exactly that!
Erron reckoned with a sense of letdown deep inside, but outside he gave the girl a shrug and a friendly grin, pretending to be clueless about the notion.
Erron: [ Ain't no chance in hell I would've gone and done that, do you take me for some kind of heartless critter? I was just aimin' to demonstrate to ya how clean this here dwarf from any wounds].
Silver haired girl: [ Ah, what a sigh of relief! Just for a moment, I had this silly thought that you were actually going to toss him too. Silly me, hehe!]
Erron: [———]
——Well, would ya look at that smile worth drawin' iron for.
There is nothing that gets Erron's heart racing like gold, 'cept for the sight of a gorgeous girl's smile and the sound of her sweet laughter. It's like music to his ears, bringing him pure joy and putting a big grin on his face. And right now, in this very moment, he's feeling as happy as can be.
Erron: [ Ain't no need to fret, Moonlight'. Let me set the record straight for ya - I ain't the kind of fella who'd lay a finger on an unarmed soul, and this here young'un I got hold of ain't packin' heat. He's safe as can be, ya hear?]
Demonstrating his point, Erron gently lowered the dwarf kid to the ground, watching as the little one healthily scampered back to his fallen companions, Erron couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he observed the girl's expression, realizing that she seemed to trust his words.
Silver haired girl: [ alright, Mister! I totally believe you're innocent, but I just have a few more questions for you. So, please stick around while I take care of those guys wounds okay? I'll be right back!]
Erron: [fixin' up their wounds, even after all that I've told ya ?]
Erron grumbled in annoyance to the girl who appeared to have already made up her mind on the matter. Without a word to him, she strode passed Erron then towards the injured boys before dropping to her knees beside their prone bodies.
Silver haired girl: [ Um, would you please step aside for a moment while I heal your precious friends?, don't worry they are in a good hands now]
Before she started on healing the two fallen bandits, the girl softly attempted to persuade the dwarf boy to move away and give her some room, however, the boy appeared to be unsure or perplexed, showing reluctance to move from his friends.
Kan: [ You!, keep your distance from them half-devil. Hadn't your friend done enough damage to hurt them!?]
Silver haired girl: [——!]
The boy wasn't just reluctant, he was downright aggressive His eyes narrowed as he glared at the girl, who looked shocked and distressed by his sudden change in demeanor. Erron Black, standing just behind the girl, didn't take kindly to the boy's aggressive behavior.
Erron: [ Little fella!, raise your gaze towards me.]
Kan: [wha–hk!...]
With a stern expression, Erron pointed a finger at the boy, his gaze filled with warning, causing the boy to stiffen.
Erron: [ I Almsot couldn't believe my ears, pint-sized fella, but labeling her a devil? Let me tell ya, where I hail from, dubbin' a pretty girl like her a devil is a hangin' offense ——that's why]
Erron, with a steely glint in his eye, had his revolver drawn and aimed straight at the trembling dwarf boy's forehead.
Erron: [I may Don't got a lasso handy, but bein' Erron Black means I can think on my feet and make do with what I got.]
Kan: [ Hk——!]
The boy's eyes widened in fear as he realized the danger he was in.
But then.
Silver haired girl: [ No! Just Please stop, I plead with you! I've already used to those words, but for now I beg of you to stop from hurting anyone further, mister!]
Kan: [———]
Erron: [———]
Suddenly, the girl rose to her feet directly in front of his weapon, which was now aimed at her chest. Erron found himself taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. As he looked into her eyes, he could see the pain caused by being labeled a devil. ——But why protecting that low-life?
Now, Erron was starting to feel a headache coming to him. He wanted to speak up, but ultimately decided to honor her wishes instead.
With a long exhale, Erron locked the safety valve on his revolver and stowed it away in its holster.
Erron: [Alright Moonlight, I Ain't gonna harm him, You can have whatever you please, but I won't lay a finger on him. Promise]
Kan: [——!]
Silver haired girl: [Huh, Really !?]
The girl and the boy were both relieved, but their reasons for it were as different as night and day. Erron Black flashed a sly grin at the girl.
Erron: [Well, reckon if that little fella decides he's got enough gumption to ignore your words again, I swear on my honor I won't lay a finger on nobody].
Kan: [s-sorry!]
As soon as Erron uttered the words, there was no need to repeat them, for the dwarf swiftly darted towards the corner, leaving his friends and the girl behind. In doing so, he created a space for her to commence on healing his friends.
silver haired girl: [um, mister I am ever so grateful for that, but please forgive me now as I must attend to the injured]
Erron: [ Ain't no problem at all, moonlight. You can handle them critters whenever it suits ya. I'll be right here, patiently waitin' for ya.]
Erron tipped his hat and shot a sly grin at the girl, causing her cheeks to flush slightly. But then she quickly composed herself and returned to tending to the wounded bandits without missing a beat. Her determination and focus only added to her allure, making Erron admire her even more.
——Well, I'll be hornswoggled if I can figure out what in tarnation she meant by being used to that devilish nickname, but I'll be danged if I don't know that gal is sweeter than a peach cobbler on a summer day.
Erron Black has seen his fair share of devils like creatures before, heck he's even had a few tussles with them. Those creatures he tangled with before had bat wings, a stench that could knock a buzzard off a gut wagon, and a taste for human flesh. So when he laid eyes on the gal sitting in front of him, he knew she weren't no devil,——She seemed too pure, too greenhorned to be one of them hellish critters. Her demeanor was as sweet as honey from a beehive, and her eyes sparkled like the stars on a clear night.
—— Perhaps I oughta put that dwarf six feet under, reckon I made a mistake not doin' it.
???: [After everything my daughter went through to save him, I don't think she would've approved of you doing it.]
Erron: [And Who the hell do you think you are, partner?]
Puck: [oh my, You possess a remarkable fierceness, yet I find it in my heart to pardon you for your choice of words, as you defended my daughter earlier. Allow me to present myself as Puck, the great spirit of fire, and if I am not mistaken, your name is Erron black, correct?]
Erron: [Yup, you got it, partner! That there's my name, no doubt about it. ——But before we go any further, how about you kindly remove yourself from my shoulder? I ain't too fond of folks using me as a chair, you see.]
Puck: [Oh! Sorry hehe]
The great spirit known as Puck, with a voice that seemed to blend both male and female qualities, followed through with the instructions given to him and slowly ascended from the right shoulder of Erron to float at the same level as his eyes.
Erron: [———]
Erron narrowed his eyes as he observed the spirit's movements, trying to decipher its nature.
Puck: [What's with the way you're staring at me, not a fan of cats, huh?]
With a hint of offense, Puck indicated, but Erron's gaze remained locked in place, undeterred.
Erron: [Yer ain't yer regular ol' cat, that's fer sure. But lemme tell ya, there's somethin' that really gets under my skin, and that's when folks start pokin' around in my noggin, tryin' to read my thoughts. Now, I ain't a fan of that one bit.]
Puck appeared to grasp the situation, flashing a sheepish smile like a child caught red-handed with stolen candy.
Puck: [Oh, my mistake! Hehehe, sorry about that]
Erron: [———]
Erron's expression remained discontent even after receiving an apology from Puck. He continued to stare at Puck, who started to feel uneasy under his intense gaze. Eventually, Puck couldn't take it anymore and let out a sigh of defeat, signaling his surrender to Erron's dissatisfaction.
Puck: [okay okay!, just to clarify, I don't have the ability to read minds in a traditional sense. My gift only allows me to pick up on surface-level thoughts or intentions of people I interact with to some degree. So, rest assured, I cant possibly uncover any deep, dark dangerous secrets lurking in your mind, hehe.]
Erron: [ I see...]
Erron's head bobbed up and down in comprehension as the words from Puck began to click in his mind,
Erron: [ Convincing that girl was a cakewalk, too dang easy if you ask me. Ain't no surprise then, right?—— You're like a living lie detector for the girl].
puck hung motionless in mid-air as Erron spoke, causing a sly smile to spread across his face. He then spun around Erron before finally stopping beside his ear.
Puck: [Oh my, you're even more clever than you show! Teehee! Now, tell me all what else you know!?]
Erron let out a low chuckle as he felt like he is having fun with the little spirit. He glanced at puck eye level, a mischievous grin forming on his face, and whispered.
Erron: [ well, I ain't no psychic or fancy biologist, but I sure as heck got eyes. And let me tell ya, ——that the girl ain't your daughter.]
Erron finshed his words With a quick tap of his finger, that sent puck flying in reverse as it connected with his forehead.
Puck: [ Ow! That hurts—‐—why do that for!?]
Puck whined, but Erron didn't pay him any mind and just shrugged.
Erron: [ Besides my disdain for folks treating me like a seat, I also can't stand it when folks exhale right into my ears. It gets on my nerves to the point where I feel like drawing my gun and firing off a few rounds.]
Erron confidently tapped both of his revolvers holstered at his waist, causing Puck to immediately focus his attention on the two guns. With a puzzled expression, Puck glanced at Erron.
Puck: [Honestly, throughout my entire long life, I've never witnessed anything quite like this. Is that the tool you used to harm those kids?]
At that question, Erron ceased his revolver tapping and drew them out from their holsters in front of puck. Erron also wore a questioning look on his face.
Erron: [ Guns ain't a thing in this neck of the woods, huh?]
Puck squinted his eyes as he examined the pair of revolvers, one shining in golden glory and the other gleaming in silver. He gave a nod to himself before turning his attention back to Erron, shaking his head in disapproval.
Puck: [Nope, never seen like them before]
Erron: [...Well, ain't that somethin'..]
Erron slid his revolvers back into their holsters, a satisfied grin spreading across his handsome face. His mind drifted back to the three bandits who had dared to challenge him earlier, and he couldn't help but chuckle at their ignorant. They had stood their ground when he drew his weapon for a moment he thought that was either bravery or foolishness, and now it all made sense to him. Erron's smirk grew wider.
——They were in the dark, clueless- Well, ain't that a whole lot worse?
Puck: [——What's the deal with that smirk on your face? It's giving me the creeps for some unknown reason.]
Erron was snapped back to reality by the sound of puck words. He glanced over at the nimble feline soaring through the air and gave him a sly wink.
Erron: [ Don't fret, that grin that spooked ya wasn't aimed at ya, little buddy.]
Puck: [ Seriously, if it wasn't for me, then who on earth could it possibly be for?]
Suddenly, a revelation strikes the cat, causing his eyes to widen in panic.
Puck: [ Oh, hold on a second, was it actually for my precious daughter, Lia? Wait a minute, now we're discussing Lia, let me tell you, I won't tolerate anyone laying a finger on her, you hear me? I should have said this to you earlier, but you really need to stop flirting with her because I absolutely despise it! DESPISE IT!]
Erron: [Well, well, well, ain't it a surprise to hear that her name is Lia, partner? But hold your horses, feline friend, and don't go galloping towards any hasty assumptions. I ain't nobody here tryin' to push a lady into somethin' she ain't wantin'. I was just tip-toein' around the fact that I find her downright lovely...and truth be told, I ain't never laid eyes on a lady with such grace and innocence as her before. That's a fact, my friend, you can bet your boots on it.]
Erron, calmly grabbed hold of puck that was relentlessly bombarding his chest with fluffy light punches. With words and a gentle grip, Erron managed to subdue the unruly cat, causing it to settle down and float obediently in front of him.
Puck: [I guess you weren't lying, but I can't bet any boots since I don't have any to begin with!]
Puck put on a playful display with his small cat legs, which brought laughter from Erron.
Lia: [It seems like you guys are really having a good time.]
Lia sudden remark caught Erron and Puck's attention, prompting Erron to flash a smile in response.
Erron: [Ain't no time for boredom, partner, and as for you, darlin', have you wrapped up tending to them fellas' wounds yet?]
Lia: [ geez, seriously, that completely drained me! I mean, seriously, what on earth did you use to hurt them, mister?]
Lia sure looked like she had been through the wringer, a touch fatigued and with beads of perspiration glistening on her brow. Erron, being the gentleman that he was, flashed her an apologetic smile and swiftly retrieved a pristine ebony handkerchief from his pocket. With a graceful gesture, he offered it to her, a small act of kindness to alleviate her discomfort.
Erron: [ Hold on tight, partner. I'll tell you how later, but for now, grab this here handkerchief. I'm fixin' to head out and see the fellas' wounds.]
Lia's eyes widened in surprise as she observed the unexpected gesture from erron. Worried she glanced at puck beside her for further clarification. Meanwhile, puck gazed back at her with a kind smile,
Puck: [Lia, there's no need to worry. Just go ahead and take it, I assure you it's completely safe.]
——Well, ain't that just mighty kind of you, feline friend?
Erron wasn't unintelligent, nor did he lack comprehension skills. What Puck had just mentioned wasn't arbitrary; he knew exactly what he was saying. It was as if he was reassuring the girl that Erron meant no harm and that she was safe in his presence.
And he can appreciate that.
Lia: [ um, thank you...Erron right?]
With a shy smile, the girl finally uttered the words as she took the handkerchief from his grasp. Erron, the handsome cowboy, tipped his hat in a gentlemanly manner, acknowledging her words.
Erron: [ Yep, that there's the name I go by, Erron Black miss...?]
Emilia: [ Oh, um, that's quite an unusual name you have there. Oh, I mean, sorry, sorry. My name is Emilia, just Emilia. It's nice to meet you, Erron Black.]
Erron flashed a warm grin, radiating friendliness from ear to ear.
Erron: [Well shucks, the pleasure's all mine, Miss Emilia. Now if you'll kindly pardon me]
Then Erron walked past emilia as he approached the motionless bodies of the bandits, he bent down to inspect their knees, the very spot where he had fired his shots. While examining the now healed wounds ——as he finished his eyes widened in astonishment, taken aback before A mischievous smirk slowly spread across his face.
——Well, I'll be hornswoggled, that gal sure is a real firecracker!.
Erron squinted as he inspected the bandits' wounds, noticing that they appeared to be healed and clean. However, he knew that the real issue lay beneath the surface - the bullets were still lodged inside. The only way to remove them now would be to reopen the wounds, a painful process for the bandits. Despite the girl's innocence in the matter, Erron couldn't help but feel a sense of indifference. After all, these guys got what was coming to them.
——Them varmints gonna be hollerin' in agony when they start movin' around.
With that notion in his head, Erron gave a firm pat on the backs of the two out cold outlaws before swaggering towards the exit where Emilia and Puck were engaged in a heated debate. As he approached, he began to discern the topic of their conversation.
Emilia: [It's impossible for me to involve the knights in this matter. if the knights become aware that I lost my insignia, everything I've done untill now will be futile!]
Puck: [ Lia, there's no need to worry. We can find other options and refrain from getting the knights involved if that's what you prefer. Trust me, we will search diligently until we locate the girl and recover your insignia from her. Let's keep calm and focused on achieving our goal together okay]
Emilia: [um...yes puck if you say so]
The tension in the air started to dissipate as the girl's emotions began to settle upon hearing the soothing words of the cat. Erron, with a mischievous grin on his face, seized the opportunity to jump into the conversation.
Erron: [ a gal with a pale skin, shiny gold hair, and them red eyes? She's wearin' a black top, red scarf, and black pants with a red ribbon, plus a vest, gloves, and brown shoes. Got a knife in her belt too. Is that the one you're after, Miss Emilia? Cause I reckon I spotted her around]
Emilia: [———]
Puck: [———]
Emilia and Puck stared at Erron, their faces filled with astonishment. And of course Erron interpreted their expressions as a confirmation.
Erron: [ Hold your horses before y'all go making assumptions, my recollection is more like a tall tale...and that gal y'all seek headed that way...]
Erron let out a soft chuckle as he gestured towards the wall, indicating the path that led up to the rooftops where the girl had made her daring leap just moments before.
Emilia: [ Oh, no...]
Puck: [——yeah I think we was really late]
Realizing that he had just disheartened both the girl and the feline, Erron saw an opportunity to turn the tide in his favor. With a sly grin creeping across his face, he pondered the ways in which he could capitalize on this turn of events.
Erron: [ Well, partners, let me tell ya somethin'. I reckon I got me some foolproof methods that'll help me track down that girl y'all been lookin' for. But, now, don't go gettin' all excited just yet 'cause it ain't gonna come for free, ]
Emilia: [ method's?]
Puck: [ price?...wait are you a mercenary?]
Puck's eyes sparkled with comprehension as he said and Erron noded in confirmation, Emilia mirrored the same expression as puck as she heard him. But then she frowned.
Emilia: [But I don't have an–!]
Puck: [don't worry lia I will take care of this you shouldn't worry yourself...]
Puck cut off Emilia mid-sentence, then quickly made his way over to Erron.
Puck: [now Erron, where do I sign?]
——Well, ain't that just music to my ears!
Erron: [ Ain't no need for no fancy papers, my fellin friend. Just a firm handshake and a good ol' promise is all it takes to seal the deal.]
Erron reached out his hand for a handshake towards Puck, who eagerly accepted it with his small, delicate paw.
Puck: [ Alright, we've got a deal. And as I am the great spirit of fire I promise you a generous reward once you help us find what we lost]
While Erron and Puck shared a smile after closing the deal, Emilia, positioned in the corner of the exist, couldn't help but smile at the exchange.
Emilia: [They truly became close friends.]
