Chapter 58: Escaped
"Why are we running away?" Paramita asked, still running as Ranav held her hand.
"Didn't you say you wanted to keep your identity hidden in the market? I just made sure we didn't blow your cover," he replied.
"Oh… yes, I did say that," she admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. Then, hurriedly adding, "I wanted to help that girl, and the city guards were nearby."
"Exactly my point. Some of the city guards might have recognized you if we stayed. That bastard didn't recognize you, which means he's not part of the city's higher circles. Yet, he acted like this market was his backyard, which means he either holds power in the underground or has a powerful backer. He doesn't care about the city guards. I deduced as much. The only way to get out unscathed would've been to reveal your identity. That's why I stole your limelight so he'd focus on me instead. And, just to remind you… I'm a child!" Ranav emphasized, scanning for a quieter spot away from the crowd.
He stopped in front of an alleyway. "By the way, where's our guard?"
"I'm here," the guard said, emerging from the crowd. "I thought you planned to fight. It never crossed my mind you'd run at the first opening."
"I noticed you were prepared and holding back to attack from behind. Smart thinking," Ranav said with a grin.
"Thank you, but how could you see all that?" the guard asked, surprised.
"I've been trained as a knight too. I could tell your intentions at a glance," Ranav replied with a casual smile.
"Not to be rude, but… how old are you?" the guard asked, flabbergasted.
"I'm five. But if you had my master, you'd be the same. She forced a seasoned knight to train me exclusively. And he still has only one head above his shoulders," Ranav chuckled.
Paramita interrupted, "Okay, I get your point. But the moment I entered the crowd, I was planning to involve the city guards. Now that we're out of the situation, should we continue with our plan or head home?"
Ranav thought for a moment. "I think those goons won't sit idle. They've probably started looking for us already. We can't change our faces, and if they find us again, they'll make trouble. I think we should head back. Also… I just ran blindly. Where are we?"
"If we follow this alley, we'll reach the main road in two minutes. We can hire a carriage there to return home," the guard suggested.
Paramita agreed. "Okay. Let's head back. Enough excitement for one day."
The trio walked quietly and soon boarded a hired carriage at the intersection. Once seated comfortably, Paramita turned to Ranav. "Why did you buy that sword? It looks old and rusty."
Ranav lied without hesitation. "After awakening today, my mana sensitivity has increased. I sensed faint mana fluctuations from this sword. It might be a magical artifact. If I'm right, it's worth far more than ten silver coins. If I'm wrong, at least I helped a poor girl. Either way, I win."
"I could never reveal Jessica to others. She already knows I awakened at birth and will just assume this is another perk from that event," he thought to himself.
"Good thinking. But you shouldn't lie so much to others," Jessica's voice chimed in his head.
"What?! I was just thinking! I didn't even use the mind link. How did you hear my thoughts?" Ranav asked her through their link.
"Sorry. A lot happened today, and I didn't get to tell you about my upgraded ability. I can now hear all your thoughts," Jessica replied sheepishly.
At that moment, Paramita's voice interrupted his mental conversation. "Hand me the sword."
Ranav passed her the weapon. "Here."
Paramita examined the sword closely but couldn't find anything unusual. She handed it back. "I can't sense any mana, but it's definitely old," she said.
"It doesn't matter. We can ask Aunt Vedika about it," Ranav suggested.
"Yes, Mom can help you figure out its true nature," Paramita agreed.
When the carriage arrived at the estate, they got down. Paramita turned to the guard. "Please don't mention today's events to anyone. Otherwise, Father will worry unnecessarily, and you'll be scolded for no reason. If those goons find me later, I'll call the city guards. But I doubt they'll recognize me in my usual attire. They didn't today, and that girl doesn't know me at all. So, relax and forget it ever happened."
"Yes, Young Miss," the guard replied.
After thanking him, she entered the house with Ranav. Inside, they found the Count and Countess engaged in a discussion. Both looked up as the pair entered. The Count was the first to speak. "You're back early. I thought you'd need more time to explore the market." His eyes fell on the sword in Ranav's hand. "Did you buy a sword?"
"Yes. Ranav bought a sword. He thinks it's a magical artifact, but I couldn't find any magic or runes on it," Paramita explained.
"Oh, really? Ranav, let me see it," the Count said, stretching out his hand.
Ranav walked over and handed him the sword. The Count examined it closely, his expression shifting to one of astonishment as he continued his inspection.
Suddenly, he stood up and chanted something. A light emanated from his hand, enveloping the entire sword. "This is a magical artifact. But this design is over a hundred years old. Its original owner has long passed, which is why it's rusty and the runes have dimmed to the point they're nearly invisible."
He turned to Ranav. "Come closer. I need a drop of your blood to imprint this sword."
Ranav complied, extending his hand. The Count retrieved a small knife from his dimensional ring, pricked Ranav's finger to draw a drop of blood, and immediately healed the wound with a spell.
As the blood touched the sword, it was absorbed instantly. The rust began to fall away, revealing a gleaming silver blade beneath. Golden runes emerged along its surface, glowing brightly before dimming to a soft radiance. What remained was a single-bladed short sword with an exquisite design. Everyone stared in awe.
The Count carefully examined both sides of the sword before walking to a nearby room. He returned moments later with a book and flipped through its pages. "You're a lucky young man," he said, looking at Ranav. "This sword was a gift to the Valiant Knights after they secured our border against the Airavata Empire over two hundred years ago. It was crafted by the royal forgemasters of that time. Its historical value is immense, and it's still a powerful weapon. How much did it cost you?"
"Ten silver," Ranav answered.
The Count was speechless. After regaining his composure, he said, "This might have been stolen, or the family didn't know its true history. Vedika, your great-grandfather also received one of these swords. It's still in your family's collection. That's why I recognized it immediately. The only difference is that this one is missing the blue crystal from the hilt. The family might've sold it off."
The Countess nodded. "Yes, now I remember. Add a blue crystal, and it's identical to our family's treasured sword."
Paramita added, "That girl mentioned it was a family heirloom. Her grandfather was sick, and she needed money. I think she didn't know its history. Otherwise, she could have sold it to the Mage Association or Hunter's Guild for much more."
"Perhaps," the Countess said thoughtfully. "Or their family is hiding and can't reveal their identity for some reason."