Saul was surrounded.

  The bald thug stepped forward with a wicked grin, sword gleaming in the dim light. “Hand over everything you’ve got, rich boy.”

  Saul raised his hands slowly. “Alright, alright… no need to get violent.”

  He pulled out the pouch Lillian had given him and tossed it at the thug’s feet.

  “And… here. Have this bread too,” he added, tossing the paper-wrapped loaf. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

  The thugs chuckled. One of them picked up the bread and sneered. “Look at this guy. Real generous.”

  Another thug, a tall one with a scar across his nose, spat on the ground. “This ain’t fun. Let’s make it interesting. We kidnap him, demand ransom from his noble family.”

  Saul scoffed. “You really think they’d pay for me? They’d probably thank you for taking me off their hands.”

  The thug holding the sword to Saul’s neck shifted slightly, letting his guard down—just for a moment.

  Now!

  Saul ducked low, slipping under the thug’s arm, knocking the blade aside. He bolted down the alley.

  “Hey! Don’t let him escape!” one of them shouted.

  But Saul didn’t get far—another group was already blocking the other end of the alley. He skidded to a stop, surrounded again.

  No way out…

  This is it, he thought. This is where the main character awakens his hidden powers!

  He clenched his fists, heart pounding. “Come on… awaken already! Some kind of power, anything!”

  A thug advanced with a snarl. “No more running, brat!”

  Saul held his ground. Come on. Lightning, fire, teleportation—anything!

  But nothing happened.

  “Wait! Maybe we can talk this out?” he offered, taking a step back.

  The thug threw a punch at his face.

  But in that instant—everything slowed.

  Saul’s eyes widened. He could see the arc of the fist, the shift in the thug’s shoulders, the flex of his knuckles—frame by frame.

  What? I can see it all… so clearly!

  He stepped to the side effortlessly. The fist missed.

  The thug stumbled, caught off guard.

  Another lunged at him, but Saul ducked, twisted, and avoided every swing. Their movements felt sluggish, like they were underwater.

  This body… it’s reacting on its own. No—this is me. I can see everything. I can dodge everything!

  “Ha!” Saul grinned, confidence flaring. “Bring it on, you punks. I’m not scared of you anymore!”

  That only made the thugs angrier.

  “You little—!”

  The thugs regrouped, surrounding Saul with renewed fury. The bald one cracked his knuckles. The scar-faced thug sneered, blood still dripping from his nose.

  Saul backed up a step, raising both hands. “Okay, now that’s just not fair. One by one, gentlemen. Where’s your sense of sportsmanship?”

  Without warning, the scar-faced thug drove his foot into Saul’s gut.

  “Oof—!” Saul flew back, landing hard on the cobblestone. “Ouch, ouch… okay… that really hurt…”

  He groaned, curling up slightly. “Maybe I overestimated myself a little…”

  As another thug raised his sword high, Saul shut his eyes and muttered to the sky, “Goodbye, cruel and beautiful world… I failed my main character moment. Please forgive me, anime gods…”

  CLANG!

  The sound of steel snapping rang out.

  Saul blinked and opened his eyes.

  Standing in front of him was Lillian, one knee down beside him, her hand resting on the hilt of a blade she hadn’t even drawn. Her eyes were cold. Her presence—unshakable.

  “Are you hurt, young master?” she asked calmly.

  “L-Lillian? What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve finished shopping,” she said flatly. “Let’s go back now.”

  “Wait, what? Young master?!”

  A thug shouted from behind, “What the hell?! Where did she come from?!”

  One of them lunged and grabbed Lillian’s wrist.

  She turned her head slowly, expression unreadable. “Young master, please give me a moment. Let me take out the trash.”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  CRACK.

  With a twist of her fingers, she snapped the thug’s arm like it was a twig. He screamed and collapsed, clutching his mangled limb.

  Saul’s jaw dropped. “Huh…?”

  Another came swinging at her with a rusted axe. Lillian ducked effortlessly, her motion smooth and silent, then drove her fist into the thug’s ribs.

  THUD.

  He flew back several feet, smashing into a wall and slumping unconscious.

  Two more charged from behind. Without looking, Lillian spun on her heel and delivered twin blows to their jaws—swift, precise, devastating. They hit the ground like broken marionettes.

  Saul sat there frozen, watching her movements. “W-what… is she the main character here…?”

  The bald thug, furious, raised his sword and charged. “DIE!”

  He swung with all his strength—and the blade struck Lillian’s shoulder.

  SHINK… CRACK.

  The sword shattered upon contact, shards of steel clattering to the ground.

  “What…?!” the bald thug stumbled back in shock. “T-That’s impossible!”

  Lillian finally drew her blade—only an inch. “Pathetic.”

  Her eyes glowed faintly as she stepped toward him. “You really thought your cheap iron toothpick could even scratch me?”

  She took a step forward. The thug took two steps back, trembling.

  “You insects really are brave when cornering a child,” she said, voice laced with disdain. “But against a real opponent? You shiver like rats.”

  The bald one turned and ran. “S-Screw this! She’s a monster!”

  “You’re a demon… disguised as a human!” one of the thugs screamed, scrambling backward in fear.

  Lillian paused mid-step, then turned her head slightly—an eerie smile curling at the edge of her lips. “Yes,” she said softly. “I am.”

  Terror flashed in the thugs' eyes. Their legs gave way beneath them. Some ran, others collapsed, muttering prayers.

  With her job done, Lillian slowly turned her gaze to the two younger boys—Raul and Ruko—who had watched the entire fight frozen in place. As she stepped toward them, the boys flinched, clinging to each other, their eyes wide with dread.

  “P-Please,” one whispered, “don’t kill us…”

  Lillian raised her hand, her expression cold and merciless, fingers curling as if to strike.

  “Wait!”

  Lillian halted. She turned her head slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing toward Saul.

  “Let them go,” Saul said, stepping forward.

  “Why?” Lillian asked flatly. “Weren’t they part of the group? Guilt by association.”

  “They’re just kids,” Saul replied firmly. “They didn’t hurt me. They were probably scared and trying to act tough.”

  Lillian stared at him in silence. “It doesn’t matter if they’re children. Weakness at birth doesn’t excuse future danger.”

  “I said stop, Lillian.”

  She sighed—a tired, almost theatrical exhale—and slowly lowered her hand. “As you wish, young master.”

  Just as they turned to leave, a voice called out from behind.

  “Raul! Ruko! What are you doing here?”

  A young woman ran toward them—simple clothes, worried eyes. Her presence immediately changed the atmosphere.

  Lillian and Saul turned to face her.

  “Sis?!” Raul exclaimed. “Raina, what are you doing here?!”

  She didn’t answer him. Her eyes fell on the unconscious thugs, the shattered weapons, and the tension still lingering in the air.

  She stepped slowly toward Saul and Lillian, her eyes wide, then dropped to her knees in front of them.

  “I’m sorry!” she said, bowing deeply. “Whatever my brothers have done, I’ll take the punishment in their place. Please… I beg you.”

  Raul rushed forward. “Wait, sis! What are you saying?!”

  “I knew they were getting into trouble,” she continued, trembling. “But I didn’t stop them… so I’ll accept whatever you decide.”

  Saul blinked, his hands raised awkwardly. “No-no, please! You don’t have to do that…”

  She didn’t move. “Please… I don’t care what happens to me. Just don’t hurt them.”

  Saul’s brain spun. What do I do now?

  > Option 1: Run away.

  Pros: Quick escape from awkwardness.

  Cons: She’ll think I’m rude, or worse—a coward.

  > Option 2: Give punishment.

  Pros: Establish dominance.

  Cons: I’ll look like a villain—and she’s crying.

  This is a lose-lose situation…

  He opened his mouth to speak, but Lillian stepped forward instead.

  “Miss,” she said coolly, “you need not grovel. My young master has already forgiven your brothers.”

  Raina looked up, stunned. “He has…?”

  Saul nodded quickly. “Yes! Of course. No punishment, no grudges. Just… maybe talk to them about not mugging strangers?”

  Raina bowed again. “Thank you. Truly, thank you…”

  Lillian turned on her heel. “It’s about time. Let’s go, young master.”

  Saul followed, muttering, “Yeah… let’s go before this turns into a parade…”

  As they walked away, Saul glanced back once. Raina was hugging her brothers, scolding them softly. He looked ahead again, sighing.

  “…So much for my cool moment. I almost died, and she stole all the glory.”

  Lillian glanced at him. “I always steal the glory. You just haven’t noticed until now.”

  As Saul and Lillian walked side by side, the streets quiet beneath the moonlight, Lillian broke the silence.

  “…Why did you stop me back there?” she asked softly, not looking at him.

  Saul kept his gaze ahead. “Didn’t you see? Even people who do bad things… they usually have someone they care about. They’re not born bad—they just… become that way because of how life treats them.”

  Lillian didn’t respond at first. A breeze passed between them.

  Then, faintly, a smile touched her lips.

  “Humans… really are such interesting creatures and It's really Interesting to know them.”

  Slums

  The sun dipped low over the slums, casting long, golden shadows over broken rooftops and dirt paths. The air was still, save for the distant barking of stray dogs and the occasional cough from a window.

  Raina walked ahead in silence, her worn sandals slapping softly against the ground. Behind her followed Raul and Ruko—quiet, heads low, kicking small stones as they walked.

  She stopped near the alley leading to their crumbling home.

  “…Why do you keep doing this?” Her voice was low but trembling. “You were lucky today. That young man… he let you go. But what if next time someone doesn’t?”

  Ruko sniffled. “…We did it for money.”

  Raina turned, staring at him, pain in her eyes. “You didn’t have to. I bring in money, don’t I?”

  Raul jerked his head up. “We don’t want your dirty money!”

  Her breath caught.

  Raul’s voice cracked as he yelled. “We know how you get it! We know what you do… selling yourself to strangers—how can you expect us to accept that?!”

  Everything fell silent.

  Even the wind seemed to stop.

  Raina’s eyes widened. Ruko covered his mouth, trying not to cry. Raul looked down, his fists clenched, shaking.

  “I…” she whispered. “That’s the only way I can keep you fed… I’m sorry.”

  Raul didn’t look up. “We don’t want it… We don’t want you to disappear like Mom and Dad did.”

  That broke something in her.

  She stepped forward and dropped to her knees, pulling them both into her arms.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered into their shoulders. “I promise you… I’ll always be here. I just want you two to live. To smile. To be free from this place, this life…”

  Tears rolled freely down her cheeks, dripping onto their clothes. Ruko sobbed into her chest. Raul didn’t cry, but his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

  The three of them huddled there in the alley, beneath the dimming sky, surrounded by cracked bricks and broken dreams—but for that moment, held together by something stronger.

  Not wealth.

  Not pride.

  Just love.

  At the Spades Mansion.

  The room was quiet, the only sound was the soft clink of porcelain and the distant rustle of leaves beyond the open window. Saul sat on an ornate chair, resting his chin on one hand, lost in thought. His eyes stayed fixed on the girl before him.

  Lillian, composed as ever, moved with a graceful precision. She carried a silver tray with tea, her steps perfectly balanced, calm—like she hadn’t broken a man’s arm hours ago.

  She began pouring the tea into his cup.

  “…You’re staring,” she said flatly, not looking at him.

  Saul blinked. “Huh?”

  “Is something wrong, young master?”

  Saul leaned back with a sigh. “Wrong? No, just… surprised. I mean, aren’t maids supposed to be gentle, polite, maybe even a little shy? But today you—” he paused, waving his hand. “Let’s not even talk about it.”

  She set the teapot down. “That’s because…” A slight smirk tugged at her lips. “I’m one hell of a maid.”

  Saul narrowed his eyes. “Nope. Wrong quote. It's ‘I’m one hell of a butler,’ not maid. And you're Lillian, not Sebastian.”

  She gave a small shrug, clearly unbothered. “Close enough.”

  “…So,” Saul said, taking the cup and swirling it, “how did you do all that? Those guys couldn’t even touch you.”

  “You can just call me an all-rounder.”

  “Helpful.” He sipped the tea. “Anyway, I’ve been wondering… If magic exists in this world, can I use it?”

  Lillian sat across from him, folding her hands over her lap. “Of course. Everyone has mana. Every living being does. Mana flows through the body, and the heart works as your mana core. Even certain places are rich in ambient mana.”

  She raised a finger, counting off.

  “There are four main types of magic:

  1. Regular magic – usable by most people with enough training.

  2. Elemental magic – wielded by those born with elemental mana in their bodies: fire, water, wind, etc.

  3. Demonic magic – used by dark beings like monsters, demons, and sometimes humans… though most call it cursed magic.

  4. Celestial magic – rare, sacred, used by holy knights, heroes, and divine beings. Also known as Holy Magic.”

  Saul’s brows furrowed. “So, which one could I use?”

  “That’s complicated,” Lillian said. “Your family is a traditional knight bloodline—generations of swordsmanship, not spellwork. That means magic isn’t your strong suit… and if your father finds out you’re trying to learn magic?”

  Saul raised an eyebrow. “He’d kick me out?”

  She smiled sweetly. “Most likely.”

  Saul stared into his tea. “Figures.”

  “…But,” she continued, “there is something you can learn. Knights commonly use Body Enhancement Magic—a type of supportive magic that strengthens the body rather than casting spells.”

  “You mean like… buffs?”

  “Yes. Increased strength, speed, defense, reflexes. It’s the foundation of any proper knight. Your father probably use it.”

  Saul leaned back, thoughtful. “So I can fight with a sword and still use magic, just in a different way.”

  “Exactly. Not all magic is about fireballs and lightning.”

  Saul smiled faintly. “That’s… good to know.”

  “…Wait,” he said, turning toward her. “You mentioned heroes earlier?”

  Lillian, standing nearby. “Oh? Yes. I did.”

  “There are heroes in this world?” Saul asked, sitting upright now, interest gleaming in his eyes.

  Lillian nodded. “Of course. Heroes have always existed.”

  A slow grin spread across Saul’s face. I knew it, he thought. So this is that kind of world… which means—

  “So,” he said, trying to sound casual, “are they… maybe, chosen from another world or something?”

  Lillian blinked. “No.”

  “…No?”

  She gave a small smile. “The first and only Hero was chosen over a thousand years ago. Since then, the title has passed down through their bloodline.”

  “Wait. What?”

  “The royal family that rules the empire today,” she explained, “descends from the original Hero. It’s said that his divine blood still flows through them. That means princes and princesses are considered the next heroes, by birthright.”

  Saul’s smile twitched. “…So you’re telling me the hero isn’t someone who fell from the sky… but someone born in a golden cradle?”

  “Exactly,” Lillian replied.

  Saul sat in stunned silence.

  What the hell? What kind of broken isekai logic is this?

  I’m not the chosen one? I don’t get some holy sword or ancient prophecy?

  Am I just… a background character? A side NPC??

  He slumped in the chair. “I hate my life…”

  Lillian giggled softly. “There is a story behind this also known as THE TALES OF THE SIX HERO’S.”