She's the Prince

Chapter 60

Robbers

Ben slowly opened the window curtain to expose the road and the house's main entrance. Ares and Callan exchanged glances, puzzled as to why Ben had led them through the secret door earlier. Ben returned to his seat, his expression unreadable as his eyes shifted to Ares.

"How do you know me?" Ares asked, his voice low but probing.

Ben's lips curved into a faint smile. "Your clothes gave you away."

Ares glanced down at his attire, realizing it bore the unmistakable mark of his royal lineage.

"We heard what happened when you and your brothers fought Algos," Ben continued. "Word spread that only three of you survived—you, and two soldiers."

Ares crossed his arms. "If you know who I am, why did you let us stay here? And why are the people in this town so wary of us?"

Ben leaned back. "They're not afraid of you. They don't know you. If they did, Prince Ares, they wouldn't be hiding."

"Then who are they afraid of?" Callan interjected, his tone sharp.

Ben's face darkened. "The robbers."

Ares straightened. "Robbers? Do they come here often?"

"Three times a week, sometimes more," Ben replied grimly. "They take what they want—money, food, whatever we have—and they hurt anyone who refuses."

Callan's brow furrowed. "So they mistook us for bandits?"

Ben nodded, the lines on his face deepening with worry.

A sudden noise outside made everyone freeze. Ben shot to his feet, pulling the curtain aside just enough to peek through. His voice was tense when he said, "I think they're already here."

Ares and Callan moved to his side. Through the narrow gap, they saw seven figures approaching a closed shop. The leader, a towering man with wild, waist-length hair and stitched scars across his face, carried a spiked bat. He smashed the shop's door with one swing, sending the wooden panel crashing into the road, dust billowing in its wake.

Callan's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of his sword. He tensed further when the leader grabbed an elderly woman by the arm and shoved her into the middle of the road.

"What's the plan, Callan?" Ares asked, glancing at him.

But Callan was gone.

"He's already outside," Ben said, motioning to the secret door left ajar.

***

Callan stepped into the street, his presence drawing the robbers' attention. The leader froze mid-swing, the spiked bat inches from the old woman's trembling form. She scrambled to safety as the robbers turned their focus to the newcomer.

"Well, well," the leader sneered, his smile cruel. "A traveler, eh? Looks like we've got fresh entertainment."

Callan's gaze swept over the group, assessing them. The leader's long, unkempt hair and scarred face gave him a menacing air. His companions, each adorned with strange tattoos, carried swords and daggers. The lone woman in the group held a bow, her sharp eyes watching Callan with predatory intent.

Back inside, Ares watched the event from the glass with enjoyment. "Ben, do you have any hot chocolate? I could use some while we watch."

Ben blinked, confused. "Yes, I'll make some."

Unbothered, Ares turned to one of his soldiers. "Give me your bow and arrow."

The soldier handed it over without hesitation. Ares nocked an arrow and aimed it at the female robber. He didn't release immediately but spoke inwardly to Aria, the voice that shared his body.

"Should I kill her, Aria?" Ares thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

"No!" Aria's voice rang in his mind, panicked. "She's still human. You don't have to kill her."

Ares ignored her plea, releasing the arrow. It whistled through the air, striking the woman's neck with deadly precision. She collapsed, clutching the wound as her companions stared in shock.

Outside, Callan turned toward the robbers, his hand still on his sword. "That's Prince Ares," he said, motioning toward the window where Ares gave a cheerful wave. "Want me to call him over so you can meet him properly?"

The leader's confidence faltered. "No... we're leaving."

The robbers retreated, one of them carrying the fallen woman. As they went, residents warily left their houses, whispering.

An elderly man approached Callan, his voice trembling. "Is it true? Is Prince Ares with you?"

"He is," Callan replied, sheathing his sword. Without another word, he headed back to Ben's house.

***

Inside, Ben greeted Callan with a worried look. "The townsfolk want to meet Prince Ares."

Ares sighed, glancing toward the door. Outside, the villagers had gathered, their eyes filled with awe and hope.

"All right," Ares said, rising to his feet. He gestured for the others to follow as he stepped outside to address the crowd.

The villagers led them to a spacious area, arranging chairs for Ares and his companions. As Ares sat, his eyes fell on a bloodstain on Callan's arm.

"You're hurt," Ares said, frowning.

"It's just a graze," Callan replied dismissively.

"Sebastian, treat him," Ares ordered.

"It's nothing," Callan insisted. "We'll deal with it later."

"You're stubborn," Ares muttered but let the matter drop.

A woman in the crowd spoke up. "The robber called you Prince Ares of Zodiac City. Is it true?"

Ares leaned back, his tone calm but firm. "That's me. Do you need proof?"

Callan and Sebastian exchanged glances. Before they could speak, a man in the crowd interrupted. "The robbers aren't gone. They'll be back. They only left because one of them was killed."

"What do you want me to do?" Ares asked, his voice steady.

"Drive them out of our town for good," Ben said, his tone imploring.

Ares stood, expressionless. He left without saying a word, leaving the locals to stare uncertainly.