Even though Sai was aware of being watched, he didn’t let it show and continued on his way to the guild. The moment he stepped inside, the eerie sensation of the observer’s gaze vanished, as if they had never been there. Keeping his thoughts to himself, he proceeded to the reception desk, where he submitted the gathered herbs. After a brief inspection, the guild approved his submission, and he received his payment without issue.

  With the quest completed, Sai decided to explore the town. He visited the marketplace, browsing various shops for equipment. Although his personal storage contained high-level weapons and armor, using them now would attract unnecessary attention. Moreover, the immense wealth stored within—heaps of gold and silver—remained inaccessible until he grew stronger, just as the Dragon Emperor had told him. There were also books within the storage that held unknown knowledge, but he wouldn’t be able to access them yet.

  After purchasing some basic gear that wouldn’t draw suspicion, Sai returned to the inn. Instead of relaxing, he sharpened his senses, carefully observing his surroundings, hoping to catch any sign of the mysterious observer. However, despite his vigilance, no one seemed to be following him. The presence that had watched him earlier had vanished without a trace.

  Sai continued his journey as an adventurer in Dunewood, steadily completing quests and gaining experience. Two weeks passed, yet he still hadn’t discovered the identity of the mysterious observer. Eventually, he shrugged it off—if they hadn’t made a move yet, they either weren’t a threat or were waiting for the right moment.

  During his time in Dunewood, Sai unknowingly built a reputation for himself. Unlike many novice adventurers who struggled with even the simplest of tasks, he had yet to fail a single quest. His efficiency, reliability, and quiet demeanor made him stand out. Merchants who issued gathering requests, townsfolk who needed escorts, and even fellow adventurers began to recognize him. Though he kept to himself, the rumors of a rising Copper Rank adventurer who never failed a mission spread through the guild.

  Sai found himself enjoying the adventurer’s life—exploring different parts of the region, honing his skills, and earning rewards. Though the jobs were still mundane, he saw them as stepping stones to greater things. However, peaceful days never lasted long.

  Trouble soon came knocking in the form of an arrogant young maiden.

  It happened one afternoon at the Adventurers’ Guild. Sai had just returned from another quest when the guildhall doors swung open dramatically, drawing everyone’s attention. A young woman strode in, dressed in luxurious adventurer’s attire, clearly custom-made and far too extravagant for practical use. Her golden hair was tied in an elaborate braid, and her emerald eyes glimmered with self-importance. Judging by the finely crafted sword at her waist and the emblem on her cloak, she was no ordinary adventurer—she belonged to nobility.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  She scanned the room before her gaze landed on Sai. With a confident smirk, she marched straight toward him.

  "You there," she said, folding her arms. Her tone carried an air of superiority, as if she were addressing a subordinate. "I, Lady Alenia von Eldric, am organizing an expedition for a high-priority quest, and I require capable adventurers. Since you seem somewhat competent, I am giving you the opportunity to join me."

  Sai glanced at the silver badge on her cloak—one rank above him. She was strong, but her arrogance was evident. It was clear this wasn’t a request; it was an order disguised as an invitation.

  He sighed internally. So much for peaceful days a cliché scenario found in countless novels.

  Sai didn’t answer her and instead walked past her to the receptionist, submitting the quest he had completed. In a low voice, he whispered, "What’s with that girl?"

  Alenia, seeing that Sai had completely ignored her, first looked shocked, then visibly irritated. Meanwhile, murmurs and hushed discussions spread throughout the guild as adventurers took notice of the scene unfolding before them.

  The receptionist, a woman in her late twenties with short brown hair and a sharp gaze, sighed as she glanced at Alenia, who was still fuming nearby. Lowering her voice, she leaned in slightly and explained the situation to Sai.

  “She’s Lady Alenia von Eldric, a noble and a Silver Rank adventurer. She’s from a powerful family with strong ties to the Merchant’s Guild and the ruling council of Dunewood. She’s been gathering a team to undertake a quest that no one has dared to accept so far. From what I’ve heard, it’s either too dangerous, too difficult, or simply not worth the risk."

  The receptionist shot Sai a knowing look. “And ignoring a noble like her? That’s not something people usually get away with. She’s not the type to take it lightly.”

  Sai simply nodded, unfazed by the so-called warning. He had no interest in entertaining the whims of an arrogant noble, nor was he intimidated by her status. He had seen enough of this type before—privileged, self-important, and expecting the world to revolve around them.

  Meanwhile, Alenia’s shocked expression twisted into one of barely restrained anger. The guildhall buzzed with murmurs as adventurers turned their attention to the brewing conflict.

  “Did he just ignore her?”

  “That’s gotta be a first.”

  “Heh, I’d love to see how this plays out.”

  “Poor guy… he just made an enemy out of a noble.”

  Seeing this, Sai sighed. So much bullshit. Same entitled attitude, same predictable reactions.

  For a moment, he wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all but suppressed it. Instead, he turned to Alenia, met her gaze, and said flatly, "Not interested."

  Her eyes widened in disbelief, her noble pride clearly wounded. Before she could respond, Sai had already turned away, uninterested in wasting any more time.

  Troublesome times ahead, he thought, already anticipating the consequences of rejecting a noble so publicly.

  He left the guild and made his way back to the inn where he was staying. But before he even reached his room, he realized the news had spread faster than lightning. The moment he stepped inside, hushed whispers and sideways glances followed him.

  “That’s the guy who turned down Lady Alenia…”

  “Does he not know who she is?”

  “Either he’s incredibly brave or incredibly stupid.”

  Sai ignored them all, heading straight to his room. Whatever happened next, he would deal with it when the time came.