A few days later, Sylveria, Isao, and Isla donned the special clothing provided by the guild. The outfits featured a striking red and white color scheme. Isao’s kimono was deep red, adorned with white lavender and rose petal patterns. Isla’s long, pure white robes had transformed into a red hanfu, while Sylveria’s light blue and white dress was now a red and white ensemble, with her light armor maintaining its elegant appearance.
"Cool..." Isao murmured, feeling like an elite warrior.
"Ah, now this feels like true elegance." Sylveria declared, her eyes sparkling with delight as she twirled.
"A fine upgrade." Isla concurred.
In addition to their main outfits, they received alternate variations: Isla had a slimmer red hanfu, Sylveria an even more refined red and white princess dress, and Isao an especially elegant long red kimono, and a short kimono still decorated with white lavender and rose motifs.
As the trio strolled through the castle halls and the capital city, whispers spread among the people. Seeing the young warriors dressed in their striking red and white attire, onlookers murmured excitedly, calling them the "Red Royal Sabers"—the heroes who defeated three demon generals and earned multiple titles from both the king and the Adventurers’ Guild.
"What do you think of all this, Sylvy?" Isao asked with a playful smirk, tilting her head to gauge her friend’s reaction to the growing attention.
Sylveria rolled her eyes but smiled slightly. "It's flattering in a way, but let’s not get carried away. We have more important things to focus on."
Isla, remaining quiet, listened to the chatter around them. Their new title would bring greater responsibilities, and her mind was already analyzing how their reputation could be used to their advantage.
Weeks of relentless adventuring had propelled the trio to new heights, earning them a place in the guild’s records. At just ten years old, they had already risen to the rank of 3-star adventurers. Villages that once doubted the young "Red Royal Sabers" now welcomed them as heroes, their gratitude evident in every smile and nod of respect. Before long, their name spread across towns and kingdoms—three children who protected the innocent while showing no mercy to their enemies.
As Isla set down the last sack of rice, the village chief stepped forward with a broad smile. “Thank you, Red Royal Sabers! With those mountain bandits gone, our roads are safe again. We owe you more than we can ever repay.”
Sylveria, Isao, and Isla exchanged satisfied glances, their pride swelling at the recognition. They had come a long way from their early days, no longer just reckless children but skilled and respected adventurers.
As the open carriage rumbled along the cobblestone roads, Sylveria, Isao, and Isla relished the rare opportunity to relax in comfort after their string of successful quests. The carriage, it featured a spacious compartment filled with soft hay and straw, perfect for lounging during the journey.
Isla, ever the aloof, opted to sprawl languidly across the hay, her usually stoic demeanor giving way to a rare moment of carefree indulgence. "This is fun," she agreed, her aloof expression softening as she gazed up at the endless expanse of the blue sky above.
Isao, seated beside her, mirrored her pose, kicking off her sandals to sink into the warm hay. "No arguing here, Isla. Traveling in style beats trudging on foot any day!"
"Hey! Don’t leave me to drive the carriage alone while you two relax in the back!" Sylveria complained, annoyed that Isla and Isao had abandoned the driver's seat to lounge in the hay.
Sylveria's indignant voice cut through the tranquil atmosphere, snapping Isla and Isao out of their relaxed stupor. They exchanged guilty glances before scrambling to their feet, brushing the stray strands of hay from their clothes as they hastened to return to the driver's seats.
"Hmph, I wasn't aware we were in charge of entertainment now," Isao retorted, though her tone lacked real ire. She climbed back into the driver's perch, taking up the reins with a flourish.
"Apologies, Sylveria," Isla said, plopping down beside her. "We just wanted to enjoy the ride for a bit. Didn't mean to abandon ship."
Sylveria huffed, settling in behind the steering wheel. "Just remember, Isao, you're driving. And Isla, keep your elbows off the controls," she reminded them, a hint of teasing in her voice as she settled in for the rest of the journey home.
The journey was peaceful—Isla gazed up at the sky, Isao hummed as she steered the carriage, and Sylveria lay on the hay, enjoying the ride. "Hey, Isla, want to drive? It’s easy. I’ll teach you," Isao offered with a smile, hoping to teach Isla a useful life skill.
"Sure," Isla replied in her usual aloof tone, taking the reins.
"Okay, all you need to do is—" Before Isao could finish, Isla snapped the reins, and the carriage suddenly lurched forward, the horses galloping out of control. Sylveria tumbled through the hay. "Ouch! What the—!? W-Wait, Isao—Oof!" Isao lost her balance and was thrown backward, crashing into Sylveria. With the rough road beneath them, they kept bouncing uncontrollably. "Ahhh!!" Sylveria and Isao screamed.
"Oh... this is fun," Isla remarked, still expressionless, as she sped up even more.
"Isao! You idiot! I told you not to give the reins to Isla!" Sylveria shouted, frustrated as they bounced around the carriage. Every time they tried to reach the driver's seat, they lost their balance and were thrown back. "I-I'm sorry!!! I didn't know Isla was still this bad at life skills!!!" Isao squealed, constantly bumping into Sylveria as they tumbled helplessly.
"Hey, guys! This is fun—huh?" Isla suddenly halted the carriage, turning to look at them. "Why do you two look like you got trampled by a horse?" Isao and Sylveria glared at her, their clothes covered in hay, hair a complete mess, and their brows twitching in irritation.
Later, Isla lay on the hay at the back of the carriage, two lumps on her head, staring at the blue sky with her usual aloof expression. "Sylveria and Isao are mean," she muttered.
Meanwhile, up front, Isao and Sylveria sat in the driver's seat, both visibly annoyed. Sylveria crossed her arms, her expression firm. "From now on, we are never letting Isla drive again."
"Agreed. I won’t make the same mistake twice," Isao said, their bond of friendship strengthened by shared suffering.
