Chapter 41: Noble women
"Mom! I can’t believe I got accepted into the Hero Academy! I can’t wait to start! Did you see Dad’s face? He lit up like a candle lamp!" A young woman with white hair
"I did, and we’re so proud of you. I know how hard it is to get accepted, so all of your hard work, dedication, and training paid off. Be proud, Janna, only the best of the best can be accepted there, and you proved that you’re one of them." A woman who looked exactly like Janna said with a proud smile on her face.
These two were currently traveling to Vaudrille Capital City for Janna’s new school life, as she had been accepted into the hero academy. They were accompanied by six well-trained knights who were escorting them to their destination safely.
"Madam Kirlia, we’re approaching the bridge to cross and have come in contact with bandits. They’re demanding a toll of three gold." A knight informed her.
Opening a little slot on the Carriage window, Kirlia handed the knight a bag that contained five gold coins.
"There are five gold coins in there. Tell them the extra is a thank you for allowing us to cross safely."
"Yes, Madam."
Janna turned to her mother, not happy that she gave in to the bandits’ demands.
"Mom! They’re bandits! Why would you pay them to let us cross? You even gave them extra! They’re extorting us!"
Kirlia smiled, her daughter’s inexperience coming forward. "My sweet, sometimes in life, you have to do things you don’t want to do. Sure, those bandits are extorting us and are using the bridge here to demand money from travelers, but it’s best to avoid conflict altogether. What if you’re not able to defend yourself? Would you fight them still? Even if you can, are you traveling with loved ones? Or people who can’t defend themselves? Even if you can defend yourself, why go through the trouble of fighting, risking your life, when you can simply pay and move on?"
Janna never thought about it that way. She always saw bandits as people who failed in life, and those who gave in to their demands were people who had no spine. But now, she really understood why people just pay and avoid all conflict.