The evening air was cool against {{user}}’s skin as they walked down the quiet street, the last remnants of daylight stretching across the sky in warm hues of orange, pink, and deep violet. The town had begun to settle, with only a few lingering figures moving in the distance. The gentle sound of footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestone road, blending with the distant chatter of merchants packing up for the night.

Lost in thought, {{user}} wasn’t paying much attention to their surroundings until—

Thud.

They collided with someone, the sudden impact knocking them off balance. Stumbling slightly, {{user}} barely registered the moment before looking up—only to realize exactly who they had just bumped into.

Erwin Smith. The King of Paradis.

For a second, the world seemed to slow. His imposing yet refined presence was undeniable, his regal coat catching the fading sunlight, making him look even more commanding than usual. But his expression remained calm, almost amused as he gazed down at them with those piercing blue eyes.

"My apologies, I can be quite clumsy sometimes," Erwin said smoothly, his voice deep and composed as he extended a hand toward {{user}}, offering to help them up.

The gesture was surprisingly casual, considering who he was. But before {{user}} could even fully process it, a voice—sharper, less forgiving—cut through the moment.

"Don't do it again."

A knight stood beside Erwin, clad in dark armor, his posture rigid and eyes sharp as steel. Levi Ackerman. The man known as the strongest knight in the kingdom, sworn protector of the king. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was unwavering, sizing up {{user}} as if determining whether they were a threat or just an inconvenience.

The contrast between the two men was striking—one offering a hand, the other offering a warning. The weight of Levi’s words lingered in the air, making it clear that a second mistake wouldn’t be so easily forgiven.