Their first encounter with Michael had been far from respectful.
They had tried to rob him.
A foolish plan, born not just of desperation, but spite.
They weren't thieves by trade. Just two commoners from the rougher side of the outer city, embittered by years of being looked down on by nobles who flaunted power and coin like divine right.
People who took something precious from them.
When they first spotted Michael—young, clean, and alone—they'd mistaken him for an easy mark.
A rich noble brat out of place, maybe even playing adventurer.
They thought they'd teach him a lesson. Scare him. Maybe rough him up and take something of value in the process.
But instead…
They were the ones taught a lesson.
Not just in strength—though Michael had easily subdued them both—but in something far more rare in their world: restraint.
Michael hadn't harmed them more than necessary. No broken bones. No mocking words. No punishment beyond the humiliation of being thoroughly outclassed.
