I Have An SSS-Rank Service System: Hire Me For Anything!-Chapter 35: Arlo

A young man wearing a simple brown tunic stepped out of a narrow building tucked between two busy stalls in the central market of Valerius. The morning was already loud, filled with voices, the clatter of carts, and the steady movement of people going about their day. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and damp wood mixed in the air, giving the place its usual life.

He paused for a moment just outside the doorway, stretching lightly as if he had just finished a long task. His long yellow hair fell loosely behind his shoulders, catching the sunlight in a way that made him stand out more than he probably intended. A small, mischievous smile rested on his face, one that never seemed forced. It was the kind of smile that made people relax around him without thinking too much about it.

He stepped forward into the crowd, blending in with ease despite how noticeable he looked.

Arlo was still tired from yesterday. He didn’t know there will be that much warriors at the field. As a member of Dayla, he was tasked with ending this war but looks like the two sides won’t budge so he has to make risky decisions like yesterday.

"Morning, Arlo!" a butcher called out from his stall, raising a hand.

"Morning," the young man replied, lifting his hand in return without breaking stride.

A fruit seller waved at him next. "You didn’t come by yesterday."

"Had work," he said casually. "I’ll stop by later."

"You always say that," she laughed.

"And I always mean it," he answered, his tone light as he kept moving. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

He passed by several more stalls, greeting people one after another. Some nodded at him with respect, others called out jokes, and a few simply smiled as he walked past. It was clear he was known here, not just as a familiar face, but as someone people trusted enough to greet without hesitation.

Children ran past him at one point, nearly bumping into his side. He shifted slightly without even looking, letting them pass before continuing on.

’Same as always... loud, busy... predictable...’

His eyes moved across the market, not in a rushed way, but carefully. Every corner, every face, every small movement was noted without drawing attention to it. His smile didn’t change.

’Nothing out of place... good.’

He turned slightly, heading toward the far end of the market where the noise slowly thinned out. The crowded stalls gave way to wider paths, cleaner stone, and more structured buildings. The shift from open trade to controlled space was clear.

Ahead of him stood the towering walls of the Castle of Valerius. The structure rose above the rest of the city, built from thick grey stone that had stood for generations. Guards were stationed at the main entrance, standing straight with spears in hand, watching everyone who approached.

The young man didn’t slow down.

As he reached the gate, one of the guards narrowed his eyes for a second before recognizing him.

"You’re late today," the guard said.

The young man smiled slightly. "You noticed."

The second guard didn’t smile. He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice.

"Stay sharp today," he muttered.

The young man’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes shifted just a bit. "Something happen?"

The first guard exhaled.

"A few soldiers were found dead yesterday. Near the water bank."

The young man tilted his head slightly. "Bandits?"

The second guard shook his head.

"No. Too clean."

The first guard added, "Tracks were wrong too. Didn’t match anything local."

There was a brief pause.

"...Northern clans," the second guard said quietly. "Looks like they’ve started sending people in."

The young man’s smile remained, but it didn’t deepen or fade.

’...So it starts here...’

He gave a small nod. "I see."

"Don’t spread it," the first guard warned. "Orders came down this morning."

"I won’t," he replied calmly.

The second guard stepped aside, though his grip on his spear tightened slightly. "Just get inside."

The young man walked past them without another word.

The heavy atmosphere of the outer gate faded as he entered the castle grounds. Inside, everything felt more controlled. The noise of the market was gone, replaced by quieter footsteps, distant voices, and the occasional clink of armor. Servants moved along the corridors with purpose, while a few knights stood along the walls or walked through the open spaces.

He moved through it all with the same relaxed pace, his expression unchanged.

"Good morning," he said to a passing maid.

She bowed slightly. "Good morning."

A pair of knights nodded at him as they walked by.

"You’re cutting it close today," one of them said.

"I know," he replied. "Try not to report me."

They chuckled as they passed him.

He continued deeper into the castle, taking familiar turns without hesitation. It was clear he had walked this path many times before. His steps were light, almost too quiet for someone moving so casually.

’Soldiers dead... infiltration... Northern clans...’

His gaze flicked briefly to a hallway intersection.

’...So they’ve started moving already... faster than expected...’

He didn’t slow down.

’Good... that means information will start flowing...’

He reached a large wooden door at the end of a quieter corridor. Unlike the others, this one was guarded, though the guards stepped aside the moment they saw him.

"You’re late," one of them said.

"I know," he replied simply.

He placed his hand on the door and pushed it open without hesitation.

Inside, the room was wide and well-lit, with tall windows allowing sunlight to pour in. The air was calm, almost still, a complete contrast to the market outside.

A young woman stood near the far end of the room, her posture straight, a bow resting lightly in her hand. Her presence filled the space without effort.

He stepped inside fully, closing the door behind him before walking forward a few steps. His usual smile returned, easy and natural, as if nothing outside had been said.

"Princess, greetings," he said, bowing his head slightly.

He lifted his gaze again, still smiling.

"Sorry your archery teacher is a bit late today, I got busy with some things."

***

Author’s Disclaimer: This marks the end of the first Volume of Service System. The first volume was rudimentary and only for small details of the world I have built for Dory. Starting from here things are going to get interesting. Trust me Arlo is a great guy

And yes, I was hoping I’ll get super gifts and golden tickets (wink wink). I’ll be mass releasing five Chapters for a super gift.

Please don’t forget to try out my other novels. They are really peakkk

I do hope I get it.

Thanks for reading again.