Magic Knight Rayearth (1994)

S1E3 Ferio, the Handsome, Mysterious Swordsman

On their journey to Eterna Lake, the group encounters Ferrio, who intervenes just in time to save them from a monster. He offers to guide them out of the Silence Forest, but they decline and attempt to shake him off, only to find he’s persistent in following them. The girls have a conversation about the possibility of accepting his help, yet their mistrust grows because he remains a stranger. Eventually, they decide to let him lead, offering him food as payment since they lack money. As they settle in a large tent for rest, they learn that Ferrio was once an entertainer saved by Princess Emeraude, who defended him when he was wrongfully accused of theft. This act of kindness inspired him to embark on a quest to rescue her. While Hikaru intends to bring Ferrio food, Fuu insists on doing it instead, concerned that Hikaru’s kindness might lead her to invite him to stay with them.