First Day of Richass Week: Devotion. I hope that you'll like it!

Thanks to Fjerilhaiva who beta-readed it!

Disclaimer: Tales of Graces belongs to Bandai Namco

"I swear on my sword that I will protect you. "

Richard smiled when he saw the resolution on his best friend's face. Nothing had changed since the first time the man had said that. When was it already? He remembered. It was when they wanted to take back Windor, just before Lambda woke up. And Asbel had been true to his words: until the end, he had followed him to save him from his own darkness, and he had saved Lambda too. No matter what, Richard wouldn't be able to pay him back for what he had done for him. He was lucky to have such a friend.

But this time, it wasn't to save him from his darkness, or to save Lambda. It was a different time, twenty years later. He had done his best but yet, his people were angry with him. They were tired of a kingdom, they wanted a republic. More freedom, more rights. They were pissed off by nobles. He had done his best but it wasn't enough. It was called a 'revolution' and Richard wouldn't go against it, but he wouldn't let himself die neither.

"Richard! There!"

Richard nodded and followed his best friend. Fortunately, he didn't have any family. His only family was Asbel, Sophie and their friends. They were the only ones who understood him. He was so lucky to have them. Asbel was always there when he had problems. When he had heard about the rumors about a revolution, he had taken the first boat and met him. Since this day, he had claimed strongly that he would protect him, no matter what. And again, he had been true to his words.

They entered a secret passage and together, without looking back, they started running. Only their footsteps could be heard, and Richard thought for a while that they were alone and that they were safe. But it was only an illusion as they met some knights in front of them, blocking the road.

"Stop now! You're not the king anymore!" One of them said, and Richard saw Asbel taking his sword from its sheath.

"Asbel!" Richard warned.

"I know!"

And then, whereas the knights were trying to catch them, Asbel gave them a sheath punch while Richard knocked them out with the rapier handle. Then they left the knocked men and continued their way. They met knights again and again, as well as people like peasants and else and every time, they knocked them out instead of killing them. Richard didn't want to kill them; even if they made a revolution, he couldn't want to kill them. He had been king for twenty years, he had listened to them, he had tried to content them…It wasn't sufficient.

They left the secret passage, arriving at the Catacomb. It was like they were linked to this place, and perhaps it was true. Everything for them had begun there, after all. They arrived at the Catacomb's entrance where they met Cheria who was waiting for them with clothes.

"Put that." She said and, silently, they changed.

Now, they were wearing clothes that would allow them to blend in with the crowd and soon enough, they were able to take a boat with other passengers – especially women and children – who wanted to leave until everything calmed down.

Eventually, after hours, they arrived at the Lhant manor where they were greeted by Sophie, and Cheria and Asbel's children.

"Are you sure you are fine with that, Asbel? If the people know that I am here…"

"Don't worry for that, Richard! I told you, I'll protect you no matter what. I'll be your sword."

"And nobody in Lhant will betray you." Cheria continued.

Asbel's devotion scared him sometimes. He wondered if Asbel thought about the consequence of him being there, but he knew that he had talked a lot with Cheria and the people from Lhant. If Richard thought that he would annoy the peaceful city, then he would hide in Strahta or Fendel, where nobody knew him.

"Richard is going to live with us?" Sophie asked with a soft smile on her lips.

The Lord of Lhant nodded and her smile grew bigger. Richard was scared by his devotion, but he was really happy to have a best friend like him. Richard would entrust his life to Asbel.