Forschner stepped out of the carriage first, followed by Rem and Emilia. He stood before the streets of a very familiar city, the Royal Capital of Lugnica. He had heard from Felix and the others about the history of this nation, the death of the King Randolph and the rest of the royal family and the prophecy written on the Dragon History Stone. While the commissar overlooked most of the stories as mere myths and primitive traditions of a feudal society, he understood that the election will decide the next ruler of this nation. As an abhuman, Emilia's path was a brutally difficult one.

As the knight Felix and the butler Wilhelm rode off in their carriage, Emilia, Rem, and the commissar began making their way towards a large conference building, guarded by fully armoured men. Forschner assisted Rem throughout the way due to her condition. Before the gate, a man in a white coat armed with a sword approached them. He appeared to be one of the knights of the realm.

"Lady Emilia," the man stepped up and took a bow, "I had heard that you got in an accident at Lord Roswaal's manor, but I am glad to see that you are alright."

"Yes, I am fine," said Emilia, turning to face him, "How are you, Julius?"

"The mere fact that you remember me is an honor, my lady. You have only grown more beautiful each time," he said as he knelt down and kissed her hand.

"Thank you. Forgive me for asking you so abruptly," said Emilia, "But I have a business here, and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle."

The knight rised and noticed the stranger glaring in black coat standing beside Emilia and the maid leaning on his shoulder.

"Does your business involve this rude man in that strange cap?" the knight asked mockingly.

The commissar's eyes burned with irritation. "The man you have just mocked is Commissar Viktor Forschner of the 8th Cadian Regiment. May I ask whom I am speaking to?"

Julius made a face of challenge, "Julius Juuculius, Royal Guard and knight of Lady Anastasia of Hoshin Trading Company."

"Sir knight," said the commissar, his voice indicating hostility, "I would ask you refrain from mocking a commissar, especially when in uniform."

"I don't know what 'commissar' is, but I'll keep that in mind," said Julius, restraining himself, "Now, allow me to show you the conference mirrors."

Julius walked towards the guard, and Forschner followed after him, only to be stopped by Emilia.

"Forschner, you wait here," Emilia ordered, looking worried.

"Stay here, Lady Emilia?" he questioned.

"I don't think it will be a pleasant experience for you," she explained.

Forschner shook his head. If unpleasant experiences bothered him, he would not have been a commissar, but he did not bother telling her of his 'unpleasant' experiences.

"Understood, Lady Emilia," he answered, lowering his head, "I will find a place of rest for Rem, firsthand, and await your return out here before dusk."

Upon leaving Rem to rest in a local inn, the commissar returned to the building and awaited for Emilia all afternoon. The sun was going down, and orange light of dusk illuminated the streets. The commissar stood there quietly. Just above him, he saw what he thought was a flash of light, like a comet with two tails, fly across the starless sky. He curiously stared upon the redden sky of dusk.

"Forschner, " Emilia called out, coming out of the building, "I'm sorry I took so long."

She ran to him with an apologetic look. The commissar simply lowered his head in acknowledgment.

"It was nothing, Lady Emilia. Has your business been resolved?" he asked, looking up.

Emilia nodded. The commissar turned around.

"Allow me to show you the place at which Rem is located. She is currently resting to regain her strength," he said as he began to walk towards the inn.

"I'm sorry," said Emilia, "That I made you wait."

"You need not be," he replied. The commissar continued walking. It was not of his concern what happens at the conference. As they started walking back, Forschner saw a group of gangers dragging a noble lady to the back alley. Forschner continued to walk, then Emilia grabbed him by his sleeve.

"I think she might be in trouble," said Emilia, worried.

"As most unfortunate souls are. You cannot save everyone, Lady Emilia," he replied.

"Still, Forschner, I want to make sure she's alright," Emilia stated.

Forschner let out a short sigh and followed Emilia to the back alley. There they found three wretched gangers trying to steal from the lady in the fancy red dress. The lady put a fan over her face, covering half of her face.

"Stop now, and I'll let it slide," Emilia told the gangers, "So graciously return what you stole."

The lady in red turned around, as Emilia froze where she stood. The lady began laughing in an pretentious manner. Forschner cringed his eyebrow.

"Hohoho, if it isn't the devilish half-elf? Come to save me from these uncivilized slum-dwellers? How heroic of you," she jeered, looking down on Emilia.

Emilia was at a loss for words. The three hooligans laughed while one quietly drew a blade. Forschner stepped in, drawing his sword. In a single motion, he dashed up to the ganger with a blade and put his sword on his neck. The ganger dropped to his knees while his companions watched in fear.

"You dare draw a blade when the lady speaks? You truly have no desire to live, do you?" Forschner threatened.

The terrified hooligan dropped his blade and begged for his life. The lady in red watched with great enthusiasm.

"The sentence for your insolence," declared Forschner, "is death." He raised his cutlass into the air. Right as he was about to make his swing, Emilia jumped in.

"FORSCHNER! STOP IT!" Emilia screamed.

Forschner stopped and stared at the ganger with his sword already halfway down. He asked without lifting his blade, "Is something the matter with my judgment, Lady Emilia?"

"You can't kill him for something like this," Emilia tried to explain.

"Something like attempting to murder a royal candidate? Your servant had made the right call. At least your servant has the right mind, witch," the red lady spoke.

"It's not right," said Emilia, her voice cracking, "Release him, Forschner."

Forschner glared at the trembling young man and slowly withdrew his blade.

"Scatter," the commissar commanded, "Or I will paint these streets in your blood."

The three gangers fled from the scene as fast as their legs carried them. The noble lady made a satisfied smile and walked up to Forschner. She drew close to him and stared into his eyes. Forschner did not flinch or back away.

"It's a pity. You'd make a fine servant for me," she said, stepping back, "I wonder if I can get you to work for me."

Emilia's expression turned grim. Forschner gave one look to Emilia and turned back to the lady in red.

"It's getting dark, Lady Emilia," he said, turning coldly away from the lady in red, "We should head towards our lodge."

Forschner faced the lady in red. "Have a safe night, fair lady," he said, then he walked away with Emilia behind him.

The noble lady made a bitter smile and covered her face again with her fan as the two walked away.

"Wait!" shouted Emilia, walking after the commissar, "Forschner!"

The commissar turned around curiously.

"You didn't need to be so cold or cruel to either of them," she scolded, "Sometimes, I really don't like that about you."

Forschner made a nonchalant expression.

"Shall we keep walking?" he asked.

Upon arrival at the inn, Forschner entered the room to find Rem sitting up on her bed.

"How are you, sir?" she asked, "Did Lady Emilia's business get resolved-"

Rem was interrupted by Emilia entering the room, who was rejoiced when she saw Rem awake.

"Rem! How are you feeling?" she asked, walking up to the maid.

The maid's face turned red as she tried to jump out of the bed to greet her lady. Emilia stopped her and sat her back down.

"Rem is terribly sorry for causing trouble, Lady Emilia," Rem apologized.

"No. Don't be sorry," Emilia consoled her, "Without you, we wouldn't have made it back."

"But Rem remembers," she said, looking troubled, "It was Commissar Forschner who brought me back on his shoulder. I apologize for my incompetence."

Forschner sat beside Rem and removed his cap.

"If you have realized your mistake, do not allow it to occur a second time. That is the only apology that I am willing to accept," he told her.

Emilia frowned at the commissar's attempt at consolation. Forschner simply shrugged it off.

"Hey, Forschner," Emilia asked carefully.

The commissar lent his ear.

"About tomorrow," said Emilia, "I want you to stay here and nurse Rem."

"Would I not be of better use besides you?" Forschner asked.

"Rem needs someone to nurse her," said Emilia.

Rem shook her head in denial.

"Rem doesn't need anyone to nurse her. Please, go take care of business, sir," the maid told Forschner.

"What brought you to the conclusion that I would be of better use besides Rem?" Forschner questioned.

"I just think Rem needs someone to look after her until she is better," she replied.

Forschner sighed.

"Lady Emilia," he said, calmly, "You need not to lie to me. If you wish for me to do something, just give me the order, and it shall be done. There's no need for you to explain anything."

"No, Forschner," she quickly replied, "It's not a lie. I really believe Rem needs someone to look after her for a while."

Forschner gave a look of doubt, and Emilia gave in.

"It's true that I want you to look after Rem. I also don't want you to follow me to the court. You see, the Royal Elections is an event for the candidates and their patrons and knights."

"So you don't think it is a place for me?" Forschner asked bitterly.

"No, no," Emilia replied, "That's not what I meant Forschner."

"You need not to explain yourself to me, Lady Emilia," Forschner stopped her, "You are correct to believe that I have no place among the highborns. I will do as you ask and tend for Rem until your return."

Emilia looked shocked at first, but she smiled in relief.

"Thank you, Forschner," she said, tearing up, "For being so understanding."

Forschner jumped up in surprise, not knowing what to do.

"Lady Emilia, why are you crying?" he asked in confusion and irritation.

Emilia wiped her tears, smiling like a fool. Forschner realized that there was no need for him to act. He sat back down and decided to allow her to let out her tears.

Rem watched them with a satisfied look. She leaned closer to Forschner and whispered.

"Sir, this is the first time Rem has seen you smile."

Forschner turned to her with a surprised look. Rem was looking back at him, smiling. Forschner began to chuckle. He did not understand what was going on, but he laughed. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of belonging. He wondered if this what it felt like to have a place called home.