Divine Protections? No, Just Pure Luck!

by LordPurifex

You would think luck would favor all sorts of individuals once in their lives, right? Well, that is not the case for Sean Wang. After being forcibly removed from his world he is placed in an all too familiar setting. Armed with foreknowledge, and a few items from home, how will Sean overcome the danger that awaits him? Only that fate is decided by the choices he makes.

3. Arc 2, Ch 1: Arrival

Disclaimer:

I do not own the Re: Zero series or anything else relating to it. It is all owned by Tappei Nagatsuki. Any OC found within this story is of my creation.

Please support the official release.

---

Out in the distance, remnants of the sun's light faded, turning the once bright and lively day to a neutral, silent night. A mysterious man witnessed the spectacle from a large and decorated window, as another day had come to an end.

The moon was the only source of light that penetrated through one of the many apertures of the manor. He basked in its serene glow as it illuminated the once darkened room. After having sent off one of his trustful servants to accompany his sponsee earlier in the day to the Capital, he awaited wonderful news to resume his plans. For centuries, the man remained vigilant to one day accomplish his ultimate goal.

A goal worth pursuing above all the wonders of the world.

He would achieve such a feat by any means necessary. To him, it was his sole purpose in life that would lead to his desired outcome.

It was the sole reason he continued to live.

His dream, of course, was the overdue reunion with his teacher that he held in high regard so long ago. Her vast knowledge and overall kindness she displayed had given him a new perspective on life. When she had treated his once hyperactive gate, his lessons of the magic arts had begun. Then, like all wonderful things, they must come to an end.

The man slowly traced his gloved fingertips on the edges of a thick tome he held, flashing memories of a distant past he was pained by. Where everything changed.

And he, in turn, had lost everything.

A one-sided attack, one he was severely outmatched for, had been the initial cause. A lone man, a being he truly detested, came seeking to harm his teacher. The warlock's aura resembled that of a Witch Factor, full of melancholic and raw power. With all the strength he mustered that day, it was a fruitless endeavor that almost cost his life.

However, his teacher had once again saved him.

That day served as a constant reminder of how powerless he once was. Consequently, it fueled his advancement in the study of magic arts. In time, he would eventually harness incredible magic and become a legend among men, so to speak.

Nonetheless, he paused those irritating thoughts and stepped out of the light. The man had yet to receive word on what was needed of him next. As he stood idly by he stared at the black book, a gospel gifted by his teacher, pleading for it to reveal its divine wonder.

Yet, all he received was silence. He worried that he may have strayed off the path set before him. Had he failed? Was he no longer worthy? Had all his hopes and dreams become nothing but a memory? With many questions plaguing his mind, he mindlessly paced the room.

Indeed it was an outcome he never wanted to come to fruition.

The tome revealed to him that his sponsee would encounter a certain man, that man being named Sean Wang. In addition, the gospel indicated that Sean possessed an ability that would aid his rightful cause. While it was utterly vague, the young man could, in layman's terms, loop time itself. An ability, one any magician in the world would be envious of. Even so, that was all the details he could obtain at the time. The only issue that remained was the sudden halt in his goal's progression. Whoever Sean Wang was must have surely been the root cause of this failure, right?

If the need arises, he would end that fool for the sake of accomplishing his sole purpose. Guilt would fill his soul, but he would ensure the young man continued to loop until he was obedient. Once they become one and the same, then his teacher would return to him, and be the one to change this cruel and wretched world.

All that was left was to locate the foolish looper and make him rectify his mistake. The assassin he had hired likely played a part in this letdown. No matter. The man had lived countless lives and would not allow one individual to stop him. Suddenly, being taken out of his trance, a familiar sensation was emitted from his gospel. It seemed his teacher had finally answered his plea.

He made way for his desk with anticipation and carefully laid the black tome. Its aged pages fluttered in a wild manner. As he continued to watch the phenomena, it abruptly ended as the wisdom of his teacher appeared before him.

The man may have failed, but the new knowledge gifted to him would prove vital. All the pieces would connect in time. Today was the first act in his grand scheme, and Sean Wang would aid him to achieve it. The young man's sudden appearance was no mere coincidence after all.

"I seeee now, Teacher. I will enusreee that the boy follooows this path." He stated as he smiled to himself.

The man then cradled his shut gospel. The times of peace were coming to an end. A change, one so liberating, would ultimately arrive. It is, after all, his sworn duty to revive his beloved master. No one would interfere and it would be only a matter of time until they undoubtedly met.

'Beware, Sean Wang. A disaster is coming for you.'

---

Late in the evening, a single district within the Royal Capital had garnered much attention. The once forgotten and impoverished area, the Slums, became rowdy and chaotic. All the disruption had been caused by certainly ominous individuals. In particular, a duo consisting of sisters. The siblings originally came at the request of their client.

A safe house, deep within the narrow passageways of the Slums, was the rendezvous point for their mission. It was the only one available within the walls of the kingdom. If it had become compromised, reaching another location would be futile.

Their client personally assigned her older sister to retrieve a badge. In addition, there were to be no survivors from her meeting. Aware that her skillset was unfit for the assignment, the child lounged in an inn for several hours. Even if her sister was known for being a ruthless assassin with a vile obsession with bowels, she was certain that she was doing her best.

Because no one was capable like her sister.

Incidentally, her intuition told her otherwise. With all the commotion the younger sibling had stumbled upon, she feared for the worst. There were knights posted at every corner of the district. Luckily, she was still an innocent, little girl so no one would bat an eye at her, right?

"Young Miss, come here!" A rough and masculine voice shouted at her from behind. It was a knight of the kingdom.

She then suddenly stopped in her tracks. The girl dared not move, as the heavy footsteps from the armored man filled the mucky alleyway. It seemed she had been caught after all. Her hand hovered over her hip, where a concealed dagger had been sheathed. It would be the first time she would do the dirty work her friends often did.

The frightened child did not want to disappoint her older sister. If she did, then Mama would know. The thought of her triggered a phantom ache to spread throughout her frail body. To say Mama's punishments were cruel would be an understatement. Her worry then turned to panic, as she began to hyperventilate.

She didn't want to be Mama's plaything! She didn't want Mama to torture her and her older sister!

To prevent that, she realized the nosy knight would have to die. It was the only way for her to survive after all. Her sister had once told her there were many ways to kill someone. The neck and heart were the ideal targets.

All she had to do was wait for the right moment.

Step after step, the knight grew closer. His shadow steadily loomed over her small stature. She felt his intense gaze even though she did not face him. Her entire body shivered at the thought of failing to kill the man. He then ceased his walk entirely, which shocked the child. Seconds passed, but the knight made no inclination to move. It seemed the man was aware of how suspicious she was. The suspense between them nearly caused her to bite her lips with worry. Then, his armor clanked as it touched the pavement, and his hand placed on her shoulder. Without hesitation, her hand firmly gripped the hilt of a dagger.

"Young Miss, it is dangerous at these times for you to be in these streets. Do you perhaps need assistance getting home to your family?" The knight kindly asked.

Having registered the knight's concern for her safety, she released her hold from the hidden knife. A sigh of relief came out of her lips. She was safe. She and her older sister were still safe.

"Oh, I think I can make it home, mister. Thank you for the he~lp!" The child responded and the knight nodded. She stared as his form slowly retreated from view. Certain that none would follow her further, she noticed a familiar pathway. With no time to waste, she skipped quickly as her short legs could.

The older assassin made sure to explain in detail how to navigate through the narrowed passageway. It was similar to that of a giant maze. Most of the people who lived here avoided the area as it was a complete mess. After several sharp turns and doubting herself quite a bit, the young girl found the run-down safe house.

She hurriedly opened the crumbling door and slammed it shut with a loud bang. A few deep breaths were all that was needed to calm her racing heart. Though, she would regret that action instantly as she was greeted by an overwhelmingly pungent stench.

Grime, dust, and debris were what she was greeted by in the vacant home.

Holes bored across the walls and rotten wood reeked from every corner. She tiptoed on the few spaces not filled with debris and trash until she let out a yelp when a bunch of rodents scurried in front of her. As a pout remained on her face, she checked the rooms for any sign of her older sister.

"Hey sister, are you there?"

As she waited for a response, the eerie silence began to unsettle her. She could only hope nothing horrible had happened. The young girl kept moving as the moonlight and stars shone down from the broken windows. Her shadow briefly appeared across the floor and walls as her light blue hair swayed as she moved.

Nearing the last room of the house, she was uncertain if her sister was even present. Before she called it quits, a new odor reached her nostrils. A stench she was far too familiar with radiated from within the room; blood, and so much of it. The blue-haired girl pulled the door open ever so slightly. Her curious nature wondered what she would find.

There, laid helplessly on a crimson puddle, was her sister.

Well, she had seen much worse. She was grateful that her sister was not dead after all.

"Wow, you're all bloodied up. You do know it's bad to sleep on the fi~lthy floor?"

"Ah, there you are. You know, it hurts me that you sound amazed by my situation, Meili. " The older sister responded weakly. Bloodstained her exposed curvaceous figure. Her neatly braided hair was disheveled and littered with fragments of wood.

"It's because I am!" Meili pointed to the window frantically. "All the knights are looking for you. One even came up to me and I thought I was going to be in trouble~." The young assassin stared at the injured woman whose mind seemed to be elsewhere.

A brief silence then emerged between the siblings. Meili frowned as a blood-colored smile was aimed her way. Even in the most troublesome of situations, her sister always found amusement from it all.

"You may not believe this, Meili, but I had a most wonderful encounter today." Meili's older sister admitted.

"That's cool and all, but we need to patch you up, Elsa. I'll listen to your little story as I patch you up."

---

And so, the reunited sisters agreed to retreat to the inn the youngest had reserved. Thanks to Elsa and her troublesome condition, their status had been compromised. To dwell in the Slums longer would only pose further risks. Meili knew it would be impossible for them to remain undetected from all the patrolling knights.

For the Bowel Hunter, reaching the safe house would prove quite the challenge. Though she miraculously cheated death, the unfazed assassin received substantial damage for any ordinary individual. Elsa would be unsurprised if she left an entire trail of blood behind. That would allow the knights to track her directly to their hideout. In order to prevent that, she would need assistance from Meili.

"Since you look like this we won't be able to use this place now. There's blood everywhere and it ree~ks of you and rats." Meili declared as she grabbed the necessary tools from her pouch.

"Oh dear, to me it sounds like you're implying I have used this location poorly? I would like to believe it has been used as intended," countered Elsa.

To Meili, it amazed her that Elsa was hurt so badly.

"Exactly! I bet you were dancing in here getting blood all ove~r. That's so typical of you, Sister." Meili muttered, which put a smile on the older assassin's face.

"Finally you understand? It seems you are coming to a realization of the world."

"As if! You enjoy this too much."

"Fufu, I won't deny that." Elsa murmured. She began to giggle which Meili couldn't help but sigh at.

The child assassin then checked the horrid condition of her injured sister. Up close, she noticed a long cut that ran from Elsa's breast to her abdomen. It was a deep and excruciating wound that bled continuously. It was the largest out of the many lacerations littered throughout the older assassin's body.

"Elsa, are you sure you are okay? That wound looks awful. Plus, there's more all over!" Meili said worriedly.

"Ah, this? While it is unbelievably painful I find it wonderful at the same time." Elsa delightfully replied as she picked at her wound.

"No no, I won't agree with you on that weird comment. It's more strange to me than anything. Is your 'blessing' not worki~ng?"

"It seems to be a wound that counteracts my ability. The individual who did this was a wielder of the Dragon Sword." The Bowel Hunter mused as she recollected the events from her battle. "That man may be able to wield that type of power. One that people only come to dream of." As she finished, it only further confused Meili more than before.

During all this, inflammation of her wound started, but the slash itself remained. Even her Curse Doll ability was no match for whatever the Master Swordsman possessed. It was indeed a rather unfortunate situation for her and the younger sister.

"Oh, it was the Sword Saint, right? No wonder."

"Yes, indeed it was him. He lived up to all of the rumors."

"Really? Did you get to see the inside of his be~lly?"

"Unfortunately, I was not able to see them. I couldn't land a single hit on him." The Bowel Hunter smiled and lightly chuckled from her recent battle.

"It was amazing."

She may have suffered a one-sided defeat; however, she would use the experience as a lesson for the future. Meili on the other hand was dumbfounded at this realization. It made her uneasy that her sister had more opponents powerful than her.

"So...you have someone stronger than you? Shouldn't you be worried? " The blue-haired assassin sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time. "Up until now, you've been able to kill everyone. Still, I'm certai~n you can kill anyone that isn't Mama."

"Overestimating me, I see? If my memory serves me right, I was defeated years ago in the Vollachia Empire. The man in the kimono I believe." Elsa stated as she pondered on that memory. The man wielded a blade that could be on par with the Sword Saint. Then again, the red-haired man never drew it for her to confirm it.

"Yes, but you were still able to kill the target, right? From what I know, the kimono man is the strongest in Vollachia," mentioned Meili. Such a fact only further upset her. There were too many people stronger than her sister in her opinion.

"Ara ara, so I have lost to the strongest from the Dragon Kingdom and Sacred Empire? Amazing." The Bowel Hunter huffed out a breath as her cheeks reddened.

That was the euphoria she lived for. The pain she felt only excited her even more. To fight for her existence as she had done all her life.

The younger sister rolled her eyes at her sister's strange reaction. For as long as she had known Elsa, it still baffled her that she enjoyed getting hurt. A trait she greatly disliked about her older sister.

After rummaging her pouch, the blue-haired child held a blue potion. Uncorking it, an unpleasant odor filled the dark room. She tilted the bottle slightly as the blue liquid ran across the entirety of the major wound. Elsa growled as the healing process went on.

"What a foul smell. What exactly is this strange liquid?"

"Mucus from a water slug. While it can fully heal a wound like this, it's really pote~nt even when applied in a small amount. Regardless, you won't die from it because you're Elsa."

"I see then. Well, proceed as we have to leave soon. We wouldn't want to get caught now, do we?" A mischievous glint surfaced on Elsa's purple garnet irises.

"Of course, hehe. If the guards find us then you'll just kill them. Then it will be impossible~r to leave."

"Meili, 'impossibler' is not a word." Elsa chuckled cutely at the young girl's pout. "Remind me to lecture you further on proper vocabulary. And if we are caught then they would show up again, right?"

"If that is the case then I'm not for that awful idea. Also, you said they? Was there someone else with the Master Swordsma~n?" Meili innocently asked.

"Yes, there was. He was even more interesting than the Sword Saint." The Bowel Hunter's blood-ridden body shivered from either being nude or aroused, she wouldn't know. "Anyhow, more on them later. Are you done yet?" The younger assassin nodded and gave a thumbs up.

Meili disposed of the empty potion. She glanced at the floor near Elsa as her signature dress was tattered to pieces. No way were they going to leave with the way her sister looked.

There could be perverts out there!

"If you think we are going to leave with you looki~ng like that, I'll just leave alone," said Meili jokingly. She then briefly looked out the nearest window to scout the area.

"You're speaking to me like that? How rude. They are just rags after all. My current attire is just fine." Elsa argued.

"I wouldn't be like that if you had clothes on. So~ please get some."

"Wait here then. I'll figure something out."

The blue-haired child stared blatantly confused at her older sister. The nude woman briskly vaulted from an opening and vanished into the shadows. Even she was aware that going out like that was only asking for trouble. Then again, they didn't have much of a choice.

Meili hoped that Elsa held back from her reckless tendencies. Another commotion would certainly alert the authorities. If they had to make a run for it she knew for sure she wouldn't get far. Compared to the knights she was just a kid!

Out in the distance, a distinct sound of wails permeated her earlobes, followed by a tranquil stillness afterward. Yup, that was definitely her doing.

Why was she not surprised?

'Time to go! No way am I going to get caught!' Meili soon followed the source of the noise.

---

"Did you have to go and hurt that person? That seemed tota~lly unnecessary."

"He was a pervert, Meili. In a way, I did him a favor. Life in this part of the Capital is complete agony."

"Whatever you say, Sister. Let's just go to the inn so we can relax."

When Meili had crept forwards to the general vicinity of the disturbance, her eyes darted down below the ground, a lifeless body at Elsa's feet. In the end, it was crucial for their plan to escape from the large number of knights searching for her. She observed her sister with disgust as she stripped the clothes of the corpse.

On a good note, no one else came and they were able to get away before the knights found the body. When they reached a comfortable distance away, Meili was able to disguise Elsa using one of her abilities. At times like this, it proved useful when they needed to get away fast. Her sister was too recognizable with the wanted posters in circulation.

"Still, I look unrecognizable. You have outdone yourself. Well done." Elsa admitted. Meili puffed her cheeks out from embarrassment. She teased yet again by poking her cheek which resulted in a puff of hot air coming out.

The Bowel Hunter's current appearance had slightly been altered in the form of her hair and eyes. Her once raven-luscious hair turned brown as coarse sand, and her violet pupils transformed to green as emeralds. In her opinion, it was not a terrible look so to speak, but one she didn't prefer.

However, beggars could not be choosers.

"Whateve~r. We need to hurry and get out of the Slums. If we keep heading this way we should be fine." Meili said. Similar to the disguised Elsa, her appearance had changed to match, excluding her eyes.

Now they looked like proper sisters.

As the duo cautiously traversed the streets, they neared an exit only to be met with resistance. To their dismay, the kingdom's forces ordered a mandatory checkpoint. The sisters were caught in a bind.

Whether the duo liked it or not, the checkpoint was their only way of escape. Before they advanced, they had to pass through the crowd full of panicked residents. Like the armored guards, it was another obstacle for the two sisters.

"Okay, Meili," whispered Elsa as Meilil nodded her head in response.

She offered her hand to the timid child.

"Follow my lead."

The disguised assassins forcefully nudged their way through the packed crowd. A few hits by the surrounding group had stunned Meili. Her hold on Elsa loosened until the older sibling felt her struggle. It did not take long until the two neared the edge of the crowd. However, their movements did not go unnoticed by one particular knight.

"You two! Halt! Identify yourselves."

The young knight neared the two sisters frozen in place. He guided them away for their clear display of impatience and concern for others.

"I understand you two are frightened by all this. Even so, everyone here is waiting to pass just like you. Your uncivil actions will only worsen the already tense situation. Now then," The man cleared his throat. "I need to know who you two are exactly."

"Forgive us, sir. I am only here with my younger sister. We wish to pass." Elsa answered.

"Of course, you and all the others". He sighed while he rubbed his temple. "Before I can permit that: Have either of you seen a dangerous individual hiding in the area?"

"Not that I am aware of."

The knight turned to the younger sibling. "And you little miss? Seen anyone lurking about?"

"Hmm…not rea~lly."

"I see. Then I'll take your word for it. Please, step forward." The knight beckoned to them with a small smile.

"Thank you, sir."

"Thanks, mister!"

"If you two are still concerned, I offer my assistance in walking you to your home." His open hand was placed before the duo.

"Ah, so kind of you to offer. I feel as though we shall be fine. We are grateful for all you've done." A coy smile adored Elsa's features. The stiff and reserved knight flushed under her flirtatious nature.

"I see. Well then…um…please be careful." The young guard bowed to the fleeting siblings and turned away. An audible groan was heard as the incognito sisters passed him. The Bowel Hunter's overflowing charms proved useful in such unique circumstances.

Managing to slip by undetected, an agitated Meili released her breath. Elsa giggled at the stink eye directed at her by the brown-haired child. The evening had proven to be more than she could tolerate.

As they continued their exit, the desperate cries of the slum-dwellers diminished. The once hideous scenery became a distant memory as they traveled further. With the drastic shift of the poor environment, the two sedately entered the main road of a more bearable atmosphere.

With the late hours of water time in place, the usual plethora of citizens dwindled to a near desolate street. For the duo, it benefited them under the cover of the night. The mabeast tamer would lead them back to the inn she had been staying at.

"I don't know how you do it, but that was so stressfu~l! We could have gotten surrounded." Meili puffed her cheeks out.

"This is our line of work, Meili. We have to do whatever we must to see another day." Elsa glanced around the two. The usual patrols of the knights had changed due to her earlier "altercation". None of the corners nor pathways were blocked. They were free to carry on without worry.

"I know that! It's just you should be gratefu~l that I helped."

"Yes yes, of course I am. It is all thanks to you."

Were it not for the child assassin's abilities, it would have been near impossible for the Bowel Hunter to escape on her own. Back at the safe house without a doubt, she would have succumbed to her fatal injuries. Meili played a major role in her recovery and provided a temporary disguise for them to flee without detection. Mama had made a wise choice in pairing the mabeast tamer with her. Then again, the 'client' may have wanted both of them in the first place. Ultimately, none of that mattered from their perspective.

Until the authorities' search ceased, they had to lie low.

"I am amazed at how a slight change to myself makes me unrecognizable." The Bowel Hunter mused.

"Well, using just about any part of a mabeast's body can do tha~t. Yet, I'm certain only I can do that." Meili smugly admitted. Elsa smiled as the child tooted her own horn.

"Fufu, of course. Now then, let's just get on with this."

"Alright. The inn should be in the Common District. So we're pre~tty close." The blue-haired girl gazed at her sister with irritation. "Since someone had to cause an uproar, we have to wait a while. Think of it as your form of punishme~nt." Noting her younger sister's admonishing tone, Elsa feigned sadness.

"What a displeasing turn of events. Doing nothing is rather painful for me." Elsa sighed softly as Meili giggled.

The assassin beauty preferred to engage in constant deadly bouts, while the younger assassin appealed to recreational activities. Although, the pseudo-siblings possessed noticeable differences between them.

Founded and raised by the black-haired assassin, Meili desires to imitate her older sister. There was not a single soul she cared more deeply for than Elsa. As for the Gusteko native, a life of enslavement forced her to embody the creed of a ruthless assassin.

Hence, the fault ultimately stemmed from Mama. The Bowel Hunter knew her chances to turn from this life had passed. She had accepted her fate long ago, but a small part of her remained hopeful. The assassin had done all she could to suppress those inner naive desires. Nothing could sway her from the course she had set herself upon.

Countless victims, murdered without remorse, had all fallen by her blades. Her hands were densely stained by the sinful actions she committed. To seek atonement for one who viewed themselves as a tool was foolish.

Regardless, Elsa found herself conflicted on numerous occasions. Whether it was to ensure the safety of Meili, or to eradicate the chains that bound her to Mama, the answer was unclear. The Bowel Hunter had yet to comprehend what the unknown side of her desired.

Maybe in time, the frozen snow would pass to reveal the luscious grass hidden beneath.

"Anyhow, punishment is a punishme~nt." Taking her attention off of her sister, the child noticed a familiar building and pointed at it. "Oh, there it is! I think I'm about ready for a long nap!"

Once the duo entered the cozy inn, the child assassin greeted the clerk as they both made their way to her room. Having finally reached the secured place, the mabeast tamer removed both their disguises.

For an indefinite time, the duo would have to wait until their recent incident blew over. Meili glanced in the direction of the bed where her bag was settled. She noticed the sharp edge of a single thin envelope.

Initially, the child stepped back, having no recollection of the message being placed there beforehand. The young assassin made way to retrieve the sealed letter, but the black-haired assassin beat her to it. Meili registered Elsa's hardened narrowed eyes, putting her on alert.

Someone was aware of the two.

"Do you think that's from the 'client'? How could they have known we'd be here exa~ctly?" The blue-haired assassin pondered, choosing to sit on the edge of the nearby bed.

"Hmm, I am clueless as you are. I'd say if they were able to track our movements up till now, they undoubtedly know of my failure." Meili's face paled at Elsa's statement. "Don't worry, Meili. I believe 'that person' only wishes to inform us instead of punishing us." The Bowel Hunter received a hesitant nod from the mabeast tamer.

"If that's the case then let me read it. I want to see what they have to sa~y."

"Alright then."

Meili then grabbed the sealed letter from the amused Elsa. She fuddled with the paper, swinging it until it unfolded. Her face contorted unpleasantly as her emerald pupils traced each line. The child was not too keen on carrying out their wishes.

"Fufu, you seem rather upset, Meili."

"I am. The next target seems to be a village called Arla~m."

"I see. It appears we have a troubling matter to carry out."

"Not exactly." The young assassin then folded the letter, as the paper began to fray, and changed to all but dust. "It's addressed specifically for me. Elsa gets a break this time."

"Oh dear, that is rather unfortunate to hear."

"You understand, Elsa? You'll have to wait and be a good girl, alri~ght?"

"I understand. I'll have to find something to do in the meantime."

"Hehe, you should—" Meili started to ask, but the Bowel Hunter's sharp look cut her off.

Coming from the room's entrance, footsteps were heard. Clomped steps echoed through as the sound gradually grew. Elsa summoned a blade as Meili fretted behind her. Whoever the person was, they cared not about being heard.

As the noise drew closer, it ended abruptly. Their new "guest" stood near the door, unmoving. A generous knock nor a simple greeting was heard. A shadow from the door's gap was all the assassins could see. Then, the shadow descended as the mysterious individual crouched. The duo remained on edge until an envelope slid across the floor. Elsa and Meili stood firm until the footsteps of the deliverer faded.

The black-haired beauty treaded forward to retrieve the new sealed letter. All the while the mabeast tamer looked on with distress.

"Sister, was it 'that person' just now?"

"No. Knowing them, they would never come to us directly."

"Then who?!"

"I don't know, Meili. Their identity is of no concern now. Now then, I wonder what this next letter is for?" The black-haired assassin tore the side of the envelope.

With a firm grasp of the letter, Elsa unfolded it. As she read the contents of said letter, she recalled the particular style of handwriting. The assassin was utterly surprised to learn of the 'client's' new desire. It was an entirely new objective compared to what she had been assigned initially in the Slums.

The further she went on, her curiosity only increased. Her attention was piqued by a certain line. Deciphering the meaning of the sentence, her cheeks glowed a faint pink hue. It didn't take long for Meili to raise a lone brow at her sudden reaction. Elsa opted to ignore the mabeast tamer and resumed her analysis of the letter. When she had reached the end, her heart felt as if it would thaw out of its frozen cage.

"Ara ara, truly 'that person' has given me such a rousing opportunity." The Bowel Hunter cooed enthusiastically.

"Was itthem? Then who gave us the first one?"

"That is certainly a good question. It appears now that we have two clients." Elsa shrugged carelessly.

With the addition of another party, the stakes had risen. There would be no room for errors for the two assassins.

"Oh boo. Are we going to kill for their amuseme~nt too?" Meili "innocently" asked.

"Well, we are not doing anything. It seems I will handle this matter alone, again."

"Oh, well that's fine with me." The young assassin shuffled her short legs. Elsa's mission still intrigued Meili, "Do they want you to go after that same person again?"

"Hmm, I feel I will keep this one to myself~." The Bowel Hunter teased.

"Aww, no fair! You know I don't like secre~ts."

"You should know by now that this line of work is all about secrecy."

The mabeast tamer then gave up on prying the information from the beautiful assassin. She knew Elsa was right but did not want to admit that. The Bowel Hunter chuckled at the blue-haired child's defeated look. To not upset her further, she sat next to Meili and gently rubbed her hand along the child's hair. It proved effective as Meili welcomed her affectionate touch.

"I believe we will both do a magnificent job with our tasks. Right, Meili?"

"Yup yu~p!"

"Good. If you're having any doubts, it's best to voice them now."

"Where exactly is Arlam Village? Is it fa~r?"

"No, it resides in the northeast outskirts of Lugnica. Eventually, when the time is right, we must depart from the Capital. Sadly, that is also where we must leave each other. Our targets are in entirely different regions of the Dragon Kingdom." Elsa elaborated, ensuring the child understood.

"Are we going to be too far from each other? What if I need help?!" Meili further questioned with slight panic. Her speech pattern was absent, revealing her eeriness for the upcoming task.

"We will have quite the distance from one another. Rest assured, I will complete my task and come to you in a hurry. Will that suffice?"

"That should be fine. You better show up or I won't forgive you!"

"Yes yes, of course." The eldest sister then patted her younger sister's head one last time. "In the meantime, I will be knitting. What would you like?" The child became giddy at the generous offer.

"Can you make me a doll of who you're thinking about the mo~st?"

"I don't think you would like a doll of him, Meili. I suppose one of the Sword Saint will satisfy you, yes? I will be sure to include it in your vast doll collection." Elsa said mischievously. In return, Meili pouted adorably, followed by an exaggerated sigh.

The young assassin then vaguely remembered a brief mention of another person, "Him? Who are you talking about exactly?"

"Ah, I did say I would tell you. Before the Sword Saint arrived, I met a foreign inventor." Elsa's mood brightened. "We had a lovely discussion~. That man was the reason I failed; however, he made it all enjoyable. His name was Sean Wang. A very intriguing man indeed." She erotically licked her lips.

"Really? You've never been this happy about someone before. Did you at least get to see his gu~ts then?"

"No, but they were almost in my grasp. Maybe one day I will be able to see them for myself." The Bowel Hunter's face darkened. Meili suppressed a shiver from witnessing such a malicious expression.

"I don't like that look, Sister. I feel bad for that poor inventor."

"Your older sister is only having fun." The black-haired assassin smirked. "Well then, that Sword Saint doll isn't going to make itself."

"I don't know if I want to add the Master Swordsman to my collection. He'll look terrible with the other dolls." Meili responded irritatedly.

"Fufu, then I'll make sure it looks incredible. Now run along. It will be only a matter of time before we leave." Elsa shooed her away.

Once she confirmed Meili was cooperating with her demand, she began gathering her knitting equipment. It would be a lie for Elsa to say she did not find amusement in partaking in the laxing hobby of hers. Besides disemboweling her targets, fighting, and enduring pain, she adored knitting. Such a simple pass time brought pleasure and joy which was rare for her.

Images of the fascinating man appeared in her mind, making her ecstatic. The mere thought of the simple "inventor" made her feel alive. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she tried to calm herself.

Compared to that of any other individual, he was the first to make her feel so overwhelmed. It was not love, that was certain. The flustered woman would make it her goal to uncover what made Sean so wonderful. Maybe once she experienced his warmth, she would understand.

At first, she knew something was peculiar about him when their eyes met. Their brief interaction alone had gained her full attention on the man. Most people, who were aware of her status, cowered in absolute terror in her presence. Occasionally, ignorant and lustful fools who would fall for her charm, making them vulnerable and easy prey to hunt.

However, with him, he was different. Sean was never frightened of her. During their entire time together, he was calm and collected. Even being nearly defeated, the man worried for her well-being instead of his own. Whether he was delusional, or just ingenuous, she failed to find the certainty.

He was a complete enigma. In due time, she hoped their next encounter would be as thrilling as their first. One statement that he had muttered lingered in her mind continuously.

'I just wish…things…would…have gone…differently, Elsa.'

Elsa then hummed in delight as she blushed about the battle from before. That man, who narrowly escaped her fangs, would be the key to obtaining euphoria. As he bared her mark, time will tell when their paths would cross again. Until then, she could only hope he took delicate care of his precious bowels.

---

In a cold, dark abyss, I stood alone.

I had no recollection of what or who brought me here. Shadows slithered throughout with weightless dread. All essence of life, suffocated by the void's vast blackness.

Submerged within its depths, I felt utterly trapped. A dreary atmosphere lingered about seeking to oppress any form of touch. Clouded as my eyes were, I could not register if I blinked. Even the act of breathing and speaking proved futile. And the deafening sound of silence rang on to twist my mind's perception of reality. It was enough to drive a man into insanity.

Before I'd reached that point, the murky domain had become sentient. Petrified, its ebony tendrils veered towards me from all directions. From every nook and cranny, the shadows slowly engulfed my exposed masculine frame. I watched as the darkness drifted over me, desperately clinging to sanity through the mercy of the abyss. Until I was consumed entirely…

But, that did not come to be. A familiar presence manifested within the silhouette of the void. Large white piercing orbs floated above, ominously. They then slowly descended to where I lay.

I understood who had brought me here.

An envious being who almost devoured the world centuries ago. Her name was that of a curse, a taboo one dared not say to another. For her actions, I wanted nothing more than to admonish her. To speak of the despair she had made me witness to, yet I also longed for her frozen touch.

Deep within her steady gaze, there was a sense of longing and admiration. However, that changed when the corrupt personality of Satella directed her attention elsewhere. As though her eyes pierced through me—her sight upon the soul isolated from the world outside. She lifted her dark misted palm until it was placed delicately against my chest.

"It is…not the right…time."

Envy's shocking yet horrific declaration left me dumbstruck. As if sensing my confusion, the witch elaborated.

"You are not…ready…need more…time. Only then can…beloved…be with us. "

Ambiguous till the very end. She wouldn't share what fate I was destined for in this new life. I wanted to rebuke that claim, but the ligaments of her shadows crept forward. I struggled in vain as terror washed over me. My silent screams went unheard.

The loving and cold embrace of the darkness enshrouded me.

---

"Uaah!"

A startling gasp escaped my dried lips. Drenched in a cold sweat from every corner of my body. I placed a trembling hand onto my chest, feeling the rapid pounding that dared to break through.

Though my body appeared unharmed, a phantom pain remained. Every cell burned as if I had been ignited by flames. Pure agony that left me reeling from such gruesome sensations.

Eventually, the lingering aches subsided. A fair amount of exhaled breaths put myself at ease. Then, as if I had stood up too fast, a nauseating feeling surfaced which threatened to wretch out my insides. It was darn close but I managed to force it back down.

That had been the second encounter with the Jealous Witch. Her unwarranted meetings would likely be a troublesome reoccurrence. But horrifying as it was, there had to be reasoning behind it all. Even so, my connection with Satella was real.

The possibility of Return by Death was no longer farfetched.

Pausing such a troubling line of thought, I registered the unfamiliar area around me. It was undoubtedly lavish, as decorative paintings were displayed throughout the spacious room. If not for the fine pieces of art, I would have assumed the owner had no taste for self-expression.

Besides worrying about decor, I sat on a decently sized mattress. Its plush texture was soft against my skin. Every movement I made only sunk me further into the bed. Whether it was due to my soreness or slothfulness, I could hardly tell the difference.

Incidentally, that was the least of my troubles. Being utterly clueless about my whereabouts did not sit well with me. Neither Reinhard, Felt, nor Rom was present. I needed to know what exactly happened after we departed from the Loot House. The last outcome I wanted was to be resting in some stranger's home.

A long raucous yawn then escaped my lips. All the muscles of my being felt incredibly tight, as I relieved them with a brief stretch. I then drew my attention to my current attire or lack thereof. The only piece of clothing that prevented me from becoming a nudist was my boxer briefs.

'Seriously?! Someone had the nerve to undress me? Ugh, you'd think people would know about courtesy.'

Letting that embarrassing discovery pass, I desired to find out who was kind enough to care for me. If it turned out Reinhard was not my host, then enacting some contingency plans for being kidnapped would have to do. I did not want to be caught with my pants down…if I had any.

Eager to solve the identity of my caretaker, I hurriedly got off the messy mattress. My feet touched down on the carpeted floor until I came to a stand. Before I could take a single step, a radiating pain shot from my ribs. Similar to a muscle spasm, the sensation slowly intensified. Only for the pain to become damn near unbearable and cause me to lose my footing. The ground was the one that caught my falling self.

The healing the half-elf so graciously performed yesterday did not address any lasting aches. I moaned in silent frustration from being rendered to such a state. Leave it to Elsa Granhiert to deliver such damage.

As the panging waned, the door to my left was pushed ajar. I expected a redheaded knight to enter, but that was not what I was greeted with. Seconds passed yet the new individual did not attempt to introduce themselves. The door was then pushed further showing the hallway on the other side. Although, that was not the new information that mattered. There, on the floor, was something…

Something odd, so to speak.

The reason being: A blond crawling infant.

"Gawww~!" The mysterious baby cooed. An innocent smile was plastered on their face.

"Uhh…"gaw" to meet you too…baby."

Truly, it was an odd encounter.

The blond crawler then entered the room. Drool leaked profusely from the corners of their small mouth. Not wanting to be toyed with by the new "guest", I mustered what energy I had left to move. However, the infant seemed much faster and sat across from me. Before they could do anything, a sudden, rushing wind was felt from the entrance. A golden blur that I instantly recognized.

"I caught you! Did you think I was gonna let you escape from me?" stated a haughty blonde-haired teenager.

"Waah! Waaa!"

"Ah, I didn't mean to make you cry, Ilya!" Felt tickled her in hopes to soothe the distressed infant. To no surprise, it only made the baby weep more. "Oh no! Stop it before Red finds us!"

Witnessing the amusing scene before me, I tried to suppress the chuckle that threatened to escape my lips. I found it rather adorable to see the former thief handling the wailing blond infant like a teen mother. Although, that came to an end as she yelped, having just noticed my presence.

"Big Bro! Ge-get some clothes on! You're practically na—naked!" Felt shouted in a flustered manner. Try as she might, the reddening on her young features was evident.

"Why should I? You two are the ones who barged in here unannounced. Might be time to teach you some manners, runt."

"Okay okay! Just please, get some clothes on."

"Waah! Waah! Waah!" The now named Ilya cried. In her troubled state, she delivered a light swing to the other blonde's face.

"Owww! Why haven't you calmed down already?!" The irritated girl said, shaking the infant.

"She'll keep crying if you treat her like a sack of potatoes. Hand her over to me." Not wasting a second more, the blond teen surrendered to Ilya without hesitation. Surprisingly, rocking the infant was all it took for her to calm down. "There there, now the meany loli won't scare you anymore."

In response to my jab at Felt, Ilya let out a joyful squeal. Her smile was so infectious that even my mouth couldn't help but do the same.

"Ilya, you traitor! You cry with me but not with Big Bro?! No fair!"

Drowning out the tantrum from the blond teen, I kept wondering what had occurred while I was unconscious. Not only that but what the others had done during that time. There were far too many unanswered questions for my liking.

Even with a playful Ilya cradled in my arms, addressing my clothing issue was needed. Luckily, an elegant robe had been placed nearby. "Anyway Felt, where is Reinhard? I need him to catch me up to speed on things. I don't like being left in the dark."

"Hmm, last time I saw Red he was with Auntie and Uncle. After that, I was busy dealing with Ilya since her mom was busy." Felt explained unsurely.

"I see."

Even if I did not outwardly show it, it mildly confused me. The last time I recalled Felt referring to someone as "Auntie" and "Uncle" was Carol Remendis and Grimm Fauzen. But, that was all I could deduce. Ilya herself looked familiar, as if I had seen her from somewhere before. Meeting Ilya's mother would reveal if my assumption was valid.

Still, Felt should have known more about what had happened.

My attempt to resume our conversation was interrupted as a soft cough was heard. Our eyes darted to a familiar well-dressed man with blazing hair. He stood by the entrance with an amused expression. Entering the room with steady steps and a straight posture, Reinhard was stiff as usual.

"Forgive me if I am intruding. I happened to overhear the commotion coming from your room, Sean. It is wonderful news to know that you are in good health."

"Well, I have you to thank, Reinhard. If it weren't for you, I'd be just another victim of Elsa's cruel tendencies." Neither of the two were amused at my dark attempt at humor. "Tough crowd, huh? Besides that, how long have I been out? I found it rather strange waking up with fewer clothes than I expected."

"My apologies, but it had to be done. After we had arrived at my family's manor, I put it upon myself to ensure you were cared for. It was well into the evening so I did not want to trouble the other workers. If you were truly bothered by my actions, then I will accept any punishment you bestow upon me." The red-headed knight confessed with clear regret, bowing ever so slightly.

That was out of the question.

"Red carried you like a princess all the way up here! Heh, it was so hilarious seeing a grown man carrying another man like that. Big Bro, I think Red has a crush on you." Felt shook with laughter. Reinhard could only frown at the teenager's false assumption.

"Please Felt, do not try to mislead Sean. My overall purpose was to show the hospitality expected for guests of House Astrea."

"Tck, this is what is so annoying about you, Red! Can't you take a joke?"

"I believe I can. Why do you ask?"

"...You're hopeless, Red."

It was amazing to see the natural chemistry between the former thief and Sword Saint. At the same time, the experience was rather peculiar. A clear reminder to myself that the world I had been thrust into was indeed my new reality.

"Okay you two, calm down a bit. Especially you, Felt." The blond hmped at my condescending voice. "And Reinhard, I appreciate you looking out for me. I can only hope I can express my gratitude to you eventually." The lone knight only gave a polite smile.

"Thank you, Sean. My family and I do not expect anything in return from you." Reinhard stated sincerely.

"You know, if you keep being so nice like that, I might just fall for you~." I said with a wink.

Tried as the Master Swordsman might, a hint of red hue came on his cheeks.

"First, it was that Crazy Lady and now it's Red?! Big Bro, calm down!" Felt adorably remarked.

"Gawww~!"

"Sorry Felt, but I think Ilya is with me on this."

Again, the blond infant giggled enthusiastically, causing the other two to sigh. "I'll stop with the jokes for now. What we need to do is seriously talk about why none of you tried to wake me up last night." I uttered, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"We did!"

"Tried as we might, we could not wake you from your slumber."

Taken aback, both their answers sounded true. Yet again I had caused trouble for myself.

'Was I really that tired from dealing with Elsa? Guess it explains why I don't remember much after that.'

The more I conversed with the two, the more questions that popped up. I was rather unnerved from being the only one ignorant of what transpired last evening. The only other person I could rely on was the old giant, who throughout our discussion, had not appeared. I could only assume he was preoccupied with another matter.

Reinhard proceeded to elaborate on what exactly happened. Shortly after Emilia had departed, he informed a squad of knights who arrived on the scene. We then headed for the Knight Station to acquire a carriage. By that time, I supposedly had already been overcome by exhaustion. They then made their departure from the Capital to the Astrea Domain.

"Huh, I can't believe I don't remember any of that. You guys are certain that's all I need to know?"

"Other than us getting here and Red carrying you, that's all that happened." I sighed, glad nothing drastic had occurred. She continued, "By the way, you know it's not morning anymore, right? Fire time literally started a couple of minutes ago." Felt stated with a smirk.

"Well shit. There goes half of my day."

"Yeah 'shit' is definitely right."

"Felt, please refrain from using such language."

"Shut it, Red!"

Even though I was out for some time, there was much I could accomplish for the remainder of the day. Time itself was a priceless luxury. My responsibilities for the safety of the others took priority.

'I could really go for a cigarette right about now.'

---

Once Reinhard had reassured me that all my belongings were safe other than my clothes, the weight of my ever-growing concern was lifted off my shoulders. After Felt had calmed down from her verbal abuse of the kind knight, I was able to inquire what he had done with them. He kindly explained that they had been placed along my bedside.

If I hadn't been so preoccupied beforehand, it wouldn't have escaped my notice.

I then decided it was time to introduce myself to the other occupants of the manor. It would have been rather rude of me to hide away for much longer. I did not want them to have a horrible presumption of me.

Stepping out onto the luxurious hallways of the Astrea Manor, I let out a low whistle. Noble families were no joke when it came to showcasing their wealth. The thought of what else was in store made me a tad bit envious. Everything around me was too damn nice for my liking.

Sadly, the same could not be said for my current attire. Dressed in a single silk robe with the crest of House Astrea on the back, and a pair of sneakers, I looked like a total doofus. Still, the redhead knight ensured he would acquire a new set of clothes to wear.

I felt at ease within the walls of the manor I had found myself in. Danger did not loom over me nor was there a sense of hostility in the air. Unlike Subaru, I was safe.

But for how long?

Troubled as I was, I turned my attention elsewhere. Like that of their family's crest, most of the manor's colors were white and purple. Secondary colors such as blues, grays, browns, and even greens were a part of the canvas's palette that was the primary home of House Astrea. It was hard to find a single flaw throughout my short journey.

Yet, something even more astonishing than the manor itself came into view. Felt considered it to be a waste, while Reinhard took pride in what his family had spent time creating. Even though the ground seemed far where I stood, the sight was more than glorious.

A garden of unimaginable beauty was hidden well by tall, green walls that encompassed it. Flowers of different shapes, sizes, and shades had flourished with the utmost care. The range of said flowers seemed to continue endlessly because of their numbers. Included in the spectacular display, were archways decorated similar to the garden. There are several pathways, all leading to different areas of the Astrea's creation. To enhance the garden's uniqueness even further, was a centerpiece triple-tiered fountain. Powered by water crystals, the fluid poured from each level, ultimately resting at the seamless bottom accompanied by various flower petals.

All in all, it was a breathtaking sight to behold.

While I would have preferred gawking at the gorgeous sight, Felt kept yanking me away from the window. Reinhard resumed our tour of his home until a grandiose railing had come into view. It was one of, if not, many parts belonging to the overall functionality of the staircase system. He stated that there were three levels to the manor. That was excluding the attic and basement which used to serve as an armory and dungeon. There was much more than I had expected of the Astrea's lovely estate.

Compared to that of the Margrave's mansion, it was only half a wing in size. Yet, the house made up for that with its creativeness and welcoming atmosphere.

As we descended to the ground floor, a grand staircase and marvelous decor conveyed the prestige the Astreas possessed even further. I found it rather jarring for such a home to exist. Felt's mouth twitched to a wide grin as she rubbed her hands. Controlling her bad habits of thievery would be one of the priorities on my list.

The stroll together had come to an end when the smell of food came to our attention. Entering the main dining hall, it was relatively open and spacious in terms of size, including a maple wood dining table with numerous seats. Before I knew it, two familiar faces came from a set of double doors, suited with attire appropriate for that of a head maid and butler.

Even if I had only read about the feats of her youth, the look of a true warrior was evident in her piercing green irises alone. Her once golden short hair had aged fairly well, as it faded with several strands of white, tied in a modest ponytail. The beauty her face once held had matured with wrinkles and natural deterioration. Standing leveled with the shoulders of the man beside her, the head maid was still deadly in her own way.

For the butler, who stood only several inches shorter than me, wielded an intense gaze with yellow eyes. Similar to the woman, his once distinct features had changed with time. Gone was his signature purple hair, and what was left were remnants of white. Yet, his youthful face had hardened, allowing a well-trimmed goatee to amplify his facial features. Although, the most distinguishing feature of him was near the region of his neck. While the collar of his dress shirt attempted to conceal it from view, was a horizontal scar that healed long ago.

The duo standing before us were Carol Remendis and Grimm Fauzen, loyal servants of House Astrea.

"Well if it isn't a pleasure to see you two again, Felt and Reinhard." Carol said with a warm smile.

"..." Grimm politely nodded with a smile of his own.

"Auntie and Uncle! Me and Reinhard found Big Bro awake so we thought we'd bring him here!"

"Is that so?" Carol's steady gaze was subtle and full of curiosity. "And here I was wondering when our other guest would awaken. Isn't that right, dear?" The head maid innocently asked her silent husband. Grimm only blinked in response which was enough for his wife.

"Greetings, Carol and Grimm. Allow me to introduce you to—" Before the Master Swordsman could finish, I had nudged him with a bit of force.

"Hello, I am Sean Wang, a simple inventor hoping to make a breakthrough with my inventions." Careful to not disturb the infant nuzzled within my arms, I wiped off the smudged lenses of my glasses. "Well, that certainly was the case, until I had stumbled onto Reinhard. It seems I may be qualified for something greater than myself, but we have yet to confirm that notion."

"However, enough about little ol' me. It is not every day one has the opportunity to meet heroes from the previous war. It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Carol and Lord Grimm." I offered a kind grin of my own, extending a hand to them. The gesture was returned as they seemed astounded at having been recognized.

"Well Mister Wang, I find it rather strange that the youth are even aware of who we are. As you said, I am Carol Remendis, and the man beside me is Grimm Fauzen." They then bowed gracefully. "There is no need for you to refer to us with such praise, as we are merely servants of the Astrea Family."

"Then I extend the same offer to you as well. You see, I find that when people call me "Sir" or "Mister", my hair starts to turn gray ever so slightly." A collective laugh resounded throughout the spacious room.

After our laughs had reverted to a comfortable silence, the knight beside me had much to say. "Sean and the others will be guests in our home from here on. Even if the results from the insignia prove otherwise, I wish for them to remain here. Please, ensure they are treated and cared for with utmost respect." declared Reinhard.

"We understand, Lord Reinhard." Carol responded. Even though they verbally agreed to his order, a look of concern flashed across the elderly couple's faces. "Have you discussed this matter with your father?"

"Unfortunately not, but I believe he will understand after the confirmation of Sean's status."

"If you have such faith in our new guest, then we will abide by your wishes."

The brief mention of Reinhard's father greatly affected the exchange between the two. I was cognizant of Heinkel Astrea, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guards, lord of the manor, and entire domain. He was a shrewd and shameless individual, going as far as to abuse his authority and treat his only son with disdain unbecoming of a father. While the man was likely a righteous and kind soul prior to certain circumstances, the cruelty of the world had molded a desperate and melancholic fool.

Yet, why was the Deputy Commander at his primary estate? If my memory was accurate, the man should be occupying their noble estate within the Capital. Felt had originally met Heinkel when he introduced himself after the Royal Selection ceremony. Ultimately, I knew very well the cause of such a drastic alteration of events.

'I expected a minor change to this story…but this…changes everything.'

The truth, what I so desperately wanted to deny, was undoubtedly my own doing.

The events of the Loot House played itself from the depths of my mind like an endless reel. Every action, every decision, and every mistake burned into my memory. An utter fool I was to let my arrogance put me in harm's way.

Now the unknown future was that of the void I found myself in before. It was dark and filled with absolute uncertainty. Something I truly loathed.

As I shuddered with quick shallow breaths, a feminine, kind voice reached out to me, "Sean, what plagues you? I hope nothing we have done has caused this?" Carol asked worriedly. The expressions on the other's faces resembled the same.

In a time of panic, my true emotions had slipped. I couldn't bear the weight that came with my choices. Making one small mistake would cost me my life and theirs. But, that was if I allowed my resolve to waver when faced with impossible odds. What I needed most, was to accept that the past could not be rewritten.

My choices were made of my own accord.

"Sorry about that, everyone. I'm still feeling overwhelmed by everything that has been happening. I am in dire need of a break from all the stress." Though a look of understanding was shared between us all, I was reluctant in worrying them even further.

Their trust and faith in me wasn't something to be taken for granted.

"You really have been through a lot, hehe." The blond teen said. "Yesterday, when he saved me and Old Man Rom, Big Bro decided to fight with that Crazy Lady. I think her name was Elsa Granhiert, right?" A mischievous expression appeared on Felt's face. "But the best part is when she'd licked his face! I think he has a psycho for a girlfriend." Felt began to giggle as the elderly couple looked at me with concern.

"Yes, just as Felt said, Sean was able to distract the Bowel Hunter long enough for myself and the others to arrive. However, the Bowel Hunter almost had her way, which I am ashamed to have allowed. I am thankful all of it ended without anyone being mortally wounded." Reinhard added.

"By the Dragon, it certainly seems Sean had quite the "experience" indeed."

"..." Even though Grimm did not speak, there was an amused glint in his eyes.

"Annnd there goes my pride." I clutched my chest at their harsh words. "But seriously Reinhard, the way you described me almost dying sounded wayyy too dirty. Me and Elsa were just…umm sharing a moment together."

"I do not need to use my blessings to know that was clearly a lie, Sean. Are you perhaps embarrassed by what transpired?" Reinhard replied innocently, causing the others to snicker at my agony.

"Yeah Big Bro, that Crazy Lady wanted you badly. Don't be scared if she comes back to get ya!" Noticing Felt's adorable attempt to frighten me, I patted her head instead.

"If she does then your Big Bro will protect you, again. Cause clearly it seems you need me, runt."

"Tck, you're lucky that I don't bite you."

"I know. Because you care about me too much to say it out loud."

An overly flustered Felt was what then unleashed her soft wrath upon me. Being able to enjoy the moment was a relieving experience.

Well, until it came to an abrupt end when my stomach growled in displeasure from insatiable hunger.

"Hmm, I believe it is time to serve lunch. Right, Sean?" The head maid stated with clear enthusiasm in teasing me further.

---

Together, with the help of their fellow servants, the elderly couple wasted no time in serving us. The number of times the double doors squeaked from being opened lingered in my head like a repetitive melody. What saved me from going mad was the dishes they served were delicious. It was enough to cure how famished I had become since my arrival.

On another note, increasing the variety and quality of our food was something I needed to consider.

Besides that, spending quality time with others was good for the soul. Even if the whole time the others were lecturing Felt on how to dine properly. The moment I saw the blond loli had reached into her soup, hell broke loose. I wanted to feel sorry for her, but managing my appetite took priority. Her desperate pleas for assistance fell on deaf ears.

Once I had my fair share, the sleeping infant I had been carrying then stirred. Ilya looked intrigued at the food that remained. Sensing her dilemma, I took it upon myself to feed her. She squealed in delight at each spoonful I gave her. It did not take long till there was practically nothing left. The blond baby was the definition of a glutton.

*Burp* "Gaw gaw!~"

"As expected of Ilya. The child never lets her food go to waste. I am impressed, Sean, that you have been able to handle her so well." Carol said.

"Really? Is she usually a wild child?"

"That is putting it lightly. Besides her mother, no one in the manor can calm her down. I have tried on numerous occasions to care for Ilya, but she always erupts in a crying fit."

"That's surprising. She looks like an ordinary baby." I stated.

Across from me, Felt scoffed loudly.

"Ilya and ordinary don't mix, Big Bro. For some reason, she's really fast, almost like me."

"That the reason you had a hard time catching her? I kind of find that hard to believe." The knight next to me then decided to add his two cents.

"What Felt says is true. I caught her attempting to venture out of the manor without supervision. That is when she stumbled upon Ilya and they disappeared together."

"Sorry if I don't like being stuck in here, Red!"

"Why didn't you go outside with Rom? Where is he anyway?" I asked. The blond teenager's face grew dim.

"Old Man Rom says he isn't feeling good. So I decided to go alone."

I glanced at Reinhard, noticing the subtle frown that appeared.

"He's probably still sad about losing his dusty old tavern. After this, I'll go up there and cheer him up? That work for you?" Seeing the little runt's mood go from sulking to eagerness was enough for me to do my best.

"Gawwww!~"

Ilya unexpectedly began to rustle with excitement. We quickly realized why, as a new face slowly entered the dining room. It was a maid whose height was equal to that of Carol. Her long, ashen brunette hair matched perfectly with her emerald irises. A sight for sore eyes that was fairly around my age.

"Ah, there you are, Kalifa. It seems little Ilya missed you." The elder woman made way to greet the other younger woman.

"..." Yet, Kalifa did not say a word.

'Is she ignoring Carol or something?'

Given that it was my first encounter with Ilya's mother, I would have to drop my assumptions. Though, as if having sensed my plight, Reinhard explained.

"Kalifa is mute, Sean. But, not from complications at birth of course. Similar to Grimm, she sustained an injury long ago that left her unable to speak. Grimm on the other hand can still speak, but it pains him to do so."

Oh, that explains a lot.

"Thanks for the heads up, Reinhard. You saved me from being rude to her."

"Of course."

With the Sword Saint being informative as always, it prepared me when the two maids neared where I sat. The blond infant then became even rowdier as her head narrowly missed my chin. With a stern tone and a few 'no no's', the child understood that her behavior needed to be checked.

"Kalifa, this is Sean Wang, one of the guests who will be residing in the manor from now on. As you can see, he has been handling your daughter for quite some time now. Do be sure to thank him for his efforts." Carol mentioned my name, which I could only wave at Kalifa who bowed back.

"Nice to meet you, Kalifa. Your daughter has been lovely the whole time. But, I can't say the same for when she was with Felt." In my peripherals, I barely saw what appeared to be Felt with her tongue out in a mocking manner.

"..." In response, the ashen brunette simply bowed. The soft smile that she gave was amplified by her overwhelmingly warm and gentle aura.

The mother's arms then reached out for her only child. Not wanting to further concern her I relinquished my hold of Ilya, who only seemed to become overjoyed as each moment passed. Even so, I found their reunion to be satisfying to witness nonetheless.

'Last thing I need to do is to become a babysitter. I can only imagine how Ren and the others would react.'

"Now Kalifa can be at ease. She became quite startled when Ilya scurried off. Maybe it would be best for you to take care of the troublemaker from time to time, yes?" Carol's obvious attempt at torturing me had not gone unheard by the others.

"Heh, Big Bro can handle it!"

"..." Grimm and Kalifa nodded without hesitation.

Reinhard had not yet voiced his part in the matter. I wanted him to remain silent to not allow for such insolence to be tolerated any further. Yet, like being struck from behind, my friend had betrayed me.

"I believe that can be arranged, provided that Sean is not burdened by his future tasks."

'Reinhard, you damn traitor!'

A defeated sigh was all I could mutter out due to their cruel actions. Their giggles and sniffles only further crumbled my delicate pride. I could only pray that humiliating me wouldn't grow to be their favorite pastime.

---

After a while, the servants of the Astrea manor collected what remained and returned the room to its immaculate state. Felt thought it best to check on her giant guardian. That only left me, Reinhard, and the elderly couple with their fellow workers.

"Lord Reinhard, is it time?" Carol inquired.

"It most certainly is. Sean," The Sword Saint towered over me with a calm look. "please rise. Place your hand forward."

"Sure."

Even if I anticipated such a moment to come, my anxiety and doubt persisted. It had to be a fluke, a misunderstanding caused by the world. However, I knew all too well what cruelty it can deliver.

Once the familiar insignia made contact with my touch, its ruby gemstone emitted the same gleam as before. Only it was much more noticeable, prompting the other occupants to gasp in awe and wonder.

Fate was truly a heartless bastard.

Without a moment to waste, the room grew dead silent. The entirety of the staff bowed deeply while the lone knight kneeled before me. To be frank, it was nerve-wracking to have witnessed. They submitted their loyalty to a total stranger, one who was surely undeserving of it.

"Lord Sean, the Dragon Insignia's glow is definitive proof that you have been chosen by the Divine Dragon, as a Dragon Maiden. Therefore, your candidacy for Lugnica's throne has been proven. You are, without a doubt, the fifth and last remaining candidate." Reinhard declared with absolute resolve. Not an ounce of suspicion nor uncertainty was evident.

The same expressions were on the seasoned warriors' faces. Carol and Grimm appeared to be undisturbed and I dare say supportive of my newfound status. Like Reinhard, they too knew full well that I had been chosen.

As daunting as the news had been, the only choice was clear. I had to accept the path laid before me, no matter the thorns that may emerge.

"I see. It seems I am maiden in the eyes of the Dragon. Just my lucky day."

But, that didn't stop me from questioning Volcanica's judgment.

"Ah, the terms and qualifications stated by the Divine Dragon were rather vague, Lord Sean. Interpretation of what qualifies for a priestess will vary. Nonetheless, you are to carry the Dragon Insignia with you at all times."

"What a bother. And if I were to lose said insignia then my candidacy is then forfeited. The same can happen if I willingly resign or die. Am I right?"

"That is correct, Lord Sean. None of which I would ever allow to happen. But, if you choose to resign, then I will accept your decision." Reinhard answered with a strained tone.

Reinhard van Astrea was clearly honest in his intentions. Of course, I knew he had no ill will against me whatsoever. Grimm, Carol, Felt, Rom, Kalifa, and even Ilya, had shown me kindness from the very beginning. If I was to lead them into the future where we all prospered, I could not do so half-heartedly. All of them, to me, were my top priority.

'With all that I know, I can protect them. Even if I have to throw caution to the wind.'

Slowly, I rose to a determined stand. With one small step, I found myself on top of the dining table, standing over all the individuals who had been present for such a rare spectacle. Every one of their faces was basked in curiosity and fascination.

They initially recognized me as one of their esteemed guests, to one of the Royal Candidates running for the throne. Such a dramatic change warranted such bizarre reactions. Yet, there was a shimmer of light hidden within all their eyes.

Hope.

"Please stand everyone." Each person silently followed my command. Their gaze and attention were fully directed at me. "I understand that all of you are worried about what the future holds in store. After the untimely demise of the royal family, the entire kingdom has been left in a vulnerable state. If a suitable ruler is not selected, the covenant with Volcanica will be jeopardized. In addition, our neighbors, like that of Vollachia, would use such a moment of weakness to crimple us. And the lingering scars from the last war continue to cause struggle for all citizens of Lugnica. Yes, this kingdom desperately needs to be guided onto the right path."

I gauged their reactions, some already aware of the critical state of their kingdom. While others seemed saddened by other reasons unbeknownst to me.

"That is why, I, Sean Wang, will accept this role that has been bestowed upon me. Even if I may seem like a mere fool, one who is unfit to hold such responsibility, I will do so regardless. Because I believe that a great future awaits for you all. And I swear on my life, that I will make sure to lead you all there."

Drawing my arm as far as I could reach, the insignia ignited with a fiery glow once more. "So, I hereby declare my candidacy and hope you all support me through this endeavor, together." With the end of my declaration, I tilted my head down in anticipation of their response. I waited with bated breath if they would accept me.

Then, a single clap morphed into a resounding applause. Surprisingly, I had been welcomed with open arms. At that moment, my candidacy to rule the Dragon Kingdom had officially begun. As long as people felt drawn to my cause, I had to carry on forward. For the sake of all those who believed in me.

"Lord Sean, may I speak to you for a moment?" The redhead knight kindly asked as he offered his gloved hand to me. Though, the manner in which his body had shifted indicated it was of grave importance.

On cue, Carol had snapped her fingers, dismissing all the servants within the room. The head servants then bid us farewell. The anxious yet tense pressure that had hidden underneath all the noise had surfaced. All that remained was Reinhard and me.

"Didn't like what I had to say, Reinhard?" I said with an enigmatic smile.

"No, nothing that you have done has offended me. It concerns another matter entirely."

"Oh, and that is?"

With refined elegance and grace, Reinhard kneeled once again with his forearm placed across his chest. While it was noble and expected of him, the mannerisms of a knight were rather annoying. Witnessing such a powerful individual lower themselves before others baffled me. Granted, his eyes alerted me that he was up to something.

"I, Reinhard van Astrea, knight of the Royal Guard, pledge my fealty to you. When we crossed paths, I knew something about your character was unique and extraordinary. And so, I wish to assist you in fulfilling your goals. I will be your sword and shield that ensures no harm befalls you. To do everything I can to support your candidacy, pushing forward beyond all obstacles that dare stand before your path. Until and after you succeed to the throne, Lord Sean." Reinhard declared, rendering me speechless.

Reinhard, one of, if not, the strongest individual the world had ever known, had pledged his allegiance to me? The reality of such an absurd outcome was enough for a migraine to have surfaced. All of it had become too much to process. Although, if that is what he desired from me, then...

"Then I will grant you that selfless request. With you by my side, I feel like I can do anything." I extended my hand to him and he grasped it firmly. His entire demeanor had shifted from uncertainty to fulfillment. I resumed, "But most importantly, you'll be helping me as my friend and not just my knight. If you can accept that then we have ourselves a deal." As he registered what I had said, the redhead knight stood motionless and wide-eyed.

Liberating such a pure, kind-hearted soul, from the confinements of inadequacy and self-deprecation, was expected of someone I had come to cherish. Reinhard, throughout all his life, was associated by nothing more than the legendary title he had been given. When one envisioned the strength and talent possessed by the Astrea name, they failed to see the broken child that longed for nothing more than love.

As his fellow knights and mindless leaders considered the abused young man as nothing more than the ultimate weapon, he continued for the sake of the kingdom and its citizens. Reinhard quietly endured the outrageous standards placed before him, the remorse of his severed family, and the cursed loneliness he suffered as the Sword Saint.

I wanted to put an end to that despicable notion. By befriending the lonely child beloved only by the world.

"Friend?... Is that what you said…Lord Sean?" Reinhard muttered hesitantly.

"I didn't stutter, did I? And please, when you're talking to me it's just Sean." I huffed.

"Sean…I understand. I will do my best to meet your expectations."

Overcome by joy, Reinhard allowed a radiant smile to grace himself. One that dissipated the trauma and sorrow he had contained.

"I have no doubt. From now on I'll refer to you as Rein, given that we are friends. Is that alright?"

"Rein? I see no issue in that. I am grateful to you, Sean, for the kindness you have shown me."

"I should be the one thanking you, Rein. For everything you've done for me up to this point. Still, I expect you to keep helping me. You'll come to know that I can be foolish and make a lot of mistakes. So just be patient with me."

"Of course. Leave everything to me."

With my official status as a Royal Candidate and my dear friend becoming my knight, I had hope for once in my life. Even if many challenges lay ahead, I would not face them alone. To construct the vision I had for us all, I had to show fate that I was not afraid.

The world was not ready for the likes of Sean Wang.

---

"Now that we have validated that you are the remaining Royal Candidate, I believe it is time we plan accordingly. Ensuring that you are prepared for the throne is of the utmost importance. That entails developing a proper schedule for lessons in history, politics, economy, cul—"

"Okay okay, I get it, Rein! We can discuss all that later. For now, I just want to check up on Felt and Rom."

"As you wish, Sean."

Reinhard went on relentlessly about all that was expected of a candidate for the throne. He saw our brief ascent to the third floor as a good opportunity to overload my already stressed mind. If he was to be my knight, he should be aware that there was a time and place for certain matters. Anything that dealt with the Royal Selection was irrelevant. All I desired was peace and quiet for once. Was it truly asking too much from the world?

I lightly traced the outline of the carton of cigarettes in my pocket. If it weren't bad enough, the amount of stress made the chemical scent enticing. Surely lighting one up would help, right? Nothing was stopping me.

Before I could give in, an individual I had hoped to avoid leaned against a wall in our path.

A man, with similar physical traits to Reinhard, only much older and distressed. His attire consisted of brown armor plates that covered his torso and shoulders, with matching pants and gauntlets. A black tabard, pants, gloves, and a weathered cape. If I had been oblivious of his character, I would have mistaken him for some wretched bandit. The foul stench of alcohol hung from him like miasma.

As he turned to us, his disgruntled manner turned to that of a false greeting.

"Reinhard, I see our guest has finally awakened. Or should I say, Royal Candidate if I'm not mistaken?" A skeptical grin formed on the shady man.

"Yes, father. I was accompanying Lord Sean to vis—" Reinhard's father rudely dismissed his son's answer with a firm raise of his hand.

"None of that matters. Well then, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Sean."

Everything I read about the man who stood before me, seemed to be true. His brash display of arrogance and lack of regard for his only child was disturbing. I clenched my fists with nothing more than unspoken frustration.

"Greetings, Deputy Commander, Heinkel Astrea."

"I see. You're already aware of who I am? That makes things much easier. I've been wanting to speak with you ever since you've arrived," drawled the now named Heinkel.

"And what does somebody of your position want to do with me?"

"Is it wrong for a lord to be concerned with his guests? Even if their choice of clothing leaves much to be desired." Heinkel chided with a disgraceful smirk.

"It's a lord's responsibility to cater to the needs of their dear guests, right? If this is your example of hospitality, you have much to improve." I retorted with a blank face. Beneath all that, I was truly livid.

An intense gaze from the older Astrea was sinister and furious. There was nothing I desired more than to punch such a poor excuse of a father. His passive-aggressive attitude was the most vexing trait of the Deputy Commander.

"I'll take that into consideration."

"I hope you do."

Not wanting to endure another moment in the presence of such a vile person, Reinhard and I marched past him. Yet, the patriarch of the Astrea prevented us from doing so.

"Did I say we were done? You may have been chosen by the Divine Dragon, but that is all due to luck. Don't forget I own this entire domain you find yourself in." Heinkel warned.

"Did you say something?" The older man sneered as I picked my ear. "If not, then I'll see you around."

Before I could rid the sight of the harsh Deputy Commander, he grabbed my forearm in a vice-like grip. The acrid smell of booze coming from his mouth intensified. This startled his son, not wanting a conflict and to de-escalate the situation.

"Father, please do not ha—"

"That's enough from you! How dare you question me?!" Heinkel unleashed his verbal abuse onto Reinhard. The anguish and pain his son felt did not go unnoticed.

"Get your fucking hands off me! To speak to your own son like that…" I forcefully withdrew myself from his reach. Heinkel's shrewd aura had shifted into sheer malice.

"Heh, so the brat does have a spine? What I say or do to my son is none of your business."

"You shouldn't be surprised, bastard. Treating your son harshly is out of line when he hasn't done anything wrong."

"Tck, you wouldn't understand," muttered the Astrea patriarch. His brows wrinkled and the light in his eyes faded. A single hand partially covered his darkened face. That changed, when it contorted to that of hostility, "At the end of the day, you're just a lucky brat who happened to be a Royal Candidate. To think the Astreas would have to care for a peon and some slum-dwellers."

"Bold words coming from a man who'd use his position to get what he wants. You can complain about my status as a candidate all you want, but leave my friends out of this. If you don't, you'll find out what this mere peon is capable of." The Deputy Commander raised a brow, curious and unfazed by my threat.

"Actually, I'd like to see you try. The way I see it, you have absolutely no support as a runner for the throne. This means I have no obligation to host you. Even if Reinhard accepted you, I won't. I have the final say in what to do with you."

"Father, don't do this. Lord Sean's existence must be revealed to the Sage Council. They would condemn you if they discovered that you tampered with the Royal Selection." Reinhard implored.

"You're right. Though, if those old farts never find out in the first place then nothing happens. I trust you wouldn't go against the words of your father, right?" Heinkel leered at his dismayed son. Reinhard became emotionless at his father's dejected words.

'This motherfucker. I've had enough of him.'

I stepped to the lord of the Astrea domain, only a few inches apart. The odor of alcohol from the drunkard was nauseating. Heinkel's azure pupils conveyed how devious and unstable the man had become. I wanted nothing more to unleash my fury upon the despicable knight, but it would have only benefited him.

"Tell me, Heinkel, how should we settle our differences?"

"Oh, I can think of a few things."

"I'm listening."

He rubbed at his stubble beard and pondered to himself. A sinister grin then manifested and the Deputy Commander reached for his left wrist. An inaudible gasp came from Reinhard, watching as his father tossed his withdrawn glove directly at me.

"Lord Sean Wang, I hereby challenge you to a duel."

---

AN: And that is it for Arc Two Ch One! It was about time that the debut of Arc Two had come to fruition. What cruel fate awaits Sean? Why did Heinkel issue such a challenge? Will Sean finally be able to smoke a cig?

Find out in the next chapter!

Big thanks to Weedy and Speedcar for being my betas. I feel like I improved tremendously because of them.

On a side note, I spent a lot of time planning out the outline for the rest of this fic. Arc Two has been planned out till the middle part. There is much to unfold and discover in such an exhilarating arc! I hope you all find it enjoyable as it will be vastly different from what you have ever read.

After posting this chapter, the following one will be in development. I aim to release it by the end of the month. Though, if you want me to release it on time then make sure to leave a review. It helps in motivating me and ensures that people actually care what I put out.

After about the third chapter of this arc, I will more than likely have to plan the outline further to ensure all the pieces are connected. That way you guys can experience what this is truly all about.

So, as a departing gift, I will leave you an omake.

Until next time!

---

Omake #1:

A Noble's Humble Request

Following the events of the failed robbery attempt in one of the Royal Capital's alleyways, the nobleman known as Que Ballard, had found himself in a bind. Beneath him laid two incapacitated thieves that tried to mug him. Consequently, the two mongrels paid dearly when a selfless and heroic young man came to his aid.

Sean Wang was the name stated by his survivor. Without him, the bald-headed noble could hardly imagine the aftermath by such ferocious beings. Still, he was grateful the Divine Dragon had answered his plea in such troubled times.

It did not take long before a knight arrived on the scene. The affluent man recognized one of the most famous knights within the Royal Guard had called to him. The off-duty knight confirmed his safety and then surveyed what had transpired from the crime.

Que provided his testimony on what had led the two criminals to have targeted him. The Sword Saint then discerned the identities of the muggers due to their history. Lord Ballard expressed his worries about such a horrific event occurring within the city. The knight admitted that it was not uncommon for criminal activities to happen within the districts.

Reinhard then inquired how Que was able to defend himself. Not wanting his hero's feats to go unannounced, he mentioned Sean to the royal knight. The redheaded man was intrigued that another citizen had saved him. Que detailed each word and action that his savior had done to fend off his attackers. Being the kind and courteous knight he was, Reinhard listened with much interest.

When the Sword Saint had apprehended the two thieves, he passed them on to his fellow knights near the exit. Reinhard then escorted the nobleman to his manor in the Nobility District. Before the royal knight could depart, Que requested that he deliver an award for Sean Wang. Without hesitation, the redheaded man accepted it and began his search for the young man.

The stout noble then entered the safety of his immaculate abode. He wasted no time in sharing the news with his lovely family. "Victoria! My wonderful wife, where are you?"

Yet, he received silence at his call.

"That's strange. I could have sworn my dear wife was still resting. Maybe my gorgeous daughter will know of her whereabouts." mused the short nobleman.

He discovered that even his child was also not present. If they both had planned to venture out, he would have preferred to accompany them. Still, his servants should have a vague idea as to what he had missed during his absence.

Then, one of the staff, a butler, greeted him on his way to the main office. It was there that the Ballard patriarch had been informed in detail.

"Yes, I'm afraid both ladies adamantly stated they had business to attend to. Before I knew it, they ordered the other female servants to accompany them. Only I and the other men remain." The elderly butler shared his information on the matter.

"What a shame. And I had such a terrific tale to share with them!" Que said in a defeated tone. He sank to himself, as he allowed his chin to rest on his handcrafted desk.

"My apologies, Lord Ballard. If it pleases you, I would not mind lending an ear."

"I would like that very much! Oh, I am very eager to tell you all that has happened."

"Of course. Anything for you, my lord."

Just as he had done with the Sword Saint, Que Ballard made sure to leave nothing out from his extraordinary tale. His servant at first was appalled to hear his lord had been a victim of a devious crime. Their mood shifted into that of amazement at the twist of the later events. It seemed Lord Ballard was graced by the benevolence of other citizens.

"I am glad that no harm had befallen upon you, Lord Ballard. I only hope your savior is in good health as well." The butler said with a nod.

"As do I. I wanted to reward him handsomely, but he declined all my offers! Even the hand of my only precious daughter!" His heavy hands slammed against the hardwood surface. Que regretted it as he winced like a child.

"Pardon me, my lord, but that reward seems "excessive" for his heroic deeds. Or were you merely testing his character?"

"Absolutely not! Sean Wang was more of a man than I was, ashamed as I am to admit it. He was very aware of the risks in saving me. Yet, he defeated both those thieving mongrels so gallantly! If I could only further express my gratitude to that young man!"

"Lord Ballard, if I may, why not address a letter specifically to Lord Wang himself?"

"Of course! How brilliant of you! However, I am only aware of his name and face, nothing more."

"Hm, the surname 'Wang' sounds foreign. I don't recall having heard that type of name elsewhere." The butler stood in a thoughtful pose.

"Then it is hopeless." The noble slumped onto his chair.

"On the contrary, it is possible the Sword Saint has found him. It would be best to deliver the letter to House Astrea as they can then officially ensure it reaches Lord Wang."

"What a clever idea! Then let us conjure up a letter to my savior with haste!"

The lone servant slightly smiled, satisfied to have helped his master.