Ethan sat there frozen while his heart was gripped by a mixture of annoyance, embarrassment, and anger.

He trembled in outrage as he watched the Phoenix flying away into the night sky. He looked back towards the people on the table and found they were staring at the crimson bird getting further away with expressions of disbelief and awe. Carina turned her head to him first.

“Was that really a Phoenix? And your Master?”

“Yes, although he can pull pranks like this sometimes, he is a wise and responsible man… I think.”

Ethan muttered the last part. While he was sure his Master was a very knowledgeable person, he had that tendency to joke around. Which wasn’t that bad, but now Ethan kind of wished his teacher had taken this more seriously.

Maybe his teacher simply didn’t care about what other people thought, perhaps the opinions of mortals were irrelevant to him. He certainly didn’t seem to mind if Ethan spoke about him to others, and he hadn’t deigned to appear in front of other people except in passing glances like this time. Or perhaps he was busy doing something Ethan didn't know about.

Edek rubbed his forehead.

“Well, I suppose now it makes more sense that you could heal all the people in the city that way. This explains it.”

As one, the four young Sword Dancers nodded twice in agreement. They had a look that said they had found a piece of a puzzle that unfolded some big mystery and now it was all clear.

Ethan let out a disbelieving voice.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Phoenixes are among the most sacred creatures in legends. They are like embodiments of life and fire, possessing immortality and amazing restorative properties, even resurrection. When you performed that miraculous spell, the first thing we all saw was a bird of fire and golden light extending its wings. Now it all makes sense, you are the disciple of a Phoenix, of course you would have amazing healing abilities.”

Ethan opened his mouth but stopped before any word came out. That was… a surprisingly credible explanation, and it was not exactly wrong either. It was slightly inaccurate, as his Master was not actually a Phoenix but merely took the shape of one, yet in that form his teacher had all the capabilities of one.

And likely more.

Still, it was a good explanation so Ethan went along with it.

“It was hard to explain. I mean, I thought it would sound crazy if I said that before.”

“Well, young man, it seems we need to get used to believing crazy impossible things when it comes to you.”

Edek snorted a laugh after replying. The rest of the group seemed resigned to it already and Ethan didn’t blame them for it. A lot of crazy stuff had been happening one after another with him in the middle of it all.

“Anyways, that’s my Master. He’s the one who saved me when my world got… broken. I didn’t lie to you before, my world had no magic as far as I know, but my teacher does. With a teacher like that, I guess I’m bound to learn some good magic, right?”

“‘Good’ seems like an understatement for what you have done, if you ask me.”

Carina commented with a humorous tone. Yeah, the things that had happened during the past couple of days weren’t simple events.

“Perhaps. The point is, I’m going to keep traveling with him. We will visit Thaliss in a couple of weeks, as agreed, but I need to handle some things first. I’m actually thinking about leaving tonight.”

A little paper plane entered the window and landed on the table in front of Ethan. Frowning, he picked it up and unfolded it. A short sentence was written on it.

Break this paper and you’ll be teleported to me.

“Uh, I guess he agrees with me on this.”

Ethan muttered under his breath. He was already planning to leave the city and staying would be troublesome with all the people looking for him after the commotion caused by the massive healing. He hadn’t chosen a destination yet, but the strange feeling in him was urging him to get on the move.

Ethan looked at Edek again as he folded the paper and put it on his pocket.

“My Master agrees; we will be leaving the city tonight. Is there anything else we need to discuss, Elder?”

There were some looks of surprise among them, and they seemed very curious about the paper that had suddenly come flying in but they didn’t make any comment about it. Edek simply shook his head.

“We will be leaving tomorrow to head towards Thaliss, I doubt His Highness will take offense even if you leave right away, but it seems he wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Should I go see him? Where is he?”

“I will walk you there.”

They stood up and Ethan said goodbye to the young group while Edek walked to the door.

“Have a safe trip, Ethan. And thanks for the robe again.”

“See you in a few weeks.”

Ethan waved to Issima and the rest and walked out of the room. He considered changing to more formal clothes before meeting Amir, but the Prince didn’t seem to be someone who minded that. Besides, Amir had seen Ethan wearing these clothes when he fell asleep, so it might give the impression that he went to meet the prince as soon as he woke up, which Ethan hoped would be seen as a good thing. Carefree or not, Amir was a Prince, so a degree of flattery and respect should be given lest some sensibilities are hurt. At least, Ethan convinced himself of that as he decided to not change his clothes.

The corridors were silent and clear, but if what Ethan had heard was true then most of the guards were outside the building calming the people and preventing them from getting in. Walking a bit ahead, Edek slowed down his steps and glanced at Ethan.

“It has been a surprising couple of days. You have produced an unexpected result after the other and have done great favors to Thaliss and Sahbadia. I don’t think I have ever met someone who has become so famous at such speed before.”

“I don’t think I’m that famous, Elder. And I only did what I could do, most of it was with my Master’s help too. If I had been alone, I wouldn’t have been able to help at all.”

“It is only a matter of time before your name and fame spread. When the time comes, you will need to decide what to do about it. Now that you mention your Master’s help, did he also help you to interpret the Dance?”

“No. That was me, he merely told me that looking at your performance would be beneficial and a good experience. He was right.”

Edek stopped walking as the reached an intersection, the corridor they were walking on divided to the right and to the left. He turned to Ethan and extended his hand for a handshake.

“Then, at the very least, the benefaction you gave to us comes from you alone, and the Assembly of Clans from Thaliss is indebted to you for the rediscovering of our past arts. I will always remember this with gratitude, Ethan Bhreg. Do not underestimate yourself, I look forward to seeing what kind of man you will become in the future.”

The Elder was a tall man, with an athletic body trained for combat. But at that moment, he wasn’t a veteran warrior talking, but more like a kind grandparent looking at a child. It was a weird feeling for Ethan, though not a particularly bad one.

Ethan extended his hand to shake Edek’s hand and the Elder shook his head.

“Issima mentioned this to me, you greeted her with a civilian’s salute when you first met. I don’t think that’s suitable for either of you, and neither for me. Even if you might not have experience, you are a talented individual; I see the makings of a warrior in you, as will anyone you meet, so it’s better if you greet them in the warrior’s way.”

Edek’s hand went a bit forward, clasping firmly Ethan’s forearm instead of the hand.

“This is a warrior’s standard salute on this continent. It’s done among equals showing respect for each other without one part showing reverence or submission to the other. It has been an honor and pleasure meeting you, Ethan Bhreg. We will await you in Thaliss.”

“It has been a great honor to meet you too, Elder.”

Ethan grasped Edek’s forearm in the same way, returning the salute. After a moment, they both let go and continued their walk towards the prince’s location.

They quickly reached a door that was guarded by two people that Ethan recognized as part of Amir’s retinue.

“Elder Edek, Ethan Bhreg. What brings you to the Prince’s chamber?”

One of the guards greeted them politely. Ethan vaguely remembered Amir calling this man Samir, he was always wearing a hood and had long knives on his belt.

Before Ethan could reply, Edek did.

“His Highness was looking for Ethan, so I brought him here. Ethan will be leaving the city soon, so I thought His Highness should be informed.”

“Please wait a moment.”

The guard knocked on the door in a rhythmic manner. Ethan recognized the guard that opened it from the inside as Tek, the grumpy guy that always had a serious expression and seemed to suffer from paranoia. Which, on a bodyguard, might actually be a good thing. But still, Ethan’s impression of the guy was that he was a dick.

The two guards whispered to each other and Tek glanced at Ethan with a suspicious gaze, like always.

Samir turned back as Tek retreated into the room.

“Will you be meeting His Highness too, Elder Edek?”

“Not unless His Highness calls for me, I merely came to bring Ethan. If His Highness has no need for me then I will return to my juniors.”

Samir gave him a nod, entered the room and closed the door. The other guard, a woman that Ethan had never even heard speaking before –even when Ethan asked her what flavor of ice cream she wanted, she simply pointed at the ones she wanted to try– had a distant and seemingly distracted look as she leaned against the wall, but her hands were never away from her swords.

A minute later, Samir came out and opened the door wide for Ethan to pass. Ethan turned to Edek.

“Goodbye, Elder. See you soon.”

“May the Ancestors hear your words.”

And like that, they parted ways. Edek turned around and left while Ethan turned to enter Amir’s room.

Samir’s put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder and stopped him as he was passing the door frame. Ethan turned his head to him with a questioning look and found Samir had a serious, almost solemn, expression.

“A word of advice before you enter. Please be respectful, and understand that you are being given a huge privilege and honor due to your outstanding deeds. But you must not act haughty in front of royalty. Understand?”

Ethan thought he was exaggerating a bit since Amir was a relaxed person, but Samir had a very serious face although he didn’t seem to be doing it with ill-intention, just a serious reminder to be respectful in front of royalty. That kind of courtesy and etiquette was probably very important in their society, so Ethan nodded firmly in agreement. It’s not like he was a close friend with the prince, he would be polite and respectful, even if he had no intention of kneeling like Amir’s subjects would; Ethan was not a citizen of Sahbadia, after all.

“Thank you for the advice.”

Samir seemed to be satisfied with Ethan’s reply, as he simply nodded and let go of his shoulder so Ethan could enter the room.

The chamber was big. It was illuminated by a few lamps and some orbs of soft white light that floated near the ceiling, those looked magical in nature, probably a spell. Ethan saw Amir standing in front of a big mirror while some of the members of his retinue stood well behind him, leaving a huge space between them and their leader. The prince turned towards Ethan and greeted him.

“Ah, Ethan. Good to see that you are finally awake. Come, there’s someone that would like to meet you.”

Amir was smiling, but that did nothing to hide that he was tired, he must have been working the whole afternoon leading the efforts to find the Feld-Ehian agents. General Jiten was surely still hunting them down outside, it was personal for him.

“Your Highness, I was told you would like to see me.”

As Ethan walked further into the room, he noticed that the mirror was not actually reflecting Amir’s image. It was more as if it was a window, or perhaps a TV screen and from the other side stood a black-haired middle-aged man looking at him.

He looked like an older version of Amir, albeit with a softer tone of tanned brown skin, a beard, and a much serious face. He was wearing an elegant loose-fitting scarlet coat with wide sleeves and golden decorations, under which he had some sort of bright blue tunic made of exquisite fabric and brocaded with silver threads. This man had a strange intensity to his presence, as if the air was heavier around him. Ethan met his brown eyes, and found them sharp and attentive, like a falcon up high in the sky studying Ethan with a scrutinizing gaze.

All that, added to the fact that this man had a circlet of gold and big rubies on his head, gave Ethan a pretty good idea of his identity even before Amir introduced him.

“Ethan Bhreg, meet my father, His Majesty Nasir Aal Majid, King of Sahbadia.”

Now Samir’s serious face when giving that advice made a lot more sense. Ethan wished he had been warned about this before.

He really should have at least put on cleaner and more formal clothes.

From the other side of the scrying link, the King of Sahbadia stood wearing a cashmere kaftan over robes of silk and a fine tunic finishing in sirwal pants, all enchanted with different effects. He personally found it funny, how his predecessors had managed to produce these items in order to maintain their regal appearance while still be ready to battle instead of constantly wearing armor. Even the golden crown adorned with rubies resting on his brow had enchantments on it.

It was likely a combination of the hard times of the past and the need to impress the people both inside and outside their court that had given birth to this kind of objects.

It was said that the wealth of a king was proof of the prosperity of his country, and Nasir thought that was true, in a sense. The luxuries of a monarch were thanks to the work of his subjects, and the artifacts of power protecting him were the fruit of the talent of the practitioners of magic under his service.

However, Nasir Aal Majid was not a man who delighted in obtaining riches just for the sake of accumulation. To simply spend money on pleasure and banal luxuries was a waste, in his opinion, and would do much better work being invested on the prosperity of the country. Even if some things were necessary to make a clear demarcation from others, and to show power in front of foreign diplomats.

He also didn’t like to wear such paraphernalia when meeting his family, but he had just returned from a war council about the incoming conflict against Feld-Ehia when the second of his three children had contacted him through the scrying mirror. And in such situations, it was necessary to wear this kind of garments. For the games of the court and show a strong front to the Nobles and Generals.

So it was wearing this apparel that he first met the foreign youth that had done such great deeds in Lauhr. He guessed it was a good coincidence, as making a first impression was always important, even when meeting young people.

And this child was certainly no ordinary person. If anything the King had heard was true, this was an alliance worth making. Many things about Ethan Bhreg were an unknown, but what little was known was enough to show he was a possible asset and someone worth bringing into his side. What had been mere curiosity before, had become a definite desire for alliance once that young man had displayed the capability to cast a massive curative spell with a thoroughly restorative effect over the entirety of Lauhr City.

No country would stand still when presented the chance of recruiting such talent.

As his second son handled the introductions, the King took a careful look at that individual who had appeared out of nowhere but had been in every report that he received during this past couple of days, each time performing more extraordinary feats.

Just as Amir had said, the boy had quite a stature for the young age of fourteen years, standing at almost six feet tall. He had an athletic body that denoted a background as someone who received a good training regime. His clothes were simple but not common, that style of clothing was not one the King was familiar with; a simple short-sleeved shirt with some kind of artistic depiction of a stairway built by little black stakes, and short pants. Hardly what one would wear in the desert lands of inner Sahbadia and definitely not for the cold desert nights; perhaps only in the coastal regions would someone wear such clothes.

The boy had fair skin, like the one so common in those that came from Feld-Ehia, far too pale to be from Rillosa, as they had a more predominant olive-skinned tone of skin. That was hardly a way to tell the origins of someone, though, as one’s parents might move from their homeland to live in another country and such practice was far from rare. It was merely a point to consider given the hostile relationship between Feld-Ehia and Sahbadia, and Ethan Bhreg involvement in hindering the Strategos’ planned attack on Lauhr.

When Alexandra Polgár was involved, nothing was actually as it seemed initially. That woman was far too cunning and dangerous. Even if his instincts told him that this boy was not an enemy, it was necessary to consider that possibility nonetheless.

The boy, too, was looking at the King from the moment he entered the room, he saw right away that the mirror was a scrying link and curiously looked at the person on the other side. Was he familiar with scrying? If his mysterious background involved a formation as a mage, that would explain the vast capacity displayed to cast such a massive magic spell.

Upon listening to Amir revealing the identity of his interlocutor, Ethan Bhreg was surprised for a moment. Funny, it seemed the child was not informed that he would be speaking with him. Had they merely told him to come in?

Interestingly enough, the King noticed that the tall boy was not scared or intimidated by his identity and presence, merely a bit surprised. Was it courage and strength of will, or was it resistance obtained through the use of a Skill? While Nasir could turn it on and off, [Regal Presence] was a Skill that automatically activated when he met anyone for the first time while acting in his capacity as a King, which he was doing right now.

Something to do with making a ‘majestic introduction’, or so he imagined. It was a useful Skill in many ways, especially for meeting with diplomatic envoys. It could even be boosted if he added his own Aura into it.

Yet, while seemingly surprised by the fact he was meeting the sovereign of this country, Ethan Bhreg was looking at him with composure and calmness. Seemingly unperturbed by what should have been an oppressive feeling exuded by a warrior king such as Nasir.

That had… interesting implications.

The boy raised his right hand in a fist and cupped it with his left palm before bowing his head slightly. What an interesting salute; it was a greeting of respect, but not a bow of reverence nor a genuflect of servitude. It was in some ways similar to the courtesies from Seau, yet vastly different.

Looking at Ethan’s salute, Amir had an amused face, while behind the two of them his son’s retinue was a mixture of disconcerted faces and anger that someone wasn’t bowing deeper or outright kneeling in front of their monarch.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Ethan Bhreg, it is a great honor to meet you. Forgive my current appearance, I was not informed I would be meeting you.”

The boy slightly inclined his head to the side near the end, glancing at Amir, who blatantly ignored the comment. It seemed there was some misunderstanding there. It was also amusing that he could talk so casually to a prince. Even if Amir was not someone who flaunted his title around, no one in the country would be too casual when talking to royalty.

Even more interesting, this child was speaking in a strange language but his words were overwritten as if he was fluently speaking Sahbadia’s language. A truly fascinating [Translation Spell], very strong too, usually there would be some delay in the translation and sloppier words would come out. Instead, he was speaking as fluently as a native.

Nasir nodded his head in greeting and Ethan straightened his back while putting his hands down.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, young man. You were not called here to talk to me, it was mere coincidence that you arrived when I was speaking with Amir, so I took the chance to see you personally. I heard a lot about you.”

Hearing his words, the boy made a strange face, a mixture of abashment and curiosity. It was as if he wasn’t sure what to feel about the news of his deeds reaching the King.

“Were they good things?”

Ah, what a funny kid, acting as if his actions were not outstanding. He was even talking in a more casual manner already. Ethan Bhreg was just as how Amir had described him. The King smiled amicably to the boy.

“Very good things. It seems you have helped Lauhr city in its hour of need twice, and directly saved the life of one of my Generals today. You have my gratitude. Is there any reward you may require for your services and deeds?”

The boy blinked in surprise and slowly shook his head.

“Ehm… no.”

How simple of a response, so honest and without any flattery or flowery language. It was refreshing, in a way, to deal with such an honest and straightforward person.

Yet some of Amir’s retinue seemed to have other impressions at Ethan’s casual response.

“Watch your tongue, you are speaking to the King.”

Ah, Tek, always a righteous man strictly following the norms. He was also a very cautious man always looking for threats. His temperament was a double-edged sword, on one hand, it earned him the spite of those he faced, but it also helped protect Amir, even directing some animosity towards himself to shield the prince from it. A loyal man, and for that loyalty both Amir and Nasir rewarded him.

Ethan turned his head slightly to glance at Tek with an annoyed look. Tek was scowling but Elif and Anwe were nodding their heads vigorously, agreeing with Tek but expressing it in a much friendlier manner, they wanted to remind Ethan to address the monarch in a more formal way. Nasir saw the boy’s lips crook but he seemed to accept the advice as he turned back to the King.

“No, Your Majesty. I don’t require recompense for my actions. I merely helped in the way I could.”

“They say that refusal of rewards makes one worthy of them. But I won’t press the matter, just let it be clear that we owe you a favor, and that is not a minor thing.”

“I appreciate your words.”

He didn’t even care about a King owing him a favor! Such blatant disregard of recompense. Was it simple ignorance that led him to be so nonchalant about it? Or was it a bluff to make a good impression to the King? Ethan should know at least the implications of having a powerful individual regarding him with a good impression and being indebted by honor to him, right?

“Well then, leaving that aside, there’s something I would like to seek clarification with you, Ethan Bhreg.”

The boy gave him an inquiring look, no doubt wondering what the King was going to ask him.

Now Nasir consciously used his Skills. Using it through a scrying link would weaken its effects, but it would serve its purposes well enough. Amir, who was standing next to Ethan, tensed when he felt the oppressive force of the King’s presence being unleashed, and the retinue on the back lowered their heads instantly. Anwe and Rufus, being more sensitive to this kind of energies, were trembling slightly. But none of them were the target of this Skill.

And yet, said target was standing with a relaxed posture as before. The King wondered if it was some kind of defense, so he pushed further and saw something strange happening.

When the King’s Aura entered in contact with Ethan’s body, it was not repelled or resisted. It was being absorbed.

Like water going from a jar into a well, the oppressive aura was simply entering the young man and losing connection with its caster, producing no effect on Ethan. For a moment, however, Nasir could see a faint golden glimmer of the youth’s eyes but it was as fleeting as a mirage.

“What would you like to ask me, Your Majesty?”

The boy spoke without any change in his tone of voice. He was not mocking, not challenging nor offended. As if he had not noticed at all that the King had attempted to pressure him just a moment before. On another monarch, Nasir might have considered such nonchalant resistance to his Skills as a challenge or a diplomatic defeat, and taken the nonchalant disregard of the attempt as a slight to his Skills. But as it stood, Ethan Bhreg seemed to either genuinely ignore what had happened or he genuinely didn’t care about it.

Nasir was not sure what was better and what was worse. Still, he kept his composure and replied with a neutral tone as he withdrew his Aura.

“I would seek clarification on a couple of things. I have been told that your origins are unknown, and while that is your own personal matters, I would at least like to discard the possibility that you were an enemy. So my first question is this: are you from Feld-Ehia or have any association with anyone from that country?”

“No. On both accounts.”

Ethan’s reply was confident and to the point, without any hesitation or flowery words. He left no space for ambiguity in his words.

Good.

“Are you allied with anyone hostile to Sahbadia or do you hold hostile intentions to our country?”

“No.”

The boy replied immediately and gave the King a little mirthless smile. He had probably not been expecting an interrogation, but at least was not offended about it.

“That’s all I wanted to clarify, Ethan. Your origins are your private matters, so long as you are not our enemy, I welcome you with open arms to my kingdom. I have one final question, although it is actually an offer. Would you work with us and use your talent as a healer under the service of the Royal Family? I’m sure that you understand how valuable a skilled healer like you is for any nation, so you would be generously paid for your services.”

This time, the boy hesitated, considering the offer and weighing his options. For a few heartbeats, he was silent and still. Then he shook his head.

“I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty. But I can’t work for you, I have my own matters to attend.”

Slowly, the King nodded. This young man was worth keeping an eye on, even if he had refused to work for his country.

For now.

“Will you be staying in Lauhr? There’s plenty of work there for Hunters and they routinely get wounded during their expeditions, so a healer can obtain good money there. Though I would advise you to travel to one of the big cities, where big business can be found, though the competition is fiercer too.”

The young man mulled over the King’s words with a serious expression.

“I don’t think I will be working as a healer, actually. My journey’s path is still undetermined, but I would like to travel and see more cities. Although to be honest I don’t really know the customs here or if I need permission or identification to enter the cities.”

Hearing that, the King almost grinned. There was something he could do about that and while it would not make Ethan enter into his service, it would chase away some obstacles and possible competitors.

“I can help you with that. An identification paper and royal permit can be handled by Amir. With his seal and signature, you will be able to enter any city within my domains, and also will be protected from most trouble.”

The King moved his gaze to his second son and saw the prince carefully analyzing his words, trying to unveil his intent. Amir was quick on the uptake and understanding dawned on his face quickly before he mastered his expression into a neutral mask.

“Of course, father. I will take care of it immediately.”

Amir nodded and turned towards his dumbfounded retinue. They were surely surprised about it, wondering if the boy was worth doing such a thing. They had seen his deeds, but the King was planning ahead to what the boy could grow up to be. It was a meager effort to prevent Ethan Bhreg from going into the enemy’s side. Whether it was worth the effort would be determined in the future, but at least for now it was very little trouble to grant the boy a letter of introduction and with a letter stating that his identity was clear of suspicions, guaranteed by the Royal Family.

There were troublesome times ahead, and foreigners would be scrutinized when the war against Feld-Ehia kicked off in full, after all. This would surely prevent much trouble for the young man.

The boy seemed a bit surprised.

“Is that okay, Your Majesty?”

“Of course, This is but a trifle thing, not even close to saving the life of a General. You won’t be under my service, so it won’t give you benefits like housing and monetary aid, but with an introduction letter, you will be exempt from unnecessary trouble and excessive inspections in any city you visit. We are not a country hostile to foreigners, but I’m sure you can imagine that we are on the brink of war. Once hostilities start in full, tensions will rise in the population, and suspicions will be cast on foreigners, especially those with an unknown background. So it will benefit you to have the word of the Royal Family as the guarantee of your good name.”

Not to mention it would prevent local authorities from antagonizing Ethan when trying to assert his background, it would also prevent Nobles and Guilds from swooping up Ethan into their fold. Even if carrying a Royal Permit and introduction letter would signal him as an important person, it would prevent trouble to some degree and make evident that the Royal Family was interested in him, thus chasing away offers of joining other groups.

Even if he hadn’t actually entered the service of the Royal House, he would at least not enter long-term service into any other Noble Household.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

“There’s nothing to thank, this is a simple thing and will save us all from future trouble. And like I said, this can hardly be compared to helping a city and saving a General. If you ever decide on a reward, contact us and it will be delivered.”

The King nodded to his son and the prince directed Elif to write the documents on scrolls where he would place his personal seal. Amir had listened to his father words so he had a good idea of what the King intended. Nasir returned his gaze to Ethan and gave him a slight smile.

“I think, your sojourn in Sahbadia will be a very productive one.”

Ethan wasn’t sure what to think of the King of Sahbadia.

After Ethan informed the Prince that he was going to leave soon, Amir had asked if he could meet Ethan’s Master. Ethan had refused, of course, arguing that his teacher didn’t want to meet anyone in the city and was why he hadn’t already appeared in front of anyone here. Amir looked very suspicious and curious but hadn’t pressed the issue.

After one last invitation to go visit the palace if he ever went to the capital, the King and Prince had let Ethan leave the room and continued their own private conversation.

As he walked out of Amir’s room with three scrolls on his hands, Ethan was certain that the King was planning something. What that was, he wasn’t sure. But it was obvious that the monarch wanted something and these scrolls, however useful, were still beneficial to whatever the King was scheming. Perhaps he wanted to hire Ethan as a healer, but Ethan wasn’t even sure if he could use that restorative light again.

However, the King didn’t seem like a bad person. After all, even if he was aiming for something, he didn’t do anything to harm Ethan, and the scrolls would indeed save Ethan a lot of trouble.

“I wonder if that’s how politicians are. They can be nice people, but they are still scheming bastards when it comes to matters like this.”

Ethan spoke to himself as he walked the silent hallways. The bustle from the day was over and few guards were around, though he still met a few patrolling the place. He moved the three scrolls into his Spatial Ring and strolled around until he found what he thought was a secluded part of the City Hall.

As he walked, Ethan pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, turned a corner into an empty hallway and broke the paper. It caught fire immediately, vanishing without a trace. And with it, Ethan disappeared too.

A few moments later, a silent shadow slithered along the ceiling at high speed until the end of the hallway, went back and forth exploring the nearby corridors, then returned and slithered down to the ground.

Hidden in the shadows, Samir, the [Scout] under direct service of Prince Amir of Sahbadia, had a befuddled expression.

“Where did he go?”

Having lost the target that he was supposed to track and observe, the Scout went back to report to his liege as his mind raced with possible explanations for how the boy had eluded him.

That boy was definitely not an ordinary person.