"Little lord! I almost did not recognize you, what did your grandfather do to you! You really have entirely changed!" said Jace. Looking at Aeron incredibly amazed at how can one man be changed so much in eight months.

What happened to him I wonder. He not only looks different, but he even feels different and what is with this look! Luckily I was the one who saw him first and not the madam!

Madam would be wrongly affected with her delicate condition! Not only that no one would even be able to hold her back from trying to strangle the commander-in-chief!

Jace drew a deep breath. Luckily one calamity was averted. He looked at Aeron, he had changed. His hair was cut, but it seemed to be cut by himself. He had fur clothes he covered himself with.

He originally had a lean body, now that body was still lean but chiseled. He also had grown at least ten more centimeters, making him look like a man of valor.

In fact if he dressed up and groomed himself he would look like a true prince. He would be undoubtedly be quite popular and certainly he would likely to break a lot of hearts. He smirked when he thought that.

He originally could be said to be handsome, but his looks were like that of a scholars, now he could look like a warrior of great martial valor instead, if he got rid of those rags that is.

All in all he looked like he had just escaped from the jungle and for all he knew about commander-in-chief it might even be true...

"Little lord I think your mother would have a heart attack if she saw you like this! How about going to your house first and have a haircut as well as some clothes?" said Jace.

Of course he said it politely but he still did not listen at all to his answer and dragged him along the road farthest from the main house which went until it reached Aeron's house.

Entirety of this road was cleverly hidden so it could not be seen from the main house. In his days of debauchery Aeron would use this door to escape so there was a path to his home completely hidden from main house.

"Who are you?" asked Aeron with cautiousness, not that there could be something wrong here but still, he did not know this stranger.

"I am Jace Lavel little lord, your fathers deputy and I am always keeping an eye on the house nowadays. Will commander-in-chief arrive later?" asked Jace.

"I think so, I guess. I hurried here." said Aeron looking at the sky trying to remember where Xander was when he left him. He then shook his head he would find his way anyhow.

"Good. I will tell the guards later. Now we need to make you presentable, so we have to go to your house first you should have a bath, haircut and some new garments, I do not think your old ones are going to fit you." said Jace murmuring in a low voice, taking notes to himself.

"Go ahead, little lord, I have to call your maid, inform the guards and tell servants not to tell your arrival to madam." said Jace smiling and made a gesture that said 'continue on without me'.

Aeron really did not understand the necessity, but still it would be refreshing to wear something not fur and have an haircut so he had no issue with going.

Jace is acting secretive, I guess it is so that mother does not see me like a barbarian. I really do not mind but it might be better if I did not show myself.

With my mother's personality she really would make earth and heaven change places and would scream until our eardrums ruptured.

Aeron nodded to himself and continued to walk along the road. He really admired previous Aeron's cunning, there was a road that did not look like a road completely covered by things that seemed completely natural.

Not bad at all, this is what they call hiding in plain sight. It is the best way to hide something for sure. If he worked his mind for something other than debauchery he would be a great person.

Aeron walked along the road until he reached the backdoor. In all actuality door looked just like a wall. It was a hidden escape route! He did not knew of it before.

Aeron shook his head, thinking that it was a pity that previous Aeron only used his head to escape. If this person only actually used his head for something important!

Well it actually worked better for me when I was here. But I should get rid of my "good-for-nothing" title now. I will just show a bit of my power to defeat someone higher level than me, about level 24-25 should be just right!

From what I know about myself I think I am absolutely able to contend with most people that are at level 39, but I do not think I can handle level 40 and above yet! Regardless, I should be able to escape from them as long as they are not that high leveled though.

From all that I know my power is absurd so if I reveal it I must kill everyone who saw it. That and I actually am strong but only in the young generation. There also should be people who are higher level than grandfather.

I also think grandfather is ridiculous to be able to become a peak stage earth mortal at the age of seventy. But of course even with that monstrous growth he still is considered young generation.

Besides it is better to be underestimated than overestimated. Grandfather actually hides his power and appears as someone who is yet to step into earth mortal stage.

There are many kingdoms who would get rid of a future trouble like grandfather, let alone myself. Also there are political factions and what not, there really are some old freaks behind every significant force

Our Victor family is like a child, Thus they really do not care much about us. In all actuality they should be ones who rule the realm of politics.

In them younger generation I can only find levels I can contend with and that is my main advantage. I simply do not have to fight those old monsters because they would consider me beneath their notice.

In front of level 60s like grandfather or level 50s like mother though I can do nothing but die, but all of them would be considered as top experts among young generation, so I do not think I will fight one if I do not go out of my way to ask for a beating.

I would not want to show something extraordinary as my entire capacity. My exact capabilities should remain a secret, only known to myself!

I just want to make sure my name as a genius spreads through the populace as well as nobles.. So as to "step on the stage" as a young scion of this house.

I am a prince, but that isn't worth a fart when it comes to the nobles, there me being the commander-in-chief's grandson is more important than being a prince, there are many other princes in the kingdom.

That is why it is important that my name spreads, after all I should claim a position of power with my own strength or I will not have much support.

Screw not having much support, I would not have any support, like right now. Because I have not proved myself worthy of a single bit of trust or praise.

To lead an army one needs the power of people behind him. It is said that the will of the people is the will of the heaven! What can endure wrath of millions?

That is why my name should also spread positively, if I open coffers I am certain I can easily get fame as someone who is generous, but it would be a fake respect, not worth anything.

The respect that I should gain should be like a mountain! Right now my name is among the lowest of the low! But if I prove myself a genius I should be able to use that infamy to spread fame.

If my name spreads like that I can practically waltz into the Blazing Sun Academy easily! I really wonder how academies teach students, what kind of knowledge lies there for me to discover!

But if it is something like schools back on earth I think I will escape even if it means that I need to fly. I hated that prison!

Also I can accept missions and the like then and complete them! Killing bandits and magical beasts I can advance faster and faster since I also get money thus I can buy more beast cores.

I also know some magic but I have never used magic beyond most basic ones that was available to everyone back on Earth. I practically beat an entire cult to death but they still did not give me their techniques!

I really hate wizards and their ilk, but still knowing some magic would be nice and I should learn it since I have the ability and opportunity to learn.

It does not mean I prefer to learn magic more than martial arts! It simply is better for someone to have as many weapons as are possible so one can always have a weapon that suits the situation!

I really have no idea as to how I am going to do all of this. I really will be busy. Also does academy stay open entire year? Maybe I need to wait to transfer much later.

That would be nice actually, I would really like some three or so days off to sleep and lie in bed all day! Also I really do not know how to behave in a social situation at all.

Well, if I was not trying to better my image, I really would not care at all about how to speak to a bunch of brats, but I need to. After all I need to be social.

If not, I do not think I can rise in rank smoothly and besides, why make enemies when one can make allies? But I do not think I am ready for all of this.

First off I really have no idea as to what happens in the so-called high society. I know there should be something, politics or anything related to that.

I do not have any idea what the current situation even is, for others this should be something they do not even have to learn but I - since my family is so removed from politics and I was nothing but a mere debauchee - do not know anything at all.

I should not reveal myself before getting full idea of what I am getting into. I really do think that working with politics is going to be unavoidable.

Well it should be fun, since I have strong backers and I myself am strong enough to actually survive almost any situation. If not I have a grandfather who is peak stage earth mortal.

For others this is a dangerous walk on thin ice. For me this is nothing more than a game. A game played to death, other people's deaths that is.

Aeron grinned maliciously and nodded to himself. He sat on his bed removed his clothes and took out the souvenirs he had made. For Erwin and Xander a tribal necklace made from claws and teeth of the bests of the island.

For Zara, Valeria and Sinah he made bracelets from colored stones and fangs. Then he took out the piece of fur where he had sewn the poem on and put it on his desk.

He looked at the fur piece again now smiled and sighed as he remembered those days. It really seemed like it happened long ago. Then he removed his belt and began to remove his clothes.

"Master! I heard you have arrive-" said a cheery, or more like once cheery Sinah. She immediately opened her eyes in shock.

"Master, where have you been? You look like a barbarian that just escaped from a jungle!" said Sinah with a serious face that was as red as a tomato. She then put a towel on the bed as if throwing it.

"I will prepare bath immediately!" bowed Sinah and ran out of the room. Aeron removed last piece of his fur rags and tied the towel around his waist, thinking about how he teased Sinah before.

He felt incredibly nostalgic and a smile naturally formed with his eyes becoming wetter without tears falling. After all he still was a man, as well as an assassin, he would shed blood before shedding tears.

But even if he did not cry this did not stop warm feelings that rose endlessly from his heart, like a mountain spring washing all over his body.

He shivered with comfort and pleasure, he was extremely comfortable right now. He felt peaceful rather than joyful, serene, complete.

Is there any place like home? This is the place where I belong, no matter where I roam. This place is my roots, my house, my home.

It was correct that home was where the heart is. I feel like I left my heart here and was wandering heartless for all this time.

*****

"Master, there is someone who is demanding a meeting with you." said a voice that came from the outside, echoing inside the empty hall.

"Who is he?" said a woman, rising up from the bed where she was lying. She was wearing a black gown that did not show any hints of her body as well as a black veil that hid her face, except for sharp piercing blue eyes like that of an hawk and golden hair.

"He said that you would know once you hard this. 'I have come to ask to you to repay the debt I earned in the Aryas Mountains.'" said the soft voice again.

"He may come in." said the woman frowning now. She remembered a figure, a hated figure but also a known one. A man about 220 centimeters with muscled build and a square chin with many scars on his body.

Then scenes she could not forget flashed in her eyes. A warrior with a bone armor, a tall helmet with one horn and a red cape swinging his heavy spear around deflecting many attacks and swiftly counter attacking at the same time.

Of course one warrior cannot handle hundred man, but he using the narrow entrance to fight only against three at once. Rest is solved with his skill and strength.

Then screams come from the bandit's ranks as cavalry crushes them and cries of battle fill everywhere. Sounds of pain, as well as sounds of triumph.

When the battle ends both women look as soldiers roam the area in search of enemies. They cut the heads of bandits and kill those who are alive.

The warrior who dispatched all of the bandits that attacked two woman turns to them. One with golden hair and blue piercing eyes, other with green eyes and brown hair.

He then tells them to get lost and this is called a dangerous place for a reason, not a place where one can wander in on their own.

Golden haired woman thanks the warrior and tells him that she would repay this debt no matter what. As does the brown haired woman.

"I need no payment for an act I should do, this is my duty." says the stern man with pride as he refuses them. Then he offers to take them to the nearest outpost.

Then she remembered as her eyes started being filled with anger and sadness. Her grip tightened on the armchair as she sat on it.

Her memories flash through her eyes her watching the wedding of the brown haired woman and the warrior, bitterly weeping all the while.

Also looking with disbelief as a white haired woman is being cremated, while the warrior stays silent with tears falling like streams.

"Why did you come? Did you not said we would not meet again?" said the woman looking at the gray haired man in front of him. He has not changed.

"You have a debt to me that I want to call in now, Adara." said the grey haired man looking to her with both pity, guilt as well as understanding.

"Speak Xander, goodness knows that I do not want to see you ever again." said Adara looking very solemn, with not concealed hatred.

"Simple, I want you to accept my grandson as your disciple. He needs a teacher that can guide him through turbulent waters of politics and who can teach him as well." said Xander with an awkward smile.

"The boy has lost his memories about none months ago and did not really have much human contact since then, if I leave him alone he will inevitably commit social suicide somewhere." said Xander now smiling fully.

"But despite me worrying about him I am wanted in the southern front. Besides I do not think I can find him a better teacher than you. You see boy has his secrets, that he will not even tell me, maybe he will tell them to you." said Xander again to the frowning Adara.

"He also has darkness affinity like you he has luckily gained from consuming a beast core he acquired in the Hakoqi Island. You are the best darkness system mage I know so you will be a perfect teacher for him." said Xanders again with a helpless smile this time.

"Besides he is not just my grandson, he is her grandson as well. As his grandmother's close friend no matter how much you hate me I think you can care for the boy better than I." said Xander sighing with his hands open, giving a shrug.

He looked at the statue like Adara who clearly was thinking something. If she did not say no outright, he should make one more push!

"Please Adara, if not for me, for her or for the friendship we had long ago, I just ask you to watch over him." said Xander with a soft begging voice.

"Consider it done, you old sly fox!" said Adara with anger as she turned her face away. Whenever she heard his voice getting soft like that it sent shivers up her spine.

"I will look after him and teach him... But not for you, I will do this only for her sake. As for your debt consider it paid by me not killing you right now." said Adara now looking at Xander with her hawk-like eyes not concealing any hostility at all.

If it was not for you she would now be alive. He could not even be romantic, he would not reveal his thoughts. hE would not even honestly listen to you.

What part of him was better than me? Why did you choose him over me? When all he ever gave to you was pain and neglect as he went off to his battles.

Was it because he was a male? Was it because he saved your life? Was it because of something else entirely? I could handle you not choosing me, only if you were alive...

Xander looked at Adara, even now her beauty had not diminished at all. There would be many man ho would be crazy about her, if she did not have this personality.

Adara hated men and maybe because of that she liked women. She was his rival in love, a rival who could do better than him. He absolutely did not deserve to win.

He gave a slight bow and left the room, with each of his footsteps echoing inside the empty hall he went to the door and pushed them.

Later on the sounds of door closing echoes inside the hall. Xander had went out now. Adara looked with nostalgia, uncertain about many things.

Xander looked to the sun and thought of Aeron who went home as swiftly as he could almost skipping, while not paying any attention to him at all.

"What do we do for those little rascals!" smiled Xander, and shook his head as he began to walk to the mansion. Probably Aeron would be at home by now.

Up until now he never mentioned Adara's debt because it was not a debt after all, it was his duty to defend the people of this country. She also was an old friend to boot.

It seems for those little rascals he was capable of doing just about anything. He shook his head and with his hands behind his back, he went up the streets.

Love for a grandchild really differs from love for a child. I would not do this for Erwin, that rascal would have to find a way on his own!

Xander laughed to himself and imagined the shock on Valeria's face when she saw Aeron. He probably was going to get a firm scolding until his ears hurt.

He still had about three days to head to southern front and he would not be able to come to this city for some years. He took a deep breath, a warrior belonged to war after all.

_____________________________

I got sick, again and wrote this since I could, I probably won't be able to think much tomorrow or the other day. :)