"So you are staying on the Southern Continent right now and have been living there as an adventurer. It is my first ti hearing that the other continent has sothing like that, as I always thought that there were always wars over there.
"There are still wars occurring all over the continent, but the ones who are actively fighting are mostly the nonhuman nations. The Kingdom of Nogara, where I live and work, and the other neighboring human countries are still generally peaceful."
"I see."
In the hotel room, Azrael had been talking with Prince Edward and Edith for quite so ti. A commoner like Azrael could never have the opportunity to interact with a royal or a noble that closely. Since Azrael was his benefactor, Prince Edward had consented to him disregarding the casualties and treating themselves as fellow teenagers.
They mostly tackled their daily lives and so background. Both parties actually had sothing to talk about, but they had to asure one another through casual chats so that they could calculate what words to say.
"Now that I think about it," the prince said. "You must be a big shot there. It is very rare to et a High Human at all."
"Honestly, in spite of my strength, I rather prefer to stay low for my own safety as well as for the ones around . For that reason, I hide my true power, but not to the point of the state being considered a pushover."
"You make a point. But even if you stay that way, you are still a good-looking young man just like , and girls must be flocking around you."
"I love your confidence, Your Imperial Highness. I think I could assu that there were so girls who made their approach toward ."
"Oh, so do you have a loved one, then?"
"Actually, I have two lovers left behind on the Southern Continent. Of course, I inford them about my venture to the other continent and promised to co back as soon as possible."
"Don't worry, Azrael. I don't have a plan to bother my benefactor."
"I highly appreciated it."
After that, Azrael and Edward took their cups from the table before happily sipping their contents.
On the other hand, Edith was just listening to their conversation as she slowly consud her tea. She was fascinated by Azrael's tales, in spite of the fact that she had partially seen him in action. Her vision of him just got brighter, to the point of admiration.
"Hm? Edith?"
"Ah, yes!"
Edward noticed that Edith was sowhat lost in thought and called her out. Edith was startled by him, causing her to instantly snap herself back to reality.
"Is there a problem with the tea?"
"Um, no. Not at all," she said as she looked down. "It was just that Sir Azrael is really an amazing person. I am always so grateful to him for saving soone like ."
"Please don't make yourself low, Lady Edith. You are His Imperial Highness Edward's special person, and you should take pride in it."
"I think you are right." Swayed by his words, Edith regained so confidence and raised her chin. "But still, it does not change the fact that you saved back then. I still owe you my life."
"She's right, Azrael. We cannot thank you enough, and we even resorted to the extent of sending so investigators to find you in order for us to thank you in person. If there is sothing you wanted as a reward, please tell so, and I will try to fulfill it as long as I can."
"Hm. I only helped because I wanted to be rewarded. I saved Edith because I thought that it was for the best. Also, I don't like to see innocent people getting dragged into the situation."
"You really are a kind and righteous man, Azrael. However, even though I am the crown prince of the empire, I still have the pride of a man, and it would bother forever if I could not return the favor."
There was a reason why Azrael kept declining to na his price, and that was to push the other party to strengthen their resolve. But keeping to decline their offer would dismantle the trust he had been making.
"Alright. If His Imperial Highness insisted, then who am I to let your kindness pass?"
"Finally, you gave in. So what reward do you want? Fortune? Fa?"
"Hmm..." Azrael pondered, pretending to be hard to get. "I think I don't need money right now, nor do I want to be famous, as I don't want attention. I can't think of anything right now."
"If you can't decide, how about this?" The prince made a suggestion. "Your strength is a big deal, and I think that only a few know how powerful you are. I don't want to sound greedy or ungrateful, but I'm probably right now."
"..."
"Azrael, here's my offer. Would you like to swear allegiance to the empire?"
Azrael had anticipated Edward making that deal, but he did not expect him to be that bold and straightforward. His goal was to expose the prince's true intentions, which proved to be successful.
"Loyalty to the empire, huh? Could you break down the details for ?"
"Very well, it is almost impossible to find a person as strong and powerful as you. The other High Humans I know are the Sword Saint and the Sage, which just established their own nation recently. And I want to seize this very rare opportunity while I can. If you accept it, you can bring your party here, and I can guarantee their safety."
"I assu that this conversation is private, so you want your own secret weapon behind the knowledge of the imperial family?
"Partially. But don't get wrong. What I really want is soone who I can rely on just like my father to Sir Gavar, his bodyguard. We know that we barely know one another, but I think that you perfectly fit that role."
"Hmm. I think what you want is a friend, Your Imperial Highness."
"A friend... That's it! A friend!"
Realizing the little piece missing in him, Edward sprung from his seat. Shortly after, Azrael followed suit.
"Azrael, do you want to beco friends with ?" Edward said, reaching out his hand.
"If that was your desire, then it's my honor. I may not be your bodyguard, but I can be your friend."
"It's a deal, then."
With a firm handshake, Azrael and Edward beca friends.
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