"I'll try to block the explosions from going forward. Anyone capable of defensive spells stay behind. Everyone else, leave first."
Miller ordered as he turned around. One third of his knights also stopped and took on defensive stance at that moment. The other's were helping the rescued people and took their leave immediately. Ian was amazed Miller's swift decision making skill and leadership as he looked forward to his next words. That's when he felt a tug on his arm.
"Young master.."
"Yeah? Are you also leaving?"
Ian looked behind and it was none other than the protagonist.
"That's not it. The Duke asked you and Miss Rianne to leave first."
"Oh..Looks like she's leaving.. You're here to escort me?"
Ian asked as he glanced at the retreating back of Rianne and her knights. They were only here for the extra credits, so it was
"It's safe inside." Ian said, pointing towards the massive gate behind him. "What.. is that gate?" Miller asked, amazed by the scene in front of him. The other's also held their breath as they tried to take in the view in front of them. "I'll explain later. We don't have much time. Please, father?" Ian said with urgency in his tone as he pointed upwards. Only then did the other's came back to their senses. Arthur, the one holding the peculiar shield, was also surprised by Ian's action but he didn't let go of the shield. 'What a perfect protagonist.' One after another shock made the people lose their rationality as they looked at each other. At that moment, Miller took a step forward and shouted. "Everyone! Enter the gate right now!" With his command, the other's managed to handle
"It was so cool..."Ian said as he made an amazed expression, putting all the stage lights on Arthur. The other's also remembered the unforgettable scene that they witnessed inside the cave as they looked at Arthur."You're over praising me, young master..."Arthur said, trying to act as modest as he could."Not at all! Everyone here is a witness! Right, Corner?"Ian tried to bring other people into the conversation as he looked at Corner. He nodded his head in agreement with Ian."It also seemed pretty durable. What exactly was it?""That... I can actually use more than one attribute.."Arthur, who was no longer being blackmailed by the organisation, had no reason to hide his talent anymore. And more than that, the people inside that room were those whom he judged to be trustworthy."What? More than one attribute?""Is that even possible?"B
"You're amazing..."Ian said with a look of reverence on his face as he looked at Corner. He genuinely wanted to keep Corner by his side forever, after what he witnessed moments ago."I can't believe you didn't leave that bastard behind and actually brought him with us..."The bastard Ian was talking about was none other than Neil, one of the organisation members. Even among that crowd of explosion all around them, Corner hadn't let go of that bastard or leave him behind to die. Seeing his work efficiency, Ian was simply in awe."Young master... Why are you doing this?"Asked the knight with an almost teary face. Corner thought that he was being teased like that(Ian praising him) because he always used to praise Ian. Well, Ian's words did have a sarcastic tone to it. But it was only a habit of his, he did actually mean it when he praised others.Seeing Corner suffer like that, Ian decided to praise him eve
"What a troublesome Prince...haah.."Ian sighed again as he opened the letter. Water dripped down his hair into his face, rolling down his cheek. He had a slight reddish glow on his skin and looked slightly pale.As he sat down on the couch leisurely, opening the letter and reading it, one could paint an amazing portrait out of him at that moment. But sadly for him, there was no artist nearby." 'My dear young master Adrian..' heh.. What 'my dear' is he talking about?"" 'In the beginning of my letter, I wish you good health and quick recovery.' What recovery? I'm completely fine.."Ian chuckled as he continued reading the letter."' You cannot imagine how hurt I was when I heard that you went through something so cruel.. Thinking about it still gives me goosebumps!' What's his point? So many useless things.."Ian kept reading in between the lines as he tried to understand the summary of the l
"Sorry. I don't want to be your secret friend." Ian said with a stern expression. Seeing how the prince's eyes grew bigger in shock, he could confirm that his doubts were right. The prince didn't make an official visit and instead came to meet Ian in a disguise. It was all due to political reasons. Prince Albert was actually being considerate towards Ian's situation. The Dicarious duchy was a neutral household. A prince giving them a personal visit would put the duchy, Miller and his whole family in an awkward situation. People would gossip and the nobles would become alert. As such, Prince Albert decided to visit in disguise. Even now, he only wanted to be Ian's friend. It was his honest intentions. And he also had no intention of making their friendship public, all for the sake of giving Ian a peaceful life away from the Royal fight for the throne. And Ian, the target
"Are you crying?"Ian asked as he placed his hand on Albert's shoulder. He didn't mean it literally, since there wasn't any tear in the Prince's eyes. He just felt like Albert's expression was weird when he looked at him. And the surprised expression the prince made at his question was more than enough as an answer.'This guy... He's so happy with just this much?'Ian felt a sense of regret and helplessness as he looked at the young prince. He wasn't even twenty years old and yet he had to face so many hardships. Not even having a place to call home after fighting enemy's all day long, it was such an exhausting feeling, and Ian knew it very well."Who's crying? Have you finally lost it?"Albert tried to avoid the topic by making silly jokes and Ian also went along with his jokes."I lost mine years ago, you didn't know that?""You really are crazy.""Haha.. alright alright.. Let's
"I forgot about the kids!"Ian sprang up from his almost asleep state as he shouted. He was so shocked and distracted by Albert's presence that he forgot to ask Miller about the kids.Ripler, Kio and the other's from the island were supposed to come with him. Ian slapped himself in the cheek at his own carelessness and got up from bed."Where are you going?"Came a voice from behind him. It was Albert, he was rubbing his eyes as he looked at Ian with a sleepy gaze. He looked to his right. Ash and the maze was sleeping peacefully there. The four of them were sleeping at the same bed since none of them wanted to leave the room."Oh.. I forgot I had an important matter to check up on.""Right now?"Albert asked, a little surprised. It was almost midnight. The pin dropping silence around them was giving them an idea of exactly how late it was. The whole world was asleep by then."Umm.
"They're here!"Ian excitedly went down the stairs followed by the others. As the carriages stopped in front of the gate, a few knights came out first and led the children behind them.Ian went forward and received them from the knights. The knights bowed their head and left, letting the kids and Ian finally meet."Welcome.."Ian smiled as he welcomed them into the mansion. Although they looked a bit hesitant at first, seeing Ian acting like his usual self, they soon became comfortable."Aren't you all tired? It must've been a long journey.."Ian said as he signalled them to follow him inside."It was fun.""We used a teleportation portal for the first time!""The knight uncle said that they were there to guard and protect us."They spoke as they followed Ian like baby ducks following their mother."Of course. It's important we make sure that