Aren’s POVMinutes after returning to the past, we retreated to a rooftop where we could remain unseen. There, I rested to recover my strength while my companions deliberated over our next move. They were still reeling from the fact that a Governor could defeat us so decisively, even with two Dragonaires by my side."I think our problem was the Governor’s ability to shatter our magic barriers," I explained. "Without them, we have no way to protect ourselves from his direct attacks."I recounted the details of the previous fight. Once they realized he could effectively seal our Celestial Items, they agreed to pivot our strategy and find a non-violent way to communicate."Isaa Flause is one of Zeron’s most formidable warriors," Akexia noted grimly. "Even with two Dragonaires facing him, we are outmatched.""Wait, does that mean we’re abandoning the plan?" Frexia asked. "You said he’s too loyal to the King to ever betray him."Akexia fell into deep thought. If I had been killed in the pr

A few minutes passed at the dining table before Isaa ordered his subordinates to vacate the room."Leave us for a moment and keep watch outside," he commanded.Once the guards and maids had departed, Isaa turned back to face us. "I want us to discuss everything properly so that our agreement is clear to everyone."One part of the deal was that the Flause family would take Frexia in as one of their own and send her to the Central District. There, she would study and aim to become part of the Elite Knights. Isaa was prepared to support Frexia with both finances and his family's reputation to help her gain influence.However, he strictly forbade her from causing any trouble within the palace. While Isaa understood our plan to prevent the war, the fact that Frexia was now a Flause meant their entire clan could be implicated if she incited chaos."I just want to make it clear that I cannot protect Miss Frexia if she does anything that violates the laws of Zeron," Isaa stated firmly."Don't

After their heartfelt conversation, Frexia decided she wanted to spend the night in the same room as Aren and Akexia."Huh? Wait, why are you sleeping in my room?" Aren asked, puzzled. "They gave us each our own quarters to use.""Why do you sound so reluctant?" Frexia countered. "Shouldn’t you be happy to be sleeping beside your family?"Frexia insisted on them staying together. Despite their initial hesitation, neither Aren nor Akexia could find the heart to refuse her—especially regarding a request as simple and earnest as this."You’ll be departing for Baksin Province soon," Frexia said softly. "I want to take every chance I can get to be with both of you."Aren let out a long sigh. He knew Frexia was hurting because she couldn’t join them; the looming separation weighed heavily on her. They both understood how much she longed to stay by their side during the mission, but she had to fulfill her duty and continue her studies at the Central Academy."It’s no problem for me," Akexia

The following day, Isaa managed to help Aren and Akexia secure transport to Baldona. Wasting no time, the duo prepared their belongings and set off immediately. After a brief farewell to Frexia, they headed straight for their next destination.Hours later, they found themselves in a private VIP cabin aboard a speeding train."We’ll arrive by tonight," Akexia noted. "It would be best if we could finalize a plan before we get there."She leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "Since Mother didn't come with you, our mission just became fifty percent easier.""Fifty percent?" Aren asked, surprised.Akexia explained that the mission in Baksin would have taken twice as long because Aren wouldn't have just been focused on Mayu; he would have been preoccupied with protecting Frexia.During the previous battle against the rebels, Frexia had fallen under a curse that caused her to die repeatedly in a loop. One advantage they held now was that Aren knew exactly what to avoid to prevent the enem

Aren’s POVThe following morning, a maid knocked on my door and summoned me to the grand hall. When I arrived, the elderly man I had rescued the previous night was waiting for me in a wheelchair."So, you are the young man who saved my niece and me from those kidnappers," the old man said warmly. "I owe you a great debt of gratitude, sir.""It was nothing, sir," I replied modestly. "I just happened to be passing by at the right time."This man was the Mayor of Baldino. He was Mayu’s target—the man she intended to usurp—yet I knew for a fact that the "kidnapping" had been orchestrated by Mayu herself."I heard you fought off the rebels," the Mayor continued. "My niece told me you were quite impressive.""Oh, I wouldn't say that, sir. I just know a bit about fighting because I was a hunter back in Hayem."The Mayor seemed genuinely impressed by my courage. To my surprise, he informed me that Mayu had recommended me to serve as his personal bodyguard."What? She wants me to be your bodyg