The Return of the Betrayed Heir

30

Alex pov

I pondered the words Instructor Kevin had shared with me. A war was looming on the horizon—a conflict that might just yield an indispensable opportunity.

"Ed, are you alright?" Gerard approached, snapping me out of my deep contemplation.

"Yes, I am fine," I replied, offering a reassuring smile.

"Shall we head out?"

I nodded and pulled an officially approved leave permit from my inner pocket, presenting it to him. Gerard stared at the document in sheer disbelief, snatching it from my hands. "How on earth did you manage to get this?" he asked urgently.

"Consider it one of my many talents," I boasted lightly.

My mind rewound to the moment Instructor Kevin handed me the permit. I had told him, *'If war is truly coming, I wish to spend one last evening out with my friends.'* To my surprise, the notoriously strict instructor replied, *'Very well, I shall approve it. Have your fill of enjoyment, for this coming conflict will bear no resemblance to the minor skirmishes you have witnessed.'*

"Wow, Ed, you are truly amazing!" Gerard continued to shower me with praise.

"Let us go and enjoy ourselves," I urged. I desperately wanted to reveal the truth about the imminent war to Gerard, but a secondary thought stayed my tongue. "Perhaps this chaos is precisely the opportunity he needs.'

"Gerard, once we return to the dormitory tonight, there is something critical we must discuss," I noted seriously.

He looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Can we not discuss it now?"

I pulled him along. "No, I have no intention of ruining this evening."

We proceeded to retrieve Sally from her quarters. Knocking on her door, I waited as Gerard attempted to compose himself, though his trembling hands betrayed his intense nervous energy. 

When the door swung open, Gerard’s jaw dropped. Sally stood before us wearing an elegant long red dress—a striking departure from her usual attire of trousers and simple shirts.

"Am I late?" Sally asked anxiously.

Before I could answer, Gerard hastily covered my mouth. "Not at all! We only just arrived ourselves."

Prying his hand away, I gestured toward the street. "Let us be on our way."

At the fortress gates, the guards barred our path until I presented the signed permit. The guard examined the seal with deep skepticism. "Did Commander Kevin truly issue this?"

"Indeed," I replied smoothly. "The commander holds me in quite high regard."

Though still visibly perplexed, the guards stepped aside. 

"How did you actually secure that permit?" Sally inquired as we walked into the city.

"A magician never reveals his secrets," I teased. 

We arrived at a lively tavern known for its vibrant atmosphere. Pulling a heavy pouch of gold coins from my cloak, I announced, "Tonight, we feast without restraint. Courtesy of Instructor Kevin."

Gerard’s eyes widened in horror. "Instructor Kevin may have granted leave, but there is no way he handed you a pouch of gold!"

"Who said he handed it to me?" I smirked.

Sally and Gerard gasped in unison. "Did you steal this?!"

"Keep your voices down," I whispered. "It isn't stealing; I merely borrowed it. Besides, you need not worry. Let us enjoy the evening."

We secured a table in the corner and ordered the finest delicacies alongside the tavern's most exquisite wine. As the food arrived, we toasted to the night. The meal was exceptional, and for a brief moment, the shadow of the upcoming war faded.

Clearing my throat, I decided the time had come. Gerard realized what was happening and flushed bright red, hurriedly kicking me under the table. Ignoring the sting on my shin, I looked directly at Sally. "Sally, Gerard harbored deep feelings for you, and bringing you here tonight was entirely his idea."

Sally’s cheeks turned crimson as she turned to Gerard. "Is that true?"

Gerard swallowed hard, gathering his courage. "Yes, Sally... I love you."

"I love you as well," Sally murmured shyly, both of them unable to meet each other's eyes.

"What a touching scene," a mocking voice interrupted from behind. A group of rough men approached our table, their leader fixing his gaze on Sally. "Well, well... a half-breed carrying the blood of a Phoenix."

Sally visibly shuddered as Gerard instantly radiated intense hostility. Though I tried to keep him grounded, the man continued his provocation. "Easy there, boy. We harbor no ill intent; we are merely curious about your Phoenix-blooded companion."

Before another word could be uttered, Gerard delivered a devastating punch straight to the man's jaw.

"Here we go,' I thought, downing the rest of my wine before stepping forward. As the man's accomplices drew their weapons, one lunged at me with a dagger. I seized his wrist, disarmed him, and slammed him against the wall, while Gerard systematically dispatched the remaining thugs with unprecedented ferocity.

Patrons fled in panic. After disabling the last attacker, I motioned to Gerard. "We should take our leave."

Gerard took Sally’s hand as they rushed outside. I tossed the pouch of gold to the stunned barkeeper. "My apologies for the damage," I called out before pursuing my friends into the night.

Once Sally was safely escorted to her room, Gerard and I walked back toward our quarters. Pulling him into a quiet alleyway, I lowered my voice. "A major war is about to erupt."

Gerard’s eyes widened. "So the rumors were true?"

I nodded firmly. "And it is your single chance to escape."

"Escape?" he repeated, bewildered.

"You cannot intend to remain trapped in this military machine forever," I stated sharply. "This war provides the perfect cover for you and Sally to slip away and build the life you have always dreamed of."

Gerard hesitated. "What about you?"

I nudged his shoulder lightheartedly. "Do not concern yourself with me; I am more than capable of handling myself. I have already discussed the matter with Instructor Kevin, and he granted his approval."

Gerard’s face lit up with hope. "He truly approved?"

"Leave the arrangements to me," I assured him. "Your only task is ensuring Sally is ready."

Days passed in rapid succession until the day of deployment arrived. As the troops assembled, Gerard sprinted toward me, whispering hastily, "Everything is set. Sally will be waiting at the kingdom's outer perimeter, and I will slip away during the chaos of battle."

Before I could respond, a massive blue Phoenix descended from the heavens, carrying a warrior with crimson hair and piercing azure eyes. "I am Kaiser Phoenix," the warrior announced. "I shall fight alongside your unit in this campaign."

Instructor Kevin nodded approvingly at the presence of such a formidable ally. Though I felt an instinctive distrust toward Kaiser from the moment he appeared, his martial prowess was undeniable. 

As the battle commenced and the blue Phoenix shattered the enemy’s vanguard, Gerard gave the signal to charge. I nodded, leaping forward into the fray, knowing that my best friend's path toward freedom began right here.