I ran into the village to try and fine Gozan, surely enough there he was, he was average height so he wasn't too hard to find but the main thing that gave him away was his large Santa clause beard, someone could see that from miles away.

I ran up to him franticly once I found him.

"Gozan!" I yelled while breathing heavily.

"What's wrong Soukou?" He responded with a worried tone.

"Well, you know that princess Akame?"

"Yeah, did you find her? What happened?

"Yeah, I did! But uh well.." I was about to say the next part when I realized all the people around town running around franticly, all the guards were freaking out and looking everywhere.. it probably wouldn't be best to talk about helping the princess escape with this many people around.

"Well?"

"Just follow me!" I said while grabbing his arm, I lead him to where Akame was at hoping he would understand when he saw.

"Princess Akame...?" He muttered in a shocked tone.

"Soukou?"

"Yes, Akame it's me, remember that person I told you about earlier?

"Yeah.."

"He's here!"

"Is this really okay?"

"Of course it is! Come on out."

"Okay..."

Gozan still stood there with his mouth agape.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

She came out of the bush timidly, she almost looked like a scared cat.

"Hello..."

"My name is Akame Clarindra. Its really nice to meet you!" She said while bowing down.

"I don't know what to say right now.. Of course, I know your name, I beg for your forgiveness for my student to act so casually around your greatness." He said while taking a deep bow and hitting me on the arm.

"Oh no, not at all! Thank you for letting me stay with you... I hope I'm not intruding or anything?"

"Huh?"

"Hm?"

"What do you mean by staying with me..?"

"Well, Gozan.. I promised her she could stay with us because she didn't want to go back to her home."

"Soukou.. I know you have a good heart but that is the princess we can't just take her.."

"Why not?!"

"Well, I doubt the young miss would want to leave her home."

"Please..." She muttered softly

"Please! Please let me stay with you i don't want to go back to that awful place ever again.."

"Huh..? Why not? Isn't it great living in the palace?"

"No.. my father is awful to me.. and my mother is too sick to stop him."

"What does he do?" Gozan asked the little girl.

It seems just the thought of her wicked father was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

"I.. cant say."

The look on Gozans face was one of worry and stress.

"Please Gozan, she's my friend we can't just abandon her."

After hearing that Akame fell to the ground her tears wouldn't stop.

"No one has ever called me their friend before.."

The pain in her voice was enough to make Gozan shed a single tear.

"Hm, alright fine. You can stay with us for now your highness, but if you would ever wish for anything it will be my pleasure to grant that wish."

"Thank you so much! But I couldn't possibly burden you with that, not after you letting me stay with you that is more than I could ever ask for!"

"It seems the human princess is really as nice as everyone says."

"Hehe!"

"However, there is one problem."

"What is it Gozan?" I asked

"Akame."

"Yes sir?"

"Oh please call me Gozan, but anyways I need to ask you something.

"Oh but of course! What is your question?"

"I imagine the reason you're here is that the mayor paid for a sponsorship, am I wrong?"

"Yes.. you are correct."

"That means ill be wasting the mayor's money.."

"If you want to stay, you'll have to learn the way of the sword so you can pay back the debt to the mayor."

"Yes of course!"

"Alright then.. oh what have I gotten myself into."

"Thank you for doing this for her Gozan!"

"Soukou. No food tonight and from now on you'll be training twice as hard, you must also help out the princess in paying off this debt."

"Aw, man."

"No complaining."

"Yes sir."

"Alright, then we will go home now."

"Let's go!"

The entire way we walked home I was holding Akames hand, leading her.