"Woah! where are you touching? Calm down will you... he he he," he laughed with a sly and playful expression as he was he was in the middle of being fawned upon by numerous women and girls, all vying for his attention, using their deadly, seductive charms to try and say their thanks in a more 'practical' way.

"How did this happen again?" asked Remuil, completely don founded despite having seen it for the entirety of their journey back to Helia after defeating the leader of the pirates.

"I do not know myself. Our female companions might know more, yet I fear that asking them right now is out of the question," Andersen looked fearfully at those he was familiar with, namely Cecil, Beatrice, and Claire, who were looking angrily at him for some reason, with Cecil especially being proactive saying, "Stop messing around, Larrus!" clearly opposing to the treatment he was receiving.

It was morning, a few hours after dawn, and they returned to the regional office in Helia; called since they were needed for questioning about the events that transpired with the pirate leader and the kidnapped women and girls, who were being profiled and in the process, returned to their families.

"If you want to know, then I can tell you," Julia came up with Robin, who was unusually awake, and stood beside the young men, drawing their attentions.

"Julia?! Oh, sorry. I was just surprised. But still, it feels like I don't want to know since I might get drawn into this somehow, but might as well. If you will, Julia," said Remuil fixing his composure and standing stiffly and dignified.

"I remember it very clearly when he stormed in the room, gallantly looking at the man who had aggressively taken many maidens chastises. At that point, I think I felt what the rest had when we looked at him, as if his presence drew our attentions to him forcibly. I was very impressed, and maybe, even I might be slowly falling for him... but that's not likely. My loyalty and attention are solely for my sister," she concluded, closing her eyes and placing her hand on her chest, taking a deep breath.

"He was... cool," Robin surprisingly spoke, glancing at Remuil and the other's direction with a thumbs up, wearing a coy, and cutesy expression, one that his own friends had never seen during their time together.

"I hate to admit it, but he settled it fair and square. Can't argue with that," said Zafra, his arms crossed, looking at the side, avoiding the second of Larrus and his harem of women.

"But why does Cecil, Beatrice, and even Claire look angry? I thought they'd look at bit happier after being saved, or that might just be my imagination," Remuil scratched his head, deep in wonder.

"The mind of a maiden is truly diverse and labyrinthine. You will understand as you grow. But for them, they are now acting as their heart wills it without them noticing. I'm just glad and happy that my sister found someone to care for, and hopefully that all goes well," she looked dotingly at Beatrice dotingly, who was pouting along with the two.

Just then, the doors opened, and a young woman wearing her official's white Naval uniform, escorted by a man also with an official's attire came through, proceeding to the desk, sitting with dignity and order, showing off her etiquette and manners impressively.

She slammed her hand upon the desk like a gavel, silencing the room and drawing all eyes on her.

"Now, shall we begin and get this over with quickly?" she said with her eyes closed, looking around, but avoiding eye contact with one person in the room.

"Firstly, I would like to address the ones present during the liberation of the pirates’ den. I commend you with high praise for defeating those that disrupted the justice of which Helia stood by firmly. I have the names of, Cyrus Platinum, Remuil Enraf, Zafra Jungild, and Andersen Europe, whom have done valiant service. On the behalf of Helia, I thank you personally as the regional Commander."

"Uhm, you seem to be missing a name," a spoke up, standing and looking straight at her, making the stern female commander fidget and feel uncomfortable, in a certain way.

"Yes, yes, sure. And you as well. Now, with that done, we have work to do. To all the captive women present here, we will do our best in find and sending you back to your homes, rest assured- " she was cut off by a simple knock on the door, followed by the stern and low-pitched voice of someone asking, "Is the regional Commander, Emilia Providence present?"

Turning her attention there, she stood, looking to be on suspicion, replying, "Yes, I am. What business do you have with me?"

"Captain Alfred Duke has arrived for some matters and would like to meet with you. He is here with me right now."

"The Captain?!" she looked distressed upon hearing the name, losing her composure, stumbling to get to the door.

She opened it quickly, seeing the sight of the escort, and the said Captain who wanted to meet her, a tall, lean, white-bearded man with a mysterious, imposing air about him, wearing a neat and clean white coat with a Captain's attire underneath, a button-up, long sleeve with dark leggings and boots.

"Captain?! What are you doing here so early? I thought you won't be coming till next month," she said, saluting him as she stood beside the door, making way for him.

"Well, I heard from a friend of mine that someone here needs commendment for having fought and defeated two demons in one day. If that acquaintance of mine said so, then I must not dally and waste time. Now, where is this upstanding young man he spoke of?" he looked rather carefree and not strict with the way he spoke, changing the group's opinion of the high ranking people, whom were all thought of as strict.

From a corner, Julia took Beatrice close to her and hid her face secretively, while Claire stepped forward, looking admirable at the old man.

"Are you really the legendary tactician and captain of the strongest fleet in Farron, the Alfred Duke? The one who carries the title of the White Sentinel of the seas?" she said fanatically, looking up to him.

"White Sentinel of the seas? Is he that good?" Remuil said, unable to catch up to Claire's ramblings.

"How oblivious. He is a renowned tactician when it came to leading his fleet on water. It was one of his greatest accomplishments; the battle of the eastern seas against the nation of the Orient, when Farron was in danger of being invaded and taken over by them after bringing out their superior Naval fleet consisting of giant warships unlike anything in the world."

"I am honored that someone still remembers of that time. Yet it was long ago too. Now I'm just a shriveled old man who enjoys leisurely sailing on calm waters, ha ha. But, moving one to the reason I came here early, where is that exceptional young man?" he started looking around the room, trying his best to recognize the man only by spotting a captivating aura.

But, everyone in the room made it easier on him as they unknowingly all looked at the man surrounded by young, beautiful maidens, all clinging to him.

"... It seems I have found him," Alfred said, coming up to Larrus, examining him.

"As I have already introduced myself, it is nice to finally meet you. What might your name be?"

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"Larrus. I didn't really do anything special," they shook hands and started speaking with each other, engaging in small talk, then talking about the things that they had done, becoming near friends due to the many things they agreed upon.

After having met each other, the fated time came, and he had to leave due to important matters concerning the things happening in Independence, saying that he was tasked to make sure their coasts are safe in the case of an attack, which was unlikely seeing as Zeal, as he had said, was still under independent control, having no intention of joining in an alliance with the growing faction, which was stated by its governor, Nelson.

"Well then, I bid you farewell, Larrus. I enjoyed your company, and I hope that we get meet each other for a meal, or a drink if the chance arises. And lastly, before I go. I see a great potential coming from you. Might it even be that you are this generation's hero? Ha ha ha, only time will tell!" he left with a bright smile and a spry step, as if age hadn't hindered him one bit.

"So there really is something bad happening to Zeal as well. Who knew this all happened when we were doing the mission," Remuil said with concern.

"Then shouldn't that mean that we should get back right away?" Claire spoke, sympathizing with the rest of her group, concerned about the state of their friends, and their guild.

"You are free to go if that is what you wish. All the necessary requirements have been checked off, and there is nothing holding you back," Agnes said sternly, looking irritated as she closed her eyes, trying to block the sound of fawning voices from her side.

"Come on, Larrus. Won't you stay here?"

"Yeah. I'll take good care of you."

The women took to him even more aggressively after hearing that he was going to be leaving for Zeal soon along with his companions.

"Will you all cut this folly immediately?! Why don't you all leave immediately? You will all be given notices when the time arrives anyway, so there's no reason for you to stay here in my office and fool around," she hounded them angrily, crossing her arms.

"No! You just want him to yourself because he saved you from that horrible man, and had sex with you because of that curse."

"What a greedy aristocrat. I won't hand him over to you."

"!" she looked surprise, unable to make a comeback remark with what they said, seeing as how it were true, and that what they did was etched into her mind, resurfacing whenever she sees his face, making her flustered, irritated, and braindead.

"Alright, that's enough. We'll meet each other again, I'm sure of that, but for now, please follow what she says. It's been a long day. And Cecil, could you guys wait for me outside as well? I want to talk to her for a few minutes, if you'll allow me," Larrus stood up with a deadpan face and astern voice, silencing the teasing and catching everyone's attention.

"You better not do anything to her," Cecil looked suspiciously at Larrus, leaving with her sharp eyes on him.

"Ha, don't worry, I won't. I'll just be for a while. Then I guess we'll leave for Zeal afterwards."

The doors closed, and they were left with each other under the silent atmosphere, one brooding, looking down with a beet red face as she held her shoulder with one arm, and the other looking at the girl with concerned expression.

"It seems that you're pretty angry at me, huh? Was it about... that?" he started, stepping up closer to her, where she instinctively backed away, forced to the front of her desk with no space to retreat to, still looking down, avoiding his gaze as she lost her stern demeanor.

"I don't really know how to handle these things, but I guess I'll start with a sorry. I never really meant to do you harm. If there were any other way, then I could've done that, but there wasn't any time, and you looked really pained. I couldn't stand seeing it. Well, if you don't forgive me, then that's fair enough... I'll leave now and spare you from my presence. Hopefully me not being around solves most of your problems. I'm sincerely sorry," he said, turning around and walking to the door.

But before he could leave, she spoke audibly, making him stop in his tracks, clearly surprised.

"I can't explain it, but I'm not angry. I don't know. Maybe it's just because I'm feeling some things I've never felt before in my life. I can't even believe myself anymore. I want to blame you, but for what? Saving my life? I couldn't even say thank you properly. I'm not fit to be a Commander if doing something like that diminishes my self-esteem," her inner thoughts began spilling forth to him, where he listened carefully, making sure to remember her every word.

Turning around, he closed the distance between them again, embracing her as a means to calm her down.

"Wha-What are you doing?!" she protested, yet her voice, which should have been a yell of anger, became a silent one, fitting for a timid maiden in distress.

"I guess I know another way of making someone I know feel better, even if for a bit only. I may even know what's wrong with you, only that I can't say it out loud," he said, whispering into her each, making her feel a bit jittery, but not defensive, as if she wanted him to do this, subtley allowing it.

Just as her arms started to move and return his embrace, he spoke again, this time in a more playful tone saying, "Plus, you weren't half bad that time. I should be thanking you instead," making her silent the moment she heard it.

By impulse, she clenched her right fist, gritting her teeth, and bottling up her anger, then moved back to release a powerful blow to his stomach, sending him flying back impressively a few meters away, hitting the wall.

"Ow. I guess I deserve that, ha ha," he said, scratching his head as he laughed, not seeming to be in pain.

"I can't believe you! You're the worst! You steal my lips and chastity like nothing, then you make a fool of me?!" she was fuming, ready to strike another blow as she neared him.

"That's the face I know and love. It suits you just fine, but what doesn't suit you is having one that seems to worry about the smallest things. Anyway, feel better?" he said, speaking sincerely and genuinely, not looking to be joking despite the smile on his face.

Noticing this as well, she stopped, simply looking at him just as calmly as when they first met. Her mind was calm, and her heart was at peace, and again because of him.

"Now, I think my job here's done. That means it's time to go," he stood up, dusting himself off, then turning towards the door again, this time opening it, but not before leaving a few words behind. "See you!" he waved, closing the door and finally leaving her alone in her office with the silence.

"The face you know and love, is it? Ridiculous. I can't believe I met a man such as him," she was unable to resist smiling, feeling the beating of her heart as she finally resigned her thoughts to think of him freely. "Is this what might one call, love? Wait... With him? No! It can't be!" she started losing control, realizing how much of a leech he was, remembering him say that he had done things such as intercourse naturally, more than once, and with many others.

"What have I let myself become..." she stood on her knees, contemplating her decisions.

"So it is the fated day. You are finally leaving for Zeal, are you? Then did you enjoy the privilege of meeting and being applauded by an esteemed person such as Alfred Duke?" Cyrus said, pouring himself, and the others, his specially brewed drink from a rare, cultivated leaf.

"That was you? Well, I didn't really know him at first, but it seemed that we really get along on some things. Still, thanks lot."

"Worry not for I owe you my life, Larrus, and to you all, for saving me from despair. If you had not decided to come, then that could have been the end of me. But here we are in the present," he took a sip from his cup in a delicate manner.

"I'll get strong like you, Larrus! I want to be as strong as you! So I'll train hard with teacher and show you!" Roy jumped in joy, promising solemnly with a heartwarming smile.

"I'll be looking forward to that, alright?" he ruffled his hair, laughing along with him, making the two look like brothers.

"Larrus, it's time to go! We better leave early, otherwise the night'll catch up to us," Cecil went inside, standing alongside Larrus.

"Well, I guess this is it. See you, Cyrus, Roy. Stay safe," he waved goodbye, putting his arm over Cecil and walking outside, where Roy pulled on his teacher's tunic, urging him to follow as well.

"My, my. Calm down now," they both came at the door, looking at Larrus and his companions, all laughing together, getting along without much worries.

They opened the door and exited, seeing the sight of the sun at its brightest, also seeing them look back as they walked away, where Cyrus and Roy waved back, briefly closing the chapter upon their meeting for now, fostering and cultivating new friendships that will stand the test of time... But this is not the end of it.

"So, Cecil, you feel scared when I wasn't around?" he teased, trying to get her to talk, and break the silence even for a bit.

"Hmph, I could have handled him myself if only I weren't tied up... " she said confidently avoiding eye contact with him still.

"I was really worried about you, you know?" his voice turned calm and sincer, coming across as serious, surprising Cecil.

"Larrus..." she looked at him as they walked side by side, slighty shuddering. "I guess you could say I wasn't scared because I knew you were going to come," Cecil whispered, enough for only him to hear.

"Ha! I knew it! Don't worry. Of course I was going to come save you. Just like I told you when we first met, right? If you're ever in doubt, or in trouble. Believe in me, and I'll come through... probably. Well, it depends right now. I'm not as good as I was back then," he jokingly said scratching his head, laughing without a care in the world.

She frowned at him, but then was unable to resist smiling, just being relieved that he was beside her now.