[A Certain Mercenary POV]

In a certain tavern in the capital is where my guild usually stayed. We didn’t lack the resources to splurge but the respect of other guilds as well as nobles is gone.

To put it simply, the Red Bear has beaten up a Lord and his aides for abandoning his own people during a war.

That pig intended to use an entire town as bait just so he could escape, well in the end he did escape but we made sure to humiliate him before he did. After that, we faced criminal charges and had to face the court. If it weren’t for the Duke Wimbledon getting mad at that noble for abandoning his duty we would have been punished and executed.

Though we escaped death, everyone has called us craven ever since. For a year now, no noble nor merchants have hired us for anything. Mercenaries would get hired for escorts or even guarding duties but we got none. Due to this we are here wasting away in this tavern.

Until…

“You guys look fun, I'll hire you.”

A boy with distinct silver hair and golden eyes suddenly came barging in.

At first glance I knew he was wealthy though he didn’t wear any jewelry around him. Only when we met his butler did we find out that he was the 6th prince of the Kingdom.

“We have to decline so tell your Princeling that.”

We told the butler. He left and came back with a woman wearing a maid outfit.

It has been 10 years since I last saw her but I will never forget that face… the Dragon Slayer. In a maid costume… everyone was frozen at their spot… those who laughed at the kid who wanted to hire us were sweating balls…

“Perhaps you were under the assumption that you had a choice?”

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The dragon slayer spoke.

“His Royal Highness’ Orders are absolute. He decided he wants to hire you so you will be hired. Pack your things and we will go. Everyone who laughed at the prince, go outside now.”

In the end 12 of my men were beaten to a pulp and we had no choice but to accompany them. I saw him as a spoiled brat who always got what he wanted.

“I wonder how that kid got her loyalty.”

“Apparently, he saved her.”

One of the knights spoke.

“The dragon slayer?”

“Yeah, right Sir Ian?”

“We’re on the job, stop talking.”

“Just tell us the story… it’s not like it will get in the way.”

“Long story short, after the battle against the dragon, the dragon slayer was wounded, and the prince saved her despite not knowing who she was.”

“Probably a myth.”

“Don’t let her hear that. She’ll get mad.”

Everyone shivered.

But then when we arrived at the village, we saw it occupied by bandits. But I figured he would just ignore it and return to the nearby town… but no…

He fought alongside us to save the village…

We later found out that the village was occupied by the bandit group Unseen, one that has been terrorizing small villages throughout the west.

A lot more things happened after that but in the end we were given new equipment by the prince. We thought it was just some toys that a child would give but no…

“They’re made of wood but…”

“They are sharper and more durable than what we have now…”

“We will switch our equipment with these.”

Our mercenary group grew stronger day by day, the butler also taught those who were capable of magic regardless if they were a part of the village or not. Allowing us to use healing magic, one that is said to be reserved for priests and the saintess.

Though I can’t use magic I know the Prince is special… I never heard of a healing magic capable of healing wounds in a mere instant. He is incredible.

We decided to settle in the village, although it has a low population, this can be called a city now…

We got training with Cynthia and now most of us can read and write because of the Prince’s requirement. I love this city… as I rested under a tree and observed people pass by I saw a child wearing her backpack. Heading to what the prince called ‘school’, they were akin to the capital’s academy but here… everyone has access to it regardless of their status and talent.

The academy accepts commoners but only gifted commoners, in addition to that they have to have sponsors to pay for it but here… it’s free. When I asked him why he does it he only answered with one sentence.

“A world that can’t protect the children’s smile is not a world fighting for Zen.” He said to me, while embarrassed.

I laughed inwardly as I saw him blush from what he said. A child thinking of protecting other children’s smiles?

Very well, from this moment onward the Red Bear will be at your full command, your Royal Highness. I said inwardly.