As Sien said, the old man suddenly stood up like someone barged into the room and he was about to grab his sword but then he fell to his knees and held his head low. Samuel only calmly smiled at the sight, while Sien was still scared after the sudden movement of an old man.

“My apologies that I didn’t greet the member of the royal family with proper respect.” The old man said with his face close to the ground.

“I’m no longer a member of the royal family… Haven’t you heard-” Sien grabbed his shoulder and uncomfortably answered.

“For me, house Alk is and will be the royal family as long as I live.” The man interrupted Sien and proudly announced.

“But… Why? My father is a thief…” Asked confused boy, not understanding the man’s reasons.

“Do you truly believe that? Because I don’t.” The man finally looked at Sien to see his expression while his eyes were full of certainty.

“Of course I don’t. But why don’t you believe the official announcement?” Sien asked, uncertain.

“Boy. You looked all around my apartment and haven’t noticed one thing above the door?” The old man slowly said, waiting for Sien to see the thing he mentioned.

“That is… Our emblem…” Sien whispered as he saw a blue emblem with a deer on it above the door.

“I once served your father in the war. I know what kind of man he is. The war shows the true face and I saw a kind man thinking first about his own man. That certainly wasn’t the face of a thief.” The old man explained as Sam helped him stand up.

“Wait. Sam, did you know about my identity?” Asked surprisingly Sien, his eyes a bit watery after seeing devotion of that man to his father.

“Only when we left the shop. The shopkeeper whispered your house name. I’m from a village and I don’t know much about ruling families and politics.” Answered Sam with a light chuckle.

“What are you doing here, Sien? So far from the north?” The old man asked.

“I’m going south for my brother. Only he can help my father.” Sien explained with a serious face.

“For your brother? Young Lance?” The old man asked, curious about Sien’s goals.

“Yes! Do you know him too?” Energetically asked Sien, happy to see a man that knows his family.

“I saw him once when he was four years old. And recently heard a few things about him before I lost my leg.” The old man tapped the place where his leg once was. “So you’re going down south to the border…”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

“Yes. That’s the only way.” Answered Sien with lowered tone, sad and calm but certain.

“I’d love to accompany you, my Lord. But this crippled old man won’t be of much use.” The man said as he looked at Sam with dead eyes awaiting his response.

“Agh… I had a hunch it’ll come to that…” Sam growled as he scratched his head.

“Samuel. Would you escort the boy to the south?” The old man asked but it almost sounded like a command.

“Looks like the only way to repay you… But I want you to ask knights to cross by the Dalir from time to time.” Sam requested kindly as he was worried about his home.

“I can do that. You won’t have to worry about the village while you’re away. Thank you for accepting my request.” The old man slightly tilted his head to show gratitude to Sam.

“No problem. You heard that kid. I’m escorting you to the south. Looks like you’ll have your own master for the journey.” Proudly announced Samuel with a smirk on his face and thumb pointed at himself.

“You would really help me? Thank you very much!” The boy said with his head down to show appreciation for the kindness they showed him.

They ended up staying for the night to continue the trip in the morning. Sien listened to stories of an old man and his connection to his father. He explained that the painting with the knights depicted him and Lord Zimowit. They were the ones talking and reading close to each other.

“While I’m not proud of that suggestion I recommend that you should wear this to cover the family symbol and something to cover your marks. Not many people trust your family after the announcement. This should help you stay out of sight.” The old man gave Sien a coat to cover his coat’s back where the emblem of the family is.

“Thank you very much. I’m sorry if I’m asking too late but could you tell me your name? I didn’t catch it while we were talking.” Asked Sien as he held open doors.

“My name is Oswald Saned. Once you rescue your father, try to visit me with him.” The old man waved with a smile as he said that.

“I’ll remember that Sir Saned.” Those words suprised Oswald but brought even larger smile to the old man’s face.

“See you in a few months, master.” Said Sam before they left closing the doors as they left.

Before leaving the town Sien bought makeup to cover his mark. The lady selling them was surprised that a young boy was interested in buying them and explained step by step how he should put the makeup on.

“Sam. I know my main goal is to reach my brother but I’d like to accomplish something along the way. I want to make the name Alk a good name throughout the whole country.” Explained Sien, looking at his saber and remembering the kindness his family showed to the people around them.

“Master.” Stated Sam.

“What?” Asked Sien, confused by what Sam meant.

“As of today, call me Master. It does have a good ring to it. Master Samuel.” Said Sam with a smirk on his face thinking of the times when people would admire him after hearing him being called a master.

“Master. Will you help me with making Alk a good name that everyone would trust?” Asked Sien, smiling as he said the title to Sam.

“Of course, I’ll help you. After all, I am your master.” Sam assured the boy that he would remain by his side.