You could hear the pacing in Edwin’s room from a mile away. It was clear that the prince did not sleep nor rested like suggested. But who could blame him? The neighboring kingdom was about to fall and he needed to prepare for the same.

Still, I was surprised at scent of human blood seeping from under the door. I paused.

I didn’t sense any demonic energy besides my own. Even if someone were in the room besides the prince, I would have noticed. For humans, this estate was well-protected.

So I knocked without much worry, hoping that it was nothing serious that required me to actually perform my job.

“Edwin? Serlon told me to come to your room.” I announced my presence.

Footsteps grew closer to the door, before the heavy doors creaked open.

The prince’s face peeked around the corner, a gentle smile lighting up the hallway. Although the prince’s smile was warm, the weight of his gaze could crush a man’s soul.

“Asta. How are you?” I caught the door from him, which relieved his struggling grip on the wooden door. He chuckled, “These doors are pretty heavy– probably not for you though.”

“Edwin. What’s that smell?” I didn’t bother for an invitation inside, instead I pushed past the prince and inspected the room.

There were no signs of entry from any of the windows and I didn’t sense anyone else in the prince’s chambers — which meant one thing. I turned back, my eyes landing on the prince’s shirt that was stained in blood.

“Did you get attacked on the way back?” I asked, the question nearly coming out as a command.

If Edwin were to be killed, I wasn’t sure of my position in the kingdom, especially with Serlon. He wanted me dead the second he knew and the bickering never hid that fact.

Edwin sighed and shook his head, “Not quite.” He stepped forward, a grunt coming from his pained steps, “You see, Serlon was dismissed for my father’s main conversation with me. And well, it didn’t go to plan.”

The prince sank back into his seat in front of the fireplace and lifted a pillow to reveal medical wrap and medicine. Like I wasn’t here, he lifted his shirt up slightly to reveal a black and blue bruise, blood dripping from it. Suddenly, Serlon’s advisory towards the visit made sense.

And for a second, I almost could understand this weak human. Not that I related to him, because how could I? It would be an embarrassment. I couldn’t sink that low, could I?

But in Hellion, my father would send his sons back with injuries for failed battles and embarrassments towards his royal name. There was never a sense of family or anything that humans liked to call blood ties. If you were not useful, you were tossed aside.

My father is brutal and strong. I couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t rule his authority without the power. If you considered the pure force it took to injure a high-ranking demon without light magic, his reign was deserved.

Though, it just went to show the social culture in Hellion. But, I guess shitty fathers transcended species. So I’ll give him a break. Just this once. This human can only garner so much mercy from me. Nothing more.

I sighed and moved in front of the fireplace, “I’m assuming that you don’t want Serlon to know.”

In my mind, it was obvious Serlon already knew. Despite his stubborn-headed demeanor, I couldn’t ignore his commitment to his duties.

Edwin smiled, while his fingers failed to secure the bandage wrapped around his torso, “Serlon and my father do not like each other. If we are to be working in collaboration with the imperial castle, I would prefer that my head of guard does not hold prejudices against him.”

Well. Somehow, I think that it was too late for that. But Edwin’s logic did make sense to a fault. Reputation precedes itself, whether you try to cushion it or not. The fall will still hurt and the truth will always like a

After watching Edwin fail to secure his bandage, I was annoyed to keep witnessing this pathetic sight, “Stop. I’ll just do it.” I motioned him up and took the bandage from him.

From closer up, these bruises were quite serious. Humans were fragile creatures, who seemed to die at the slightest predicaments. Edwin flinched at the securing of the bandage, before exhaling deeply.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Thank you, Asta. How did you know I was injured?” He asked foolishly, before catching himself, “Oh right. I always forget that you are a dragon.”

I decided to spare the prince of more embarrassment and moved on, “How did the castle visit go besides your little disagreement?”

Edwin walked to his closet and pulled out a clean tunic, “My father is not keen about the support towards Florence, despite our history as trading partners. But he cares about the image of Trane and I left him no choice because I agreed formally on behalf of Trane.”

“Stupid. But I’m impressed by your audacity. It looks good on you.” I hummed.

“Well. We can not prevent war. But at least we can repay an old friend by giving them the best shot to survive.” Edwin checked the mirror, most likely cautious of any leaking blood.

For a second, I wondered if humans could age within hours. Edwin’s expression was serious and more fitting of a prince. His eyes were dull and his energetic personality, no more than a shell of itself.

Edwin huffed and finished dressing, “Asta, can you escort me to the carriages. Serlon said that he would meet us there.”

I didn’t bother to answer him, instead I just held the door open while he gathered his things.

He didn’t seem to mind and walked into the hallway. I followed after him, the large wooden door slamming shut.

“Asta. Is there anyone around us?” He asked, slightly under his breath.

I listened carefully, not hearing the scurry of anyone, “No, why?”

Edwin didn’t look back, “Do you think Florence will survive? Tell me honestly.”

“Can you handle my honesty?” I cautioned him.

The prince nodded, “We have a war meeting. I would be glad to hear your opinion. That’s why I’m keeping you around.”

I chuckled, “I was wondering why you’d keep me so close.”

“Consider it a calculated decision.” His voice warmed up a little, “I am not as aloof as I appear to be. At the end of the day, I can only worry about my kingdom.”

“Well, since we’ve cleared that out of the way– Florence will surely succumb to the Demonic Army. Even with resources, it will be hard to bear the consistent attacks. They’ll get worn down, as humans do.” I answered.

“Be quiet.” I heard footsteps approaching.

“Hmm. That’s good to know. We should prepare ourselves then.” Edwin hushed us and greeted the workers that passed in the hallway.

Serlon stood near the estate doors next to Eran, who still hadn’t cleaned up from the trip.

“Greetings your royal highness, Prince Edwin. And Guard Asta” Eran waved, a yawn escaping from his mouth, “Apologies for my appearance, I haven’t had time to wash up.”

“It’s good to see you Eran. How have estate duties been?” Edwin questioned, yet never stopped moving towards the carriage. Eran followed, while Serlon drifted next to me.

“Is there a brief?” I asked Serlon.

“In the carriage.” He answered slowly and ran up ahead of Edwin to open the carriage.

Eran leaned into a bow, “I will be sure that all the duties assigned to the guards are carried out while you are absent your highness.”

Edwin nodded, “Thank you, Guard Eran.”

With that, Serlon and I loaded into the carriage. It didn’t take long until we headed off. In war time, every second counted. It seemed to be that way for both Hellion and Trane too.

Edwin rested into his seat, a loud exhale escaping his mouth, “Thanks for coming, Asta.”

“I didn’t really have a choice-” My comment was interrupted by Serlon, who shot me a stern look. I rolled my eyes.

“The war council will consist of a few key people. First, will be the director of the A.R.C forces. They will be the troops sent to deal with the demonic army directly. The headmaster of the academy will be there. The Kingdom’s Mage. It’ll be a full room.”

“Trane is willing to send students into battle?” I asked, almost surprised. Considering the empathy that humans felt, I assumed that heartlessness like that was limited to demons.

Edwin shook his head, “Of course not, but the academy is registered as an emergency supplies place. A lot of Trane’s main potion workshops and smithery are located in the academy or on their grounds.”

I nodded. That seemed more fitting in my head.

Serlon continued, “Other notable people will be the King, of course. The Treasurer. The Duke. And the head commander of the imperial forces.”

“Right. So the crown, capital, influence, and sword– all in one place.” I summed it up.

“Asta.” Serlon grumbled, “Not now.”

“If not now, when? Can you really say that I’m wrong? All places have these essential powers. It doesn’t matter what fancy names that you use to cover it up.” I hummed, “You know. War is unpredictable. Every day could be the last.” I paused, “Well for you, at least.”

I’d survive. The humans were debatable.

“I’ll make it your last day.” Serlon touched the hilt of his sword.

“Enough you two,” Edwin sighed and rubbed his temples, “I have to deal with my father again. Can I request for a peaceful carriage ride at least?”

Serlon glared at me, “Anyways, the objective is figuring out the delegations and course of action for each unit for Trane. Asta,” He looked over at me, “You and I will be assisting Prince Edwin in his duties and maintaining the safety of the Prince.”

Edwin held his hand up, “Asta. You should be careful, also. My father called on the help of the Anti-Revenant Colitiation. They track and hunt demons for a living. You don’t want to get caught this time. And if they do, we can’t save you.”

“I doubt that.” I answered back cooly. Inside, I could only picture that battle on the East Encampment. The burning pain as half my wing came off. And the shame in failing my duties as a commander.

They could never know that though. I would make sure of that fact. Safeguard it.

I didn’t doubt their power. I had seen it firsthand. A part of me remained curious on how far they had advanced in my absence.

“I couldn’t bring Eran, despite him being second-in-charge” Serlon admitted, “It would have been safer, but protocols state that if I’m not there during emergency conditions, Eran needs to be.”

“Makes sense” I sighed, “I’ll be fine. I know how to tread carefully when I need to.”

“Like you exposed your identity to us this soon?” Serlon mumbled.

“Quiet. Now, can you both be quiet? I want to sleep.” Edwin yawned and laid down on the carriage seat.

Serlon stared with black bags under his eyes, “Are you serious, your highness?”

Edwin yawned and waved him off.

“I’m going to kill him.” Serlon whispered underneath his breath, seemingly forgetting that I could hear him. I’m joking – he definitely wouldn’t have forgotten that.

I shot him a look, “Shouldn’t you be more courteous towards the Prince?”

“You’re one to talk.” I jabbed me in the side.

One day, I was going to kill this human.