Roy wasn’t always this somber and morose. As said before, he had pretty much everything going for him in his previous life. Though he did feel empty and discontent on the inside, he genuinely believed that restarting from scratch in a new world would give him the happiness he needed. However, he would come to find that it couldn't be further from the truth…

He woke up with a jolt, apparently having a nightmare of his past… “Hm, what’s wrong?” Azeria asked, tilting her head as she remained curled up on his chest.

“No-nothing” He sighed, turning his head to the side. “Just a weird dream”

“Is it about what happened back th-”

“Let’s get ready. The king’s waiting for us” Roy brushed his fox companion aside as he got up. She narrowed her eyes, glaring at him with suspicion, before hopping off the bed and shaking a few times.

“Right, let’s go!”

"Did you rest well?" The Pyrolancer asked his companion as they set off for the castle.

"Yes, please don't worry about me"

"I'd be a terrible hero if I didn't" Though it hadn't been that long since they met, The Lancer of Flames took a liking to Roy. But they weren't THAT close. Solleil of course wanted to know him better but he wouldn't pry or force him to open up. He was well aware that his partner was depressed, and just wanted to let him know that he was there if he ever wanted to talk. He wanted to be someone Roy could rely on and talk to.

'Hey Roy! Your heart seems to be beating quite fast. Looking forward to something?' Azeria nudged his shoulder a few times.

'Huh?'

'We'll be seeing HER today. No wonder you're excited'

'I have no idea who you're talking about'

'Want me to spell it out for ya? Pr-in-cess Eye-ri-OW!' Roy flicked her on the nose again.

'Sometimes I regret forming a contract with you'

'Hehe no you don't'

"It must be nice having a relationship like that with your familiar" Solleil smiled. "Seeing you two interact is quite heartwarming"

"Don't all Outlanders have a familiar? I haven't seen or heard of yours"

"Mine's kinda strange. All familiars are the sources of an Outlander's power. I formed a contract with the Phoenix. Due to that I have a constant supply of fire imbued in my weapon and can manipulate it at will. The Phoenix chose to live inside my spear, and hasn't ever felt the need to come out. It only communicates with me by giving me the ability to control fire, and that's it. I don't have a relationship with it like how you do with Azeria" He frowned, lowering his gaze to the floor.

"At least you have the powers of a legendary beast. I'm stuck with this glutinous, bothersome fox"

'HEY! I'm not THAT bad. I'm a legendary beast too' The fox huffed.

'A legendary pain in the ass' Roy signed.

'Mmmm!' Azeria pouted and began punching her master repeatedly. 'How's that for pain?'

"OPEN THE GATES! THE LANCER OF FLAMES APPROACHES!" The Captain of Guards announced. No one ever cared to mention or take notice of his companion. The three of them entered the castle, being escorted to the main lounge.

"The king will call you shortly. Please remain seated here" The Steward informed, scurrying off immediately after.

"He'll probably only call for you. So I'll stay here"

"Are you sure you're ok with that? You've been helping me out a great deal on each bounty. If anything you deserve to be in the King's presence more than I do" Solleil's modesty never failed to surprise anyone. "I'll make sure he treats you to a reward as well! You definitely deserve the credit!"

"Please follow me, Ser Solleil" The Steward ordered upon his return.

'Ugh, the nobility in this kingdom's such an ass. I expected more decency from the Lord of Light' Azeria scoffed.

'Not much we can do. Besides, I put myself in this position'

"It's good to see you, Ser Marwood" Roy's eyes widened when she approached. He felt his face begin to flush.

‘With Solleil gone, you and HER are left alone’

"Pl-please I'm ju-just an ordin-ordinary squire. Undeserving of any such title" He stood up in her presence, bowing down to form a perfect 90 degree angle.

"You're too hard on yourself, good ser. The Lancer of Flames has told me all about your heroic deeds. It's unfair that you don't get as much recognition as he does. The people should appreciate you more"

'No, they shouldn't' He thought to himself. ‘What right do I have to be talking this comfortably with a princess like her?’

"Please have a seat! I just came by to give you some snacks and keep you company while you wait" The King's daughter, Princess Eyerie stated.

"K-keep me com-company?" He coughed, making Azeria snicker. "Wouldn't you rather be with the ACTUAL hero?"

"He's with the King. Besides, my father never lets me attend meetings. He insists it's 'no job for a princess'" She sighed.

"But what would the esteemed heir of the Light Kingdom want with a lowly squire like myself?"

"Again, you're too hard on yourself Ser Marwood. Please think more highly of yourself" This is the most the two had ever spoken with each other, resulting in Roy blushing even more. He couldn’t even bring himself to look her in the eye

'Your heart rate picked up again' Azeria noted. Roy ignored.

"I appreciate that your grace"

"Again, you can just call me Eyerie!” She smiled. “I'd like to be friends and get to know you better. If that's okay with you, of course" Roy was lucky Azeria was controlling his blood pressure, otherwise he would have had a heart attack…

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'The Princess wants to befriend me?'

'That's not particularly a bad thing'

'But why? I'm a lowlife. What good does she see in me?'

'The same good I do! Solleil sees it too'

'Because he doesn't know about what I've done. Neither does she. If either of them ever found out…'

"Oh um, sorry if I was being too direct or forward. I know we don't know each other that well, and have only met a few times, and we haven't talked much before but- I'm sorry, I don’t really have many friends- I know I sound like-"

"Princess Eyerie!" The Steward exclaimed, marching into the lounge. "Your father commanded you to stay in your room. He would be furious if he saw you here entertaining guests without his permission!" And with that, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her off before Roy could even give a response.

'On second thought, with a household like that, maybe it's better if you don't get too close to her for now…' Azeria noted. Roy nodded.

'What good does she see in me? She's only saying that because she doesn't know a thing about me. As soon as I open up, she'll be disgusted and leave. Solleil will forsake me too if he finds out my past. It's better if I don't get close or attached to anyone in this world. It's already given up on me'

'No. That's not it at all. You've given up on yourself Roy. And that's what needs to change. You're not a bad person'

'How can you say that knowing what I've done?'

'The Princess brews amazing tea by the way! Assuming she made it that is. You should try it!'

'I don't like tea'

'So, coffee then?'

‘That exists in this world?’

‘Of course! You haven’t had the coffee here?’

‘Haven’t had the chance to’

‘I’ll treat you to it one day!’

‘I’ll hold you to that’

‘Perfect! So um, about the princess’

‘No’

‘Just, hear me out’

‘Absolutely not. I already know what you’re gonna say. I’m no hero, and I’m no savior. My interference will only make things worse’

‘C’mon don’t you wanna be the one who rescues the girl from her controlling family?’

‘LIFE DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY!’ Azeria fell silent, lowering her ears. ‘Just because this is some fantasy world I was pulled into, doesn’t mean I’m the protagonist who comes in and saves the day, and ends up getting with the princess. I learnt that lesson very quickly’

“Sorry I took so long!” Soleil announced upon his return. “Ooh tea!” He picked up a cup, sniffing it for a good while before taking a sip. “Mmm, Eyer-the Princess brews delicious tea. Have you had her coffee? She’s a master at making any drink”

“How close are you and her?”

“I’d say we’re uh, decent acquaintances. We talk every now and then. Not that close though. I’ve known her slightly longer than I’ve known you”

‘Acquaintances after knowing each other for two years?’ Azeria squinted her eyes. ‘Hmmmmm’

‘Don’t think too much into it’ Though Roy himself wondered the same.

“She’s great isn’t she?”

“Mhm” ‘A man like me hardly belongs in the same room as her’

“The King says he’ll throw a feast for us later tonight”

‘Maybe you can see Eyrie then’ Roy said nothing.

“We have the rest of the day off” Soleil tossed his squire a pouch of coins. “Our allowances came in too. Treat yourself to something nice. And some new clothes, for tonight of course”

“Am I even allowed to come?”

“OF COURSE! Even if you aren’t, I’ll refuse to go if you don’t”

“Surely you jest”

“I jest not! Don’t worry. I’ll probably spend most of today procuring some new equipment and upgrades for myself, so feel free to do the same. We’ll meet back at the gate at the appointed time”

‘YAY!’

“If you insist” Roy sighed.

“I would be quite pleased if my squire ascertained the ability to enjoy himself every now and then” He chuckled, heading off towards the marketplace.

‘Wait why would he bid farewell if we’re both going to end up going off in the same direction?’

‘My thoughts exactly’

‘Let’s buy you some new clothes first. I’ll need something for myself as well. Gotta dress to impress’

‘My familiar’s going to have a better fashion sense than me. You’ll probably get much more attention too’

‘NO! Self-loathing is not on the to-do list for today! Besides, you need something fashionable to look dashing enough for Princess Eye-AYOW!’ The fox began petting her nose after Roy flicked it again. ‘Stop that!’

‘Not my fault your snout’s so long and flickable’

‘YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE IS LONG AND FLICKABLE!?’

‘WAIT NO! It’s not long!’ Roy quickly covered his genitals before Azeria could strike.

‘That’s what I thought’ She huffed. ‘Now allow ME to pick out your clothes for tonight’

“Hello! What can I do for you?” The tailor asked as they arrived at his store.

‘You will repeat after me, ok?’

‘Since when did you become the leader?’ “Good morning, I would-AH!” Roy flung his hand aside as Azeria bit down on his finger.

‘Repeat after me’ She glared.

‘Fine’ “Sorry, I would”-

‘I would like the finest suit stitched from the finest fabric!’

“Like the finest suit stitched from the finest fabric”

‘For tonight’s grand feast!’

“For tonight’s grand feast”

“Oh, you’re in the Pyrolancer’s party, correct?!”

“Mhm”

“So YOU’RE the co-hero people have been talking about!”

‘HUH? Me?’ “Co-hero? No, I’m just his sq-” Azeria bit him again. “NRGH!”

“I see, I see. Very well then, I shall stitch you the finest suit from the finest fabric cut from the finest cloth!”

‘He really didn’t need to say all that’

‘BUT SEE, YOU’RE GETTING RECOGNITION!’

‘It’s better if I don’t’

“What color do you fancy yourself?”

‘Pick dark blue’

“Dark blue”

“Very well then, it shall be done! Please return in about five hours” It’s noon right now. The feast will be at 6:30. Wait, why am I getting a fancy suit made? Can’t I just dress in the formal attire these people wear?

‘You’re an Outlander remember? Only royalty and people from other worlds get special privileges like these’

‘Yes, ever since I’ve come here I’ve gotten some VERY special privileges’ Roy grimaced. Azeria said nothing, simply rubbing her head against his hand.

‘Isn’t having an amazing travel companion like me a special privilege?’

‘That it is’ He smiled, patting her head. ‘After all, how could I ever get by without my PWWMP Fox, or whatever you call it’

‘Hey you actually got that right!’ The Familiar giggled. And so the two shared a hearty laugh as they left the store in search of other things to do…