I ran with my sword sheathed, earning a fair amount of speed and momentum to cleanly slice my blade through the demon. It cried out with a deafening screech, flailing its arms around in madness. It was a huge demon with horns, two arms that were as big as logs. Its tough skin prevented me from cutting deeper into it.

"Gino!" with that, a loud whirring sound came from behind me, blasting towards the demon within seconds. A powerful bolt of energy struck it, yet it remained unfazed. The sound of the impact reverberated as the demon was pushed back a few feet from its original position.

"It seems that it wasn't enough. Zach, distract it for a while. I will force its composure to crumble. Daphne, find your chance and strike. We will probably have only a small window to go through with the plan, but it'll be enough."

"How about me?" Aster asked, looking eager to join the battle.

"You will continue to look over our dear little princess," Gino smiled, gesturing to Erica whom looked at Aster as he stood beside her. Her eyes were focused on the battle between us and the demons, but it didn't look like she was quite fond of it.

"Don't worry, kid. I won't let any demon get close to you, got that?"

She simply nodded at him.

"Will Zach be alright?" she asked.

"Of course. Just watch. He's something else. Being a Thalisean means that he's an amazing person who can beat the demons so that they don't scare other people like you. Just don't tell anyone what he is, alright? Now, cheer him on. He'll need it."

"Mhm!" she clenched her hands and focused on me. I noticed her eyes from the corner of my eyes, but sure enough I had the urge to show off my skills.

"Alright. Let me think for a bit."

I concentrated and allowed the power weakly shining from the back of my hand to spread to my body. My control was still not where I wanted it to be, but having it amplify my strength was enough for now. In fact, it was helpful in saving me more times than I could count.

I broke into a run and circled around the demon, its glowing red eyes followed me. Taking a deep breath, I charged at the demonic beast and leveled my sword downwards as if it were sheathed.

My eyes stayed focus on its movements, anticipating that one move that I waited for.

It raised its large arm and brought it down towards me.

'There it is, my chance!'

"Von!"

I whistled and caught his attention. In that moment, my canine companion bit onto the beast's tail, forcing the beast into making its move early.

I stomped my foot and leapt back, narrowly avoiding the beast from flattening me. Despite the ground being shook from the impact, I stood my ground and leapt on its arm, leaping onto its shoulders. Climbing on its head, I placed my right hand on it and poured all the energy I've saved up and gathered.

The beard reacted as if it were being burned alive, but that was not the case. The light wasn't as strong, but it had the same effect when used against demons. As a start, that was good enough.

"Daphne, bring it down!"

I leapt off from its head retreated, allowing her to cleanly cut through, using the gap under the beast's leg, cutting at the back, forcing the beast to the ground.

"Gino, again!"

At Daphne's behest, Gino unleashed a powerful ball of fire he was channeling during that time. He released it as if he were throwing a piece of stone. It then blew up and engulfed the demon in flames. I could feel the heat from where I stood. With one last cry, the demon roared loudly, forcing his legs to stand, but it finally fell to the ground with an earth-shaking thud.

The mark disappeared once more from my hand and it again sent a searing pain to my head. It was weaker and bearable this time, maybe because I didn't use too much of it. Still I wonder why it has to pain me every time I used it. It's starting to make me dislike using this power if it'll only inflict a malicious lash of pain afterwards.

"Are you alright?"

Looking up, there Daphne stood with a hand extended towards me.

"Not exactly."

I took her hand and forced a smile. I haven't told anyone about this, but maybe it's fine if it remains in my mind for now. There's no fuss about that. I just have to get used to it and bear the pain.

"You certainly have gotten better. You're starting to look more like a Thalisean."

"Still a long way to go, huh?"

"Don't feel that bad. Nothing is too easy nor too difficult. Think about it that way. You'll get there, eventually. Just keep trying."

When it came to skill and proficiency with the blade, Daphne surpassed me. With her as my teacher, I gradually felt myself being able to keep up. Still I had a lot to learn. I can't keep depending on the heraldic mark to give me the strength I need every time. There will come a moment in my path where I will be forced to use my own abilities to get through the task.

A man came running towards us, huffing and puffing as he came to a stop. After catching his breath, he spoke jovially.

"Oh, unbelievable! Just great! You did it! I knew that you would! Thank you, thank you. My sincerest thanks for defeating this beast that has plagued our lands for weeks, no, months on end! It's vile reign has finally ended. Please, tell me how I can ever repay you?"

"A place to rest would be nice."

"Then come with me! I have just the place in mind, in fact, that was where I was headed to. I'm sure the villagers would love to hear what you've done for them. It'll be safe to go out for the time being because of you."

With a spry step, he led the way, following a road that led to a small village on a vast plain. The place where most of the houses were built was walled off with bricks while the fields where the villagers panted their crops on were outside, arranged symmetrically.

"Welcome to Alva, my home. We're a small farming village just a few days’ worth of travelling to the capital. There's an Inn managed by my brother. I can ask him to give you a few days for lodging, if that's alright?"

"That's fine, thank you. Well then, I'll be heading off to the chief's place and make a report. Us merchants can't be complacent."

With that, he parted from us.

The others and I settled all our things down upon being ushered into our rooms. It seems that the brother of the man we saved a while ago became eternally grateful and was overjoyed to receive us.

"I just noticed this, but, why aren't there any soldiers guarding the village? I haven't seen one," I asked.

He sat down and let a sigh escape from his mouth. There are, but not enough. There's so few of them that they're basically forced to guard a village from demons despite their small numbers. The king ordered many to depart for the capital since something rather big is happening soon. Rumors are that they're going to attack Ylithia, but that's simply absurd! The king would prefer war over the protection of his people, but there are some that think that it is a good thing. Those people do not know what living in fear feels like. To be unable to sleep because you hear those terrifying sounds coming from the forests around you, making you think that there are demons on the prowl. If only King Halycn had not perished, I believe that things would be peaceful even with this terror."

The moment that familiar name rang through the room, I glanced at Daphne whom looked down instead, avoiding everyone's gaze.

"I have heard that king Halycn had a daughter before he perished. Though she was not born as righteously as they say, in my own words, I would rather have her sit on the throne rather than those in the corrupt line of the Luvierre family. People are starving, losing families and homes, and for what? Just to win a war and create more strife within us? We are already divided as humans; doesn't he understand that?"

"Hmm, interesting. Well, tell me, how has the capital been?" Gino asked, taking an intrigue in the discussion.

"The capital? Hmm, haven’t been there for a week, but news has come around that the soldiers are being sent there to build the invasion army. It's tightly guarded, the capital. It's the largest army ever mustered by Alrifer. Maybe a couple hundred thousand, give or take."

"Impressive. Then that would mean the king used every soldier available in the country, yes?"

"He did. Even from the Luvic wall, the soldiers are being recalled. Just what is he thinking? We're practically defenseless at this point. Well, there's no use griping about it I guess. A simple commoner such as I won't be able to make a difference against an absolute ruler."

Just as he began to walk away, Daphne asked a question that froze the man from his tracks.

"If King Halycn's daughter were to appear, would you follow her claim even if she were an illegitimate daughter?"

"I would! Without a doubt. Maybe it's just that I don't want that line of Luvierre to rule, but I can't say for certain yet. However, I believe in king Halycn's legacy! I'm sure that his daughter would be more than enough to lead us!"

"I see, thank you. That is all I needed to know."

There was a brief silence. I myself couldn't find the time to speak, but I will try to find one. There certainly is something that's bothering her about what she had heard. I have to do all I can to repay and help her. She had helped me a lot to grow, now I think it's about time for me to give that back once more.

"Well then, why don't we go do our own things? I'm sure that we are all tired from that encounter. Let us meet up again afterwards. I will be busy reading some more interesting things I've bought, but if you need me, I shall be there. Our next destination is pretty much decided by now."

Gino ascended the stairs and left us on our own.

"Hmm, I think I can read what you're thinking. I got this," Aster nudged me with his elbow, smirking.

"Hey, Erica! Let's go play outside for a while."

"Boo! Your games are too difficult, Aster! I want to stay with Daphne!"

"Oh, come on now, giving up already?"

Aster came closer to Erica and whispered into her ear. I hear what he had said faintly as I was close to them.

-Can't you read the atmosphere, kid? ... Right, I forgot, you can't yet. Let's just go. Let's take a look around the village.

-But I don't want to! I-ah!

He carried her and ran outside in a hurry, leaving the two of us alone. But even with that small fiasco, she remained silent and in low spirits, failing to notice what had just happened around her.

"Daphne, do you mind if you take a walk with me somewhere? Everyone's occupied doing their own thing, so I wondered if you weren't."

It was a longshot. She most likely wanted to be alone after that. Her responsibility was practically shoved towards her, reminding her that she held a great deal of responsibility and decision in the way that this kingdom will live in the future.

"I'd like that, Zach. Thank you."

To my surprise, I was wrong. Without much time to think things through, we took a stroll towards one of the nearby forests and followed a trail. Then a path hidden by the overgrowth showed itself, revealing a small clearing where a small river flowed.

There was an ample amount of shade under a lone tree in the middle of the clearing.

She walked towards that by herself, hands behind her back. She sat down and hugged her legs. There was a clear hint of silence between us. I knew well just what she was thinking of, but I was in the middle of thinking what I should say. But then it occurred to me. In these types of things, one must allow his or her words to come naturally, and it will as long as our hearts are in the right place.

Thus, I took a deep breath in and approached her, sitting beside her under the shade.

"Are you thinking about your responsibility, princess of Alrifer?"

"As much as I don't want to, I am. Zachary, do you really think I have what it takes to lead the people?"

"What are you worried about? If I remember correctly, your resolve is as strong as one's should be. You know, I remember those times when you talked about this kingdom and what you will do in order to regain it, just to inherit your father's will. You were passionate about it. I was convinced that you can do it no matter how hard it may be, and I still do think that you can do it."

"How can you be so sure? Now that we're here, I'm starting to get second thoughts. I mean, this isn't how things should go. I do not have people of influence to support me, no territory to begin my claim. I am but a single piece against hundreds upon thousands. What makes you think that I can do such a thing?"

"Because I'll be there to help you."

I knew it in myself that I too knew little about what I am and what I should be. I was in no position to boast about strength when I could not even understand what I am. But one thing is clear to me, it is that, to help yourself, you must help others. That doesn't necessarily mean to help someone only for the gain of benefit. It's quite complicated to explain, but there's a feeling that I get every time I help someone. I can't help but feel happy and limitless, as if I could face any challenge this world has to throw my way.

"Could you tell me your reasons for that?"

"I don't think I need one to help you, don't I?"

"You can't not have a reason, Zach. There has to be something that's motivating you, otherwise it's just an empty promise. Once you accomplish it, there's nothing for you to gain. What reason do you have to stand against a kingdom with me all for a dream that I wish would come true?"

"A reason... If you really want one, then it's because I want you to be able to make your father proud. He left you his kingdom, but someone else snatched from you. Now they seem to have ruined it. I'm sure that whatever happens, no matter the outcome, you will be an excellent ruler, I just know it. Your father trusted you that much since he decided that he wanted to give you the reins, didn't he?"

She hid her face behind her knees. She became silent, but I was sure that I saw a small smile on her face before it was concealed.

"Don't lose your resolve now, Daphne. As long as I'm here, then there's nothing for you to fear, right? As long as we're supporting each other, then I don't think there's anything for us to fear."

"... You're right, Zach. Thank you. I don't know why, but you seem so different again. Why does every time this happens, you seem so distant and far away, as if you're going somewhere I can't reach you?"

"I don't quite understand, but I don't think I'm any different from who I am now. Are you sure?"

"No," she shook her head. "I know that it's impossible for you to stay with me until the end because of who you are, but for now, please, will you stay here with me for a while? I can't stop the inevitable. Someday, you will leave, and I won't know what will happen to you. I want to stop you, but for my own selfish reasons against the world, I don't think I can, forgive me."

"Well, I say we don't think that far ahead and enjoy what's happening in the present. There's no use worrying about something that we know will happen, but not remotely close to when we expect it to happen. I think you taught me something like that, right?"

"Now you're turning things around. How unfair," she smiled. "But you do have a point. Why is it hard to accept when you had once said it to someone else?"

"Hmm, maybe it makes too much sense for one to realize that you've been telling yourself the truth all along. It's hard to accept the truth at times. I've known too well about that, but through time I've also understood that the truth coming from your own mouth means a lot more than what others say."

"I see. Well then, it seems just that I heed my own words. But for now, allow me to be vulnerable before I steel myself for what has to come. I have decided, or rather, I owe this to you and everyone that we have traveled with. Will you allow that of me?"

"I don't see a reason to keep you from doing that."

"Then I shall not hold back."

I felt a weight on my shoulder and the fragrance of flowers in the air. The small space separating us was no more, and the warmth that we individually had was now being shared.

But she is right about one thing. I'm not ready for it as I am now, but soon I will have to go somewhere dangerous, somewhere I can fulfill my fate and fulfill my promise to my mother and father. That is simply who I am and what I am meant to be. Our selfish desires cannot go against the will of the people, and the creator.

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'Then I promise, I shall stay with you for as long as I can. I will fulfill my promises to you, and when that time comes, when that fateful time comes, there will be no regrets'.

Am I thinking about things a bit too pessimistically? As I am now, there's no way I can hope to face demons alone, let alone the demon king. I wonder just how strong fighting it is.

I looked at Daphne and wondered why she was silent.

"Fell asleep huh?"

I gently lifted her head up and leaned my backs against the tree, placing her head on my lap. I too wanted to enjoy the tranquil sight of this forest's clearing. I might only find peace here and not where we're going. That much is sure.

I thought about it for a bit more since I had nothing else to do but wait for her to wake up. I mean, it isn't so bad that we're spending time like this. It's not every day that this happens to me. I feel quite skittish about this whole thing, it feels like a dream, honestly.

It's strange, I’m just realizing it now. And now that I'm thinking a bit more clearly, my face started getting hot, and my heart began throbbing irregularly like a drum.

"What do I exactly do here?"

I don't know why, but brushed her hair away from the side of her face to see her better. There was a single tear on her cheek.

"I wonder what kind of dream you're having right now. You're still sorrowful even when you close your eyes. I think that when you close your eyes, all your worries should go away. Don't worry, I'm still here, Daphne."

I wiped the teardrop from her face as gently as I could and closed my eyes as well. My fatigue reached its point as well. I don't know what might happen next, but surely it'll need a great amount of energy.

As much as I can, if I have to, then I'll face an entire kingdom without fear. It'll be difficult, and I might just be feeding my confidence some air while I can, but I see no other way to build that up, unfortunately.

"Are you sure that we can find your sister here?" I asked, oddly suspicious at the sight before us. The way I see it, there should be clear signs of demons roaming about if they were chasing them. Yet there are no demons in sight.

"I can't be wrong. This feeling, it's her, but the connection's vague, I feel that I'll lose this connection if I don't concentrate enough."

"Isn't it nice to be back home, Daphne?" Gino said to her, smiling wryly at his own remark.

"I can't quite feel happy at the idea of being back home. But there could be nothing done if Aster says that we can find his sister here. I just wish that we can get this over with as soon as possible. I have not anticipated this, so I'm not as prepared as thought I'd be."

"I hope this coat would be enough to hide your identity."

"Don't worry, Zachary. I don't think the guards would have the memory to remember the bastard daughter of the former king. I'll get through fine with this."

"As long as you believe that that's the case."

"You worry too much about me. I mean, I'm not opposed to that, but you have to worry about yourself first. Yu can't get complacent just because of me now," she had a soft expression as she smiled from the side. It seems that our bond had grown a bit stronger, and the rift between us had been repaired. I can't help but see her in a strange, but nice way every time she would smile. I wonder if I'm starting to get conscious of her ever since she asked for marriage.

"Ahh, it's so beautiful! Is this really what a city looks like?" Erica's eyes gleamed brightly at the new sight. The smile on her face puts my heart at ease, but she was right, the city was rather impressive. There were many tall structures and buildings with a fashionably rustic feel to it.

"Well then, I don't think we should idle by here. I have an idea. Why don't Daphne, Erica, and I go to a cheap lodging place that I know of, and the two of you try your hand at searching for any traces of Aster's sister. Dividing the work will make things simple and fast, don't you think? Look for Galastine's Inn. We'll be there."

"I think that's a good idea. You fine with that, Zach?"

I approached Erica and asked her.

"Will you be alright while I'm away?"

"Don't worry. Gino and Daphne are here to keep me company! Thank you for worrying about me, Zach," she smiled and embraced me briefly, then taking Daphne's hand as they waved us goodbye, disappeared into the crowd entering the city.

I took my time to look at the numerous ranks of soldiers outside the tall imposing walls of the city. I originally thought that there would be more inside, but they had set up camps and tents just outside, probably not to crowd to insides of the city too much.

Fully armored men wielding all kinds of weapons ranging from swords, spears, to bows and arrows. There were those that looked intimidating while wearing their armors that had the images of fierce looking monsters on their helmets. There were those whom were training arduously, sparring with one another. Their motivation and morale shook my ears.

The sheer assortment of soldiers baffled me to no end. They looked superior in every way, even their mounts looked like beasts twice as larger than a normal horse.

"So this is an army. I've never seen one of this magnitude. It's impressive."

"Well, if you want to fight demons and live through it, you have to work hard to be part of the best defense humanity has to offer. I've heard stories about the great strength of the Alrifian army and their devastating orders. Alphirona, the iron knights of the vanguard. They are the lead army for every battle in this kingdom. If there is a battle, they are present. I do not know who leads them, but the command is terrifying either way. They are just one of the best examples I can tell you."

"That's quite the reputation they have."

I stood there in a daze until his voice echoed into my ears.

"Hey, Zach, let's go. We're going to need all the time we need. Truth be told, I don't feel comfortable being led to a city. If this is where she's being held, then I only hope that she's safe. It doesn't bode too well for her to be somewhere so populous."

Pulled back from my thoughtless daze, I turned my sights to Aster.

"You're right. Let's get going then. It seems that the security of the entrance isn't as strict as I thought it'd be, I was quite worried. Stay close, Von. Don't get left behind. and hey, now that I'm getting a better look at you, your fur's gotten even more whiter, hasn't it?"

"Just one of the reasons why he's popular with the children."

"Don't people get bothered with him though? I thought that they would be at least weary."

"They are. I don't know myself."

We started to walk in the direction of the crowd, entering a rather bustling district filled with people working about, some doing construction work by lifting big blocks of stone and long stocks of wood. The business of the district was more than apparent.

-Oy! be careful with that! Break it, and it'll go right from yer paycheck, slave! That means your life is pretty much forfeit early! Haha, you don't even get paychecks!

-Sir, what do I do with this one? I caught him resting and drinking water without permission.

-Flog him! I don't want paid merchandise to be slacking off at my own expense!

-Please, no! I was simply tired. We haven't had anything to drink for the past hour!

-So? I don't care. You'll drink when I allow you to drink. And clearly, I don't remember ever allowing any of you. For a demon that's been spared for a few days, you've quite the audacity to try a stunt like this. Go, show him what happens to disobedient trash.

The man shouting commands from a high place laughed loudly, drowning himself with his drink that spilled from the sides of his lip. Not a second glance came from him as the man begged for forgiveness. He was dragged towards a wall where he was tied up with his backs facing a tall, burly man wielding a whip.

The ones being referred to as slaves did manual labor and were at the beck and call of those that needed them. They wore little to no clothing, wearing something akin to rags and worn, tattered clothes sown together from a mesh of other discarded clothes. Their skins were different, their features. They were not the same as the humans scoffing at them.

The slaves did not seem to be limited to men for there were women and children whom served drinks and acted as 'toys' for the men.

I overheard a punishment for something as ridiculous as taking a rest, but before I could, Aster took hold of my shoulder and shook his head.

"There's nothing that can be done about that right now, unfortunately. This kingdom's got a bad history of taking in slaves, both Half-breeds, demons, and prisoners both of the kingdom and of war. For example, I see a couple of Half-breeds over there, the ones being worked to death. Children, women, old people, they're subjected to that no matter what. Believe it or not, there even are demons being used as slaves here, some for entertainment as they are used to kill each other in areanas. Some are pitted against other humans. To these people whom held the power of influence and wealth, these people were superfluous to their lives and thus are treated as materials to be discarded after use, all manners of use."

"Then all the more reason to help them. Why do you oppose that? You can't expect me to listen and look at this without being able to do anything, right?"

"I'm not going to force you, but I'm going to ask that you don't. It'll give us away. It's too risky. In truth, it’s not the first time I've been here. Hiding our identities, my sister and I have often snuck inside the city only to see the horrors of the current reign's corruption. I've heard that in the past before the current king, this wasn't the case, in fact, there was nothing about slavery. I'm sorry, but this is selfish, but I want to save my sister before anyone else. It pains me to say it, but..."

"It's alright, I understand. But I will do something about this once we rescue your sister, alright?"

"Be my guest. When that time comes, I'll let you do whatever you want, as long as it's not bad and goes against the morale code."

After a few more minutes of walking, we came upon the main business district where most of the shops and stores were located. They accommodated a lot of customers and people wearing clothes ranging from casual to extravagantly colorful ones.

"The sight's changed. It's almost as if what we saw back there didn't exist here. Why is that, Aster?"

"I'll tell you what I know. There's a social class that's gone unnoticed. It's not that rampant. You haven't even seen the worst part yet. If I remember correctly, there's a large part of the city that's become a slums area. There the people live in poverty, but heavily guarded by the city military so that the two classes stay divided. That was proposed by the nobles and approved by the king."

"Seeing those slaves are just the beginning. If you try to search hard for these flaws, you'll find them without much difficulty. Thus, there are some who try and escape the slums in order to find some kind of fortune beyond their boundaries. Robberies, theft, and arsons are quite frequent, but not as of late. After all, most of the military of the kingdom are already present here. They're idiots if they try something like that."

"I-I didn't know. How is it so skillfully hidden?"

"There are people who don't want to see the imperfections of society. People like us are shunned but live in a world where we're hated. Our purpose is difficult to achieve here seeing as nothing has been gained. I hope that someday this changes."

"Well, it should. I know it will. And that might be sooner than we expect, Aster."

"What makes you so sure? We've tried that, and for years. But nothing."

"I'll just keep that a secret for now. Soon you'll know."

"Fine, I'll hold you to that. Since we're already talking about secrets, why do you want to hide something as amazing as that? Being, you know, that?"

"Now that you tell me, I haven't really told you why, haven't I? I'm hiding it because I was told that everyone was still unprepared. There will be those that will want to find me, and they will surely kill and destroy anything in their way. When I'm stronger and when I'm ready to face the full reality, only then will I tell the world who I am."

"Oh? Sounds pretty dramatic. Well, it makes sense. Let's keep going for now. The more we talk, the more suspicious we'll get. I can already feel the eyes of the district guards on us."

"For what reason?"

"Just because. They always seem to know when one's an outsider or not. Might just be my imagination, but you can't be too sure. Just keep your cloak in mind."

From the corner of my eye, I saw a rather suspicious movement. It was vague, but a figure appeared on an alleyway we had just passed.

I took a second glance and found a richly dressed figure at the very end of the hall. His or her arms were raised up high while three to four other figures seem to hold something with a glint close to her neck.

"Aster, wait here. I'll just check something out."

"What is that?"

"Nothing too important. Just wait here, I'll take Von with me."

Silently and carefully I crept into the alleyway, making sure that my steps didn't make that much of a sound. Von followed shortly behind me, even more nimble that I was.

The image of the entire thing became clearer once I got close enough to them.

There were four ragged individuals with sly grins and sharp eyes each wearing cloaks and hoods that covered their faces. Each one of them held rusty looking daggers.

The one they forced into a corner wore a uniform consisting of a white, dirtied blouse and a short dark skirt. She had a faintly red hair until her shoulders and cool blue eyes that didn't match her terrified expression. Even her pale skin was blemished with dirt.

-Hand over everything you have, now! Before you lose your head.

-No! Please, I-I can't. If I return empty handed, my lady will be very displeased with me. I do not want to lose her trust. Please spare me. I am but a servant of the princess. I have nothing to offer and nothing to give!

-Didn't you hear me?! You think we care for you rich people and your problems? Last I checked we're not the ones sitting cozily on a chair by the fireplace eating good food.

The man brandished the blade my inching it further towards her neck. I increased the pace that I walked and prepared myself.

She shivered, shrinking because of fear. She covered her head with her hands and trembled.

-Damn, we don't have time for this, Philip! Just kill her and get it over with. The guards will find us soon. It won't matter if one of the nobility are dead or not.

-Don't you think I'm not thinking of that?! Shit! You think it's easy deciding whether to kill the princess' servant?!

-But she's a worthless demon. She should care less whether a demon is dead or not. We can just take her and sell her. We'll fetch a pretty good price for her race. She's practically merchandise already because of who this damned bitch is! We practically doing this continent a favor for getting rid of her. Think that we’re the only ones thinking that? The nobles are, too, surprisingly enough.

Looking conflicted, the man named Philip wound up his arm and stabbed at the defenseless woman in a frenzied panic.

Just in time, I caught the man's wrist and smacked his dagger away from him, knocking it far away from their reach. Then I shoved the man away just enough that his back hit the opposite side of the narrow alley we occupied.

"Don't you think what you're doing is a bit over the top?"

-Argh, who the hell are you?!

The man recovered, and so did his companions. They closed in on me and surrounded me, holding their daggers away from their bodies and pointed at me. At this point, I was used to having pointed objects directed at me that it didn't faze me in the least. But from what I could see, their hands were trembling as they held their weapons.

The mere hesitation that I've heard from earlier could have been because of their inexperience.

"That doesn't matter. What you're doing, is wrong. Just what were you thinking?"

-You don't even know the beginning! We've been living for so long in the slums that the food we eat aren't even enough to fill our bellies. It's become worse that a single piece of bread is a godsend for the entire day, so long as we don't kill each other for it. We're used to living outside, seeing others like us dying on the street because of the cold. Why do you think we're doing this?! Those people whom have chosen not to do anything deserve to die!

"So you resort to petty thievery and robberies?"

-What else do you think we can do? The king can't even dream of speaking with us, let alone give us something to wear for the winter. There's no other choice for us.

"So you've tried talking with the king?"

-Ha! Tried, that's amusing. Only the lucky ones are able to even see the king. The rest of us that are unlucky are either locked up and tortured for being in his presence, or killed on the spot. I don't expect you to understand. You don't even seem to come from here. The way we see it. You protecting that noble right there only means that you're depriving us of our lives. Think about it. Aren't you the villain right now?

He's... right. As much as I hate to admit it. He's right. But there's a clear boundary to what can be done and what can't be done. But this is difficult. Am I really depriving them of their lives?

No, even if that's the case.

"No. Taking a life is still wrong. If you're calling her a demon, then you wanting to take her life just because she is one makes you the demon."

-You're weak. Then look at it this way. That noble your protecting, is a demon. How does that make you feel? Helping a demon? Still going to defend her? The only reason she's not dead is because she's the princess' lackey. Everyone's afraid of her, but they're too afraid to lay their hands on her.

I took a glance at her, seeing her trembling figure, the terror on her face remained still.

"Tell me, what did she ever do to you?"

-Do to us?! Are you serious? That doesn't matter. She's a demon, and that's that. If we humans have the same enemy, then it's the demons! All the demons deserve to die, even the Half-breeds and the monsters.

"This is what's so disgusting with humanity. It makes me ashamed of being raised as one sometimes. The innocents are not part of the fight, yet you drag them into it like they're the masterminds of all this. Leave. No harm will come to her."

-Her?! Are you telling us that you're going to protect this freak?! Then you're no better than a demon! Get him!

Once more, I glanced back at the demon.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you from them. There's no need to worry anymore."

They rushed at me with their daggers, yelling on the top of their lungs.

"Von, hold him down!"

I whistled and pointed at one of the men. Von immediately turned to snarl at its target and lunged at it, biting it its leg and pulling him down to submission.

Now there were three.

I met the men and aimed for the supposed leader's wrist where the dagger was being held but missed my mark as he swung low.

Just a bit too slow for me, I managed to avoid it by taking a step back. But he relented by swinging his dagger at my face.

The chance showed itself to me, so I timed it perfectly until I got a good firm hold on the leader's wrist, twisting it so that his back was facing me. Once I disarmed him, I kicked him towards one of his companions and placed my attention on the other one charging me from behind.

I avoided a couple of jabs and sent a strong blow directly to his face. He had no time to dodge, so he was immedately knocked down.

-Damn you!

"Be careful! Behind you!"

I heard a cry come from the woman I was protecting, her finger pointed behind me. Glancing in that direction, the leader rose and charged at me desperately, picking up the dagger I had knocked away from him.

Have I been a second later, I would have not been able to stop him. But due to the help I was given, I evaded the direction of his swing and took hold of his arm, swinging my arm at his cheek strong enough to force him down on the ground rolling with a loud thud.

"Thanks for helping me back there. It might have turned badly if not for you. Are you alright, are you hurt anywhere?"

I asked her right away and held my hand out to her. But instead of an answer, I received a stare of bewilderment and silence. She stared at me for what seemed like the longest time, until she blinked and regained her senses.

"Uh, ah! Yes, I am alright, thank you..."

"Come, let's get out of here before they regain their senses. I don't like the idea of harming them more since they seem to have learnt their lessons. Using a sword here will probably do more harm than I could, so I'll have to refrain from that."

Once she had reached out to me hesitantly, I pulled her as gently as possible led her away from the alley.

"Come, Von, let's go."

The odd thing was that, once I had reached the same location I had left him, Aster was nowhere to be found.

There was a dense crowd all around us, but there was a clear and obvious space separating us for some reason, as if the area around us was forbidden.

I tried to search for Aster, but all I saw that stood out were the eyes of the people passing us by. They were more like glances and glares rather than stares, as if they were sneaking a peek, then murmuring as if I can't hear them.

My worries started surfacing. What if the guards had suspected and detained him? Even if he were disguised, there was still a chance for him to be found. I hope that it had not happened for it would be difficult to try and rescue him, not saying that I wouldn't try.

I walked around to try and find him, looking around at the various districts and streets nearby, but before I could go further, I was forced to a stop. Turning around, I realized that I was dragging the woman with me the whole time.

She averted my gaze but tried to speak.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Oh, ah! Sorry! I didn't realize that I had brought you along. I may have panicked after seeing that my friend was not there. If you'll excuse me then, I need to go and find him before my worst fears come true."

I waved her goodbye and turned my back, but just as I was about to leave, my sleeve was pulled, taking my attention to her again.

She looked shocked as I looked at her again.

"Wait, please. Will you answer a question of mine?"

"Go ahead."

"Was what you said back there true?"

"What do you mean?"

"You said that even if I was a demon, I was innocent and not deserving of the scorn I was receiving. Was that true?"

"Of course I am. I mean, that should be obvious enough. Even if we all don't look the same, that doesn't mean we're any different from each other. We just see each other in different perspectives that the other side refuses to look through."

"But still, why? You heard from them, I am the servant of the princess and a demon nonetheless."

"So? I don't care about that. Demon or not, you're you. There's no need for you to feel that the world's against you. I don't know why everyone's so afraid of you, except for the demon part. But they're going through such lengths of difficulty to avoid you. Sometimes I question the amount of their effort and what they put it into."

Then I heard a commotion where a small crowd was gathered, and a few guards could be seen approaching the scene. My heart started beating quickly, so I quickly said my farewell and ran towards that direction.

Just before I could reach the scene, I was pulled by my arm and silenced with a hand on my mouth.

I turned my head whilst struggling as much as I could, but this person's strength was something to behold, almost like it were superhuman.

I clenched my fist as hard as I could and loudly thought about the mark and how I could force it to empower me.

But it was unnecessary until I glanced back, seeing Aster with a finger in front of his mouth, hushing me.

I calmed down and settled as he allowed me to speak.

"Where were you? I thought that the guards had taken you."

"I can't afford being taken so far at this point. But thanks for the concern. I hid because I think I attracted too much attention by doing nothing, so I moved around and circled the through the alleyways. But then I saw that another group was coming from the other side, so I came back to where I entered from and to my great luck, I saw that something else was happening over there, I don't know what it is."

"I guess we're both paranoid."

"I can agree to that. My head's thumping like crazy. But anyway, what happened? You went somewhere and didn't return for a while."

"Let's talk while we walk back to the Inn. I think we've done all we could for today. Besides, it's getting dark."

"You're right on that one. It'll be harder for us to try and walk around at night. We'll be questioned without a doubt."

So Aster and I asked around some people who didn't seem to mind and eventually found our destination. But on the way, I told him about what had happened.

"I don't know if this is intentional, but you're a smooth talker, aren't you? Sly words are a pretty girl's weakness. Daphne's obviously infatuated already. Wonder if that's a Thalisean's perk."

"Huh? Why'd you think of that? I don't think I meant it by any other way. But enough of that, let's go in already. I'm sure they're waiting for us."

"Sheesh, already avoiding the topic. What a shrewd man. You're missing out. You might not realize it, but that's a strength that you can use. This isn't the end of it, hey! Wait up!"