The days passed gently. The weather was growing milder. If you looked closely, you could see spirits wandering the land… As the Festival of the Departed approached, the spirits loved playing tricks.
Today, Elias walked calmly through the streets of Daven's capital. He paid no attention to distractions. He knew every hidden corner, every discreet shop. This was his home.
"Madam Echal? Let me help you with that."
Quiet and calm, he helped the residents without ever asking for a reward. The rest of his family was the same. At first, his great-grandfather had been a noble, but he was stripped of his title for betraying the kingdom during the war. He had left the battlefield to protect the country. Even though the choice was sensible, it remained a major act of disobedience, and the king could not let it go unpunished. Reduced to a commoner, he did not leave the country. On the contrary, he continued living in the capital with pride, and the people adored him. He was a guardian, a hero to them: a man who didn't charge toward the Demon King, but who protected the weak. Thanks to these people, he was able to build a house that grew into a large building. Today, they welcomed young people to train them in the art of combat at a dojo.
Elias himself had no real interest in fighting. He wanted to become an explorer, to see beyond the Four Nations… But to do that, he would have to cross the Demon Kingdom—likely where Vespia was—or the Sea of Monsters.
"There you go, madam… Have a good day… Hey, who are you guys?"
Elias didn't like fighting, but somehow he kept running into people like them… vulgar criminals who wanted to kill him because he was in their way. By the time the guards arrived, the criminals were already on the ground, covered in blood. Elias forced himself to hide a smile. Yes, Elias didn't like fighting… but he also loved fighting. And that's what they call a Battle Junkie. For a long time, his family had carried this berserker blood that made them thrill at violence and combat, but for Elias, it was a curse that brought out all his worst sides.
Then suddenly, the one who arrived with the guards was the noble Seraphine Luthaine.
"That's quite troublesome… Elias… Do I really need to remind you that you're getting in the way of my family's work? The festival is managed by the Luthaine and the Daven families, whether it's security or the event itself… Don't drag your shameful blood in front of me."
Elias rubbed the back of his neck, not used to talking with Seraphine.
"Wait, Elias! If you keep going down this path, you're going to get in our way again. And stop walking around in such light clothing—are you stupid? Like any commoner, you could catch a cold."
She wrapped a scarf around his neck.
"I know you're a bit scatterbrained, withdrawn, and quiet, but we don't joke around with health… If you get hurt, then in a critical moment, you might not be able to protect our queen… Anyway, enjoy the festival and let my family know if you have any problems."
Several days passed.
On the other side of the city, Oria looked at the palace and sighed.
"Am I really going to do this?… No, I've thanked the boss enough… This time, they're on their own."
She turned around and ran into Ben and Cassidy.
"Ben? During this festival, you're… oooh, that's too cute!"
Ben hadn't wanted to run into Oria. She was the worst with rumors and especially the most annoying.
In another part of the city, Elias was eating sweets with Seraphine. She had wanted to help her family, but forced to rest, she had dragged Elias to join the festival with her.
"I think I want the phantom balloon now, and don't make me wait."
Of course, Elias wasn't thrilled. When he was about to win the balloon for her, another woman took it. She clearly looked like she came from the Saint Kingdom: blond hair, saint's attire but in black.
"Would you like this balloon? Our one and only goddess offers it to you with pleasure… My name is Ameria. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Near the stairs leading to the palace, a man of imposing build, puffing on a cigar, watched the entrance with a wicked smile. Devo, the leader of the Faxia Group, was preparing to awaken an ancient fallen god. But at the same moment, Thomas arrived, and Leslie stepped out of the palace after being warned by the guards.
"Devo… What are you trying to do here? I knew you still held a grudge against us, but don't do anything stupid on a festival day… My family is busy, and Mr. Thomas, please don't stay here—this man is dangerous."
Thomas listened, then moved to a more protected corner.
"Of course, Princess… I can only watch and wait."
End of chapter