The three men stood on the roof of The Apex while catching their breath. Gallio and Savvi wrapped their cloaks tighter around their shoulders and tried to guard against the chill in the air.

Oliver ran to the other side of the building and looked over the ledge. He clicked his tongue. "The guards are everywhere. They were adamant this time."

His eyes scoured the ground to find a familiar person who could confirm that the prince was behind the attack. He felt an eerie grin creep up on his lips. A bothersome old bastard finally appeared: Tomin Lamariel, Royal Guard Commander, and pain in Oliver's ass. Oliver felt his blood burn with anger when he saw him. In a few years, his son will be born and will be named Trent Lamariel. The entire Lamariel family was a curse.

Good days in the middle of war were seldom, but he will never forget the joy he felt when he finally took the head off Tomin. The coward was caught trying to run away from the battle.

Savvi laughed, breaking Oliver away from his memories. "Why are you wearing a mask?" He pointed to the cloth wrapped around the lower half of Oliver's face.

Oliver rolled his eyes and pulled the cloth from his face. "Aphrodisiac," He said.

Gallio panicked. "What!?"

"There was a bottle in the room. I poured it by the door but didn't want to be influenced." Oliver said.

He started to feel wary about how many questions Savvi and Gallio will ask. He was used to providing orders without someone questioning him, but these two had not experienced the world yet and were still children at heart. He tried to restrain his frustration from the constant questions.

"It could dull the guards' wits, so they don't check the window in our room," Savvi said, nodding with an appreciation for Oliver's plans.

Gallio gave a lamenting sigh. "I should always carry a batch of my potions and poisons. It's better than an aphrodisiac from a debauched brothel."

Oliver chuckled lightly as he jumped on the ledge. He was relieved to see the next rooftop wasn't that far away. "We need to jump roofs."

Savvi grinned and jumped up on the ledge with him. "Awesome."

"Not fucking awesome! Opposite of awesome! Why?" Gallio protested.

"Because they will check the rooftop," Oliver said, holding his hand out to Gallio to help him.

Gallio groaned. "But why will they check here? It's not like they are searching specifically for us."

However, when Gallio looked up at Oliver, he noticed his guilty expression. He then realized that the Royal Guards must be looking for Oliver. 

He still took Oliver's hand and climbed up, and grumbled. "I just met you, and I fucking hate you."

"Hate the person who tricked you into coming here," Oliver said with a smirk.

Gallio huffed. "I have plenty of hate to spread around."

Savvi cocked his head. "Aren't priests supposed to be pious and all of that?"

"That's boring," Gallio grumbled and jumped to the next roof.  Savvi was grinning and joined him on the next roof.

Oliver looked behind him and then jumped to the others. "Keep going."

They flew on top of the city's roofs, taking them far from The Apex. Once Oliver was comfortable, he had them stop. They hunched over, with hands on their knees, as they tried to catch their breath.

"We're close to the church so you can head over there, Priest. If you're questioned, just say you were praying, fasting, or whatever you do." Oliver said. "Are we close to you, thief?"

Savvi nodded. "What about you?"

Oliver sighed. "My situation is complicated."

"Meaning?"

"They were looking for me. A troop should already be stationed at my house, and they must have discovered that I'm not home. So now they will accuse me of illegal acts at The Apex." Oliver said quietly.

"Do you need an alibi?" Gallio asked. "Just come to the church with me and say you were praying or some shit."

Oliver laughed. "That would be the least believable thing. Besides, would the church be willing to lie to the Royal Guards for me?"

The church was still righteous and did not approve of lying, which made Gallio sigh. "We can think of something else."

For some reason, Gallio and Savvi wanted to protect this stranger.

"My Uncle wouldn't mind lying to the guards. Hell, he has lied to the Belelots countless times." Savvi said with a shrug. "We're staying in a temporary residence that's close."

Oliver tilted his head a little. "Are you sure? To be transparent, my situation may be a little messier than I described."

"We like a little trouble," Savvi said with a laugh.

Oliver sighed lightly. "I can talk to him and obtain his opinion. I will figure something else out if he is uncomfortable with my situation."

"Ok. Follow me!" Savvi said happily.

"I'm coming too," Gallio said. "I want to see this through."

Oliver shook his head with a helpless look. They were immature but loyal.  Some things never change.

In his last life, Savvi and Gallio could have stayed out of the war because of their political positions.  However, they declined that route and climbed the ranks until they both were Generals.

In one of the many peace talks, Oliver asked why they chose to join the war. Gallio's answer was the same as this moment. He wanted to see things through.

They were good men, so Oliver wanted to avoid the war at all costs and give them peace in this lifetime.

They ran across the roof a little longer and reached a large residence close to the palace. This was the usual manor for visiting high-ranking officials.

They all jumped over an iron fence and landed in a garden. However, the moment they stepped foot on the property, several swords were aimed at them. Gallio hastily raised his hands and leaned towards Savvi. "You said your uncle was here? Are you sure?"

Savvi giggled and held up his hand. "It's me! I'm back. I need to see Uncle."

A tall man with broad shoulders and a shaved head walked up to the trio. "It's late. Why should we interrupt his evening if you have caused trouble, Savvi?"

Savvi looked a little ashamed. "I'm sorry, Elder Kalb. But I promised to help my friend."

Oliver was surprised to hear this from Savvi.  Abrorgeans do not easily make promises; if they do, they will carry them through generations until it is fulfilled.

Elder Kalb sneered at Savvi. "You thoughtlessly throw around your weight with no means to back yourself up. Irresponsible and reckless!"

He rushed up and pulled his fist back while Savvi closed his eyes to accept the hit.

Oliver felt a wave of anger rush through him, quickly stepped forward, and blocked the fist with his forearms. He felt himself get pushed back a step, but he pivoted and diverted Elder Kalb's momentum. He twisted his body, and his leg crashed into Elder Kalb's ribs.

"What is your problem, old man?" Oliver snarled.

"Do you know the importance of a promise? To throw around promises for some hoodlum is imprudent!" Kalb retorted as he clutched his injured side.

Oliver scoffed. "To hell with your promises."

Elder Kalb was still holding his side and glared at the hooded figure. "Do you mean to attack Abrorg?"

Oliver gave a dark smirk. A cold wind rippled through his cloak, and a gust of his killing intent hit everyone in the yard. They all stepped back from him, acutely aware that an aura of this level didn't belong to an ill-mannered child but an experienced warrior.

"Are you the Abrorgean King or prince?" Oliver asked, his voice low and dangerously cold.

"I am an Elder of the court."

Oliver scoffed. "Then I am not attacking Abrorg. I'm attacking the bastard who is threatening to harm my friend.

"Friend? That little shi—"

Kalb couldn't finish his statement because Oliver attacked again, his fist landing solidly on his jaw. Kalb jumped back and pulled out his long knives. "Fine, you disrespecting asshole, I will teach you a lesson."

He rushed towards Oliver with his knives out. Gallio and Savvi cried out, cursing the man who pulled weapons on an unarmed man. Oliver sneered and jumped back. He stepped between two guards and took their swords from their belts.

Kalb's knife whistled down towards his head as he secured his grip. He swiped his sword and blocked Kalb's. He turned his body again and created a little distance. His footsteps were light and mysterious. After decades on the battlefield fighting many, he had developed his own step technique. It was like a blur and hard to discern, which made him a nightmare on the battlefield.

He parried several knife strokes while Kalb was becoming increasingly frustrated. He couldn't find any holes in his defense. What was worse for Kalb was that Oliver was unbearably calm, like each move meant nothing to him.

Oliver slapped a knife attack away and sighed. "Is this it for an Elder?" He clicked his tongue. "How disappointing."

Oliver lowered his stance a little. "Let's see how you handle my offense."

Kalb couldn't see his steps, nor could he find an opening. The only option he had was to block the barrage of attacks desperately. His hands turned numb, and the knives fell to the ground. Oliver was immersed in the battle, and his sword continued to swing his blade toward Kalb's neck.

Oliver noticed his opponent was defenseless, stopped his attack, and dropped the swords mid-swing. Although he stopped, the momentum created a sharp wind that hit Kalb.

With trembling hands, Kalb reached up to his neck and let out a broken breath when he realized his head was still attached.

Oliver was about to say something but felt a new killing intent headed towards him at an impossible speed.

Oliver could tell that he had provoked someone dangerous. He ducked and lunged to the side while picking up his discarded sword. He turned and brandished his swords, blocking a heavy blow that threw him backward.

This new opponent was far stronger than the elder.  Oliver felt his lips curl into an excited smile because now the duel would not be so dull. 

He slid to a stop and then rushed towards the man, quickly sidestepping his attacks and slashing with his swords. A loud ding rang out as the blades crossed.

He turned again, and his hood fell back, causing his long silver hair to tumble out and glitter under the moonlight.

Their moves became more complicated, and their blades continued to ring out. Oliver felt his arms becoming heavy, and his speed was slowing. He cursed because he was reaching the limit of his stamina. He swept his blade out but felt the heavy block vibrate through his arm.

Oliver pulled up his other sword to help ease the pressure on his arm, finally looking at his attacker's face.

Imran Tuah. Great Commander of the Abrorgean tribes. Antony's friend. The man who sacrificed himself to help Oliver survive.

Oliver's eyes lit up, and a small smile pulled at his lips. "I lose this round."

This was a nostalgic phrase that Imran and Antony would often exchange in the war.

Imran was initially surprised by the calm surrender, but he soon returned the smile. "A good fight! Your footwork is impeccable—you move like a ghost."

Imran pulled back his swords and patted Oliver on the shoulder. "It's too bad you're still lacking in stamina."

Oliver nodded. "I'll train harder. Next time our spar won't be short-lived. Thank you for the learning session, Commander Tauh."

"Good kid, good kid. Antony has a nephew to be proud of." He said happily.

Oliver was surprised. He didn't realize that Antony and Imran knew each other before the war started.  He thought their friendship was formed on the battlefield, much like how Oliver befriended Savvi, Gallio, and Draco.

"You know my uncle?"

Imran nodded. "We tend to spar a lot. Call it an obsession of ours. I just met with him today, actually...  He mentioned you."

"Ah... I see." Oliver was uneasy about what Antony could have mentioned, considering he hadn't had many opportunities to show his changes to his respected uncle. He became embarrassed and quickly returned his swords to the guards.

"It seems that you have hidden yourself deeply.  Not even Antony has seen your true merit." Imran said noticing Oliver's bashfulness.

Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. "Deceit is sometimes necessary."

Imran laughed a little and walked around Oliver to examine him. "It's too bad about your current situation. You are the most suitable to inherit the Guardian position, but you're serving another role."

The Royal Consort could never hold another title.  There was a fear that a powerful spouse could topple the balance of power. No matter Oliver's skills, he would only bear the title of Royal Consort if his engagement remained intact.

Imran then turned and glared down at Kalb. "You have committed two great sins today. Do you know them?"

Elder Kalb stumbled back and looked down. "I... disrespected a guest?"

Imran's hand swiped out and knocked Elder Kalb to the ground. "First, you tried to harm my nephew—my only heir. Second, you turned a weapon on the future Royal Consort of Bierze. If he desires, he could use this as fuel to start a war between our kingdoms!"

Savvi and Gallio were looking at Oliver with open mouths and surprise.

"Consort?" Gallio whispered.

"The frivolous fiance?" Savvi gasped. "But... aren't you an idiot?"

Oliver raised a questioning eyebrow toward Savvi when he heard this blunt statement. "Does it look like I'm an idiot?"

Savvi shook his head.

Imran wrapped a heavy arm around Oliver's shoulders. "I heard my nephew promised something to you."

Oliver shook his head. "He exaggerated his words, Commander. He let me come here so I can ask you for a favor. There was no promise, and there will be no hard feelings if things don't work out."

"No need to be formal. Call me Uncle like Savvi does. Let's go inside and talk." He steered Oliver into the house, and Gallio and Savvi quickly followed.

With Imran's arm around his shoulder, Oliver felt his heart shake. He had killed this man before with his own hands.

But now, old foes stood by his side.