The two turned as they noticed the Lord Fenir coming out of the carriage with a bright smile.

"He looks like a prince!" Loon exclaimed as he spotted the man with short blonde hair approaching Ayren with a cheerful demeanor.

Fenir's red eyes locked onto Ayren's, a look of excitement flashing across his face as he noticed Loon's jade horns.

"What a delightful surprise! I'm lucky to see the bloody swordsman, who usually brings death and despair, in my city!" he laughed, giving Ayren a light pat on the shoulder, leaving Loon feeling perplexed.

The Lord's gaze and aura were intriguing and strangely captivating to Loon. He was aware that he wasn't human, but he couldn't quite figure out what he truly was.

"We're just here to buy supplies; we'll be leaving soon," Ayren said, taking Loon's hand. However, soldiers quickly surrounded them, blocking their path. "Fenir," the swordsman said, turning to face him, while Loon sensed a strange tension in the air.

"No way am I missing this opportunity!" Fenir declared enthusiastically. "And who's he? Is he from the Empire? His clothes definitely look like they're from there!"

"Huh... I am Loon." he said with a neutral stare, looking into his red eyes and Fenir smiled to then feel weird once the immortal looked away "Who is he for you?" he asked Ayren curious, feeling something weird between the two.

It wasn't normal for Loon to see many people friendly to Ayren, considering how everyone always looked scared for his reputation. Ayren raised his eyebrow and looked at the half dragon "What do you think? I do not know him as well that much, he's just the Lord of this city."

"You two look like you've met already."

"Yes but..." Ayren laid the hand on his own face, trying not to lose it as Loon tilted his head and crossed his arms, feeling like he was missing something in the whole situation.

"Ayren isn't welcome in the city, so seeing him walking freely with a guest is surely something new." Fenir talked after he coughed to get some attention. "But it's indeed a good day and I feel definitely in a good mood." he exclaimed as Ayren looked deadly.

"You're invited for dinner in my manor, you better come! I will prepare a feast, I thought I would never see you again. I can't wait to share with you the news of the Western reign." he smiled brightly, and Ayren sighed.

"No."

Loon looked at Fenir, who looked like someone literally shooting two water dragons at him. Ayren was pulling him away from the whole situation.

"Hey Ayren, do you know each other? The truth..." Loon asked once the two sat back at the tavern and Ayren sighed.

"Traveling between villages and cities builds a reputation... usually a negative one. But Fenir... he dresses up the city to resemble the West, just to annoy the Emperor and contrast with his ideals and culture. He's a character, and I have no interest in indulging his childish whims."

"Desires?" Loon asked, intrigued.

"He tried to recruit me for some operation against the Empire... The peace you see now is just a facade..."

Loon's eyes widened, and Ayren felt a twinge of regret for shattering what seemed like a small dream. "But it's nothing you need to worry about. For now, the Emperor is still stronger than anything else, and Fenir can't act against him since the city is locked with alliance terms."

Loon looked sad "It seems humans can't help but create conflicts that would just destroy more the world." he commented and Ayren drank some beer to then lay on the backrest "But he looked quite friendly and you still haven't answered my question."

"He's part of the vampire's guild, one of the creatures of the night." he crossed his arms "In the morning they're just as harmless as humans, in the night they actually can use their mana, so do not let his appearance get you." he warned him and Loon tilted his head.

Ayren leaned closer to the table, locking his red eyes into his. "Fenir is the current Master of Vampires, meaning he has killed the previous Master; the Head of all the vampire guilds." he explained and Loon's eyes widened "Just like every vampire, he's subtle and looks like your best friend, but he's probably just aiming at your neck."

Loon blinked when he felt Ayren's finger on his nose "And knowing his taste, trust me, you better not..."

"Oooh, you definitely love me!"

Ayren almost flinched as he noticed Fenir coming towards their table with Umi, who was smirking.

"My Lord, as I told you. They're for now sleeping in this tavern." Umi said once he sat next to Ayren, who crossed his arms and tried so hard not to crush the table and draw his sword.

Loon tilted his head as he noticed Ayren closing his eyes for a moment, and he didn't notice Fenir taking a seat next to him and staring at him.

"We're not coming." Ayren repeated as he opened his red eyes and flinched once he saw Fenir being close to Loon.

"Oh, you're not even introducing me to your friend properly. I sense such a delightful aura from you," Fenir said, drawing Loon's azure gaze into his own red eyes. The Lord rested his chin on his palm, while his other hand brushed a strand of Loon's hair. "You remind me of flowers blooming in their beauty on a warm spring day, and the refreshing rain of summer..."

Loon looked again at Ayren like a lost child "I think Lord Fenir might have got poisoned, he's speaking weirdly just like that woman in the novel I have read." he sighed as he crossed his arms under Ayren's puzzled stare.

"What...?" Fenir smiled innocently, as if the immortal's response had slammed a door shut on his confidence.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Loon asked, raising his hand toward the Lord and resting it on his forehead. Little droplets of water began to form around them.

Fenir opened his eyes and noticed the dragon smiling, recalling some of his mana to check if he was alright. But Ayren quickly grabbed Loon's wrist, standing up to shield him.

"Huh?" Loon flinched at the sudden movement, looking up at Ayren. "What's wrong?"

"I told you to avoid—" Ayren began, meeting Loon's gaze before sighing and releasing his wrist. "He's fine; he was just trying to be courteous."

"Oh." Loon crossed his arms, his expression growing more puzzled. "Why?"

"I would never dare! I was just playing around." he laughed a little "But I can confess I got carried away, half dragon creatures usually stay in isolation in their part of the territory of the outer lands."

Umi crossed his arms disappointed, but he didn't think that saying that Loon wasn't actually a half dragon would have brought any good.

More competitors to get him.

Ayren looked at Loon with a deadly stare and he tilted his head "What?" he asked innocently.

"We'll talk later when these two nuisances will go away." The two looked at each other for a moment. Fenir and Umi felt awkward, and they flinched when the two turned their glances to them.

"Erm... Well, since Ayren keeps being no fun." Fenir bowed a little to then wink at the dragon "I am Lord Fenir, descendant of the vampire guild and current Master of Vampires, and owner of the city, welcome! I hope you will enjoy your stay."

Truly, hearing those words from Fenir was definitely different from how Ayren used them to warn Loon. Probably vampires had indeed the subtle charm to make even the deadliest gesture a kind caress.

Loon smiled and tilted his head slightly, allowing some strands of his long black hair to fall in front of his face. "It's a pleasure to meet the owner of this city. I'm really enjoying my stay," he said, glancing at Ayren, who had crossed his arms and looked away, prompting a soft laugh from Loon at his reaction.

"Whatever, I told you we're not here for pleasure." Ayren mumbled to then flinch as Fenir laid his hand on Loon's shoulder to push him a little in a friendly way.

"I am sure Ayren hasn't shown you the best streets of the city, some markets with magic artifacts, specialties and if you're lucky we might get a performance by the street, as I protect all the artists who are chased by the Emperor or the other countries." his smile was bright like he wanted to look like a hero to Loon's eyes. Umi and Ayren were just keeping a puzzled stare.

Fenir wasn't known to be that friendly to outsiders or mysterious people.

Actually, he would usually use his spy units and mages from the academy and then probably kick them off the city if lucky.

Loon's pointy ears moved for a moment as his eyes were shining even more, showing an excited face "Performances? No! He didn't take me, we had some errands to do, but Talon's guard bought me spicy food." he explained and Fenir smiled victorious.

"Oh, what a terrible guide you are, Ayren!" Fenir said with a mischievous smile, his gaze shifting back to Loon. "I'll give you both a proper tour of the city! I'm sure you'll love it. Let's go!"

Ayren instinctively reached for Loon's hand to keep him still, but he hesitated when he saw the happiness on his face as Fenir beamed at him. He withdrew his hand, realizing that while he wanted to protect Loon, he didn't want to force him to stay with the swordsman against his will.

"Go then." Ayren sat and held the cup of tea, closing his eyes to get some peace from the whole chaos. After all the Immortal showed him he could take care of himself, there was no point in being worried even a little.

"You're not coming?" Loon looked at him. Ayren, even though he felt his eyes on him, he kept his eyes closed like he was literally meditating.

Or planning a murder, who knows.

"Not interested, you do have fun. Fenir surely knows the city, and knows that even though he's the lord of the city, if I draw my sword, I shall see blood, and I wouldn't mind even now" he smiled evilly and Fenir looked even more excited by that speech.

"No problem, then I will make you know the best markets and places in the city, you shall get in my manor for a dinner, my little brother and sister will surely like you!" he exclaimed, and Loon felt confused but happy by how Fenir looked like a young man, full of energies

and a very low malicious aura.

"My Lord, are you sure inviting an outsider in the manor isn't a reckless choice?" Umi asked and Loon in that moment actually felt that Fenir was being a little too kind to him, but he then discarded the idea as Ayren maybe didn't want to admit they were friends.

"Oh, reckless? In my manor at night?" Fenir smiled, "I do not need guards, and I am the Lord of the city, my decisions shall not be discussed."

Umi crossed his arms and looked at Ayren, like he actually wanted him to help in the situation.

Seriously, the swordsman was letting Loon alone with Fenir? When he himself literally almost killed him for the same reason?

Okay, he wanted to kidnap him with the excuse to protect him, but I mean he was the Great Mage!

"Ayren, you shall come for dinner at least." Loon said and Ayren at that point flinched, to then sigh.

"Whatever." he mumbled "Are you two going or not?" he asked and Fenir at that point nodded to then move his arm to show the way out the tavern.

So, Ayren held the cup towards his mouth.

Umi looked at Loon and smiled, "Then I shall join the tour as well."

So, Ayren destroyed the cup in his hands..

"Don't you have your stupid circus to run?" Ayren asked Umi, who smiled even though his lips were twitching under the swordsman's provocations.

"It's an Academy, you insolent..."

"Oi oi! Enough, if you want to join, you better not ruin the mood of my guest" Fenir's eyes glowed for a moment, looking at the two, who looked at each other's with so much hatred that Loon crossed his arms feeling even a little sad. He was feeling Ayren was in pain. The swordsman was trying his best to keep himself quiet, he was honestly doing the countdown for the time the two were out of that city.

In the end, a mage, a vampire, a swordsman, and half dragon, were walking through the main streets of the city.

The more Ayren was thinking about it, the more he felt like he was throwing himself deeper in a chain reaction of events he was hating.

All that for an immortal.

But he couldn't even blame him too much after all since he did choose to protect him. Why? Yes, he was wondering at that point as well, but he had a purpose now.

As the group was enjoying the sunny day, Loon was looking like a god in the middle of normal people. His look and his aura was making everyone turn to him to stare enchanted by his appearance.

Some artists were asking him to stand as he was holding some food he bought to draw him, making him blush for a moment.

Of course, he was buying some things with Ayren's gold, handed by the swordsman saying that anyway he didn't care to use them on anything else but supplies that they got already, so he was free to use them how he wanted.

Later, Loon was asking about a special dish of the city, talking with the owner of a little stand that was happily explaining to him, while his little son was playing with the tail of the immortal, who was just more than happy to let him play.

Umi paid and held the specialty to Loon, who tilted his head confused. Umi felt flustered as he couldn't help but think how lovely he was.

"It's for you."

Loon accepted the food, to then lock his blue eyes on the purple of the mages "Thank you..."

Umi smiled a little to then move his hand towards his head to stroke his hair, but Loon flinched and stepped back, making the Great Mage withdraw his hand.

"Sorry, it was a reflex." he excused himself and Loon nodded a little to then laugh as more kids were coming around him to play with his tail.

The children, a mix of humans and other creatures, brought Loon joy as they played together, their differences seamlessly accepted in this vibrant city. There was a palpable sense of peace and happiness in the air, making Loon feel secure.

As he sat on a bench, the kids playfully tugged at his tail while he happily munched on his food. Sunlight bathed him in a warm glow, and it seemed as though his mana radiated a gentle warmth, drawing the attention of passersby. The sight of the immortal, smiling contentedly at the children, was like nature itself wrapping around him in a tender embrace.

From a short distance away, Ayren sighed as he watched Loon. He noticed Umi's lingering gaze on the immortal, but he didn't feel the need to make a fuss about the mage's intentions. After all, Loon had already stepped back, asserting his boundaries.

"When are you going to be honest with me?"

The swordsman looked at Fenir, laying the arms on the little fence of the flowerbed.

"What honesty?" Ayren looked fierce and Fenir sighed heavily as he was stroking his own short blonde hair.

"Do you think I wouldn't feel it? You and Umi think you can treasure him and hide forever?" Ayren's body got stiff as he felt Fenir's words like an echo in his head "Ayren. I am a vampire; I have been to the old Emperor's court once and I knew he had a treasure."

"You better shut up." Ayren cut him off and Fenir looked even more serious.

"He would never make any guest meet his treasure, but I can smell that mana, I still remember the sweet scent I felt inside his court... I was barely keeping myself sane, I thought it was a trap, but it was simply the reason why the Emperor was that insane." he smiled "It's him, right? He's not a half dragon... I know it."

Ayren turned to Fenir "I have no idea what you're talking about." he said to then get back to look at Loon, who was looking around to then stop his stare once he met his red eyes.

"You gave me orders I am still following now, but I told you a long time ago that would have been the last." Fenir laid the face near his "Now, I do not follow any orders and people are at my command, so freezing the conversation won't do."

Ayren turned and their eyes met "What's your deal with him?"

Fenir tilted his head to then laugh "My deal? I am not planning to steal, do not worry." he winked and Ayren's lips twitched, feeling like he was messing around.

And he was, just because inside the city he knew Ayren would have never fought him. "I am just... curious who he is really... Have you told him who you are?"

"Who I am?" Ayren raised his eyebrow "I am nothing but a swordsman, Fenir, do not try." his voice was deep and like a threat. "What I was in the past before this curse doesn't count for anything."

"Hm." Fenir looked amused from Ayren's composure and calm tone, like he didn't want to even open that discussion "You should tell him... He's probably dying to know more about our mysterious captain" he smirked and Ayren flinched as he heard it.

"There is no point." he said "I don't think he even cares." he stretched his arms "And we're nothing but travel partners, information like these are useless for what we both need." Ayren cut it off and walked towards Loon, who was in the moment with Umi near another little stand of the street market.

Umi was sighing hard as he was looking at Loon, who looked terribly undecided on what to buy in front of so many jewels.

"Why?" Umi asked and Loon tilted his head, as he was staring at a pair of earrings. He moved his blue eyes towards Umi's ones "The Emperor used to throw gold, clothes and gifts of incredible value... And you always declined them."

Loon looked at Umi with a sad stare, like he made him remember awful memories "What's the value of gifts if they do not tell anything...?"

Umi raised his eyebrow and Loon smiled softly "I do not like when they do not tell, symbolize anything. The Emperor's gifts were just thought of as compensation for my services... I used to do... those things because I did care to help him." he looked sad "Or his way to show affection was just wrong since the start..."

"What's taking you so long?"

Loon opened his eyes to find Ayren resting his chin on his shoulder, his voice resonating softly in his ear.

"Oh, Ayren," the immortal said with a smile, still focused on the array of jewels before him. "I'm just trying to decide what to say..." His vague response left Umi and Ayren puzzled.

"What do you want to say?" Fenir interjected, his bright smile fading as he approached. Loon nodded thoughtfully, but before he could respond, Fenir's attention was drawn to Talon and his guards, who were striding toward them.

Suddenly serious, Fenir motioned for Umi to follow him, leaving Ayren and Loon alone in front of the jewel stand. The owner was content to let them take their time, knowing that Loon's presence was attracting more customers.

"This seems perfect," Loon whispered, and Ayren, still watching Umi and Fenir converse with the guards, instinctively laid his chin back on Loon's shoulder. A nagging sense of unease urged him to stay close to the immortal, especially since they had been apart for a while.

Loon turned to Ayren, who flinched slightly. His red eyes widened as he noticed the immortal holding a pair of matching earrings.

"I guess I've made my choice," Loon said, tilting his head toward the long red earring in his hand. "I'll wear this one." He smiled brightly.

"What are you doing..." Ayren sighed, crossing his arms. "Are you really planning to buy a pair of earrings just to wear one?"

"The other is for you." Loon replied, his tone obvious as he held the second earring up to Ayren's face.

Ayren tilted his head, feeling a mix of confusion and surprise. His gaze was drawn into the depths of Loon's blue eyes, searching for answers to questions he struggled to articulate.

"You're... gifting me?" Ayren attempted to clarify, and Loon nodded enthusiastically, his smile growing wider, leaving Ayren bewildered on multiple levels.

The immortal looked so caring and so into the decision on which one to get for them, that made Ayren question how he could have been seriously in that world. Loon was sometimes showing sides of him he should have never shown to anyone.

The fact Loon was being effortlessly lovable, was making Ayren insane inside. The swordsman in that moment was simply speechless towards the immortal's soft smile and voice.

"It's an oath." he said as he was leaning a little his head to wear one of the earrings "Gifts are meant to say and to remind something." he kept explaining to then block as he noticed Ayren's hands on his.

"You're moving too much."

The blue eyes were staring at Ayren's profile as he was calmly touching his ear to put the earring on.

"Does this mean you accept my gift?" he asked as Ayren was feeling his aura overwhelming him even more, making his heart beat a little with even just the thought of looking at him smiling in that moment.

"I could never refuse a gift, or you might cry and get the whole town underwater." he replied without even flinching.

"That's... not true." Loon looked flustered and Ayren smiled amused by his reaction.

Once the earring was on, Ayren stepped back slightly to admire Loon, who smiled and leaned closer, the earring glinting in the light. "May I?" he asked.

The swordsman crossed his arms, smirking. "Can you reach?"

Loon pouted a little at the challenge, prompting Ayren to chuckle as he leaned forward, allowing Loon to reach out to his ears while locking his red eyes onto Loon's blue ones.

As Loon touched the earring, Ayren kept his gaze fixed on him. "What do you mean by this gift?" he whispered, noticing how Loon's blue eyes focused intently on the earring he had just put on.

The immortal smiled and tilted his head, causing the earring to sway slightly, occasionally hidden by strands of his long black hair.

"It means, stay by my side, don't lose me. And if you do, let's find each other again." Loon said, his voice softening as he reflected on his words. Ayren felt a mix of emotions at his declaration. "Considering we're about to face many enemies, I think having a symbol of our oath would be nice."

"Is this how immortals do?" Ayren teased and Loon crossed his arms, trying not to look irritated by his provocations.

"No, it's how I do." he mumbled a little flustered and Ayren stretched his arms to then look more at him "You will help me, and I will give you healing and fights, but this means we won't lose each other anytime soon."

Ayren stayed silent for a moment and kept staring at the immortal, who was literally copying his figure. The swordsman smirked as he felt something different in his eyes than the first time they met. Loon looked somehow more sure about his own words, and something that was scaring him was the honesty coming off his body like an easy gentle breeze.

"I won't ask you for healing... I accept this oath, but I warn you..." Ayren looked at Loon as he laid his hand on his head and his red eyes looked at the earring, feeling actually like they were even more bound in that moment "Once the mage guilds are defeated, you will have to walk your path alone." Loon nodded and smiled softly.

"I know, but till then, you shall be with me, Ayren."