"So you are staying on the Southern Continent right now and have been living there as an adventurer. It is my first time hearing that the other continent has something like that, as I always thought that there were always wars over there.


    "There are still wars urring all over the continent, but the ones who are actively fighting are mostly the nonhuman nations. The Kingdom of Nogara, where I live and work, and the other neighboring human countries are still generally peaceful."


    "I see."


    In the hotel room, Azrael had been talking with Prince Edward and Edith for quite some time. Amoner like Azrael could never have the opportunity to interact with a royal or a noble that closely. Since Azrael was his benefactor, Prince Edward had consented to him disregarding the casualties and treating themselves as fellow teenagers.


    They mostly tackled their daily lives and some background. Both parties actually had something to talk about, but they had to measure one another through casual chats so that they could calcte what words to say.


    "Now that I think about it," the prince said. "You must be a big shot there. It is very rare to meet a High Human at all."


    "Honestly, in spite of my strength, I rather prefer to stay low for my own safety as well as for the ones around me. For that reason, I hide my true power, but not to the point of the state being considered a pushover."


    "You make a point. But even if you stay that way, you are still a good-looking young man just like me, and girls must be flocking around you."


    "I love your confidence, Your Imperial Highness. I think I could assume that there were some girls who made their approach toward me."


    "Oh, so do you have a loved one, then?"


    "Actually, I have two lovers left behind on the Southern Continent. Of course, I informed them about my venture to the other continent and promised toe back as soon as possible."


    "Don''t worry, Azrael. I don''t have a n to bother my benefactor."


    "I highly appreciated it."


    After that, Azrael and Edward took their cups from the table before happily sipping their contents.


    On the other hand, Edith was just listening to their conversation as she slowly consumed her tea. She was fascinated by Azrael''s tales, in spite of the fact that she had partially seen him in action. Her vision of him just got brighter, to the point of admiration.


    "Hm? Edith?"


    "Ah, yes!"


    Edward noticed that Edith was somewhat lost in thought and called her out. Edith was startled by him, causing her to instantly snap herself back to reality.


    "Is there a problem with the tea?"


    "Um, no. Not at all," she said as she looked down. "It was just that Sir Azrael is really an amazing person. I am always so grateful to him for saving someone like me."


    "Please don''t make yourself low, Lady Edith. You are His Imperial Highness Edward''s special person, and you should take pride in it."


    "I think you are right." Swayed by his words, Edith regained some confidence and raised her chin. "But still, it does not change the fact that you saved me back then. I still owe you my life."


    "She''s right, Azrael. We cannot thank you enough, and we even resorted to the extent of sending some investigators to find you in order for us to thank you in person. If there is something you wanted as a reward, please tell me so, and I will try to fulfill it as long as I can."


    "Hm. I only helped because I wanted to be rewarded. I saved Edith because I thought that it was for the best. Also, I don''t like to see innocent people getting dragged into the situation."


    "You really are a kind and righteous man, Azrael. However, even though I am the crown prince of the empire, I still have the pride of a man, and it would bother me forever if I could not return the favor."


    There was a reason why Azrael kept declining to name his price, and that was to push the other party to strengthen their resolve. But keeping to decline their offer would dismantle the trust he had been making.


    "Alright. If His Imperial Highness insisted, then who am I to let your kindness pass?"


    "Finally, you gave in. So what reward do you want? Fortune? Fame?"


    "Hmm..." Azrael pondered, pretending to be hard to get. "I think I don''t need money right now, nor do I want to be famous, as I don''t want attention. I can''t think of anything right now."


    "If you can''t decide, how about this?" The prince made a suggestion. "Your strength is a big deal, and I think that only a few know how powerful you are. I don''t want to sound greedy or ungrateful, but I''m probably right now."


    "..."


    "Azrael, here''s my offer. Would you like to swear allegiance to the empire?"


    Azrael had anticipated Edward making that deal, but he did not expect him to be that bold and straightforward. His goal was to expose the prince''s true intentions, which proved to be sessful.


    "Loyalty to the empire, huh? Could you break down the details for me?"


    "Very well, it is almost impossible to find a person as strong and powerful as you. The other High Humans I know are the Sword Saint and the Sage, which just established their own nation recently. And I want to seize this very rare opportunity while I can. If you ept it, you can bring your party here, and I can guarantee their safety."


    "I assume that this conversation is private, so you want your own secret weapon behind the knowledge of the imperial family?


    "Partially. But don''t get me wrong. What I really want is someone who I can rely on just like my father to Sir Gavar, his bodyguard. We know that we barely know one another, but I think that you perfectly fit that role."


    "Hmm. I think what you want is a friend, Your Imperial Highness."


    "A friend... That''s it! A friend!"


    Realizing the little piece missing in him, Edward sprung from his seat. Shortly after, Azrael followed suit.


    "Azrael, do you want to be friends with me?" Edward said, reaching out his hand.


    "If that was your desire, then it''s my honor. I may not be your bodyguard, but I can be your friend."


    "It''s a deal, then."


    With a firm handshake, Azrael and Edward became friends.