Now girl, come with me," Felix said, stepping forward with confidence.
"No. She's not going anywhere," Sylra snapped, placing himself protectively in front of Nell.
"It's an order," Felix muttered, his tone edged with challenge.
"Don't you dare," Sylra warned, his eyes narrowing.
"Oh?" Felix raised an eyebrow, lips curling into a smirk. "And what exactly will you do?"
"Don't go ahead of yourself," Sylra said, his voice low but firm.
Felix reached into his pocket and flipped a coin into the air. "How about this—heads, she listens to me. Tails, she listens to you."
"No," Sylra replied sharply. "I'm not some monster who gambles with someone else's life."
But it was too late. The coin spun midair and landed—heads.
Felix grinned. "Looks like she follows my orders now."
"She will not," Sylra growled. "I never agreed to that game."
Felix burst out laughing, waving his hand. "Alright, alright, relax. You can keep her—she's not even my type, not that I'd steal other party members anyway."
Roger and Syfa finally stepped in, chuckling as they approached.
"Calm down, both of you," Roger said. "It was just a joke. I told Felix to tease you a bit."
Sylra crossed his arms, still fuming.
"Master's asking for you," Roger continued. "You stormed off without even hearing him out. He's not exactly thrilled."
Sylra looked down, his pride flickering behind his eyes. "Sorry, Felix. I was overthinking... shouldn't have acted that way."
Felix shrugged. "You don't have to apologize. We all have our moments."
Sylra's gaze softened. "Thanks. Are you all here for me?"
"Nah," Roger said. "We were gathering herbs. We figured you'd be here, so we came to bring you back."
Sylra nodded slowly, though his thoughts still seemed far off.
Felix watched him in silence, recognizing the weight Sylra tried to hide—the kind of sorrow that lingers just behind a smile. A man knows when another is masking his pain.
"Felix!" Roger shouted from ahead. "You coming or should we leave you for the flowers?"
"I'm coming," Felix called back, catching up.
As they walked toward the Royal Garden's exit, the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the path.
"You know," Roger said, tilting his head back with a grin, "you're pretty good at playing a charcter."
"Do I?" Felix scratched his head.
"Didn't you see Sylra's face?" Roger laughed.
Sylra rolled his eyes. "Tch."
"Don't mind him," Nell said with a soft smile. "He's just embarrassed."
The garden gate opened, and the warm Balmwich air hit them, carrying the scent of earth and wood. They walked back through the wilds, the wind rustling branches, leaves whispering stories of dusk.
At the town gate, the guard nodded them through with familiarity. Inside, Balmwich was alive—lamps flickered to life as townsfolk bustled home or lingered in the street. Children ran to greet the party, handing out small fruits as gifts. One boy tugged at Felix's sleeve and offered an apple.
Felix knelt slightly, smiling. "What's your name?"
"Lucas," the boy whispered shyly.
The name hit something soft in Felix. A memory—the boy who once gave him a leaf as a good luck charm.
"Lucas," Felix repeated gently. "That's a pleasant name."
He patted the boy's head, standing just as Roger called out.
"Felix! Let's go!"
"Coming," Felix replied, slipping back into step.
"These kids," he said, glancing back. "They've got such good manners."
"Of course they do," Roger said proudly. "They're our future. And in Balmwich, we raise them right."
Felix almost asked about the dark alleyways he'd wandered earlier, but held his tongue. It didn't feel like the time.
At the guild hall, the receptionist greeted them. "Master Darian went to the city hall. He's in a meeting with Kaelan's The Duke son."
Roger handed over the collected beast fur, and in return, the receptionist gave him one gold coin.
"Four furs—one gold," she noted.
Felix leaned in. "So Darian's with the Duke's son?"
"Looks like we've got time to kill," Roger said. "Wanna explore the town with us?"
Felix smiled. "I'd be happy to."
They relayed the update to the rest of the party, then headed out again. Evening had fallen; lanterns swayed along the posts, casting golden halos on the cobbled streets. The town buzzed—inns were full, laughter spilling from doors and windows.
Eventually, they arrived near the town hall. But before they could decide what to do next—
"Felix!" called a familiar voice.
They turned to see Darian approaching. "Ah, you're free now?" Felix asked.
"Yes, yes," Darian replied. "The meeting's over."
Roger nudged Sylra forward. "Alright, time to apologize."
Sylra blinked. "What?"
"Go on," Syfa added, "don't leak dignity. Speak."
Sylra took a deep breath and approached. "I was wrong to act that way today, Master. I'd like to apologize."
Darian smiled. "Look up. It's alright—I accept your apology. We all have our off days."
"Thank you, Master. For your kindness," Sylra said, bowing slightly.
But from behind Darian, a new voice rang out. "Darian, won't you introduce your guests to me?"
The party turned.
A young man with silver hair stood tall with quiet grace. His stature wasn't imposing, but the air around him shifted.
Felix's eyes widened. "That's... Kaelan," he murmured.
Roger bowed low. "Your Highness."
The others followed suit.
But Felix stood, confused—still processing the weight of the name, and the stare meeting his.
Note : Next chapters will also be boring . But don't worry .... It will get exciting juts you wait .