Robb and Vuuxi arrived in Patisia late at night. Their arrival was warmly welcomed by a few of Damerius' soldiers—veterans who had once fought beside them during the massacre at Lagosh.
"Sir Robb and Sir Vuuxi, welcome to Lord Damerius' estate. Please, come inside," said one of the soldiers respectfully.
"Moglin, you're still standing strong? That battle didn't mess with your head, did it?" Robb asked with a laugh. He was now far more fluent in the Larfex tongue.
"You remember my name, sir? Thank you so much! I didn't expect you'd still remember me," Moglin said with deep respect.
"Where's your master, Damerius? Is he home?" Robb asked.
"Lord Damerius is currently in South Patisia, sir. I haven't received word on when he'll return," Moglin replied.
"In that case, we'll head elsewhere for now, Moglin. We'll return tomorrow—I need your master to find me the finest saddle in all of Blue Garden," said Robb.
Vuuxi frowned. He had previously insisted that they should just rest at a common inn, but Robb had insisted on visiting Damerius' residence first.
"Sir, please don't go! I'll be punished if I let you leave like this. As for the saddle, I'll search all across Blue Garden to find the best one. But first, please—let me take you to Arkael. Come, my lords!" Moglin pleaded.
Robb and Vuuxi exchanged glances, then gave a small nod.
"No need to call me 'sir.' Let's just go together," Robb said casually.
"No, sir. You saved my life. Because of you, I'm still breathing today," Moglin said as he led Robb and Vuuxi toward a large building.
"Take good care of them, alright?" Robb told the guard handling his horse, Goldstrom, and Vuuxi's steed, Snowfire.
They passed through wide corridors between storage halls and the quarters of Damerius' soldiers. Along the way, they crossed paths with two of Damerius' elite fighters—Tikko and Nokko, twin brothers who served as commanders of the estate's guard force.
Even in the dim light, Vuuxi recognized them. He had seen them fight before. The twins immediately stepped in front of Moglin.
"Moglin, who are these people?" Nokko asked with a gruff tone.
"Just because you're in charge of the front gate now doesn't mean you can bring strangers into Lord Damerius' estate like it's your backyard," Tikko added.
"They're the younger brothers of Lord Rogg, dear friends of Lord Damerius—and they are my lords. Allow me to introduce Sir Robb and Vuuxi," Moglin explained firmly.
"Is that so? Lord Rogg is a legend. If this one's his brother, I'd like to see if he lives up to the name," Tikko said, eyeing Robb.
"Sir Tikko, it's late. They need a proper rest. That's why I'm taking them to the main hall. Please don't delay us," Moglin pleaded.
"What? Are you talking back to me? We're security. It's our job to screen everyone who enters Lord Damerius' grounds," Nokko snapped.
"Don't get us wrong—it's part of our duty to ensure the entire estate remains secure," Tikko added.
Robb and Vuuxi merely nodded. They were too exhausted to argue.
"In that case, we'll just leave," Vuuxi said calmly.
"No, Sir Vuuxi! I'll fight them both if I have to!" Moglin declared.
"You're too soft to take on both of us, Moglin," Nokko scoffed, stepping forward as if ready to strike.
"Ugh, dealing with people who are too full of themselves is exhausting," came a voice from down the hall.
"Arkael? What are you doing here this late?" Tikko asked, turning.
"Am I not free to walk wherever I please? I heard raised voices, so I came to get some fresh air," Arkael replied with a laid-back tone.
"Lord Arkael, allow me to introduce Robb and Vuuxi. Lord Robb is Lord Rogg's younger brother, and a close friend of Lord Damerius," Moglin said quickly.
"We're both his brothers—not just me," Robb corrected.
"What? Lord Robb?" Arkael rushed over, eyes wide, trying to get a closer look.
"My apologies, sir. May I hug you? My name is Arkael. I miss Lord Rogg dearly—he saved my life last year," Arkael said with bright enthusiasm, wrapping Robb in a hug. Robb looked awkward as Vuuxi chuckled at the scene.
"Sorry for holding you up. I hope there's no hard feelings," Tikko said.
"If I may ask… would you be willing to spar with us tomorrow, Lord Robb?" Nokko added.
"Yes, sir. We're curious about Lord Rogg's strength. But since he's not here, we'll settle for testing yours," Tikko said.
"What's gotten into you two? How dare you challenge Lord Robb?" Arkael scolded.
"Don't call me 'Lord'!" Robb snapped. "Fine, I'll spar with you tomorrow morning—but only on two conditions."
Vuuxi blinked, startled. Robb's tone was suddenly reminiscent of Brisena, who never offered anything without conditions.
"Alright then, what are they?" Tikko asked.
"First, you two will cover Moglin's duties for a full day. Second… I'll tell you the next one tomorrow," Robb said with a grin.
Tikko and Nokko glanced at each other. "Deal," they replied in unison, then continued on their patrol.
"Come, Lord Robb and Lord Vuuxi," said Arkael.
"Don't call me 'lord,'" Robb reminded him.
"Alright, back to work I go, Robb," said Moglin.
"Good, Moglin. See us tomorrow. And please—take good care of my horse," Robb said, half-joking.
"You got it, Robb," Moglin replied with a laugh.
"Robb, Vuuxi—your meal will be ready soon. In the meantime, you can rest in this room or that one," Arkael offered.
"Oh, and this here is the assistant. If you need anything, just let them know."
"Arkael, would it be okay if we shared a room?" Robb asked.
"Huh?!" Vuuxi yelped, stunned.
"Sure, that's up to you. Make yourselves at home. I'll be off now," Arkael said with a smile.
"Oh—and one more thing, Arkael. Could you invite the troops who once came from Megido to join us for the feast later?" Robb asked.
Arkael nodded in agreement and walked away.
Vuuxi, still stunned, decided to stay silent—just watching Robb with growing curiosity.
They were in the same room. For Vuuxi, who had known Robb for quite some time, it was nothing unusual. They had endured countless battlefields and long journeys together, so sharing quarters like this had become second nature.
In Smokeland, daily life and tools were rooted in nature. Every object had a clear, practical purpose. But in Patisia—especially in Damerius' residence—everything felt different. The grand architecture, luxurious furniture, and mechanisms Robb had never encountered before left him slightly overwhelmed. Every corner of the room was adorned with stunning architectural details—from the intricate carvings on the towering pillars to the crystal lamps casting a soft, warm glow across the space.
After washing up and changing into clean robes provided for them, they made their way to the banquet hall. As soon as they stepped into the spacious chamber, the rich aroma of food welcomed them. A long table was already lined with an array of dishes, while the soldiers who had once fought beside them against Lagosh were seated in neat rows.
When Robb and Vuuxi entered, every soldier rose to their feet in unison, offering a salute—an act that reflected deep respect for their valor and leadership.
"No need to bow like that," said Robb with a gentle smile, waving his hand for them to sit. "We're all warriors. We fought side by side, and tonight, we dine together as brothers. Come, let's share this meal."
The atmosphere warmed instantly. The table was filled with a variety of dishes, dominated by roasted meats, spiced breads, and an assortment of wines and spirits. The soldiers began to laugh, recalling old battles, and relishing the food before them.
Arkael, who was also present at the banquet, raised his glass and said, "Lord Rogg truly was an extraordinary man. I never imagined we'd have a moment like this. Though I wasn't by your side when you faced that colossal beast, I'm honored to be here tonight—to celebrate this victory and the bond we share. We're not just warriors. We're brothers forged in the fire of life's trials."
Robb gave a firm nod. "Arkael, thank you for being the bridge between our memories and our pain. The road ahead is still long, but tonight, we celebrate not just our victory—but the spirit of brotherhood and humanity. To the warriors of life!"
At once, everyone in the hall lifted their glasses, their voices joining in a resounding cheer. The clinking of goblets echoed as joy swept through the room. They feasted, laughed, and savored a night filled with warmth.
While the others toasted with rich red wine, Vuuxi remained faithful to his glass of water, choosing a more modest drink. He also opted for meatless dishes—fresh salads and soft cheese on warm bread. Yet his choices did nothing to dim the sense of unity that enveloped them that night—a night that would be remembered as proof that struggle and friendship are two threads forever intertwined.