Sylra dropped down from the tree, eyes scanning the area.
"I see no enemies nearby," he said, then glanced at Felix. "But are you okay?"
Felix, with blood trickling down his leg, gave a half-smile. "You don't have to ask me twice. I'm fine."
He gently lifted Kaelan onto his back. "Let's go."
The two of them began the slow walk back to the capital. The wind whispered through the trees, night insects buzzing in the distance. The crow flew silently above them, ever watchful.
After a few moments of quiet, Sylra broke the silence.
"Kaelan... is he safe? He didn't take any serious injuries, right?"
Felix paused, hesitating for a beat. "Yes," he said. "She... he's safe. No need to worry."
Sylra raised an eyebrow at the mix-up but didn't press it. Not yet.
As they reached the capital gate, they wrapped Kaelan in a sheet to avoid attention. Blending in with the scattered foot traffic, they followed the crow's lead. After a short walk, they spotted the commander and butler still stationed near the inn.
Felix nodded at Sylra. "Go tell them everything."
Sylra jogged over to the commander and butler, quickly explaining the situation. The butler immediately sent a soldier to arrange a carriage. Minutes later, one arrived with haste.
All the while, Felix held Kaelan in his arms. As the carriage pulled up, Kaelan stirred slightly — half-asleep, barely conscious — and instinctively clung to Felix's chest. Her fingers curled into his shirt, knuckles whitening—like she feared falling." Then she drifted back into sleep.
Felix gently laid her into the carriage. The butler stepped in beside her, careful and silent. Noticed,
*"Sylra's eyes lingered on Felix's back—too long, too quiet."
Sylra and Felix chose to stay at back and walk .
As they sat, the tension faded, and they finally exhaled.
Felix stretched his arms. "So... what do you think? That was a long night. Honestly? Kinda exciting."
Sylra chuckled. "You're good at more things than I expected. Today felt... intense. From the peace at the duke's place to the abduction, the planning, the chase, the rescue — it sharpened my instincts."
Felix turned to him, curious. "What's your preferred weapon, anyway? I've seen you use a sword and a crossbow."
Sylra nodded. "I can use many. I'm a mage — earth element. I usually form my own crossbow with magic, but my main weapon is the sword. Still, I carry both."
"Versatile," Felix said, impressed. "Didn't expect that."
Sylra smiled. "It's just how I trained."
"So... what about tomorrow?" Felix asked as the city lights came into view.
"I'll go register for the tournament," Sylra said. "Then train. What about you?"
Felix leaned back. "Work — got some herbs to deliver. Then maybe I'll talk to Kaelan if she wakes up. And hey, I'll come cheer for you at the tournament."
Sylra raised a brow. "Not joining?"
Felix shrugged. "Not really interested in glory or titles. I just want a clear path to get a Live Ticket to the academy and even then I have no intention of joining it my true goal is travelling the whole world."
Sylra nodded slowly. "Everyone has different goals. I respect that."
As they arrived at the Duke's estate, the commander waved them over.
"You two walked here?" he asked, frowning. "You could've ridden with the carriage!"
Felix grinned. "We just needed a little walk. Clear our heads. Did you catch the innkeeper?"
The commander smirked and opened a curtain — inside, the innkeeper sat bound in ropes, gagged and fuming.
Felix walked over, leaned in. "We'll have a talk later," he said, then shut the curtain.
"Where's the butler?" he asked.
"With Kaelan," the commander replied. "he's being examined. No one's allowed in while the doctor's working. Not even me."
"Then let's go," Felix said to Sylra. "I'll show you around."
But before they could walk far, the doctor stepped out.
The commander stepped forward immediately. "How is Master Kaelan?"
The doctor removed his gloves and smiled gently.
"he's stable. He should wake by morning."