Alex: (Even as an orphan, I knew the legend of the Hero—and that's how I also know about the famous Heroic Team. The legend says that despite the Hero's superhuman gifts, Darkn's quest was far too dangerous. So, on his journey, the Hero took companions. The team had a powerhouse warrior, always ready to charge first; a master swordsman knight; a mage who provided support from the back; and a priestess specializing in healing magic. But beyond them, the Hero was always accompanied by his closest aide—a squire with unmatched combat skills. Hmm… if I don't lose my mind, that's the role Arthur wants me to fill.)
In the throne room, everyone awaited the sovereign's verdict, but Alex spoke up:
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I completely refuse to join Arthur's team."
The king stroked his long beard and said:
"You are quite insolent to speak to your lord this way."
Alex: "I admit it, Your Majesty… please have mercy on me."
The mage present thought silently:
(This boy's got guts to oppose him like that. This is going to be very interesting.)
King: "First, tell me your name, young man."
Alex: "Alex, Your Majesty."
King: "Just Alex? And your family name?"
Alex: "Sorry, Sire, I'm an orphan, so I'm not used to giving a surname. But I go by Alex Andréas."
Hearing the name, the king's eyes widened.
King: "By any chance… is your father Loren Andréas, the knight stationed to defend against monster invasions?"
Alex: "Correct. Loren was a knight defending the outpost near Moon Light Forest. I was born from his union with a mage named Alice Serise."
King: "I see… but what happened to your father? It's been sixteen years since he retired."
Alex: "Do you really want to know, Your Majesty?"
King: "Of course."
Alex stared at the king with icy eyes.
Alex: "He was massacred."
A shiver ran through the room. Even the mage thought:
(This boy… he's terrifying.)
King: "Explain yourself."
Alex: "Moon Light is a tiny village in the forest. My parents settled there when I was born. But one year and nine months later, monsters breached the defenses and attacked. My father and mother were the village's only hope—they stood in the way. They managed to halt the assault, but both died. That's what I was told… I don't remember either of them."
Mage: (What a sad memory… poor boy.)
Alex: "But with all due respect… we weren't there! I'll never join Arthur's team. Hero nonsense and risking my life for nothing? Not my thing."
The king sighed, then asked Arthur:
"My dear Arthur, what do we do in this case?"
Arthur: "It's your decision, my king. But if that's the case, I can no longer vouch for him, and he may be prosecuted for the crime he's accused of."
King: "Ah… so he's the man our men failed to capture in the forest. Very well…"
The room held its breath. The mage thought:
(So much tension… can't wait to see what happens!)
Alex: (I can feel this is going to be stupid.)
King: "Alex Andréas, for committing murder in Moon Light Forest, I, Nestor Nora, sentence you to serve as Arthur's squire. Disobey this command, and you will face the death penalty!"
Alex: (Damn it!)
King: "The debate ends here. The assembly is adjourned!"
Everyone bowed as the king departed, followed by the rest. Alex stayed, head down, brooding.
The mage approached, touched his shoulder, and asked:
"Are you holding up?"
Alex: "How could I with this situation?"
She stepped back, lowering her head:
"I'm sorry… I just can't understand how troubled you are."
Alex took a deep breath:
"It's fine. I'll find a way to get out of this."
He began walking away. The mage watched him, thinking:
(This boy… he's really strange. I have a feeling he'll be interesting.)
Suddenly, she heard:
"You coming or not?"
She looked and saw Alex standing there, ahead.
Mage: "Wait!"
She rushed to catch up with him.
"Don't you want to call me by my name?"
Alex: "That would be practical."
Mage: "Hmm?"
Alex: "Problem?"
Mage: "Ask me my name!"
Alex: "Ah, right! And what is it?"
Mage: "Did you really need me to say it for you to ask?"
Alex: "What, you didn't want to?"
Mage: "No… I mean, I'm Ella. Ella Lumano."
Alex: "Nice name. Fits you perfectly."
Ella (Mage): (What did he just say?)
Alex: "Don't freeze up—come on."
Ella: "Wait!"
She hurried closer:
"Where are you going?"
Alex: "To the training grounds. To see Arthur."
Ella: "I'm going too."
Alex: "Then let's go together."
NEXT CHAPTER: The Hero's Squire