Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

*Knock*

Hearing the knock, Amanda put down the book and went to open the door.

She somehow expected her father to be there; however, at the moment, she didn't want to meet anyone.

But, naturally, she invited him inside, "Please come in."

Hades could sense the reluctance in her voice. He was aware that Amanda didn't want to hear a single word about her sister.

Sitting down on a chair, he took the glass of water she offered before Amanda also sat across from him.

The silence in the air was soon broken by the older one, as he told her, "Sarah asked about you."

Amanda remained silent, and allowed her father to add, "When I tried to address her formally, she corrected me and said that she is still my daughter first."

Amanda heaved a sigh, "And you forgave her?" She could see the elation and relief in his eyes; urging the girl to ask something she believed to be unreal.

How can a father forgive such a child who didn't even care about all the love and support her parents provided and abandon them all of a sudden?

Hades leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. His eyes were drawn to the ground as he spoke, "I don't know what you think about it, Amanda, but there is a reason why Sarah got up and said she was leaving that day."

"And whatever you say, father, my opinion wouldn't change that she got tired of her family and decided to move away-"

"That's not—" His voice elevated. However, Count Lockwood soon composed himself, and added, "No one would ever get tired of their family and leave them behind without a reason, Amanda. When you were a child and used to say that, I never said something. But now, I expect you to have a more mature take on this matter."

Amanda's eyes turned moist, but she refused to say anything.

Hades controlled his temper, and said in a soft voice, "There are things which we should overlook, Amanda. You have always been my most responsible child, and even in the future, I apologize for saying this, but I will expect you to make the right decision."

Amanda turned her head and looked away from him—showing her reluctance evidently this time.

Hades took the hint, and with a sigh, he got up.

Before leaving, he stepped forward and caressed her hair, "However, regardless of your decision to forgive Sarah, I promise you, I will always be proud of you."

She no longer was able to hold back her tears, and while clinging to his arm, the walls of the room heard the young girl sobbing.

—-------**--------

Edric reached the Capital by the night of the same day—thanks to the fact that he was traveling alone and was allowed to choose the means of his transportation.

He was, naturally, allowed to enter the main palace where he was told to wait in the reception hall for the time being.

When he was there, he met Celestria who was about to cross the reception hall.

"Hey, Cela!" He hurriedly called out; finding the girl a source of comfort in this uncomfortable place.

Celestria raised her brows as she walked closer to him and asked, "Why are you here?"

The smile on the boy's face turned strained, "I apologize for showing my ugly face in your presence, I will take my leave…"

"A-Ah..wait. I was just asking casually, how come you are here?!"

Edric looked at the girl's futile attempt at changing her tone before he sighed and told her, "Was summoned by the Supreme Authority."

"Father? Why would he need you?"

"..." Edric didn't know if she was doing it on purpose.

"Yes, he is very much needed, Princess." Suddenly Aborne appeared from behind, startling the duo.

Edric's eyes widened slightly as he slowly muttered, "Commander…" The last time Edric saw him, the man had one foot in the grave…so seeing him all recovered and fine made him a little emotional.

The redhead stepped forward and patted the young man on the shoulder with a hearty laugh escaping his throat, "Khahah~did you think I would die so easily?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Edric rubbed his moist eyes before he smiled at the tall man, "I am glad to see you in good health, Commander."

Aborne hummed before he commented, "I can see you have grown quite considerably in a few days. I am proud of you, son!"

Edric smiled brightly, "It's all thanks to Sir Eric and your guidance."

Aborne slowly shook his head; this boy was extremely polite for thanking someone who did nothing to help him.

Turning towards the Princess, Aborne asked, "You can continue with your work, Celestria. I will bring Edric where he is required."

Celestria nodded, but before leaving, she quietly told Edric, "Amanda hasn't left her room since the morning."

Edric's body froze at the spot hearing that.

Ah..the Saintess.

It wasn't like he forgot about it; rather, it slipped his mind.

As Celestria left, Edric asked, "Commander, can I-"

"No, not possible. They all are waiting just for you, so come with me first then go and find your friend."

Edric gave a soft nod before walking along with the man.

…..

Aborne and Edric walked in silence—the latter being engrossed in the thoughts of his beloved.

He originally wanted to be with Amanda during these times, but she clearly told him not to; considering the importance of the internship.

But fate was with them and allowed Edric to be near her when she needed him.

'Once I finish here, I will come and find you…'

After walking with Aborne through a few corridors, they reached a room which has enormously large doors.

Edric has never been so deep in the palace.

Looking at how many guards were stationed around, he knew that something important and top-secret must be occurring inside.

Suddenly he began to feel nervous.

Aborne didn't knock or ask for permission before pushing open the door.

Edric squinted his eyes and the first person his eyes laid on was quite familiar.

"Sir Eric?" Edric stepped inside with a smile, "Why did you come here separately? We could have a horse race all the way to the capital." In his excitement, he completely ignored the other people in the room. Forget about that, he didn't even see the stern look on the man who looked exactly like Eric.

Aborne stepped in with a soft chuckle escaping his lips before he informed the boy,

"That's Lord Steelhound, you fool."

"..."

—-------**--------

Alex might be taking a risk to meet the Saintess like this. Rumors might spread and he would be in the spotlight once again.

However, he had to. He wouldn't get another golden opportunity like this where he could converse with the lady in person and discover whether she was the other transmigrator he was searching for.

Surely, if she discovers that Alex is also from Earth, there is a high chance for her to try and get rid of him. That's why Alex has to be discreet about it.

'Swinging a blade is easier than talking…sadly, that won't work here…'

Strolling through corridors, he finally reached the floor where she was staying and found rows of soldiers stationed side by side on either side of her room.

He walked past all the soldiers and stood before the one just beside the door before showing the handkerchief she gave him.

The soldier inspected the handkerchief, before looking at Alex and commanding, "Uncover your face."

Alex did what he was told before the soldier verified the identity of the person which the Saintess told him.

The soldier went ahead and checked for any unnecessary items on him.

Except for the ring he wore on his finger, there was not even a candy on him.

The soldier nodded before he allowed him to pass.

Alex didn't cover his face again, discerning that the Saintess had already told them that he would be coming to meet her.

The ring on his finger was a storage item in which he contained several things for offense and defense; knowing he was in the territory of a possible enemy.

The room was fairly large for a single person to reside in and had a lot of hiding spots.

Once he stepped in, the doors were pulled closed from the other side.

Alex was vigilant, as he moved slowly and called out, "Supreme Grace? I am Alex, the one wh-"

Alex's eyes sharpened as he summoned a dagger in his left hand, and twisted on his heel before tackling the swift figure on the ground.

Straddling the ambusher, he pressed the dagger against her pale neck and looked at her face with an intense look.

There was evident blush on her cheeks, making her appear more alluring. Her eyes were moist and lips slightly parted, through which hot breaths seeped.

The Nun stared at him feverishly before she extended her hand—completely unbothered by the dagger—and cupped his cheeks,

"Ceaser…"

"---!!"

—-------**--------

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment if you enjoyed reading their interaction.