Ritter 

Volker got on his horse and galloped fast. The man looked up at the sky, which would soon darken. The sound of his horse's hooves filled the silence. The streets are flanked by forests and shrubs, making the silence even eerier. Gallop continued to run at full speed without getting tired. Volker strained his ears and eyes in case of a sudden attack like that.

Volker didn't have trouble until he ran into a mob of ten men. They stood huddled not far from the road and stared at Volker. Volker pulled the reins of his horse to stop Gallop. The man came down and faced the group.

"Lord Volker!" they said in unison. Volker nodded in response to their greetings. Volker's eyes darted around to make sure no one saw them.

"Are you guys ready?" asked Volker afterwards. They are warriors chosen by Volker to help with the investigation. "Your clothes are beautiful." Volker commented.

The uniforms they usually wear when serving as soldiers are replaced with ordinary clothes. There were no shiny armour, insignia, or boots to protect their feet. They looked like humans.

"We have prepared all of this," replied one of the soldiers. Looks less comfortable with clothes like that.

"No one saw you guys leave Remilis, right?" Volker made sure that his actions were utterly confidential this time.

"We are sure. We split up and didn't go the usual way either."

"Alright. The Meiga might appear with a strong magic barrier. So you guys have to be alert. You guys have to stay safe." Volker could not allow his soldiers to lose their lives. What's more, they are under his supervision.

"We understand, Lord. We'll be careful." A noise in the bushes not far from where they stood alerted Volker. Luckily three humans appeared from there.

"Sorry, it's us." Volker would have almost attacked him had they not appeared soon.

"Are you guys ready?" This time the question was addressed to the three humans. "We will protect you. So, you guys don't have to worry about anything."

"We understand, Lord Volker. We are ready."

"Then you guys get ready."

They scattered after that. Some went to Terena Forest, and others to Zentara Forest. Meanwhile, Volker himself went up to the hill behind the Terena forest. Even though he couldn't see the situation in the Zentara forest, he had stationed more soldiers there.

The three humans were bait to make Gendewa appear. If the perpetrator seems, he will immediately appear after knowing that Rodenis has withdrawn from Delmar. This was the plan that the head of the village told Volker at the time, and Volker agreed. So the sudden decision made by the village head was not without preparation.

"Volkers!" A man as tall as Volker came suddenly. The man did not show his face except for his eyes. His body was covered by a robe, while his face was wearing a mask. But of course, that didn't make Volker not recognize the man.

"You startled me," said Volker coolly.

The man seemed to smile before sitting beside Volker. He took off his mask, and now his face was unmistakable. Volker didn't react much except for his deep gaze fixed on the man.

If you look closely, they have somewhat similar faces. Only, their hair is much different. Volker had shoulder-length silver hair neatly tied up, while the man had short, golden hair. Same colour as his eyes. So handsome.

"I didn't expect you to be there in time," Volker commented.

The man lay comfortably on the grass and looked up at the sky, which would soon darken. "As it turns out, I miss Remilis," he answered, disconnected from Volker's words. But after that, he continued, "And of course, I'll come on time. I am a man of promises."

"I wasn't even sure you were coming," Volker insisted again. "Moreover I'm not sure the letter will reach you."

A few days ago, Volker had purposely written a letter to the man and sent it by pigeon with some magic. Since Volker didn't even know where Ritter was, he only gave the dove a brief description of the man who should get the letter. And luckily, the message was right up.

"So you expect me to come or not actually?"

Volker chuckled. "You haven't changed," he said. "But, thank you for coming." Volker sincerely said it. Having him around would help her a lot.

"Thank you for your welcome. Remilis' air is really fresh." The man took a deep breath, injecting as much oxygen as possible into his lungs. After not coming home for a long time, this has become something fun. Being in the city where he grew up and spent time before he left his hometown.

"Then you must stay a little longer, or you can return to Remilis." replied Volker. "It is time to gather together with our clan."

"Who knows." The man let out a long sigh. "But I can consider it." There was a slight smile on his lips.

"Apparently, they will be surprised when you suddenly appear in Remilis," said Volker.

"Who? You are talking about the Elder?" The man's smile appeared on his face remembering the Elders who had tried so hard to stop him from staying in Remilis.

"You should see them, Ritter," Volker teased. "You might get a warm hug from them."

The man called Ritter turned to Volker, who was also looking at him. They laughed after that, laughing at their little chat. This is Volker's laughter after decades. Volker himself couldn't even remember the last time he had laughed. But only with Ritter – his best friend – did he do that.

"I will consider it." Ritter spoke lightly. Now he is lying on his side with his right hand used to support his head. Her eyes fixed on Volker. "Do you know? I was actually surprised when I got your message. I thought Remilis was fine."

"Remilis is indeed fine. But it is part of Remilis that is problematic," explained Volker.

"Meiga," Ritter muttered. "Looks like we'll have to eliminate the owner of the magic so it doesn't get troubling. They use bad things when they get the hang of it."

Volker had explained to Ritter about Meiga in his letter. Therefore the man already knew what they were getting into.

"Actually not only that, but there is something I want to talk to you about." Volker spoke again.

"About what?" Ritter glanced at Volker from the side. Staring at his friend closely.

"Goldana Aerta," said Volker candidly. Ritter looked taken aback for a moment. But he nodded as if he understood.

"Sure," he said.

"You are not surprised?" asked Volker.

"I even find it weird if you don't ask about that thing." Ritter shrugged indifferently. The man then closed his eyes to just rest. Looking back at the almost dark sky. Watching the clouds above that are constantly changing shape.

Volker was silent and preoccupied with his own thoughts. Inwardly asking, would Ritter agree with him if they collected Goldana Aerta for their clan? If the man refused, then there was nothing Volker could hope for. He will go alone no matter what.

***