[Bonus chapter] The Devil from Akiya

Early morning in Prince Maximilian's palace...

"Is everything okay?" a guard asked Sir Damien.

"Nothing suspicious. However, make sure to stay vigilant on patrol because the situation is not favorable," replied Sir Damien. "Many parties are threatening Prince Maximilian's safety."

"Don't worry! Leave it to us and you can go home for now," said the guard, tapping Sir Damien's tensed shoulders.

The guards hugged in a friendly manner. They promised to spend the evening in a nice restaurant downtown.

After Sir Damien finished his shift and was relieved by another guard, he immediately left Prince Maximilian's palace. Yet, he didn't head home. Instead, he spurred his horse along the trail in Silverwood Forest, where he would meet the people he had asked for help to capture Ethan. He growled. He hadn't expected betrayal.