The promise

Ed got on a carriage and asked Becky to drive around town. He didn't tell her the reason but she obeyed anyway.

Ed didn't forget to use the map this time. After opening it he could see most of the city, he could also see the people as colored dots. Blue ones were neutral while green ones were friendly. 'I guess red ones would be enemies'

Ed could see a lot of green dots in the castle while only one was in the sect. He guessed that would be his family and the staff there, while the sect one would be his brother training.

He surveyed the map a bit more and noticed a green dot not too from him and felt that would be his target. He told Becky the directions and summoned Suika to pass time.

"Suu..." Suika was sad because Ed didn't summon her for a while now.

"Sorry Suika but the enemy this time was very dangerous and I didn't want you to get hurt" Ed tried to cheer her up. It didn't take long for her to forgive him and then jumped up on Raikou's head.

The trio passed their time laughing until Ed noticed he was at his destination.

"You can stop here Becky" Ed informed Becky and got down from the carriage. The surrounding people looked shocked to see a noble in this district. It was the slums.

Ed made his way toward his target and spoke. "Hey there, won't you tell me your name" Ed smiled.

It was the orphan who saved Ed.

"My name is Oliver sir" Ed finally knew the name. Oliver was very polite, clearing knowing not to offend a noble.

"Well then Oliver, I came here with an apology, and a thanks and a proposal." Ed kept his smile while chatting with Oliver. The latter was shocked but didn't react much.

"First I would like to apologize for what my brother did. He was sick and I hope you don't blame him or hate him. Although I'm guessing you forgave him since you saved me the other day".

Oliver kept listening and didn't interrupt Ed. "Second I would like to thank you for saving me. Hadn't you been there, I would probably be dead already." Ed thanked him in the most sincere way possible.

"... You saved me as well when you gave me those pills. I live in the slums so I would have probably died with my wounds. I just paid back my debt" Oliver looked Ed straight in the eyes and answered him.

"That was already because of my brother so I had to do something. So I want you to accept my thanks" Oliver kept quiet and nodded.

"As for the proposal. Let's keep that waiting for a while, follow me." Ed moved and asked Oliver to follow him. He did as he was told and got in the carriage.

"Becky take us to the market" Ed decided on his destination.

When Oliver got on the carriage he got scared because of Raikou and Suika and backed away. Ed caught him and told him not to worry. So he sat down and started chatting with Ed.

"Why don't you tell me about yourself a bit?"

"I'm 12 years old" It was 1 year younger than what Ed estimated before.

"Anything more?" Ed smiled wryly at the short answer Oliver gave him.

"I came to this country after my mother died" Oliver's expression didn't change.

"I see... Sorry for making you remember something you want to forget.

"..." Oliver was quiet and didn't answer him.

"What about your father?"

"Never knew him" Simple answers for simple questions.

The mood in the carriage was getting heavy when suddenly. "Young master we are here" Becky informed Ed that they reached their destination.

'Nice save Becky!' Ed thanked Becky in his heart.

"Let us go eat" Ed informed them and got down from the carriage. "Becky you as well" Becky had intended to stay behind when Ed surprised her.

"Young master I canno-" As Becky wanted to speak Ed stopped her. "Just come along it's my treat. You can even consider it an order" Becky soon followed after him.

Ed stopped before long at a shop where an old man was cooking.

"Old man is your food delicious?" Ed spoke jokingly.

"Of course it is!! It's my joy and pride!" The old man answered as if he was talking about his child.

"Then let us order!" Ed ordered some skewers for him and Suika and got a steak for Raikou. Oliver ordered many things after hesitating at first. His hunger got the better of him.

Becky didn't want to order at first but Ed ordered some skewers for her as well.

The group finished their food. "Old man your food is really good! I'll be frequenting a lot here!" All of them enjoyed their food and the old man didn't mind serving a wolf, a slime, and an orphan so he gained Ed's respect.

"Sure! If you become a regular I'll even give you a discount!" The old man was friendly and seemed like he liked Ed. Although he probably had no idea Ed was Arthur's son which meant he genuinely liked him.

The group got back to the carriage. Ed then started speaking to Oliver.

"Oliver about the proposal I mentioned earlier. Would you like to become a disciple of our sect?" Ed surprised Oliver who looked like his eyes bulged out.

"I want to get stronger. But I don't want to be given strength as a pity."

"It is not pity. When you attacked the man before, you threw the rock from so far away. This meant you have both accuracy and strength" Ed explained his reasoning to Oliver.

"But my mom taught me not to accept anything without paying back. I have no money to give you." Oliver closed his eyes looking dejected.

"Then get strong enough to protect us. Get strong enough so you can save people. Get strong enough so you can pay me back!" Ed was passionate when talking.

Oliver opened his eyes and looked at Ed.

"So promise me this Oliver. Promise me you'll get strong enough to protect those you care about!" Ed looked back at him and smiled.

Oliver nodded his head and started crying. It was the first time someone trusted him after his mother died.

"Becky, take us to the castle" It was time to return.