First Friend

Contract.

It was a power that only magicians could wield.

Because magicians often required chants and time to prepare when casting magic, contracts were born out of necessity.

Initially, the purpose of contracts was to allow magicians to enlist bodyguards under certain conditions, ensuring protection during the preparation of magic and defending against enemies.

However, as time passed and history unfolded, contracts evolved into various forms, used in different aspects of life such as restraints, agreements, or even enslavement of others.

Rules established through contracts had to be executed once activated, or else they triggered a punishment mechanism.

For instance, slaves deprived of their human rights were usually bound by a slavery contract facilitated by a magician. Once the contract was successful, the slave had to unquestionably obey the master's commands or face consequences ranging from torture to loss of life.

The original Riezel's grandfather was a slave to a rural merchant, obedient to his master's every command. Upon discovering the original Riezel's innate and powerful magical energy, the grandfather didn't hesitate to offer his own grandchild to his master.

Fortunately, the original Riezel managed to escape. Otherwise, the ignorant rural merchant would have exploited his talents, potentially subjecting him to a slavery contract, a lifetime of enslavement.

In comparison to the rights-depriving slavery contract, the attendant contract was much more fair.

When a magician needed a bodyguard for protection, they often proposed the establishment of an attendant contract.

Unlike the domineering and rights-ignoring nature of the slavery contract, the attendant contract emphasized equality. The magician proposing the contract had to agree to fulfill the wish of the prospective attendant for the contract to be in effect.

Under this contract, the magician had to wholeheartedly strive to fulfill the attendant's wish; otherwise, the contract became void. On the other hand, if the magician successfully fulfilled the attendant's wish, the contract became effective, and the attendant had to protect their master with all their might, or face the consequences outlined in the contract.

Hence, the attendant contract was the most commonly used means for magicians to enlist bodyguards.

Many influential magicians, especially nobles who lacked neither wealth nor status, often possessed the ability to fulfill numerous wishes, attracting a multitude of attendants to ensure their safety.

As a marquis, a chief court magician, and a Strategic-Class Magician, Yuri naturally commands numerous attendants, each possessing considerable power.

Marilyn was Yuri's first attendant, having served her for a long time and earning her trust. The two female knights brought by Marilyn were also attendants who had formed contracts with Yuri.

Riezel glanced at the two newcomers for a moment.

Whether it was Ain or Ian, both seemed to be in their early twenties and considered to be in the prime of their youth.

Among them, Ain appeared slightly older, with a mature appearance and sharp, resolute eyes. She sported a side ponytail of purple hair cascading over her shoulders, and at her waist hung a longsword, giving off a reliable aura.

Ian looked younger than Ain but older than Riezel, Yuri, and Marilyn. Although not as mature as Ain, her figure was graceful. Wearing a serious expression, her deep blue hair was braided into a twist hanging in front, giving off an equally reliable vibe.

The two wielded different weapons.

Ain wielded a longsword resembling a greatsword but not as large, while Ian brandished a slender sword resembling a rapier—both classy and appealing. At first glance, they exuded a sense of reliability.

""My Lady.""

The two female knights, wearing less armor, bow their heads respectfully to Yuri, showing great respect.

"Ain, Ian." Yuri nods to the two attendants. "I have a task for you."

The two female knights step forward simultaneously.

"Please command." Ain lowers her head, awaiting orders.

"As long as my Lady wishes." Ian speaks earnestly.

"Do you recognize this person?" Yuri points at Riezel. "I need you to protect him outside and safely bring him back."

Upon hearing this, Ain and Ian both turned their gaze to Riezel.

Riezel nodded in response.

The two female knights exchanged glances and then turned their attention back to Yuri.

""Yes!""

Without asking for reasons or expressing objections, the two women readily accept the task.

Yuri looked back at Riezel.

"Ain and Ian became my attendants a long time ago. Their strength is outstanding, ranking among the top five of all my attendants. With them protecting you, your journey should be much safer."

"Alright, I will bring them along." Riezel could only accept her arrangement.

"That's good." Yuri first smiled, then became serious. "Be careful with everything. If you encounter any difficult dangers, immediately retreat, and don't act recklessly. Understand?"

Her advice may sound a bit excessive but conveyed a clear sense of concern.

"Don't worry." Riezel lightly smiled. "I know my limits."

After saying that, he left Yuri's office.

"Go." Yuri urged Ain and Ian with a nod, and the two of them bowed their heads before following Riezel.

Once the footsteps of the three gradually faded away, Marilyn finally spoke up.

"Is this really okay, my Lady?" Marilyn asked in a low voice.

"With Ain and Ian on his side, his safety should be guaranteed." Yuri didn't look at Marilyn, still gazing in the direction of the door. "He's right... We can't keep him locked up here forever."

"He's truly a fearless man..." Marilyn's tone sounded very impolite; it could even be said she spoke harshly. "I heard he used to be ignorant and incompetent, spending his time in drinking and pleasure, a country boy who was easily swayed by a group of young nobles. But looking at his current actions, it's hard to imagine he was someone like that before."

"At first, I was also surprised, you know..." Yuri smirked. "I thought he was feigning calm, deliberately putting on an act or something... Now it seems that might be his true character..."

Yuri couldn't help but recall the scene when she first met Riezel.

Back then, he was already lying in a pool of blood, barely alive. When she arrived and scared off the attackers, she saw a strong sense of vigilance and hostility in his eyes.

Thinking about that look in his eyes, Yuri had to admit that the initial reason their relationship had developed to its current state was because of that particular moment.

In those eyes, she seemed to see a wild beast imprisoned, a fierce tiger robbed of its freedom, venting anger to everything around it.

It was at that moment that she felt a connection.

As a result, she brought him back.

As a result, she became interested in him, personally checking on his condition and gradually considering him an important friend.

"Friend, huh...?" Yuri mumbled, and a hint of coldness flickered in her eyes. "He's my first friend... I can't let the rats in the gutter harm him..."

===

At the same time, outside the gate of the mansion.

"Thank you." Riezel looked at Ain and Ian, who walked behind him and expressed his gratitude to them.

"No need." Ain said calmly without changing her expression. "This is the lady's order, and we are just following her order."

"Yes." Ian also spoke with a rigid tone. "As long as it's the lady's command, we will do our best to fulfill it, no matter what it is."

"Even so, I still want to thank you..." Riezel said calmly. "This time going out, there may be some dangers coming our way. If we really encounter something unexpected, you don't need to worry about me."

Leaving those words behind, he did not give the two female knights a chance to respond and turned away.

"What does he mean?" Ian frowned.

"..." Ain remained silent, only watching his back with a meaningful gaze.

Though they each had their own thoughts, they didn't hesitate to follow in his footsteps. Even though they didn't understand the meaning behind his words, what they had to do would not change.

===

Jinas's royal capital was a grand city called 'Yeluvia'.

The city was bustling, with most buildings resembling large chalk-white buildings. At first glance, it appeared majestic, giving one a sense of entering a medieval magical kingdom.

The residents of Yeluvia were predominantly wealthy, giving the city a more glamorous appearance compared to other urban areas.

Being the capital of the kingdom, anyone residing here had to possess some capital of their own.

Naturally, the city overflowed with various nobles.

Due to the location of the royal palace, nobles frequently came and went. Some served the king as court nobles within the palace, while others owned territories outside the city.

Even honorary and local nobles could be found here, creating a diverse mix of people.

In this location, Riezel, who had left the Frenzel residence, found himself in a plaza of Yeluvia.

In front of a fountain in the plaza, a group of noble children had gathered.

"Riezel! Over here!"

Someone called out to Riezel.

Riezel, busy observing the surroundings, immediately lifted his gaze and looked in the direction of the voice.

He spotted the group of noble children from his memories. They were dressed in a refined manner, with carriages parked nearby and bodyguards standing by.

He had to admit, the grandeur of their meeting was quite impressive.

The one who called out to him was the leader of the group, Archie Rhein, who keenly noticed him and waved his hand.