//Edit 18/01/2022: Spelling mistakes fixed + text formatting + changed some dialogues + I didn't expect how much the updated chapter would be long, so I decided to split it in 2 parts

//Edit 13/02/2023: Note: Be careful for those reading this chapter for the first time. It has been split in 2 parts, but some comments have spoilers about the part 2. Have fun.

I know I had already stolen lots of things during my old life, but it was just for having something to eat.

Now, I've just helped someone to steal at people, so I became his accomplice. Indeed, it's not over yet because I'm about to help him steal that treasure from that manor.

But I have to do all my possible to help Therion: if ever we get caught by the guards, we will both have very huge problems... I remembered how harsh were the guards when they treated the poor merchant from earlier...

Indeed, Therion told me that he was still a kid when he was sent to prison.

Honestly, I was a bit scared to be caught and sent to prison someday. But I didn't want the same to happen to Therion again, and I was feeling less scared with him.

« Are you sure we shouldn't dress up as merchants ? », I asked Therion by following him closely.

« We're making a flight, not a fashion show. »

We both arrived a front of the Ravus manor which looked so huge and impressive from closer.

The walls were abnormally high and there were the same two guards keeping the gate.

Though, even if it was to keep a valuable treasure, was it necessary, for the lady Ravus, to live in such a guarded place ? Perhaps she must be pretty shy...

"..."

The two soldiers who looked cautiously at us were placed at each side of the gate. No others guards were nearby present, but they both looked vigilant and enough experienced in their jobs. They wore the same clothes, and looked so similar that I thought they were twins.

By the way, I wanted that me and Therion were disguised as merchants to make us pass like true merchants and pass more easily. But Therion thought it would bother him, and preferred we could enter as we like.

It wasn't every day that we meet a merchant with an intimidating shroud like Therion, after all !

However, he looked so confident about this plan, and stealing that letter was only sufficient according to him to pass the gate. He was a more skilled thief than me, but also a strong person, after seeing him hitting the bandana thief.

And I promised him to follow his orders if I wanted to stay safe with him while stealing that treasure.

Now he was my partner, so I wanted to trust him and to let him make the plan.

As we marched between the two areas of grass, me at the right of Therion, the two guards quickly stood in our way to the gate.

« Halt ! »

I just backed away from a step, as I tried to stay the quietest possible. It was a bit hard for me to maintain this behaviour for fooling the guards, especially when I was going to enter this impressive looking manor.

But I didn't want Therion to fail this robbery, so I acted normally.

« Hello-o !», I told them politely.

« Good day, sirs. I've come to call on the Ravuses. Would you kindly announce my arrival ? », Therion asked them gently.

The soldier at the left came towards Therion and made him sign to stop.

« They're not seeing anyone today ! Begone with you at once ! Begone, I say ! », he yelled angrily.

'I guess they must not like visitors, sadly...'

Despite his menacing look, Therion still looked calm.

« Allow me to introduce myself: you see, I am a merchant of some reput... »

« A merchant ? And « of repute », you say ? Don't make me laugh ! », interrupted the other guard while he snickered with his crossed arms.

The other guard was amused as well. They were really taking us for fools, for people who just wanted to make a prank...

But we just wanted to make a robbery, even if we didn't want to tell them !

Therion continued to speak quietly.

« You ought not judge a man by his robes. »

He was right: I heard it's bad to judge people for their appearance !

Maybe Therion's outfit would clearly distinct him as a thief, but come on... Those guards should be nicer with visitors, even with those who don't want to steal the lady's treasure...

When the second soldier just approached, Therion continued to speak.

« As a matter of fact, I was personally summoned by the lady of the house. And I doubt she would react kindly upon hearing I was turned away. »

"!!!..."

His lies started to freak out one of the guards, but I just hoped in my mind that the guards wouldn't go to tell the lady of the house about us before we pass the gate.

If they discover the truth, we will fail.

However, I liked Therion's idea to make the guards think lady Ravus will be angry with them. This was really a good plan, but it was still risky to enter there without being caught.

Do we still have a chance to convince the guards ?

« Summoned ? You ? », said the first soldier, who looked to be concerned about us.

Therion nodded while the second soldier still looked distrustful and laughed a bit, before he said to his buddy.

« You think we're going to believe that codswallop ? »

« If we had a leaf for every rotten thief who gave us that story, we'd be as rich as the Ravuses ! », said hastily the first soldier, while pointing his finger towards Therion.

"!!!..."

I felt a bit worried and nervous, but I still stayed calm as the other guard added.

« But since we aren't, we're here protecting their fortune from would-be swindlers like you. »

« Heh. Thought you could outsmart us, didn't you ? », said the first one, while laughing.

« And by the way, this is not a place for kids. »

"!!!..."

The second guard just pushed me by his hand with enough force to make me stepping back.

« I'm ... his companion, sir.... I'm just working with him... », I told them while still remaining calm in my faked role.

« Oh really ?!... I thought you got lost and you were just wandering there !... »

The 2 soldiers laughed at me.

I sighed annoyingly, feeling embarrassed. I didn't like when people don't take me seriously, and maybe we were just lying to them, but come on.

I have a bad feeling: these two guards didn't trust us at all and called us thieves without any proofs... Perhaps they guessed because of Therion's raggy clothes...

That was why I wanted that we disguise as merchants before !

However, I couldn't bear those guards at all, and Ij ust hoped we won't be thrown away like the red merchant.

As Therion also sighed after I spoke to them, the guard from the right approached him and insisted.

« The next time you're « summoned », remember to bring your letter. »

« Would you be referring to this letter, perchance ? »

"!!!..."

Suddenly, the two soldiers looked very surprised as Therion showed them the famous letter !

I've almost forgot about that proof ! Why hasn't Therion showed it sooner ?! We're just losing time to deal with those guards...

"..."

However, one of the guards stayed suspicious as he complained.

« How did you get that ? It must be a fake ! »

"!!!..."

That's no good !...

They were really believing we were true thieves... but we are not, even if it's false !

I felt quite tensed, afraid of being discovered, especially since there are 2 others dozens of guards who could pursue us if they find out the truth... But I was also upset, a bit impatient.

We could say those guards really didn't want to let us pass...

"..."

Therion just sighed and added.

« If you're still aren't convinced, I fear there's not much else I can do. Come, Travis. »

"!!!..."

I was surprised: why did he just wanted to leave ?! Didn't he really want to give up on the treasure now ?! All because they didn't want to let us pass ?!...

Therion just made a few steps in the opposite direction, as I followed him, but he just stopped and spoke loud enough to be heard.

« I'll take my leave, but I will give lady Ravus a full report on what happened today. I wonder how she will see fit to deal with this affront of my good name, and I don't want to imagine her reaction after learning you expelled a child...»

"!!!..."

I turned and saw the two soldiers who looked very shocked ! Indeed, they were fearing to be scolded by the lady Ravus !

The first soldier, who looked worried, ran towards Therion.

« W-wait, sir ! We were only doing our jobs ! »

«!!!...Yeah. », finally said the other with a regretful look.

The first guard sighed and said quietly.

« You may pass. »

"..."

I just sighted, with a smile on my face, reassured that we could finally pass the gate !

'Finally !...'

'It's about time !...'

Therion also looked relieved but still annoyed by the two guards, but he added calmy.

« Why, thank you, gentlemen. »

They were finally aware they've just made a huge mistake: throwing away a loyal partner of the Ravus family, even if it wasn't true !

Therion has seriously so smart and clever to make them scared by talking about the lady !

Perhaps I should have trusted more his strategy, especially when I thought we were about to leave the place...

"T-thanks !...", I thanked calmly the guards while we went through the gate.

I was glad that we finally passed those guards by fooling them.

Maybe they looked menacing in the first place... but they were just a bit stupid, in the end...

Then, we finally entered inside the place... and I became amazed.

"Wow..."

The manor looked wonderful ! It really looked like a castle where a princess would live. Indeed, this was the kind of place where rich people lived, with a lot of gardens and all.

2 great pillars made of marble were located right affront the door, made of dark wood adorned of beautiful forms.

There were large multi-paned windows located in the first level of the building, and they had the size of a door ! One of them was wide opened, and their panes were very well cleaned.

I also observed small areas of blue flowers located around the entrance, separated with white stairs. The roof was green and there were also many stone statues of gargoyles.

Plus, there were a few trees cultivated at the sides, and a large flower shape was drawn on the ground, to make the place more natural. It really looked beautiful with the sun shining the whole place !

"..."

Therion just closed the large door behind me, and walked to observe this magnificent place.

It's true it was very beautiful, but the problem is that it was also a very big place. This manor looks to have so many floors, which means so many places to search.

I started to wonder how we could find the treasure in such a large place...

Also, I'm curious about how the lady of the house looked like. Was she old ? Or young ?

Whatever.

I just feel that she is kinda lucky to live in her manor with so many spaces to walk in, but maybe others people lived in too.

Therion just observed the whole manor, he looked also impressed, but not as much as me. I guessed he might be used to often see such large places...

« It's so big... », I mumbled, my eyes too focused on the giant manor when Ifelt excited and said to Therion. « We finally made it !... »

« Now the real fun begin. », he said directly.

He was right: I started to feel fun in my mind during this risky adventure.

We're going to make a treasure hunt, and I was so impatient.

However, I just noticed the door was locked, and we have to wait for the lady who could open us the door. Then, we find a way to steal the treasure.

"No need to... I don't think she had time to open at every visitor by herself...", told me Therion, as he looked around when he continued. "We have to make sure to not be noticed by anybody to avoid suspicions... We'll just sneak in through the window over there."

"Wait... Are you sure we should enter here like that ?...", I asked to Therion, unsure about his idea.

"Did you see any other way to enter inside ?", he proposed me.

"Well... No..."

I remembered that it was bad to break in through people's home like this...

However, I also reminded that I already broke into a building without right while escaping some thugs... So, that would be my second time.

Anyway, Therion just went towards the window and I followed his steps.

He just approached quickly but discreetly underneath the window and crouched down to not be seen by anyone who could be watching there.

I watched around us to check if any guards were seeing us, but the way seemed to be clear.

By the way, why did there are any guards there ? Shouldn't they be also guarding this place ?

Whatever...

I crouched down next to Therion when he stopped me.

« Travis, wait... »

« Y-yes ? »

« You know how dangerous it is to enter this manor to steal that treasure, right ? »

« !!!... Yeah... »

"Just promise me something: if anything goes wrong and I get caught... don't try to set me free."

"!!!..."

"Just flee if something happens to me. Ok ? », he asked me quietly.

I was slightly shocked: did he seriously just wanted me to abandon him if he get captured ?!

I know he was aware about the danger of this robbery, but I was surprised that he already planned a plan if ever he gets caught.

But with all the skills he had, and after seeing him stealing things without any problem... I didn't think he would be caught as easily and I wanted to refuse his proposition.

I was pretty worried about him: He is like my brother now, so I really wanted to help him and make sure we find that treasure safely.

"..."

« Please... promise-me... », he repeated me again.

I was still worried.

I knew that I had to follow his orders, but it was hard for me to accept such a thing...

Therion was still my partner, and I just wanted to trust him...

« I... I promise. », I said calmy while still feeling upset.

With a little chance, and if I do my best... Maybe we will get that treasure without being caught.

And I'll do everything to not let that happen.

« Alright. Now look if they're any guards inside. »

Therion gave me a leg up and helped me to climb the window because I was too small to reach the edge.

I managed to grab the edge with both arms.

« Did you see something ?! A guard ?! », Therion asked me.

"..."

I squinted my eyes to observe what the manor looked like inside, as I felt amazed.

The floor was made of beige-coloured squared tiles and looked properly clean. The room was so enormous that I couldn't spot the ceiling. On the right, a few marble pillars were fixed at the wall and I observed a few plants.

I also spotted stairs a front of me, which were decorated in red and leading to the first floor. There were even a few fences to prevent people to fall.

Wow... Even the stairs look to become to a rich person !

I also spotted a statue on the left: it looked like angel carrying...water, maybe.

Not far away, there was a flower pot.

The lady Ravus really likes flowers !

"So, is there any guard ?", repeated me Therion.

"!!!...", I looked around again, reminding that I had to check for guards before I answered. « No, no one is here ! »

« Ok ! Just go !», he whispered to me.

He just pushed me enough, so I could climb the edge with my legs. Then, I finally went through the window and landed heavily on my feet.

Now, I was inside the manor !

I just looked at the left to really notice how large was the room.

It was at least 20 meters long and I observed a red carpet with a few royal benches and a pair of flower pots put on a pedestal.

I also watched at the top where a large balcony occupied the first floor, and a giant chandelier covered by white candles was suspended at the ceiling.

The room was slightly dark, but the sun traversed a part of the ground, permitting me to spot some details.

Therion landed on the feet behind me after he sneaked through the window without problem. He then also took the time to observe the whole room on hos own while I looked up to him.

« Now we're inside, where did we have to go to find the treasure ?! », I whispered to him.

« We're gonna search everywhere. Follow me, and don't make any noises ! », he whispered to.

« Ok ! », I nodded.

Therion started to run furtively at the stairs. I started to follow him, trying to be as sneaky as him.

I didn't want to make any noises, and I feared that I accidentally made one, so the guards could hear us and arrest us.

Thankfully, my leather shoes covering my small feet weren't loud and made instead an almost silent noise on the cleaned floor, just like sockets. Therion's leather shoes looked also quite while he moved.

Now, we had to start searching everywhere... But where could we go first ? Should we explore the entire manor ?

However, I trusted Therion enough for following him, especially since I had no idea where to go.

"..."

He just instinctively climbed the red stairs, as I did my best to be as fast as him to not distance myself from him too much.

We arrived at the balcony, and we both spotted at the right an entrance.

What could there be inside ?

We just fixed our backs against the wall, observing by the way if no guards were resent on the room when Therion whispered to me.

« Alright. If you want to help me, go in. »

« Me ?! Are you sure... »

« Don't worry. I'll keep watch while you search something interesting. »

« Like the treasure ?! »

« Maybe... Go on. I will tell you if someone comes. »

"... Okay !..."

I didn't expect that he would ask me to check inside a room despite was much more experienced than me.

Though, I was glad that he was finding me useful ! I really wanted to show him that I'm good at stealing things too, and perhaps find the treasure by myself to make him proud !

So, I slowly entered the room: there was a bed at the left, with a red cover and which was very well-made.

A large window occupied the wall, and was covered by a beautiful red curtain made of nylon. A large red carpet was covering the ground and there was a table covered by a red layer, where a lamp was present.

The room was very pretty and well decorated: it was a bedroom, and it was very luxury because the person who lived in this manor must be rich.

Maybe the Lady Ravus sleeps in there...

I looked around to search something interesting, and next to the bed, I found something which make me amazed...

'!!!... A coffer !...'

Perhaps the treasure must be in there ! I heard in pirates' book that treasures would always hidden in coffers !

It was a wooden coffer, with a few iron parts and keyhole, meaning that we must need a key to open it.

I smiled and crouched down to observe carefully this small precious thing.

« Have you found somethin' ?! », asked me Therion.

« The treasure ! I've found the treasure ! », I whispered to him, showing him my own excitement.

"Really ?..."

Therion quickly entered the bedroom and approached next to me, well concerned of my discovering. Then, he crouched down to observe the coffer.

I was so happy in my mind thatwe have finally found the treasure after just 2 minutes of searching !

Now, all we have to do is to take the treasure and to quickly escape the manor with it !

"That's so cool !... We have found the treasure, Therion !", I whispered happily, but Therion didn't answered. "Therion ?..."

"...", I noticed he just looked septic when he told me firmly.« This is not the treasure. »

« What !... Really ?!... But it's a coffer, and we always put treasures in... »

« Just think carefully: why did the Ravuses would hide their sacred treasure just inside a mere bedroom ?... Do you really believe the lady would sleep in such a small place ?... »

"!!!..."

I guess he was right: that could be too stupid to put such a treasure inside a small place.

As I became upset, Therion continued while his hands were placed overthe coffer.

« Indeed, this coffer must not be sure to stock a priceless treasure. Shall we verify ? »

« Okay ! But we need to find the key ! »

« No need. »

"?!..."

I watched Therion who took a small iron piece from his shroud.

But what was he doing ?!

Then, he placed it at the keyhole, and turned it with strength, by moving the thing in special movements.

CLING !

"!!!..."

Finally, the coffer opened !

Therion really continued to surprise me: I didn't know he would able to open a coffer with just a simple piece of iron !

We then watched what was inside... and I was a bit disappointed.

"It's... a grape ?!..."

Why would people keep their food inside a treasure's coffer ?!

However, it looked like I already seen one earlier as Therion told me.

« A healing grape. Let's take it. »

He hid the fruit inside his purple poncho while I carefully closed the chest.

"..."

I heard some voices, alongside some loud footprints which came from outside the bedroom !

« !!!... Soldiers ! »

At my surprise, he quickly caught me and put me straight to the ground !

We stayed hidden behind the bed when we both heard two persons passing next to the entrance of the bedroom !

« You know, I could never get a better grade with this old battle wound... », one of the guards said funnily, while the other just laughed at him.

They continued to speak while walking, as their voices and footprints became lower as they moved away.

« Few... That was close. », said Therion while he slowly stood up on his feet.

I sighed while standing up as well.

Now, I knew how much dangerous it was to wander here. That would be tough to find the treasure if there were guards doing the watch inside the manor...

Therion spoke to me.

« Next time, we have to be more careful. Okay ? »

« Ok. », I nodded.

« Alright. Follow me. »

He just left the room and checked if the way was clear, as I slowly walked behind him.

Then, he quickly went to the left, as I followed him using the stairs.

We took a long time to search everywhere. We went in every place where no one was inside, like bedrooms, but there was still no treasure.

Sometimes, we spotted some guards and Therion made me sign to hide when he does, with the fear of being noticed by the guards. If they saw us, they could sound the alarm and more soldiers will come to capture us.

It was sometimes hard for me to follow Therion, by being as furtive as him. I had some troubles to follow him closely when he sometimes went on the left or the right without warning me. Though, I hoped I wasn't slowing him down in his movements.

We also went in the direction of the others stairs, when a library was present, and we just spotted some wooden coffees with some others random things, like plums.

Therion instinctively used the stairs leading to the first floor, while I still followed him directly. We went to another entrance, larger than the one with the bedroom.

After a while, we arrived in a large room with a front of us impressive stairs leading at the second floor if we took the left.

There was a red carpet, a few royal benches and flowers pots. Some candles now lighted the place, permitting us to see in the dark.

I believed we might have visited every room, like a kitchen, but there was nothing interesting, but we sometimes had to hide inside to avoid the guards. Each time, I shut my mouth to avoid making noise.

Therion didn't have any trouble to do these things without fear: he was such a pro to find quickly a hiding position for both of us. Without him, I would be completely lost and scared alone in such a place !

Anyway, there was nothing in the first floor, so we took the stairs leading to the second floor.

We checked inside rooms to find any precious treasure, like a large one with a tall chimney made of stones, but still nothing.

It's been at least 15 minutes since we started to search for the treasure, and the manor was a real labyrinth ! How could the lady be able to not get lost while living here ?!

Finally, we arrived in an entrance with stairs leading to the stairs and a balcony at the left.

After he checked if no guard was there, Therion took the stairs as I followed him, my small feet running cautiously on the stairs to not fall while I was going down.

Then, we saw four benches at the sides, and I decided to sit on one of them.

"...", I sighed, exhausted by the long search.

A large carpet was covering the grounds and more flowerpots were present to make the place lovely. Some sun light came through the window to illuminate the place, preventing it to be in the shadows.

"..."

Therion just stopped to run and was now standing in the room.

It's just like he felt something by instinct and his green eyes were fixed at the entrance leading to an unknown large room.

« Something is wrong, Therion ?! », I whispered to him.

« This room looks suspicious... », he muttered.

As I became cautious, Therion slowly walked on the red carpet towards the room.

I followed him while I was taking my breath after the long run in the big manor, who looked as impressive inside as it was outside.

We entered in the large room, and made sure there wasn't any soldier walking around. It has been a small while since we haven't seen one...

There was a large squared red carpet in the middle of the room, and on the right, there was a statue of... a naked woman ?

Why does people have with naked statues ?!...

However, our attention was mostly drawn by what there was on the left.

'What is this ?...'

Underneath a huge balcony supported by 4 great pillars, there were 4 tables.

4 wooden tables covered by silk-composed sheets, and one each of them has a dark pedestal. They were empty... except for one.

That's right: there was something on the second pedestal from the left: it was a ball.

'!...'

Yeah, a ball slightly bigger than an apple, but not as big as a soccer ball.

It was a shiny wonderful ball, shined by the sunlight from outside. I was dazzled: it was so beautiful and so shiny that I thought she was moving, and it was like it was speaking to us.

'The treasure !...'

I was expecting to see a room full of gold and precious stones, but this precious treasure looked so amazing !

This blue magic ball was so beautiful that I wanted to watch it for a few hours !

I went back to my senses.

« The treasure ! We have found the treasure ! », I whispered happily to Therion, feeling so excited.

"..."

Therion said nothing, but he also looked interested as well.

We both walked to approach the table where the ball is located, and the table was at my eyes level. I could see the reflect of my blue eyes.

« So this is the amazing « treasure » everyone is talking about. », Therion said calmly, but he looked a bit positive.

Too bad that Therion doesn't seem too excited like me. Maybe he was used to look for treasures but still. Perhaps he was expecting something more ?...

Me, it was the first time of my life I saw a real treasure: it was nothing compared to the money I had found on the streets !

Anyway, all we have to do now it's to take it and to leave this place as soon as possible ! No guard was around yet, and I wanted so badly that Therion wasn't arrested !

"..."

'Perhaps Therion would be a slightly happier if there is something more...'

I decided to go under the tables at Therion's surprise.

« ?!... What are you doing ?! », he quickly whispered to me.

« I just want to know if there are nothing else ! », I answered him in a soft voice.

He just sighed at my behaviour and let me again at my research.

I wanted to check if there wasn't any other precious stones that might have fallen from the table. We could never now.

Though, I didn't see anything yet and continued to look under each table.

Therion observed again the shiny ball and spoke.

« It looks like an ordinary gemstone to me. Can't imagine it's worth all that much. »

« The jewel before you is worth more than your mind could hope to fathom », spoke suddenly a calm elderly voice.

"??!!!..."

'Someone is there !...'

Me and Therion were caught in guard: while I was still hiding underneath the table, Therion was still standing before the table !

As Therion looked concerned, I watched through the sheet someone coming from the entrance !

It was an old man of around 60 years old !

"..."

He was wearing a brown suit, nicely folded up with a few gold lines on his sleeves. It was completed with brown trousers, with also gold lines at the end. A white undershirt was hidden underneath suit, enough opened that the white undershirt could be noticed. His brown coat was descending his back so down that I thought it was a dress, or even a cape.

He walked with his white boots on the red carpet, and his hair, whiter than Therion's hair, were tied by a ponytail with a blue bow tie. He also had a white goatee beard, and he looked like a butler.

He continued to walk towards the side of the carpet, his hands behind him...

CLOMP CLOMP CLOMP !

"!!!..."

'Oh no !...'

To make the things worse, the old man was accompanied by two guards !...

Each of them was carrying an iron sword and a shield with the other hand, and they looked prepared to fight us !...

'That's no good !...'

'Who is this old man ?!...'

'Is that lady Ravus' husband ?!...'

"..."

The old man just looked watched calmly at Therion, with a smile on his lips... He must be already aware of our presence.

I looked from underneath the table, and sadly, there was no ways to escape them ! And we don't even know how many guards we could find if we pass through them !...

In fact... I think we were trapped.

"..."

I decided to stay the quietest possible. Thankfully, they haven't still noticed that I was hiding under the table... But for Therion was caught red-handed !

I just wanted to help him now, to help him to get rid of this situation, and find any idea ! But how could we escape them ?! Maybe a distraction ?! Or something else ?!...

"..."

As I felt my heart bumping of fear, Therion still looked calm at the sight of the guards.

He keeps saying nothing and just stood in place while the mysterious old man told him calmly.

« Your inability to discern as much is disconcerting to say the least. »

"!!!..."

Wait a minute... He knew that we were going for the treasure for the long time ?!...

Has the treasure been just... a distraction ?!

« Who the hell are you ? Not just anyone can sneak up on me like that. », spoke finally Therion while he started to become nervous.

He was right: among everyone we've seen before, like the bandanna thieves or the colourful merchants, this old man was really the only one to surprise Therion !

And by watching this old man... He might be old... but he looked chill, so chill with his smile... What was he hiding ?...

« I should be the one asking you that question. Not just anyone could have made it this far into the manor, after all. », answered the old man who looked concerned.

"..."

So, we are really the first thieves to arrive inside the treasure room...

Damn...

'But what do we do, now ?...'

'We haven't stolen the magic ball yet...'

'And there is no way out !...'

As I felt worried, Therion exchanged looks with the old man...

« You won't get answers by stroking my ego. », Therion answerd coldly without the willing to tell him his identity.

The old man just sighed, as the guards kept watching the scene.

« I mean it as nothing but genuine praise. Allow me to congratulate you on being the first thief to make it here. »

'?...'

I didn't understand: why did this man just congratulate him for trying to steal the treasure ?! Wouldn't he try to arrest him instead ?!

What a weird elderly guy...

Therion also looked concerned as he added.

« You say it as if you wanted this to happen. »

« Just so. We tightened security for that very purpose. We figured no thief worth his sait would be able to turn down such a challenge. »

'?!!...'

'What is he talking about ?...'

Therion became also curious.

« Go on. », he told him firmly.

« To this end, we even asked the barkeep for help. His job: find promising thieves and spin tales around this manor. », he answered calmly his plan.

"!!!..."

Wait wait wait wait !...

They always wanted that people would try stealing that treasure since thee beginning ?!

And the barkeep was also their accomplice ?!

I'm so confused !... Why would the guards would let thieves enter here ?!...

Indeed, I really thought that... people have always hated thieves !...

«... in other words, you tricked thieves into trying to rob this place. », said Therion, very attentive to the situation.

The elder man nodded, and smiled while speaking calmly.

« Think of it more as appealing to their inner nature. »

"..."

I knew sometimes thieves like Therion trick at people before robbing them, and make the draw their attention to take something from them without they notice directled, like a distraction...

But this time, it wasn't the same: we've been tricked, this time !...

The old man just walked a bit, before he continued to speak in a louder voice, which echoed in the large room.

« « The great treasure of Ravus Manor, guarded by a veritable army ! ». What thief could pass up such glory, such riches ? We had such high hopes, but were constantly let with disappointment. But finally, one has proven himself worthy. »

"..."

I continued to listen while Therion said some words, as he was pretty annoyed.

« I should've seen this coming... »

'Me too !...'

'We're really made a big mistake, there...'

"..."

The old man watched patiently at Therion.

« And yet you did not, and I find myself most grateful for your lack of foresight. »

« So what's your angle ? », asked Therion curiously.

« I need not explain that to you. »

"Tss..."

Therion sighed while the old man continued the conversation.

« Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Heathcote. I am a butler in the service of House Ravus. »

Heathcote ?! What a strange name...

And so, he was a butler...

I really had a feeling that he must be someone important with the rich clothes he wore. He might not be Mr Ravus, but still...

Therion, who still looked annoyed and unimpressed, sighed as he spoke.

"You expect me to believe an ordinary butler snuck up on me ? Anyway, who you are won't matter once I'm out of here.", he started to walk away when he added. "Now if you'll excuse me..."

"YAAAAAAAH !!!"

"HAAAAAAAA !!!"

Suddenly, the two soldiers suddenly charged towards Therion, while carrying sword and shield, ready to strike him !

SWOOP !

"..."

One of them tried to slice his head, but Therion simply avoided by backing away ! And then

SBUNCH !!

"ARGH !"

SBUNK !

Therion punched him violently under his jaw and kicked his hip, making him falling two meters away in my direction and knocking him out !

WOOOSH !

The other one tried also to slice him with his sword and bump him with his shield, but Therion avoided all the blows !

"..."

"!!!..."

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

Therion headbutted the guard and kicked him violently in the stomach, pushing him away in the room !

Incredible... Both guards were now unconscious...

I didn't know that Therion was able to do this !

Wooosh !

Therion dashed towards that Heathcote man, as he is about to hit him when

CLAAAASH !!!

"!!!..."

Very quickly, the butler just took something to counter his blow, making surprised and stepping back !

It was like I head the sound of swords clashing, like in some movies with knights I've heard !

"..."

Therion frowned angrily.

Did he just receive a blow from the butler !

He glared towards Heathcote, who seemed to not be the same man anymore...

« I assure you, you won't be going anywhere anytime soon. », he told Therion with a menacing look, as he pointed a sword towards him.

'A sword !...'

It wasn't a simple sword: it was very sharp at the end, and it must be a fencing sword, just like the 3 musketeers I have heard somewhere...

"..."

WOOOSH !!

CLAAAASH !!!

Heathcote suddenly dashed towards Therion, who countered the tip of his sword with 2 smaller swords which were in fact knives !

'!!!...'

'He was carrying knives since the whole time ?!...'

"..."

Both looked at each other menacingly: while Therion looked pissed, Heathcote still looking calm but he looked so menacing.

I was shocked: I couldn't believe what I was witnessing from under the table... They were really about to fight each other !

Woosh !!

CLASH ! CLASH l CLASH !

WOOOSH !

At a fast speed, Therion tried to cut Heathcote repeatedly with his sharpened knives!

CLASH ! CLASH !

But the butler quickly blocked the attack with his sword, while making a few steps back, and

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He kicked Therion in the stomach !

"!!!..."

Therion was pushed a few meters away, but he quickly proceeded to get back on his feet !

Heathcote rushed to him again to slice him with his large sword, but Therion suddenly take of his shroud and

CLAAAAAASHHH !!!

"!!!..."

He pulled out an iron sword, protecting himself from the blow !

'Just how much stuff is he able to carry ?!'

SBUNK !

"NGH !!!"

He then kicked the butler on his hip, hurting him !

The butler then quickly get up, by rolling for avoiding Therion's blow, and tries to slice him again !

WOOOSH !

Therion jumped to avoid the blow

"..."

"!!!..."

The sword almost touched his back when he made a spin in the airs and landed right behind the butler to counter attack !

But Heathcote quickly turned back and they continued to clash !

CLASHH !! CLASH !!!

I couldn't believe what I was witnessing from my eyes... Of course, I was worried because it was dangerous for both to fight like that, but it was also very impressive !...

CLASH CLASH !

So many clashes of swords...

Both really attacked the other and defended themselves to avoid getting hurt !

But both were so fast and quick that I had sometimes trouble to see them moving through the treasure room !

"..."

Therion sometimes jumped to avoid the butler's attacks, and it was just like he was flying with his shroud. Really, he looked so fast like a rocket, like when he dashes so much time towards the butler to try hitting him !

I had never seen him like that: Was it his true strength ?...

Was he just playing around with the 2 bandana guys ?!...

He m, he looked like a wild animal !

CLAAAASH !!

"..."

However, that Heathcote guy was also pretty good at fight for a butler. It was so hard to believe such an old man could move and fight like that !

Though, I was still very worried for Therion: this butler looked so strong and fast, and I was deeply scarred that he would pierce Therion like a barrel...

CLASH CLASH CLASH !

SBUNK !

After an exchange of blows, Heathcote hit Therion with his leg, making him falling on the back, as he dropped his sword !

'No !...'

The butler jumped on him for trying to stab him with his sword, but Therion rolled at the side and quickly avoided !

WOOSH !

He took a knife in his hand and...

FRRRR !!!

'What... what is that ?!'

"!!!..."

His hand suddenly started to burn !

"By the flam..."

FIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZLLLLLEEEE !!!

"!!!..."

An explosion of fire just appeared a front of Therion !

The explosion illuminated the whole room, but it was fortunately not big enough to make the place burned.

I couldn't believe that !... Since when Therion managed to explode the room ?!

I didn't see him carrying any tool for creating fire, like a lighter or something like that !...

It wasn't like he could create fire by simple magic, no ?!!

"..."

There was too much smoke to see ! Did Therion just burned the butler ?!...

"What a rude man... How dare you pulling such a trick like that ?...", a voice spoke.

When the fire disappeared, the butler finally appeared out of the smoke, with his clothes a bit burned. He looked much angrier than before...

WOOOSH !!

Heathcote dashed and attacked him with the side of his sword to slice him again !

CLAAAASH !

Therion quickly took his second knife with the other hand and blocked the blow !

They both made huge efforts into this duel, but it looked like the butler had the advantage !...

Therion looked in difficulty to block, as he started to lean back. Bute the butler continued to push his sword, his right hand on the handle and his left hand on the blade, trying to make him fall !

"..."

I was so afraid that Therion could lose the battle, and I knew he was in difficulty with this old guy.

'What could I do, now ?!'

'I just couldn't let that happen !...'

Then, I just remembered my promise to flee if something happened to him. But I wanted so badly to help him, as Heathcote was too strong...

All I just wanted is that we both escaped this manor safely with the treasure.

'Do something, Travis !...'

I could escape, right now, but my legs refused to move.

There was no way I could abandon Therion in such a situation...

CLASH ! CLASH !

"..."

"?..."

I've just noticed one of the soldiers, the first one Therion had beaten, slowly wake up and saw Therion fighting Heathcote...

He started to stand up, without none of the 2 fighters too busy to look at him, as he especially watched Therion menacingly !...

'!!!... He wouldn't dare !...'

The guard just grabbed a sword and started to ran towards them. He was about to hit Therion in the back while he was busy with the butler.

CLASSSH !

Therion was still blocking the blow, when Heathcote used all his strength to push it.

CLOMP ! CLOMP !

"!!!...", Therion noticed he was about to slice his back as he exclaimed. "Dammit !"

Heathcote also looked surprised while he was still fighting Therion when the guard yelled at him!

"TAKE THAT YOU DAMN..."

CRAAAAACK !!!

"ARGH !!!"

"!!!..."

Unexpectedly... Therion didn't receive any hit from the guard !

In fact...

'Take that !...'

It was me who decided to jump in the airs with a wooden chair and smash the guard right into his face !

I just couldn't let him attacking Therion like a coward !...

Therion was surprised to see me, but even more was Heathcote who yelled

« They were two since the beginn... !! »

"YAAAAAH !!!"

I yelled, hitting the guard harder than last time with one of the thug who destroyed my home !

"NGH !!"

The guard was knocked out for good and fell on the ground while I landed heavily on the ground on my hip.

Yeah... I knew that Therion wouldn't allow me to do such a thing and to run away instead... But for a while, I just felt my feet moving alone at the last moment !...

Indeed... I just couldn't leave Therion on his own in such a situation.

When I landed on the ground, I just used all my strength to yell at Therion.

« PLEASE THERION !! DON'T LOOOOOOOOOSE !!!!!!»

"!!!..."

WOOOSH !

As Heathcote leaped forward him, Therion quickly reacted and avoided up close his sword !

SBUNK !

"!!!..."

Then, he kicked the butler's leg to make him fall on the back !

WOOOSH !

He rushed over him with his daggers again !

CLASH ! CLASH ! CLASH !

Heathcote quickly got up and they kept clashing swords !

"..."

Now out of my hiding place, I still witnessed the fight and it looked so much more impressive from here that it made me speechless !

CLASH ! CLAAASH ! CLAAAASH !

"!!!..."

Therion continued to keep attacking the butler with his knives again and again, making him stepping back !

It looked like he became more ferocious and more determined while attacking Heathcote !

SCCCH !

"AAH !"

The old man shouted in pain as Therion finally harmed his hand with one of his blades, making him drop his sharp sword !

"YAAAH !!"

SBUNK !!

"OOOOH !!!"

Therion kicked him on his stomach, and made Heathcote flying a few meters before landing on the back with pain.

"NGH !"

Incredible !

The old but strong butler was finally down !

"Ha..."

He breathed heavily, probably exhausted because of his duel when he tried to get up and noticed his sword one meter away from him.

"..."

"!!!..."

However, Therion just pointed his knife towards him, preventing him from retrieving his weapon !

"..."

Therion was still standing a front of his opponent, watching menacingly at him.

Really, he looked so serious: even if he was exhausted as well, he was still ready to continue fighting him. However, it looked like he wouldn't give any chance to this old man to retrieve his sword !...

"..."

The butler sighed, and renounced to retrieve his sword, as he looked like he was yelding...

It looks like Therion has finally won the battle !

'Wow...'

Right now, I became so relieved: I really thought Therion would have problems, but it was so incredible to see him fight like that.

In fact, I've already saw some people living outside like me fighting each other because maybe one insulted the other, and that wasn't good to see. But it was so different with Therion: he was really fighting like a ninja and seeing him moving with his knives was like a spectacle to me !

And even if the fight was over, I found that Therion still looked incredibly cool.

Really, I've never admired someone so much before, and I couldn't stop watching at him. I was really like the other kids who loved super heroes from comicbooks and all !...

"..."

After a moment, the butler slowly got up in pain, while holding his hurt arm, and breathed heavily, wounded by this battle.

"..."

Therion was still standing on the carpet, but I observed some wounds on his body as well. His clothes were a bit stripped out, and he also looked so tired.

The large carpet in the center of the room became dirtier because of the fight, a bit burned by the fire, and the guards were still knocked out, with their armours broken.

I finally got up when Therion noticed me and sighed as he told me calmly.

"... Ain't I told you to run away ?..."

"...", I sighed a bit when I finally spoke. "I... I just wanted to help you..."

"I see...", he answered calmly.

"Hu hu hu !...", chuckled calmly the butler.

"?..."

Therion and I both watched at Heathcote who seemed amused despite he was hurt.

"Pretty funny it isn't ?... I might barely know any of you too... but at the first glance... I immediately felt that you two, for thieves... are really forming a pair."

"..."

"!!!..."

I was a bit surprised: this old butler really considered us like a pair ! Like 2 partners.

Therion looked at him and asked calmly.

"You think so ?..."

The butler calmly nodded as he continued.

«I can see you can hold your own in battle as well... It seems I underestimate you..."

"That makes 2 of us.", said Therion.

As Therion still looked cautious, now they were still up, I was wondering what will going to happen.

"..."

I stared at the blue shining ball and reminded why we were here. We still have to steal that thing.

I walked a few steps, a bit tempted to take it when old butler watched me as he spoke.

"And I did another mistake by misjudging the number of enemies in this room.»

"!!!..."

I stopped in place, renouncing on what I was about to do.

« Well, the mistake, it was our 2 friends the guards, at the entrance, who seemed to have "forgotten" to provide you this information...", Therion said at the butler while stowing his knives back inside his poncho when he added. "By the way... Were all of your surprise parts of your « butler » training ? »

The butler chuckled again while he stood up on his feet and answered.

« I see you still have some reservations about my true profession. »,

'?... What is he talking about ?...'

I knew that Heathcote was more than a simple butler: he was a strong man strong enough to rival with Therion, even if he had lost.

But I've never known that butlers from rich houses would be able to be so good with a sword just like knights !

Who is really is this man ?

The old butler, who seemed satisfied despite his defeat, continued.

« Though, I'm sure my victory here lends my words no credit. »

« Your victory ? », said Therion.

CLING !

We heard a small metallic sound which came from his hand !

"!!!...", I looked at Therion who noticed something on his right wrist when he exclaimed surprisingly. "What in the... ?!!"

"?!..."

It was a bracelet.

A big bracelet made of iron and there was a chain on it !

It looked like the famous handcuffs that policemen would stuck around the robber's wrists when they arrest them !

Though, I don't remember to have seen the butler putting it around Therion's wrist... Was he able to do it while they were fighting ?!

« Therion !! »

I ran towards Therion, worried about him while he tried desperately to remove his bracelet.

However, his hand was too large to remove it, as it was well stuck.

CLING ! CLING !

"But what did you put to him ?!...", I exclaimed to the butler, feeling worried about my friend.

« Any thief worth his salt should recognize that band. The lark of a convict. The fool's bangle, as some call it. Undeniable proof of a thief's humiliating blunder. », explained calmly Heathcote.

"!!!..."

« Get this off of me ! », Therion started to be angry towards Heathcote, who refused.

« I do not take my orders from you. I've attached it to your arm for a reason. If anyone is to see it, they shall know of your failure here today. », said calmly Heathcote.

Oh no ! That would mean everyone will know that Therion is a thief because of that damn bangle ! And they will take him like a fool !

Therion gave a deadly glare towards Heathcote and became made.

« Why you...! », he advanced towards him, but he suddenly flinched. "Ngh !"

He was still hurt and tired after his fight !...

« Calm down, Therion ! », I told him, showing him my worrying about his situation when I shushed to him. "Perhaps we could still remove it with soapy water or something like that !..."

"Impossible, my boy...", suddenly told me Heathcote as he explained. "The fool's bangle has been concepted with a metal of the highest quality of the realm. Nor the sharpest blade or the greatest magic could break it! Unless you cut your hand, which would be a last thing a skilled thief like you would do ... I fear that you will be doomed to keep it forever !..."

"!!!..."

What he just said made me shivering.

Did Therion is forced to wear that thing for the rest of his life ?! *

This idea scared me, and this butler really fooled us since the beginning: all that treasure hunt was just for trapping us !

Indeed... Even if we manage to steal that magic ball from a way or another, if Therion has still that bangle, he wouldn't be able to steal anymore because people will see it !

I really feared that his life was ruined because of that !

"..."

Therion still watched the butler menacingly, really upset to get such a thing stuck on his wrist as he still wanted to fight him despite his injuries !...

Heathcote just walked a few steps and spoke calmly.

« However, I imagine your pride will not permit you to be seen with it. And that makes it perfect leverage for negotiations ».

« Negotiations ? », Therion asked him with a curious look.

"?!..."

But... what is he talking about ?

Why did this butler want to... negotiate with us ? Although we were thieves who almost robbed his magic ball ?

Click clack click clack !

We heard some light footprints that came from the entrance.

"..."

"!!!..."

Then, someone arrived in the treasure room: it was a young woman, quite pretty, with mid long blond hair, and she wore a blue elegant dress.

'?!... Who is she ?...'

"!!!..."

She looked a bit surprised at the state of the room after the battle, including the 2 guards we knocked out earlier.

Then, she watched at Therion, with a calm but rather determined look.

"..."

As Therion looked indifferent towards her, the lady just watched at him for a few seconds, before she started speaking to him.

« You may have broken into my hole, but for now I will overlook your transgressions. »

« Oh, great. More company. », said Therion while he looked a bit annoyed.

« Who... who are you ?! », I asked her carefully, surprised by the events.

The lady looked a bit surprised to see me in this place. Probably because I was just a kid...

She approached as she continued to speak.

« Pardon my belated introduction. My name is Cordelia Ravus, and I am the lady of the house. »

« Regards to your decorator. They sure have a way with traps. », answered Therion, who didn't seem to be used to talk with a lady.

So, that's the lady of the house Ravus ?

I really thought she would be older... She still looks to be a teenager !

Though, I was a bit concerned, so I decided to ask to the lady.

"Excuse me, miss... Aren't you too mad that we tried to steal your treasure ?..."

"...", Therion sighed annoyingly.

"!!!... Did I say something wrong ?", I told him, a bit ashamed to have said something stupid.

"No, no... He's right...", said lady Ravus to Therion, as she added. "Allow me to explain. The treasure you were after is a family heirloom known as the dragonstones."

The Dragonstones ?!

What strange names for treasures !

Did it has something to do with... dragons?!

Therion continued to talk.

« ...You don't say. »

« The Dragonstones have been in my family for generations. », said the lady.

« Wait. Dragonstones ? I see one. », remarked Therion.

"..."

I watched towards the 4 tables: there were 4 pedestals... but only 1 dragonstone.

Therion was right: where are the 3 others ?

The lady just sighted as she continued.

"Yes. Once, there were more, but the stones were stolen during the chaos following my parents' passing..."

"!!!..."

While listening to the lady Ravus' story, I felt pretty sad for her. She too, she had lost her parents just like I've lost mine...

We continued to listen.

"Fortunately, Heathcote was able to recover the sapphire stone. "

'The sapphire stone ?'

I heard that Sapphire was one of the many precious stones we could find in a treasure, like diamonds, rubies, emerald, and even gold !

So, she really possesses such a treasure !... I find that incredible !

Well, sadly, some people steal the other stones. And honestly, I felt kinda bad that we almost robbed the last one...

"...", Therion didn't seem to be touched by her story as he spoke. « What touching devotion, is this the part where I'm moved to tears ? »

As I sighed a bit, the old butler answered him.

« Perhaps, once you understand your place in this story. If you collect the three remaining stones, we shall remove the band from your arm. »

"!!!...", I flinched of surprise as I shouted. "You... You really want to remove him that thing ?!"

The lady and the butler both nodded, and even Therion looked a bit surprised.

And they wanted us to find the 3 others stones in exchange for removing Therion's ashamed bracelet ?!

Seriously, I didn't expect them to ask us such a request although they barely knew us !

« So this was your plan all along. », said Therion.

« Yes. But please understand, I had no choice. », told the lady at my friend.

I continued to listen curiously, but Therion looked a bit indifferent towards the bargain.

« Well, aren't you two clever. Setting a thief to catch a thief. », he said cockily.

« Don't thieves often say, « the unsnared has only himself to blame » ? », asked the old butler.

"!!!..."

I felt a bit ashamed: it's true that wandering here to steal that treasure was risky... And now, we... well especially Therion... were experiencing the consequences...

Therion just sighed before looking at the butler and answering.

« ...Yeah, they do. For a butler, you sure know a lot about thieves, old man. »

« I dare not bore you with my story when there are more pressing matter at hand. »

"..."

'Therion...'

Therion just turned and walked back off, he was again lost in my thought, as I looked at him.

I couldn't still believe the lady Ravus was proposing such a mission to him. Indeed, it was in exchange of his hand's freedom, and he will have to steal the 3 other magic balls from them.

Honestly, I didn't really know what to think, but I knew that it must be hard for him to do such a mission. Maybe he was already a thief, but I'm sure he must have a life at stealing stuff to people in that Cliftlands region...

In fact, I didn't know there would be people like lady Ravus to give someone the job of stealing something... Wasn't it supposed to be a crime ?!

Anyway, it must tough for him to make such a choice: if he refuses, he will still have the bangle for the rest of his life, and if he accepts, he will be forced to steal stuff he doesn't like for someone else...

Seriously... what will Therion do ?

Heathcote asked him again.

"So, will you undertake Miss Ravus's mission, young thief ? If you refuse...

« I'll do the job. »

"!!!..."

He immediately accepted !

I wasn't really surprised of his answer: I knew he must be ashamed of wearing this thing on his wrist.

The lady smiled a bit, as she looked relieved.

"Great !... I don't know how to thank you to accept such a request...", told the lady to Therion when she looked at me and asked. "But if I may ask..., will you bring this child with you, in your quest ?"

"!!!..."

The lady looked pretty worried about me.

"..."

As Therion looked calm, Heathcote explained calmly to Therion.

"This mission will be perilous, and only the gods know what kind of dangers you may encounter in your travel. Honestly, I don't think this would be a good idea to let such a young child being involved... I suggest you to entrust him to us."

"!!!...", I felt surprised as I asked. "Y-you mean... You want me to stay with you ? Inside the manor ?!..."

Heathcote nodded.

"That is right, my boy... We will wipe the state clean about the fact you were this man's accomplice... You will be under the responsibility of House Ravus where we will provide you food, shelter, and a good education...", he explained to me as he told to Therion. "We promise you that he will be in good hands."

"..."

As Therion stayed calm, I started to believe that he might want to let me with the Ravus family. After all, I often watched him worrying about me...

I was surprised that the Ravuses wanted me to stay here: perhaps they must have understood that I was living outside like Therion and that they didn't like kids living outside...

As I felt hesitant, the lady nodded to her butler as she bent down at my height level and looked at me.

"So, what do you think about living with us, little one ?...", she nicely asked me as she felt quite worried. "I know that might be difficult to start living with strangers, regardless to our position in society... But I do not want to take a risk to let you accompanying this man in such a dangerous journey... We just want your well-being, you know..."

"..."

I looked down, understanding how much I was worried.

Though, I felt a bit relieved by her request.

I turned to Therion, who looked at by simply moving his head as he wanted me to go on, before I finally spoke.

"You know miss Ravus..."

"You can call me Cordelia..."

"Cordelia... It's really nice from you to let me live in your manor with you... No one has ever invited me in their house before...", I felt relieved and grateful towards the lady who smiled a bit when I continued. "But... I cannot accept this."

"?!..."

"And why not, young man ?", asked Heathcote.

"..."

I watched at Therion, as I wanted to be honest with the Ravuses.

« When we decided to steal your magic ball together... Therion didn't force me to help him to steal this treasure... I just wanted to help him on my own... I knew I just met him today, but for me... he was the nicest person I've ever met... »

"..."

As Therion stayed silent, the Ravuses were still concerned about me as I approached Therion.

"You know, I'm sure it could be nice for me to have a good place to live... But somehow... I heard we could have the happiest life not by living in the best home in the world... but by wandering with people we like.", I explained with a smile while looking softly at Therion and added. "We both tried to steal your magic ball together, and I can't turn back now... So, I'll follow him everywhere and help him find the 3 others balls !"

To be honest, I feel sad about Cordelia's story and the thing about her family's dragonstones. So, I wanted to help her retrieving all of them..

However, I wanted to help her because I also wanted to help Therion. With that, he could get rid of this bracelet, and I was determined to do so.

Suddenly, I felt a hand above my shoulders as I didn't saw Therion approaching when he sighed calmly.

«... I cannot believe you would be so loyal, for a small kid... but I guess there is nothing more I could do to make you change your mind. », Therion told me calmly, knowing that I wouldn't leave him as he told to the Ravuses. « No worries. He will be safe with me. »,

"..."

I smiled to him, feeling quite proud, as he was really considering me as his companion.

To be fair, I don't know if he was particularly touched by my words, by the fact that I was worried and I wanted so much to help me, but there was one thing I was sure with: if he accepted that I go with him, that means he needed my help.

Cordelia didn't seem as much worried as before, but she still smiled alongside the butler who spoke.

« Excellent. Then I pray your journey will be a successful one. »