ion were drawn to them at the same time.

Under the wary gazes of the Raven Guards and the freaks who wanted to get close to the prince but could not and could only make a ruckus at the outermost layer of the group, dozens of soldiers in black armor violently pushed the people aside and walked over with heavy footsteps. They looked aggressive, and their might was incredible.

“Make way!”

Quite a number of citizens grumbled non-stop, but no one dared to resist the commands. Everyone reluctantly left the path to make way for those soldiers.

Thales frowned.

A number of Raven Whistle Light Cavaliers instinctively moved to touch their weapons, but they did not do anything major.

The reason was, a flag came with the soldiers in black armor. It tore through the group like a sailboat, and it flew high in the sky.

When he saw the flag, Thales was stunned for a moment.

The background of the flag was yellow, and a lion had been drawn on it with black lines.

‘A black lion with a yellow background.’

“That’s...” Thales was slightly puzzled.

Count Derek sighed. He turned to Thales and whispered, “The Black Lion of Brave Souls Fort, the Bozdorf Family. They arrived earlier than I expected.”

‘Brave Souls Fort... Black Lion... Bozdorf?’

Before Thales could remember anything and react, Derek extended his hand past his saddle and pressed down on Thales’ arm.

“That is Count Lewis. Even though he is also one of your father’s vassals, I sincerely suggest to you that no matter what he says, just smile, Your Highness.” Derek’s tone was incredibly cautious, and his lips curled up slightly.

Thales was puzzled again.

At that moment, a loud and slightly hoarse voice with some degree of warmth, cunning, coldness, and ghastliness rose from among the soldiers in black armor.

“Derek, Derek, my dear young Derek! You came over really quickly, did you not?!”

A middle-aged noble with an average build that leaned on the slightly plump side rode on a horse while he was covered in black armor. He had a sword by his waist. While he was surrounded by soldiers by his side, he arrived before the formation of the Raven Leaders.

Derek’s personal guards clearly knew him. No one stopped him or said a word.

The middle-aged man’s guards also stopped in front of the formation in tacit agreement. They simply allowed their master to move forward with his reins in hand.

Thales also noticed keenly that Derek had taken a deep breath before he exhaled slowly.

The middle-aged noble had a warm but slightly fake smile on his face when he stopped in front of Derek’s horse. He spread his arms at Derek.

“As expected, your territory produces the most horses and messenger crows in all of Western Desert!”

The middle-aged noble sized up Derek’s steed as if he was admiring a fine horse, but his tone gradually changed. “It is obedient, useful, fast, and convenient.”

Derek frowned.

The middle-aged noble turned his body to the side and cast the Count of Wing Fort a sideways glance before he put on a thought-provoking expression.

“The commoners and the king love them so much.”

Thales pursed his lips. ‘There seems to be an underlying meaning to his words.’

Count Derek looked like he had heard nothing. He nodded respectfully as a signal and smiled as his response. “Count Lewis Bozdorf.”

Derek politely took off his iron glove and extended his right hand. “I am honored to meet you.”

The middle-aged noble smiled. He took off his glove as well and took Derek’s hand.

He did not answer, but his gaze was as sharp as a blade that shot toward Thales, who was next to Derek.

He stared at Thales so intently that Thales, who had been smiling, felt tense.

“So, where is he?”

In the next moment, Count Lewis, who had been staring at the prince, narrowed his eyes. There was a prideful look on his face while his tone became dark.

“Where is the heroic prince who is said to have protected world peace, conquered the Great Dragon, and saved all of Constellation?”