"Stand up, Gladior."

"Yes."

Gladior stood up, but he didn't move an inch away from where he was currently standing.

After all, Grizelle is the master that he is serving. He wouldn't dare intrude into her personal space.

"We have enough gold now, right?"

"Yes. But, I believe that we should not go to Vakigo kingdom right now."

Then, before he continued, Gladior took a deep bow with his right hand over his chest.

"Milady is still being targeted by that abominable Suckus. If you were somehow to get hurt, I wouldn't be able to look at the old master's face!"

Gladior pleaded once more with 'Please reconsider!' however, Grizelle didn't change her mind as she spoke.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We should not waste time like this any longer."

"I-I understand, but...your safety..."

Grizelle shook her head, and for once...a change of emotion could be seen on her face.

It wasn't much, it was only a ripple, but it was still clear as she had the same face no matter what she said or did.

"I know you care for me, Gladior. You always supported me from behind, and I am thankful for what you have done, but as long as I can get that bitch, I am satisfied."

Gladior had a look of surprise on his face as he didn't expect Grizelle to curse. It was sporadic for her to say things like that.

However, that soon vanished as he gave up on persuading Grizelle. Ever since they left their home, Grizelle has always been like that.

Cool and aloof, but she always gets heated up when it comes to a certain someone.

'In the past, she used to smile a lot, but now...' Gladior thought as he raised his head.

"I understand. I shall make preparations for us to go to Vakigo, but it will take some time. You must remember, milady, that if you reveal your identity, even my pretending cannot prevent them from targeting you."

"I know. Go, do your work."

Gladior just bowed his head and left the room. He didn't speak any longer as the order has been handed down.

Walking slowly across the hallway, Gladior's courageous spirit as a warrior has been broken down a peg.

'I can't even protect the young miss of my lord...'

Lamenting at his lack of power, Gladior exited the inn in no time.

****

Gladior walked around in the streets of the town.

Kardeum wasn't big nor small; it was just right. If it were too small, that would tarnish a baron's pride, but if it were too big, that would make the baron eat more than what he could digest.

The Haroldus kingdom was so small that it doesn't deserve to be called a kingdom.

The reason or the cause of how they were able to survive for a long time is a mystery even for the other countries considered a superpower.

Anyway, Gladior found the place he was looking for. It was a pub where information could be gathered and where his friend was staying at.

Shieeek. A shrill cry resounded out as he pushed the doors open.

"We're closed."

The owner of the pub said as he cleaned some cups by the counter.

As it was still morning, pubs were still closed during this time. After all, only drunkards would drink during the morning.

Well, there's one right there sitting at a chair.

"What's that, then?"

Gladior pointed to a man who was chugging down an entire alcohol mug.

Gulp! Gulp!

His throat moved fast as if his only existence was to drink alcohol.

"Puhaaa! Alcohol after a job is the best!!"

Said the man as he slammed the table with the mug.

"What?"

The man felt the gaze coming from the owner, and when he looked at the owner, his finger was pointing to the door.

"That's why I told you to drink inside. Hmm? Rip?"

The owner sensed something changed within Rip when he saw Gladior standing by the door.

Of course, as he was the owner of a place where people come by and go, he was familiar with these kinds of situations.

"Now, now. Just talk it out, no fighting here."

"Rip. We need your help."

Gladior cut to the chase and gave a profound bow as he spoke.

"I know I did you wrong, but...please."

His voice sounded weary and teary, but the owner couldn't see as Gladior was still bowing.

"Ha. I know. Well, since the owner is kind enough to remind me, why don't we take it outside?"

Rip let go of the mug that his hand was holding and stood up, walking towards the entrance.

Gladior, with the same posture, put a hand over his face as if to wipe something off.

"I-I understand."

As Rip passed by him, Gladior still didn't move a bit. After a few seconds passed by, only then did Gladior raise his head and covered his face as if his tears were shameful.

His steps were rather quick, and as such, the two left the pub.

"Haaah. I hope they don't do it too much."

The owner said with a sigh as he went back into cleaning the cups. Although he sounded as if he was worrying, he actually had a smile on his face as he found the situation fun.

"I wanna see the action! Haaah. As if they'll let me..."

Another sigh escaped the owner's lips.

****

Gladior followed behind Rip into a suspicious alleyway.

The area wasn't crowded; in fact, there were no people passing by. Only the wind was moving here.

It was the perfect place for one to beat someone up.

And when the atmosphere was becoming tense, they finally reached a dead end.

It was then.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you go, 'I know I did you wrong.' right after you meet me?"

Rip scolded Gladior with an almost mocking tone. However, he found the act quite funny.

"Well, what do you know. I have to suppress any possible rumors from going out even if I have to make a fool out of myself."

"Heh. Anyway, fill me in with the details. I'll help you out if the reward is just right."

"Don't you know it already? I know the reason why you went with us."

When Gladior said it bluntly, Rip scratched the back of his head as if it was embarrassing.

"Anyway, the reward is getting to spend time with an old friend. Let's see, the bonus is...hmmm."

Gladior cupped his chin with his hands. He continued as if what he said was totally acceptable.

"I know. How about me going to drink with you?"

"I'm out."

Rip walked off towards the exit, which was behind Gladior and his footsteps were faster than ever.

It seems he didn't want to get caught by his old friend.

However, Gladior was faster than him as his shirt got tucked in by Gladior's fingers, and he was pulled back.

"I'm just kidding. You know how I play, right? We'll go by the usual."

"Tsk. I know you don't have money, dumbass. How about owing me a favor? Your miss will likely be one of the strongest once she grows up; I'll collect it by then."

"By saying that you want the miss to owe you a favor, you know something, don't you."

Rip grinned before continuing. His face was so mischievous and annoying that a vein popped out in Gladior's forehead.

"Didn't you say that I know already? Well, if you go advertising yourself as a Conqueror's disciple, your former status, your old friend here will at least pick something up."

Gladior coughed with his hands in front.

"Don't worry. This one is just an escorting job to the Vakigo kingdom. I have no plans in having you involved, so we'll end it there."

"Oy, oy. If I do something so little, your miss may not even remember it. I'll at least guard you for two years. That will be enough time, right?"

When Rip proposed that he'll guard Grizelle for two years, Gladior couldn't help but give a sad smile.

"You never change, do you, Rip? Always kind..."

He murmured those two words as not to let Rip hear it.

The deal was so advantageous for Gladior's side that they don't have to give something up right now.

If Rip was investing in the future Grizelle for a favor, Gladior could understand it. After all, Grizelle has an astonishing background and talent that a normal person could never get.

However, the Grizelle now was like a pebble in the ground. What's more, there were some looking for the pebble to crush it.

Protecting Grizelle from dangers until she becomes a diamond...

'Hah, If only I weren't so weak...'

Gladior shook his head and spoke to Rip once more.

"That's alright. I'll tell milady. We'll leave tomorrow morning, so get your things done here."

Rip answered with a 'Got it.' before disappearing into the shadows.

Gladior also left the lonely alleyway behind, where only the wind blows.