Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

Women are such a strange creature.

They can find any means to convince their man what they want.

Naturally, when Celestria asked for a baby—although tempting—Alex rejected her, given neither of them were prepared and Celestria was still underage.

That's why, upon his refusal, she fell to the ground and began bawling, leaving him no other option than to allow her to accompany him to his hometown.

'Seriously...what an evil princess....' That smile she radiated after he allowed her was pure evil.

Your journey continues at empire

Now, standing before the Lord of the Steelhound clan, Alex heard the importance of his role and what he would be required to do under certain circumstances.

It was shocking that Sarah convinced them to make Alex her bodyguard. However, considering the strength of an average soldier, and the thing he witnessed yesterday, it would be better if Alex himself remained present around Sarah.

"If you feel someone suspicious, or anyone moving suspiciously toward the Saintess, you either apprehend them or shield the Saintess with your own body. Am I clear?"

"Understood, sir." He diligently responded.

Victor stepped forward before handing him a small golden pendant, saying, "This is an artifact that came from the Vault. Wear it so any sudden attack, magical or physical, won't harm you." Taking a pause, he added, "Well, to a certain degree, that is."

Alex raised his brows as he took the pendant. He has heard that several priceless and extremely useful things are kept in the vault but he never had the chance to explore the treasury.

Taking the artifact he hung it around his neck before giving the man a thankful nod.

"I don't need to teach you how to defend yourself, but remember Alex, today, your life is connected with the Saintess. Give her more importance than your own life."

The warning was clear: if something happens to the Saintess, the government, the church, and the common masses won't let Alex live another day.

If he had been delegated the role of protecting someone else, then Alex might have hesitated, given he was potentially risking his chances to participate in the Trials. However, the person in question was Sarah, and Alex knew that he would protect her at any cost.

With a confident smile, the silver head stated, "Understood, sir. I will do my best."

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"Someone is smiling a little too much today?" Amanda teased as she helped Celestria braid her hair.

The Princess couldn't hold herself from smiling a bit more as she said, "Alex allowed me to accompany him."

Amanda raised her brows, seemingly she understood what she meant before she casually asked, "So you are also coming along?"

Celestria tilted her head, "'Also'? Don't tell me, you as well....?"

"I mean, Edric is going with Alex so to ensure his safety as his girlfriend, I need to be with him, right?"

Celestria's brows drew a small frown, making her look like a pouting child, as she said, "Why do you two have to be the third wheel?"

"Oh my adorable princess, you are not going there for your honeymoon. There are bloodthirsty people probably waiting for Alex's return."

Celestria stopped whining and said, "I am aware, and I am thankful that you two are coming along. Seriously, if I could, I wouldn't have ever let him go back there."

As Amanda attached the hairpin to her hair, she muttered, "It's natural to feel that way, Celestria, however, you shouldn't let your concern become a burden for Alex. Someone who has been dating a trouble magnet for a while now, I know for one thing that they will still put their hands in the hell hole despite how much we try to stop them. However, the difference would be that our concern will only continue to weigh over them and might become the reason for their fall."

Celestria was anxious, "So...should I stop worrying about Alex?"

Amanda smiled and shook her head, "We both know that it's impossible to not get worried about the ones we adore. However, what we can do is encourage them and be there with them when they need us. It will not only give them confidence but assurance as well, that even if the world turns against them, we will always be standing beside them as their support."

Celestria looked at Amanda with her brows rising as she registered each word her friend stated and understood what she meant.

Don't be his burden, rather, try to become his ally.

Celestria needed to listen to this. With a smile, she nodded, "I will do as you say. Thank you, Amy."

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The capital of Grimland was alive with a dazzling display of preparation for the grand summit. Streets that were usually bustling with trade and chatter now gleamed under vibrant banners fluttering in the cool breeze, each one bearing the crest of a visiting nation.

Workers moved with purpose, stringing lanterns and draping silken fabrics over balconies and railings. The city seemed to pulse with energy as if every stone and corner had been polished to perfection for the occasion.

The main square, the heart of the city, had transformed into a spectacle of elegance. Golden arches had been erected, entwined with blooming vines that gave off a faint, sweet aroma.

Elaborate fountains gushed crystal-clear water, reflecting the sunlight like liquid diamonds. Flowers in every color imaginable adorned the pathways, their petals carefully arranged into intricate patterns of unity and diplomacy.

Inside the palace, preparations for the summit were nothing short of extraordinary. The grand hall, where the summit would take place, had been transformed into a vision of opulence. The polished marble floors gleamed, their surface so immaculate that the intricate chandelier above seemed to reflect endlessly.

In the adjoining rooms, lounges were prepared for informal discussions. Luxurious sofas in deep shades of blue and green were arranged around low tables adorned with fresh flowers and silver trays of fine liquor.

Servants moved around, helping each other, and engaged in their designated work. The kitchen of the palace was the busiest place at the moment, preparing the dishes that would be served today.

Needless to say, after what happened yesterday—the discovery of some servant's involvement with assailants—required tighter security and every servant's house was under strict protection as well.

"Man...that was tiring...." Moving toward his room, Edric wiped his sweat. He was involved with the morning routine training with Sir Victor and Aborne.

Although the training mostly revolved around him trying to hit Victor, it was tiring nevertheless.

He was thinking of taking a warm bath before eating something since he had to report to his post in an hour.

However, just as he climbed the floors, he found someone standing before his room door.

"Valarie?" He was thoroughly surprised to see the redhead standing there. He never heard from anyone that she would be coming here, signifying why he seemed too surprised.

"Hey," With a soft smile, she greeted him, "You seem tired. Should we talk late-"

"No, I am fine. Anyway, when did you arrive?" He asked as he wiped his sweat in the towel he borrowed from the passing maid.

"Just an hour ago...I watched you train." She slowly muttered, "You have become stronger than before.".

Edric was confused, "Then why didn't you join me?" In the past, she would have instantly jumped inside the ring if she had spotted him sparring.

She didn't respond to that and looked down, making Edric concerned as he asked, "Hey...have you met your father yet?"

Aborne was there all the time so it was highly unlikely she would have met him.

And as he thought, "No...I can't bring myself to talk to him....not face to face..." Her voice was rough and the girl seemed on the verge of tearing up.

Edric heaved a sigh and made the girl turn towards him, "Tell me, Valarie, why do you feel so hesitant to meet your father?"

She didn't lift her eyes, and spoke in a heavy voice, "Because I know...I will hurt him by crying in front of him."

Aborne knows how much his daughter adores him and feels proud of him. And if she cried in front of her father, the man who only gave her a reason to smile in the past, then surely it would hurt him.

Edric felt his heart turning heavy seeing her weep.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He didn't know how to comfort her and there was no Amanda around to help him.

Suddenly, a third voice entered the conversation which made Valarie flinch,

"And by not meeting him, you will make him feel that you are disappointed in him, and thus, you are ignoring him."

Alex opened the door and plainly stated.

Edric now realized that he was standing before Alex's room.

Valarie turned towards Alex, her brows knitted, as she said, "I can never be disappointed in him! I know he did his best!"

"Yup~I know that as well. However, did you tell him that? Did you tell Sir Aborne that you aren't disappointed in him?"

Valarie stiffened hearing that. Indeed, her avoiding her father can be easily interpreted wrongly. And considering what a vital phase he is going through...Valarie should have been careful of her actions.

Turning toward Alex, she bowed her head and said, "Thank you for your advice. I will meet him as soon as I can."

Once Valarie left, Alex threw a wet towel around Edric who was about to say something.

"I used your bathroom."

Edric's eyes widened, "You used all the warm water?!"

Alex shrugged, "Mine was used by....someone else. Sorry."

After that, a mini-war arc arose.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.