Baron Provalum hurriedly fled the scene of his negotiations with Joshua.

When did my master become the devil? Cain shook his head.

What are you trying to say? Joshua wore a bored expression like he was too lazy to piece together Cains meaning.

The Orbis heirloom finally landed in your hands but it seems like you had to use dirty tricks to get it. Whats worse, you seem completely indifferent about it.

I had to.

What?

Joshua tossed him a lazy glance and shrugged. If youre implying that I extorted the heirloom from him, I didnt I gave him a chance to prove his worth as a lackey, so its only natural for him to pay me for my time.

How can you say such a shameful thing

What do you mean, shameful? Joshua returned Cains stare with a bewildered expression.

Im surprised at how far youve come You couldnt even look me in the eye, before. Cain shrugged. Do you think Ill ever become like you? No, wait I think its already happening.

Arent you always like that?

Cain carefully avoided Joshuas gaze and whistled nonchalantly. What a sight. These girls from Arcadia are real eye candy. The way they walk and talk is so elegant!

Yeah, enjoy yourself. Joshua chuckled and turned his attention to the object resting in his palm.

This is the Orbis family heirloom, known as the Elfs Tears. It had a distinct leaf shape and a subtle green hue. The only reason this apparently-unremarkable ring received a moniker like that was because of the legends of the Orbis familys relationship with the high elves.

For now, its just a pretty relic of a defunct family. That information only comes to light much later. The world would learn that the inheritance contained exceptional powers thanks to the words of the high elves, who had appeared on the continent for the first time in centuries.

The head of the Orbis family had made yearly pilgrimages into the Elven Forest, which, for the most part, was adamantly opposed to human visits. Only the Orbis patriarch could think about such a thing.

The elves had an isolationist attitude. In the eyes of the elves, who value nature and the trees, humans are animals who destroy the elves beloved forests and kidnap them for their beautyand then use them as sex slaves to sate their vile desires.

To protect themselves and their homes, the elves gathered in the great forest at the southern tip of the continent and erected a massive barrier the size of several major cities put together. Even the elves, naturally born with magical abilities, found it nigh-impossible to construct such a barrier. Dozens of high elves died in the processexcept one. One high elf didnt die.

Fast forward a hundred years, and the elves hate for humans had spiraled out of control. They rallied around the single remaining high elf, dubbing it the Elenbers, their ruler. The issue is that humans were practically poisonous to the elves, who shuddered at the thought of even meeting a human.

The rest of the story was a bit blurry in Joshuas mind, but he knew the essential details.

Jerath Dick Orbis, Joshua grumbled. The last head of the Orbis family had vanished ten years ago along with the rest of the family. Hed been reported missing, but Joshua knew he was dead. In all of the forty years of Joshuas previous life, Jerath had remained absent. It was quite likely the entire family had died as soon as the household collapsed.

Im sure he was tormented. He was the only person on the continent who could enter and exit the Elven Forestthose dogs and pigs in power couldnt leave him alone.

Jerath Dick Orbis had said nothing about the Elven Forest until his family was wiped out. Then he vanished from the face of the continent. The Elenburs came to the continent after hearing the news and found Jeraths child in dire circumstances, serving as a servant to another noble household.

She wept, apologizing, and the tears streamed down the back of her hand, seeping into the ring she was wearing. That ring would eventually be known as the Elfs Tears to the rest of the world.

Then she became seriously ill and died not long after I guess its an honorable story because they died protecting what they cared about the most.

What a terrible fate.

Young Master? Cains voice drew Joshua away from his thoughts. Can you tell me what youre thinking?

Its Joshua swallowed his words and just shook his head. Its nothing, Im just a bit tired. Did you say something?

Cain tilted his head curiously. Were home? Weve been here for quite some time.

Ah Joshua nodded. Theyd arrived at Joshuas home for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of whatever else is happening, its a terrific area to practice in peace. But Joshuas expression hardened as he glanced over the building. It was absolutely terrible if you were trying to protect someone. The thought had been making his head throb since hed arrived in the capital.

Joshua finally came to a decision. Cain.

Yes?

I believe it would be best for my mother to live in Duke Agnuss residence, since its more central and closer to the Palace.

Cain paused for a moment before nodding in understanding. As the Young Master says, this is clearly not the right place for Lady Lucia to live. Even if youre displeased, I believe it is correct for her to live where the Duke is. More importantly, shed be truly alone when the Young Master enters the academy.

Id like to ask you a favor.

Yes? Cain was taken aback by Joshuas abrupt reply.

For the time being, I want you to protect my mother on my behalf.

You mean you want me to be Lady Lucias escort knight?

Yes, I do. Joshua nodded.

However, if I do that the Young Master will be in serious danger, Cain replied with a stiff expression. Even low-ranking aristocrats from the countryside with unknown ancestries have at least two knights beside them. Ignorance and contempt are the bare minimum you could expect, among a slew of other annoyances Given the Young masters nature, I know youll never stand for what will take place before your eyes. Youll need me to stop you from acting, ahead of time.

Seeing as Joshuas mouth remained firmly shut, Cain took it that hed hit the nail firmly on the head.

Additionally, Veron Shen Villas is also an academy student. It might be a stretch, but Im concerned.

Dont be. I truly desire to be silent. Joshua grinned at Cains apprehensive expression. Ill spend my time quietly, like a dead mouse. I specialize in solitude, believe it or not. Ive had more than my fair share of being ignored and insulted.

Is that true? Cain struggled to wrap his mind around Joshuas words.

It was true. The bastard pariah the stable Cain had forgotten about Young Master Joshuas history.

I hate to see your miserable expression. Joshua chuckled at Cains stiff expression.

Young Master. Cain pressed his head against the floor.

May I ask a favor of you? Its for me, but its also for you. Joshuas words made Cain raise his head. I need a subordinate that I can trust to watch my tack. I dont need a weak or drowsy guy who dies before I do on the battlefield.

You mean

Joshua grinned widely. We should ask Duke Agnus to teach you the sword.

Cains pupils dilatedthat only meant one thing. Cain knew it was not in Joshuas nature to bow or apologize to anyone. Yet here he was, making such a promise.

Your words

Cain, Joshua interrupted. This is a request, not a demand Listen carefully to what Im saying.

Joshua quietly bowed his head, startling Cain. Was there anyone else like this in Cains life?

Never

Cain sighed heavily.

Raise your head, Joshua said. I dont want to see you bowing your head to anyoneme included.

This is fine for me but this is my Lords request. Cain smirked sarcastically. Shouldnt debts be repaid? Im hoping the Young Master will also grant me a wish.

Ill listen, Joshua said with a laugh.

The smirk fell from Cains face, replaced with a solemn expression. Please dont force me to bow to anyone but my master.

Joshua and Cain looked deeply into each others eyes for a while. Cain bore witness to the burning passion in Joshuas deeply sunken eyes, hotter than an erupting volcano.

Yes I will do that In the name of Joshua Sanders, Joshua whispered just barely loud enough for Cain to hear. But that was enough for the knight.

My lord, Cain said with a smile and a vigorous nod. I wish you all the best in the future.