After running into King Armen, Arlan led Drayce to take a stroll at the pretty lake on the eastern side of the palace, but of course, Drayce was not interested in the scenic view at all.

“Since you’re still bored, we should use the rest of the day to take a look outside of the palace,” Arlan suggested.

“Not like we will grow gold inside the palace if we stay here,” Drayce countered as he could not see what was interesting about this so-called pretty place. In his opinion, its reputation was exaggerated by others.

“Sarcastic devil,” Arlan commented, loud for him to hear, but Drayce didn’t mind it.

The two went out on their horses and two Abethan knights escorted them in case they needed help, especially with Drayce being new and unfamiliar with the capital.

Arlan led his friend to the commercial district of the capital. Its main street was a mix of large shops and residences, as this part of the market was also where the richest of merchants and the city’s business leaders resided.

“As our kingdoms are neighbors, Griven imports the weapons from the merchants here sometimes. Their quality is top-notch,” Arlan informed.

“I doubt if it compares to Megaris.”

“Narcissist!” Arlan sighed. “Nothing bad in knowing the things here. In the future, you might have some business with this kingdom so it’s good to know the merchant leaders and build good relationships with them. These rich merchants have wide networks and hold great influence in many kingdoms, not just in Abetha.”

“I have my ways,” Drayce countered and Arlan understood as usual what he meant.

‘What a violent guy.’

“We are normal humans so we can only go the normal way, unlike you.” Arlan sighed as he continued to ride towards the largest business guild of Abetha.

They entered one luxurious hall after another, and Arlan introduced Drayce to a few important people before they went to meet the leader of the merchants. Soon, they arrived in front of a two-story office at the most central part of the market district.

Arlan went inside the lavish wooden building and Drayce was about to follow him but his sensitive ears heard some curious noises seemingly just an alley away.

He halted and focused on the noise and confirmed that it was not too far from him.

A familiar wave of energy he had felt before a few times appeared from the same direction.

‘I can’t be mistaken…”

Not being able to stop himself, Drayce entered the alley next to that lavish wooden building, walking at first before it turned into a full sprint.

He stopped at the other end of the alley upon spotting a mysterious woman in pink surrounded by a few men. He heard her warn the bunch of men that she’ll burn them.

Her voice sounded familiar, but since she’s wearing a hat, he could not see her. He stepped towards the group, wanting to confirm his doubts.

Before he could reach any closer, everyone surrounding the woman caught fire, and this created chaos.

Coincidentally, the woman in pink ran in his direction in a hurry and bumped into him, causing her hat to fall down. But thanks to it, he could finally see her eyes.

Not just her voice, but even her eyes were a perfect match to the one in his memories.

Without hesitation, he put that hat back on her head and dragged her towards a random silent alley, ignoring her empty warning.

Drayce cornered her against the alley’s stone wall and smirked at her silliness, of not knowing who he was and even daring to threaten him.

“My anger can burn this entire place. Do you want to see?”

This much was effective enough to intimidate her and shut her mouth from spouting nonsense.

“W-What do you want?” she asked.

Instead of answering her, Drayce removed her hat and stared deeply into her eyes. He was sure those were the same pair of eyes he was searching for. The lower half of her face was covered in a veil, the same as that mysterious figure who appeared when he was fighting on the mountain ranges at the border of Abetha and when he went for a swim in the river.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“A witch!” came her reply.

He could see through what scheme went through her tiny brain.

‘Still trying to scare me huh, little kitten?’ He chuckled softly and commented, “Interesting!”

Just as he raised his hand towards her veil to take it off, she said something that startled him.

“This tattoo…?”

His hand halted before he could touch her veil and the expression on his face changed. The mocking smirk on his lips disappeared as he turned silent and stared at her. Reflected on her surprised eyes, he could see his own eyes turned darker, flames seemingly burning within them.

His voice was cold and threatening as he repeated, “Who are you?”

Before she could answer, they were interrupted by the yells about capturing the witch and Drayce heard her mumble under her breath, “I need to run away.”

Drayce stepped back and let her go. After she left, he looked at the hat in his hand and realized she forgot it.

There was something she was trying to hide and the way everyone was searching for her, he was sure she was in trouble. But why?

The way she burned those people, he was sure she held some power but was she really a witch?

“Doesn’t seem like it,” he mumbled and held that hat up as he checked it. “One should always return someone’s thing if they left it behind.”

He walked towards where she went on the other alley. He saw the mob of people going the same way. Before they could enter the alley, he stood at the entrance, blocking their path.

He didn’t know why but something about her made him want to protect her.

He warned the mob to return but they didn’t seem to take him seriously so he had to set an example.

Not blinking even once, he beheaded the silly man in front of him, not a tinge of regret in his eyes as killing someone was not a big deal for him.

Feeling scared, when the mob retreated, Drayce saw a familiar old lady with grey hair. He was sure he had seen her at the engagement ceremony earlier. If he’s not mistaken, she should be a servant of the third princess of Abetha.

“So that’s her,” Drayce concluded.

The old lady looked at Drayce and then at the hat in his hand and she stepped towards him.

Drayce put forward the hat. The old lady accepted it and she entered the alley behind him.

At that exact moment, Arlan arrived along with the Abethan knights accompanying them.

“What are you doing here?” Arlan asked before his gaze dropped to l the beheaded body on the ground.

“You and your sword don’t like to rest,” Arlan commented.

Drayce said nothing. His eyes wandered across the alley where he saw the old lady going towards where that woman in pink was hiding and felt relieved.

“Let’s go,” Drayce instructed and they left the place.

On the way back, although Drayce appeared calm, he had many questions in mind which answer he needed to find out.