Would would be interested in talking a walk though the garden as we walk ? Kaelan questioned.
Obviously felix replied.
"So," Kaelan said as they strolled deeper into the garden, "why don't you tell me more clearly — what exactly are you delivering, and to whom at the academy? Maybe I can help."
Felix hesitated for a moment. There wasn't really a reason to hide it now.
"It's for Master Darian's sister. She asked him for some herbs, and I'm just delivering them."
Kaelan raised an eyebrow, then chuckled.
"Darian's sister? You should've said so earlier! Haha."
Felix blinked. "Wait, seriously?"
"Of course," Kaelan said with a grin. "I know her well. She's at the Sword Academy here in the capital. She's the youngest person ever to teach there—just 18 years old. She's… special. You'll love meeting her."
Felix's eyes widened. "A prodigy, huh? Didn't know I was delivering herbs to someone that legendary."
Kaelan grinned wider. "Oh, you've already met a prodigy."
Felix squinted. "Oh, don't tell me—it's you, isn't it?" he teased, laughing.
Kaelan rolled his eyes. "No! Darian. He's the youngest Guild Master in the entire kingdom's history."
Felix raised his brows in surprise. "Wow. Didn't know Darian was that special. Must be something in the family bloodline."
Kaelan nodded. "They're from a knight family, after all."
Felix let out a thoughtful sigh. "You learn something new every day."
"Come on, let's keep walking," Kaelan offered. "Nice evening for it."
Felix grinned. "Finally. I've been sitting for half the day."
As they strolled through the moonlit garden, Kaelan turned to him.
"Are you entering the competition?"
"Nah," Felix replied. "I'm just here to watch. What about you?"
Kaelan smiled knowingly. "No need. I've got nothing to prove."
Felix smirked. "That's a relief. After watching your fight with Orric, I don't think you're ready anyway."
Kaelan stopped, genuinely surprised—and maybe a little insulted.
"You watched that? I thought I fought pretty well. Surprised you, didn't I?"
Felix nodded slowly, feigning admiration.
"Oh, you fight with elegance, I'll give you that. But you hit like a malnourished girl."
Kaelan gasped, half-offended, and gave Felix a light punch on the shoulder.
"Hey, don't make me angry."
Felix laughed. "Just being honest."
As they continued walking, Kaelan suddenly tripped—stumbling forward awkwardly.
Felix reacted quickly, catching him by the shoulders and steadying him. For a brief moment, Kaelan was in Felix's arms, their faces unexpectedly close.
Felix raised an eyebrow. "You look amazing," he muttered instinctively.
Kaelan's face turned crimson. Before he could respond, nearby guards rushed over.
"Master! Are you alright?!"
Kaelan quickly stepped back, brushing himself off and hiding his flushed face.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," he mumbled.
Felix looked at him with concern. "You sure? You looked weak for a second there. Also, not to be rude, but… I felt bandages on your back."
Kaelan glanced away, Tries to hide his chest. "It's just an sword wound, i got while fighting orric , he fights dirty" he said quickly. "Bandaged it up so it heals right. Anyway—I have something to attend to. Later!"
Without waiting, he turned and left in a hurry.
Felix raised an eyebrow.
"Definitely mood swings," he muttered, then sighed and wandered over to a nearby bench under a tree, gazing up at the moon.
The night was quiet… until a voice spoke up from above.
"You in deep thought, kid?"
Felix didn't even look.
"Yeah. This trip's exhausting. And wait—did you follow me?"
"Oho? A question with an answer? Who do you think I am?" the voice asked.
Felix rolled his eyes. "Obviously, you're the Crow. You're the same annoying voice from Balmwich."
"How rude!" the voice protested. "How do you know I'm the Crow?"
"Because I've yet to meet another creature—animal or human—with a voice more irritating than yours."
With a flutter of wings, the Crow landed beside the bench, standing on the edge.
"That's hurtful. What if I get a complex from that?"
"Just being honest," Felix muttered. "Now why are you following me?"
"You seem interesting," the Crow said plainly. "Plus… I have news."
Felix narrowed his eyes. "That's not ominous at all. What news?"
"I overheard something. Some people… they're planning to kidnap the Duke's children."
Felix shot upright. "What?"
Before the Crow could respond further, a scream echoed from the castle.
Felix bolted to his feet, eyes wide.
To be continued…