Gor had not seen Thia or heard anything about her since the time Ija was killed. He wasn't sure if he wanted to see that dangerous little girl again, though his gut told him he definitely would. More than that—he would probably have to fight her again.
Just the thought of going at it with Thia and her friend made him grin. Those two were strong, and fighting them had been beyond enjoyable.
I wonder if the other one still hides her curse, Gor thought.
While he didn't mind seeing Thia and her friend again, the princess was a different case. She wouldn't be ecstatic over the possibility of encountering Thia once more… The young woman still had nightmares of Ija's death. Gor sighed. For now, his only concern was his job—to protect the princess from harm, no matter where or from whom it came.
After confirming the progress of Master Dargard's work and receiving a personal tour of the Grand Dragon, Gor finally left the old man and his assistant, returning to the princess. It was already late, and this was his final task for the day. Once he gave his report, he would head home.
When he arrived at the princess's chambers, however, the Queen was just leaving.
"Your Majesty," Gor greeted, bowing.
"Oh, Gor, my dear," the Queen said, smiling. "You're still here?"
"The princess sent me on an errand," Gor replied. "I'll leave once I've given my report."
"Hmm, indeed you will." The Queen's tone was approving. "I'm glad you're doing a fine job as my daughter's sword and shield—proving everyone wrong."
Her last words were directed at her personal guard, who kept her face down, clearly understanding the unspoken rebuke.
"I'm honored by your words, Your Majesty," Gor replied.
"Let me not keep you. Go on, speak with Lena and get home. We wouldn't want your mother complaining that we keep her baby away till late at night, now would we?" the Queen said with a teasing smirk before walking away.
Once she left, Gor entered the princess's chambers.
"Your Highness," he greeted.
"Gor," Princess Lena replied with a forced smile. It seemed her mother hadn't come for a mere courtesy visit.
"So, how was it? Did you see the Grand Dragon?" she asked, trying to mask the nervousness in her voice. But Gor had already sensed it.
"Yes, I did. It's an impressive creation," he said.
"Really? I designed the original concept myself, you know," she said with a hint of pride.
"You're smart, Your Highness. I at least know that much."
Lena smiled at his compliment.
"How long did Master Dargard say it would take before it's ready to fly?"
"Two weeks, tops."
"That's great! We'll be able to commission it soon," she said excitedly.
"Indeed," Gor replied, watching her carefully.
"What?" she asked, sensing his gaze.
"Is something bothering you, Your Highness?"
"No, not really. Why do you ask?"
"I saw your mother outside," Gor said. "And you sound nervous."
"Oh, that… It's nothing." She hesitated. "Nothing has been decided yet, but everything will be clear soon."
Gor didn't like her answer, but he chose not to press further. It wasn't his place to pry.
Instead, he said, "If you need me to do anything—or maybe kill anyone—just let me know, Your Highness. You know I've earned the name 'Knight Killer' within these walls, and we both know it's not for nothing."
The princess chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind, dear Knight Killer." Then she waved him off. "Now go home. I don't want your mother complaining that I keep you away too long."
Why does everyone keep saying that? Gor thought.
"If you need anything, Vince is on duty tonight. He'll be right outside," he said.
"I have everything I need here," Princess Lena replied before dismissing him.
Gor left her chambers and made his way out of the palace.
Alone, under the cover of night, Gor navigated the streets on his way home. He moved quietly, his instincts sharp, but he soon felt something— numerous presence all around him.
He wasn't surprised. He was being followed.
Not that Gor minded being stalked by suspicious, ill-meaning figures. There was always a need to test his strength against different kinds of opponents—proud noble scions, mercenaries, military bullies, and now… assassins.
His father, a scum of a man, had trained him since he could stand. That training had made Gor into what he was now. A killer. A monster. And an unstoppable force.
From the way they moved, Gor knew what kind of men they were. Skilled… but not extraordinary.
Maybe I should lure them somewhere quiet. I don't want to bring them too close to the mansion, or else Bale will sense them and take all the fun away… But at the same time, he didn't want to get home too late and worry his mother.
This is quite the dilemma, he mused.
Just as he was contemplating his next move, his body tensed.
A new presence appeared—this one different from the rest. It was standing right in front of him.
Gor would have dodged, moved out of the way, done something, but he hadn't even sensed the person until it was too late. He expected an attack, a blade slicing toward him, a dagger stabbing into his ribs—something.
But nothing came.
He frowned and looked up.
A young man stood before him, his dark hair streaked with red, tied back behind his head.
Jo.
Their eyes clashed in an unspoken battle of wills.
After a moment, Jo spoke.
"Are they friends of yours?" He tilted his head toward the assassins trailing Gor.
"Kind of," Gor shrugged.
"Isn't it too late to be playing with friends?" Jo asked.
"Well, they don't seem to think so," Gor replied.
Jo sighed. "You shouldn't let them bother you. They won't be the ones Mom scolds."
Gor sighed. He had a point.
"Let them be," Jo continued. "We'll deal with them some other time. Let's go."
Without hesitation, Gor fell into step beside his brother.
As they walked, Ares' voice rang inside his head.
Strong. Strong will. Great skill. Dangerous. Very dangerous.
Then, after a pause, Ares added, If you fight him, kid, you'll die.
Gor's lips curled into a smirk. Thanks for the motivation.
You're welcome, Ares replied.