Everyone here had consumed the pills Rein had brought out and King Zander had even drank the mysterious liquid from his water bag.
Therefore, it was imperative for them to return the favor they had obtained from a youngster they had met in the middle of nowhere.
Rein had been nothing but giving throughout the short period of time they had known each other.
However, they had wrongly imprisoned him at first sight and Treegan had even accused him of trying to poison them.
Though those were necessary precautions needed at that moment, now they seemed to be excessive in their eyes.
Rein could be considered their savior for having warned them about the Elkerberries then offered his supply of blood pills to them.
Thus hearing the King's intention of rewarding Rein for his generosity gained positive responses from everyone present.
Especially the young knight who had been on the verge of turning feral.
He was willing to plead with the King even if Rein's request was a little too extravagant or outrageous.
However, they did not have to worry too much about what Rein would ask for as it was something too simple and easy for them to provide.
"Take me along." Rein's words were clear to understand and straight to the point.
If earlier, his voice had been timid and weak, now it was firm and determined.
Nevertheless, they were stunned to hear this from the youngster.
Rein was someone they had just met so taking him along on their journey was out of the question.
Even the young knight from earlier was apprehensive to plead with the King for this favor.
After all, Rein had no clue about their real identities.
They were out on a mission and would soon be returning to Valanthur once it was completed.
Their identities were special and could not be revealed to someone they had just met.
Therefore, taking Rein along with them was not an option for them.
It appeared that even Rein had noticed their unwillingness which was too evident on their faces.
They were reluctant to bring a stranger along with them and this much, Rein had deciphered already.
However, he was not about to give up right away.
King Zander felt the young vampire's unwavering gaze land on him and he returned the gaze.
"At least till we get out of the forest. Please take me along." Rein added a proper explanation of what he had meant by his earlier words.
The King and his men were pulled out of the misunderstanding they had been developing at the mention of this detailed request from the young man.
Unlike earlier, where they thought that Rein had asked to accompany them on their journey, this one was something they could help him with.
Rein had saved them and even helped them so this was a minor task for them.
They could allow him to stay with them until they exited this vast forest as it would not affect their plans by a lot.
However, the rest made no movement to either accept or reject this request from the young vampire.
The final decision, as always, laid with their King so they all looked at him, waiting to see how he would deal with this situation.
The chef, the young knights, and his comrades were all gazing at the King with pleading eyes and it was clear what they wished his answer would be.
Though Treegan wasn't too fond of this new man, he was curious to see what else was inside those massive bags the stranger carried around.
Finally, General Espren's face held no expression as he was fine with whatever his Master decided.
King Zander pondered over this matter for a second before making the decision.
"You might accompany us until we leave this forest." He revealed with a brief nod.
Rein's eyes glittered both with excitement and gratitude to what he heard and soon bowed his head ever so slightly to express his appreciation.
King Zander did not think too much about it as he ordered his men to rest for a while before they could resume their journey.
This single decision that he had made changed the course of the other person's life.
___
Coming out of his reminiscing thoughts, King Zander shook his head at how things did not go as planned.
Rein, who was supposed to part ways with them once they exited the forest, had never been able to do so.
___
When they reached the edge of the forest, King Zander and his men were ready to say goodbye.
Rein had not objected and even walked away right before their eyes.
The chef was extremely unwilling to let him leave his side but they just could not drag him along so he could only watch as Rein disappeared from their sight.
Throughout their journey, Rein was a silent one and even after the chef had tried to pry some information out of him, he received nothing substantial.
The only matter that he had disclosed was that he had run away from home and would return when it was time.
No further explanations were given which left them curious but their mysterious companion remained mum.
They were also surprised to see that not once did Rein try to inquire about who they were or what they were doing here or where they were headed to.
This reminded them that he truly just needed someone to help him escape the forest.
Their theory was strengthened when they saw how Rein stuck close to the chef while the rest battled the beasts that appeared every now and then.
The frail man would be no match against those ferocious beasts which also explained why he wished to travel with them.
If he had journeyed alone then the hungry beasts would have feasted on his bony body.
Thanks to their presence, Rein was able to safeguard himself.
They had received his help and he had been protected under their watchful eyes.
This was a fair trade and once they reached the end of the forest, their deal came to an end.
Their time with him had come to an end and as they parted ways, they hoped that Rein would be able to return home safe and sound.
With this thought in their mind, as Rein headed to the East, King Zander and his men made their way to the West.
Their goal was to find civilization or meet just about anyone who could help them reach this Kingdom's capital where its Kind resided.
Their goal of meeting another person was soon fulfilled but what they had not expected was another problem to pop up next.