The next day started as usual. Haley was managing the black rat gang. Old man Haufen and Mrs. Jean were running the bar. Edward was behind the bar practicing his swordsmanship.
Edward had told that he hadn't bothered to practice in a long time, but lately, he had felt the need to train.
Rufus on the other hand didn't have anything to do. He was bored. No one anymore asked him to help and If they did Haley would just send some members of the gang to do it for him. According to Haley, it would damage Rufus's image if he was doing labor that was unrelated to the gang's operations.
Rufus was taking some time off and was enjoying a cool breeze on top of a building when suddenly someone attacked him. It was August Moldav, but Rufus of course had no idea who he was. He swung a huge hammer that made a hole onto the roof.
"Who are you?" asked Rufus who had no idea what was going on.
August didn't answer and instead, he hit the ceiling with his hammer. August swung his hammer like a golf club onto the roof. It got rubble flying so fast that it looked like bolts of lightning. Rufus then activated his divine power. With just a single swing of his hand, all the rubble eroded mid-air.
August then leaped and swung his hammer at Rufus. Lightning bolts sparked from the hammer with Rufus being too slow to dodge it.
Edward quickly leaped onto the roof and blocked the attack with his sword.
"You really are the number one magnet for trouble," said Edward smiling at Rufus.
August leaped back for a moment, but Edward was not letting him get away. He swung his sword and was able to leave a cut on August's cheek. Rufus leaped over Edward and was coming down with an open palm. August quickly jumped off the building avoiding the attack. When Rufus made contact with the roof, it exploded into tiny pieces. August was amazed by such power.
"Damn you, Rufus. Watch where your aiming!" yelled Edward who fell off the building when it was destroyed.
Then from the streets came prince Markus walking with Doreen by his side. He clapped his hands a few times like he was seeing a performance
"Thank you, August. I think they have already proven that they are worthy of this mission."
Rufus had no idea who it was, but Edward knew immediately. Edward was clenching his teeth since he couldn't believe who was right in front of him.
Edward was just about to flee from the scene until prince Markus stopped him
"You do not need to be afraid. I am not your enemy. I have come here to talk to you, Rufus," Markus said stopping Edward.
~~
Prince Markus, Doreen, and August were guided inside the old man Haufen bar. Rufus sent word to Haley and Leif to get to the bar as soon as possible.
The prince was smiling while Doreen and August were standing behind him like loyal guard dogs.
"So what's the commotion in here?" asked Haley.
Haley saw the clothes the three people were wearing. They were nice fancy clothes just like the ones Adolf Blausaber was wearing. She thought they were some nobles being mad at first but then swallowed up her anger.
"So, who are these three?" she asked again.
"Uhm. I actually don't know either. First, they attack us, then they stop attacking us, then they call us friends," said Rufus who also had no idea who they were.
"You may not know him, but I certainly do. He is the first prince of the Jacob Kingdom. Markus Jacob." Edward said looking at the prince.
Everyone was shocked. They didn't know how to act in front of him. Some thought of bowing, but they also didn't want to. It was very common to hate the nobility and especially the royalty in the slums.
"So, you recognized me. You must actually be nobility yourself?" asked the prince from Edward.
Everyone looked at him. It was true that nobody had ever considered how was Edward able to have divine powers without being part of the nobility.
"It doesn't matter, does it. If I was once, I am definitely not anymore. Be it my own opinion or my family's. After living here for a while, you are thankful for not being part of the trashy nobility of this country," said Edward with a smile while looking at August like wanting to pick a fight with him.
Prince Markus liked what he just heard.
"Well then. Yes, it is true. I am prince Markus Jacob, the first in line for the throne. And I am not here on idle business. I have kept my eye on you Rufus since the incident when you killed Adolf Blausaber and do not worry, I am not here to apprehend you. I am more than willing to praise you for what you have done."