As the evening leaves warm hues in the sky, casting shadows that embrace Zerenia's concerns, he confidently leaves her home in search of Rozer. Using her sixth sense, he traces the city following Rozer's magical trail, uniquely golden-green amidst the usual blue magical traces.
The city bustles with activity, but Zerenia persists, following her son's increasingly prominent trail. Eventually, he finds two warriors attending to their fallen comrades. Tension fills the air, and as Zerenia appears, they immediately salute.
"Lord Zerenia," greets one of the warriors, tapping his iron-clad chest in respect.
Zerenia responds, "What happened to them?"
"I received a report that a rogue assailant attacked these two warriors."
Zerenia recognizes the rogue as her own son by the distinct magical trace on the unconscious warriors' faces.
"Forgive me."
"No, you're not at fault. It's the rogue's doing. But to defeat kingdom warriors, who is this rogue?"
With courage, Zerenia admits, "Forgive me; he is my son."
The warriors, shocked to realize the culprit is Zerenia's offspring, begin to understand there might be a specific reason behind Rozer's actions.
"No wonder he could do this. There must be something driving him," says one warrior with a bowed head.
Despite feeling guilty, Zerenia lifts her head firmly, "It's my fault for not teaching him restraint."
The warrior attempts to reassure her, "No, it's not your fault."
With compassion, Zerenia offers assistance, "Let me help." Gently, he places her hands on the faces of the two unconscious warriors. "By the grace of the divine, heal and awaken these warriors."
Green light emanates from Zerenia's palms, flowing into the weakened warriors. Their bruises slowly fade, and they awaken from unconsciousness.
Under the city lights, the warriors recount the rogue attack, highlighting Rozer's bravery and his decision to defend himself.
***
At a bakery, Rozer and Poetica sit together enjoying chocolate bread. The lively and warm atmosphere sets the stage for their conversation.
"If I could use magic, I wouldn't need your help," Poetica says while chewing.
Rozer, with a light smile, responds, "Finish eating first, then talk."
Swallowing her food, Poetica, attempting to conceal annoyance, says, "In essence, I don't need your help."
Rozer laughs, "If you could use magic, right?"
From her expression, it's clear Poetica is frustrated and reluctant to admit she can't use magic and has been helped by Rozer.
"Do you study at the academy?"
"Of course, everyone here learns magic at the academy. And now, I'm in basic level 4."
"Really? I also plan to enroll in the academy," says Rozer with enthusiasm.
Impressed, Poetica says, "I admit you're skilled, but you'll still be my junior at the academy. Did you just move to this town?"
"Yes, I arrived here this afternoon."
"From where?"
"From the Boszeven forest."
"Ah, that small village. No wonder you're skilled; you must have encountered demons from behind that gate, right?"
"Yes, sometimes."
"Tell me, what kind of demons have you encountered?" Poetica asks.
"There's a human with a bull's form, a wolf as big as a horse, a bat-human, and many more. Those creatures are truly terrifying."
"A wolf as big as a horse?!"
"Yes, indeed. The wolf is large, has horns on its forehead, and can spew fire."
Poetica is astonished, "Eh... You're quite lucky to have survived."
Rozer nods, "That's how it is."
While they chat, Rozer pours tea directly from the teapot and drinks it.
"Hey!"
"What?"
"Use a cup; you're being messy!"
"It's too late now."
Poetica looks at Rozer with a disgusted face at his lack of manners.
After placing the teapot down, Rozer stands and bids farewell, "Alright, this is it; I'm going home. What about you?"
"I'm heading home too."
After Poetica pays the bill, they leave the bakery.
"Do you need me to escort you?"
"No need."
"What if you meet them again?"
"It's okay; I know a shortcut."
"Alright then, I'll go this way."
"I'll go that way."
"See you at the academy... Thanks for the meal."
Poetica turns away and ignores Rozer's farewell as they part ways to their respective homes.
On her way home, Poetica encounters four warriors and Zerenia. They are relieved to see her in good condition.
"Princess, we're glad you're safe," says a warrior with respect.
Poetica retorts, "Of course, what were you thinking!"
"Poetica."
The meeting with Uncle Zerenia brings warmth. "Uncle Zerenia! It's been a long time," Poecita greets with a bright smile.
"Indeed, it has been a while. You've grown up now. Where were you, Poetica?"
"I was at the bakery with friends."
"I see. It's fine to leave the palace and meet friends, but don't make others worry."
"Sorry," says Poetica.
"It's okay; if you feel remorse, that's enough. Just don't repeat it," Zerenia says firmly.
"Please take care of this child. Until we meet again, Poetica," Zerenia says, then walks back, following Rozer's magical trail.
"Alright! Let's go, princess. The Queen is waiting for you at the castle," says a warrior, holding Poetica's hand as they walk back to the palace.
'So, you've met your brother Rozer?' Zerenia thinks.
***
After dinner, a sense of tranquility fills the dining room of Rozer's new residence. In the dim light, Zerenia expresses his concern about the events in the city.
"Rozer," he says after placing his glass, "Did you attack two warriors in the city this afternoon?"
Rozer is surprised, choking on the water he was drinking. "How did you know, Father?"
Zerenia, with a serious expression, replies, "There are times when you must restrain yourself. Resolve issues through dialogue because we are humans."
Rozer tries to explain, "They were at fault. I did nothing, but they pointed their spears at me; I was nearly stabbed—"
"Don't make excuses," Zerenia interrupts firmly.
Rozer bows, reflecting on his mistake, "Forgive me, Father. I won't repeat it."
"What your father says is true, Rozer. Sometimes we must yield to understand and be kind to others, even if we don't know them," says Tania.
Rozer nods, "Alright."
However, a surprise comes when Zerenia praises Rozer's training results with Staal. "But that's quite surprising; your training with Staal has paid off, to the point of defeating two warriors at once. From the wounds I saw, you could have beaten them with one strike; that's impressive," Zerenia says with a smile.
Rozer feels proud, "Yes, were those really warriors? Different from the ones in the Boszeven forest."
Tania gently scolds, "Dear! Don't praise Rozer for his naughty deeds."
Rozer and Zerenia laugh together, ending the night in peace and togetherness in their new residence.