I just can’t believe I saved a prince… this is a really big deal. Should I take advantage of this? No, no. The king called them, but isn’t this a Queendom?

“So, Father wishes to speak with us. I can imagine why. I’d like to take a moment before going, Rodrick. Have some things to settle.”

The old man frowned when he heard that but said nothing about it. The now Prince Hansel looked at me with a refreshing smile and took my hand.

“I’d like to introduce you to someone that might help you here, as part of my thanks.”

… I guess I can’t politely decline.

“Sure, I’ll follow.”

His smile widened brightly. God, it’s so good to be young again.

We parted ways. Wallace and Athress fetched one of the horses in the camp and headed to the castle. Meanwhile, Hansel dragged me into the multitude. If it wasn’t because he grabbed my wrist, I’d be lost by now.

In the center of the whole field, there was a stand with some people in robes; must be the same religion as the ones that summoned me. The one in the center has some fancy decorations in his vest, probably to resemble his status within the organization.

“Father,” screamed Hansel trying to catch his attention. The noise from the people talking to each other was quite overwhelming, and it took him some tries.

“Hansel, son,” said when we finally reached him, putting down some papers he was holding. “I’m glad you made out alive.”

“Are you? That-“

I never expected the priest to slap the Prince in the cheek, but the sound from it was loud and somewhat satisfactory I just have to laugh.

“So I can scold you. Were you out of you mind?! A rescue with only three persons against the Kingdom of Domitean.”

“I… I’m still hurting, you know?”

“Good, remember that pain so you don’t do anything this reckless again.”

They seem fine, I can tell they've been acquaintances for a long time. The priest looks like a nice person overall, a little rash but good, nonetheless.

“Fine, understood. I’ll try not to worry you anymore.”

“I see you still like to say such lies in front of me… And now I’m all loaded with work. I hope the King is in a good mood when you see him. This is outrageous.”

“Ok, Father. I got the point. I didn’t come here to be scolded, rather I’d like to ask for a favor.”

The priest frowned.

“On top of everything I have to do already? This better be good.”

Oh, God, this is too awkward. I don’t wanna trouble the good man! Hansel pointed at me, still holding his refreshing and bright smile.

“This is Leonard Sica. Leo, this is Father Thompson.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Father.”

“I’d love to say the same, son,” r-really? I get the cold shoulder? “Anyway, what is this favor?”

“Can you help him to settle here? Probably send him to the Guild if he wants.”

“Well, isn’t this unusual?”

“Without him, we would have probably died there. It’s just a way to thank him.”

“Making me work more?”

“I promise I’ll make your efforts worthwhile.”

The priest sighed, beaten and maybe tired.

“I will do as you say, Prince Hansel, but this won’t be a cheap favor.”

“I guess not,” he laughed and looked at me. “I have to attend my Father’s audience, but I promise we will meet again,” said before leaving us.

Oh, man. This is unfair.

“Father,” tried to catch his attention. “Is there something I can help you with? This is probably the best way to settle things down so you can rest.”

“Don’t patronize me, fellow,” d-did I say something wrong?! I can't read this man at all. “There is, indeed, something you can do, but I was planning on making you do it anyway!”

“S-Sure…”

He was doing the registration of all the civilians rescued, so it was a lot of work. I didn’t mind it at all though. It was so relaxing, reminded me of my former work as a teacher. After this, I’d love to invest some time in the skills and the magic in this world. It’s bound to give me some answers in my quest to return home.

The young man was having such difficulties just to breath. His mind was struggling to regain control of his body, the presence of the magician inside his head was too much. After several minutes of battling, he finally gave in. In control again, his master put a sickening expression on the pet's face.

"Will you ever stop resenting me, child? When will you learn?"

"Yes, child. When will you learn?" A woman in purple dress entered in the chambers with a mocking smile. "Getting senile already, Puppet Master?"

"Oh, shut your mouth. I'm perfectly fine in this body as you can see, ready for the ritual."

Nancy didn't believe a word he said as he wore that lavish cape of his.

"Of course you are."

The man frowned but said no more. He knew responding her would only fuel her sarcasm. After their mission on the Capital of Flonctus, they finally got a hold of the castle and everyone within. Nancy and himself managed to murder every member of the Royal Family and must of the nobles living there, so there was nobody that could match their strength.

"Let's get this over with."

They both left the chambers and headed to the library. Probably the only place left untouched in the invasion. There, a Priest of Air and a man in white robes were waiting for them.

"Master Hiza, what a sight for sore eyes."

"Stop messing around, Otmar. We have important matters to attend."

The Hiza man looked to the priest with voided eyes than make the other uncomfortable, but he knew what he had to do. The cleric pointed the ground where an elaborated greenish circle was inscribed and the young man stood just in the middle of it. In front of him there was a small green jewel.

"What we are about to do..."

"You are not here to judge us, Priest. Procced with the ceremony."

"But to play the role of an Antiguo..."

"Enough. This is necessary for the new world to begin. You are to do what you are asked, or we find someone who will."

The Priest sighed but began the ceremony anyways.

"O, Ancient. I offer this vessel for your advent. Come to us and grace us with your blessing."

"Domitean never had an Antiguo in their army," said Master Hiza. "It was about time we made one ourselves."