The first thing he felt was the pain from his father’s slap.

Hansel could taste the metal flavor of the blood in his mouth – It was probably what he deserved.

“You must be the most ungrateful and naïve boy in this realm,” the king was utterly furious, hardly containing his impulse to teach his foolish son a lesson. “What were you thinking taking the Castle boy and that barbaric dwarf to that suicide mission? What am I even saying? Of course, you weren’t thinking. You almost get your party killed and for what? A few more peasants in our kingdom?”

The urge to answer all those rhetorical questions was unbearable. He knew the situation he was getting into, the consequences – Even so, he decided it was the best he could do. Some of the nobles escaped the Citadel of Flonctus, they might be of help in the future, or so he thought. What he really wanted was to help those people, that was the real reason.

The king went on for some more minutes until he was satisfied.

“Next time you have a death wish, tell me so I can send you to the Ancient’s Realm, boy.”

“Father, I don’t have a death wish, neither do I consider my actions foolish. I just did what was right. Those peasants, as you called them, are alive because of us, and they can serve us best that way.”

“You honestly believe what you just say? You are more naïve than I thought, then. Did you at least confirm what Rodrick felt? About the Spell of the Summoners.”

“… No, we couldn’t reach the castle to-“

“Pitiful.”

“Father, if there is actually a Summon in this world, shouldn’t we at least try to make them our ally?”

“What kind of nonsense are you speaking? A monstrosity like that should be killed on the spot. They are creatures bound to their Master. I’m not taking any chances. Now get out of my chambers. I have better things to do than humor your impertinence.”

The king, standing in the middle of his room, headed to the desk near the window, stuffed with papers and books.

Prince Hansel felt terrible, his father was quite strict and unforgiving, but he knew what was best for this Queendom. Dismissed, he decided to go to the Magic Tower to get checked. That place is where the Great Magician Rodrick has his office.

The wound Leo healed… I’m extremely curious about it.

The King’s Chambers are near the center of the Castle, and the tower was almost at the end, by the cliff, so the walk gave him time to think about that skill and the summoned.

Knocking the door, Hansel opened it to see if Rodrick was there.

“You should at least wait until I tell you to enter, Prince.”

“I’m sorry, Rodrick. I have some questions and a weird request for you,” the mage’s raised eyebrow showed his concern.

“This is bound to be interesting…”

Hansel explained what happened with Nancy and him. How he let his guard down when his barrier broke, and how Nancy didn’t waste time sending him flying with a mortal wound. He also explained Leonard’s skill.

“A healing skill attuned to light you say?” Rodrick didn’t bother in hiding his surprise while checking where the wound was with his magic, Hansel without his top seated in a chair.

“It’s as incredible as it sounds; although, I can assure you the skill actually exists. Otherwise, I’d be dead.”

Rodrick meditated those words, finishing his checking.

“I can sense the fading magic of Nancy, so I can tell you were hit there. This is incredible news… Light magic is so difficult to master, and on top of that, the healing discipline requires years of study. How old did you say this Leo person was?”

“He can’t be older than me,” Hansel replied, trying to hide his shame. “I’d say he’s 17 years old, give it or take?”

An awkward silence threatened to asphyxiate Hansel as Rodrick got lost in his own thoughts

“Is there something wrong?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just so surprising. It’d be my pleasure to meet this person.”

“I’m planning on meeting him after a few days. I know father will have his vigilant eye on me for the time being.”

“As he should.”

Hansel sighed, tired of being babysitted.

“Oh, yeah, Rodrick. There is one more thing,” he said as he was putting his shirt on again.

“What would that be, young Prince?”

“I want to know everything about the Calamity of the Red Circle. Is there some book I can borrow that can help me with that?”

“Why the sudden interest? Is it because of what I told the king about the Spell of the Summoners?”

“I want to prove something to my father… if possible, but I need to inform myself.”

“A wise decision, Young Prince,” Rodrick looked pleased to know his pupil wanted to deepen his studies. “I’ll make the arrangements this afternoon so you can have what you need.”

“Thank you, Rodrick. Now I’m going back to my chambers. I need a shower and a good nap.”