A Baron from House Reeve had joined them for dinner and was acting incredibly casual with JD. This wasn’t a normal sight for commoners. The maid came about with four tauro steaks. Each slab gave off a savory aroma. All four of them haven’t had tauro meat. They dove right in and after eating, they forgot Arlan was a noble and that they were commoners. Arlan was bombarded by different questions but he was able to answer them. It satisfied the recruit’s curiosity about Highmane, the Duke, and combat.

JD was able to update Arlan on the rest of the orphans. Noah is a Midland Army recruit but is on a training exercise with his unit. Chrysta became an apprentice mage. Sayla and Layla, both work with a merchant union. Greenhorn, whose name is Wren, was taken in by the local blacksmith. Doyle, who Arlan knew as Reachy, is a student with the Galdo City Ministry.

JD explained that he didn’t make it in the Galdo Knight Academy. This surprised Arlan, because JD was talented enough and had the capabilities to become a Knight. The young baron knew he wielded the power to change his friend’s fate.

“JD, I could have you enrolled into the Knight Academy under House Reeve's endorsement.” Arlan offered. JD paused for a moment and the other two recruit’s eyes widened.

“You’d… do that for me?!” shouted JD as his eyes widened.

“Yes, under our endorsement, you wouldn’t have any issues either.” stated Arlan. Trent and Erin looked at JD with pure envy after such a golden offer.

“Thanks Arlan, but I can’t leave my friends behind. If I wasn’t around, the Penningtons would easily have at them.” said JD. Trent and Erin instantly told JD to reconsider.

You were always standing up for others, even when you had to make sacrifices.

“I’ll send a messenger in the morning that they’ll be changed to a unit under House Reeve's name. That’ll keep the Penningtons from causing harm. But I’ll only do this if you agree to my offer.” replied Arlan. This wasn’t that much of a hassle for Arlan. Having a unit transfer would have minimal cost. Trent and Erin’s eyes widened as they’d be under the Reeve’s banner, a well respected House.

JD began to tear. The weight of looking out for his friends was gone. He knew that they’d be in good hands. “Thanks Arlan, I’m going to become a Knight. You better pick me up as your retainer.” smiled the future knight.

“Always, my dear friend. I want you to come see me at Highmane if anything ever goes wrong. This is also open to anyone from your unit.” said Arlan with warmth. Erin and Trent were simply awed at being able to enter Highmane to see a Baron.

“Simply tell the guards that Baron Arlan Reeve sent for you and they will immediately take you to me.” instructed Arlan, “But you JD, I need you to become a Knight, I’m going to need someone I can trust. This country is going to war in one year.”

The trio was immediately shocked at the revelation but dared not to ask more. Festivities for the night had their highs and lows. The sun had just set and Arlan had to return to Highmane before his father would send for him. He parted ways with JD and his new friends to begin his walk home. Arlan didn’t bother to hide his face anymore due to the recent events. He left the tavern with every patron watching his every move.

Into the cool summer breeze, Arlan saw extra guards stationed in the area and the Galdo City nightlife emerging. This city doesn’t sleep until late in the night. Workers wanting to spend a part of their day’s wage fueled this nightly crowd.

This is way too much security for this area, it’s likely for me.

Arlan began making his way home. He headed back west, the walk would only take about fifteen minutes. The many pathways at night weren’t dangerous due to the amount of people still walking about. That didn’t stop a hooded figure from following Arlan.

Arlan would activate his [Battle Trance] skill every few minutes and would notice this same person following him at a distance. The stranger also had quite a large amount of core essence but wasn’t even a fraction of Arlan’s.

The young baron turned a corner onto a street that had only a few people about. Arlan immediately faced his pursuer and let his killing intent flourish towards his stalker. The aura was so powerful that every bystander on the street felt uneasy and immediately looked towards Arlan in disbelief.

The stalker who had just turned the corner, was stunned by what he felt and saw. A hazel brown haired kid staring right at him with murderous eyes ready to pierce his soul. The stalker’s hand grasped the hilt of his sword. He had been trained to react this way. The bystanders noticed this and gasped at the event unfolding. Some began to back up into the homes and shops. The young baron simply turned back towards Highmane and kept walking.

Arlan used his [Battle Trance] to reaffirm that he was not followed any longer.

I’m going to have to be careful even in the city. I’ll have to establish some kind of information system through recon or other means. I need to know who that was.