17 Brandon Agrea 1 (1/2)

Aureus, Tarin, Johan and Edward strode down towards market square. They headed right after entering and soon entered an alleyway. Aureus headed to the middle of the alley and knocked on the door.

A valiant looking man carrying a spear sphere opened the door.

”Who are you?” he asked in a gruff tone.

”I am looking for Brandon,” Aureus replied.

”What business do you have?” the man asked while shifting the position of his spear.

”Xynos, it's fine. I expected this guest to come knocking. Just not so soon,” A hale voice sounded out.

”Brandon, you sure? This bunch looks dangerous,” the man replied without taking his eyes off Aureus.

”It's fine, I recognize that voice,” replied Brandon.

Aureus and his party stepped inside the shop. The shop was small and neat. Behind the counter stood a blond man whose eyes were twinkling as they caught sight of Aureus.

The hands which were polishing a monster core stopped, and he stepped up to Aureus.

Aureus and the man than locked arms.

Aureus's face had a lightness that was seldom present before as he looked at the other man in the shop.

”Brandon, how nice to see you again. I heard you ran away from home after selling most of your personal stuff.”

”Caused quite the uproar in the capital. Your father was kicking up a fuss about it when I asked him about it but I swear I could see a gleam of pride in his eyes as he related the story. Perhaps it was due to your mother being in the room that he was kicking up a fuss about it.”

”Your Eldest brother was going on and on about how a fourth son should act appropriately while your second sister and third brother were having a good laugh about the way you left.”

Brandon appeared rueful when Aureus mentioned his family.

”Well, I miss them too but this is the path I've chosen. House Agrea does not need a fourth son that is unable to spread it's wings.”

Aureus's grin grew deeper.

”Indeed, when you related your childhood ambition of striking it out on your own and leaving House Agrea , I must confess I thought it was a passing fancy. Imagine my surprise upon returning to the capital and finding out you have enacted it.”

Brandon grinned, ”My childhood ambitions are nothing compared to the burdens of House Astrea though. Long have I admired the men of House Astrea. Well, perhaps not all of them, but well, you get my drift.”

At the side, Xynos started as he realized who was speaking with Brandon.

”I am a little remiss with my introductions, Xynos. This is Prince Aureus Astrea, 7th Prince of the Astrea Empire.”said Brandon as he noted Xynos's reaction.

Xynos cupped his hands towards Aureus and bowed his head.

”An honor, highness.”

Brandon then continued ”Highness, this is Xynos. A damascus tier mercenary whom I had the great fortune of partnering upon arriving at the outer realm. He is the reason my neck is yet attached to me.”

”No ordinary ranked Damascus then if you can keep Brandon alive for this long.” praised Aureus in a rich voice.

”Not at all your highness, Brandon has saved my life during our stay at Everdawn too. I count him as a brother.” Xynos's voice got fainter as Aureus's voice increased in volume.

”Brandon, allow me to introduce. This is Augustus Tarin, Johan Hans and Edward Williams.”

”House Agrea has long since kept up with your exploits. Tarin and Hans are known to me by name. Is Williams a new retainer?” Brandon peered in the direction of Edward.