"You don't have to worry.

With Flameborn by her side, she is extremely safe.

Safer than she will ever be with you," Aaron reassured him confidently.

"I really cannot comprehend your actions sometimes.

Why do you keep taking them? If you are willing to share some light with me on your reasons," Sean pleaded, not a fan of being left in the dark about such critical decisions.

"There's a simple way for me to end this.

Just wipe out Desirus or whoever he is.

And reinstate Adalia for the meantime before I devour this section of the universe as well," Aaron explained thoughtfully.

"If you can do that, my lord.

Wouldn't that be better and safer for Adalia?" Sean tried to convince Aaron, his voice earnest.

"Not exactly.

If I take care of all her enemies for her, and give her the throne with no hunger for it.

When one isn't desperate to get something, they mess up when they have it," Aaron explained further, his words measured and insightful.

"And when she does.

Another usurper will be there to win the people's heart and usurp the throne from her when he sees the opportunity," he added.

"So your plan, my lord, if I may say, is to make her want to rule? How exactly will she accomplish that just from sightseeing," Sean still fell short of fully grasping Aaron's intricate plan.

"It's easy.

If her father was a good leader, then the smile and warmth on the people's face should suffice during his tenure.

Having a usurper has a higher probability of making the life of the people hard," Aaron elaborated.

"And that, my friend, is what I'm banking on.

To drive the urge and need for the little girl to want her throne," he concluded.

"What if she still doesn't feel like it after the exploration you made her go for," Sean asked, probing further.

"Guess this is also a test for her.

I will ensure your safety and hers if she comes back still not wanting the throne," Aaron replied to Sean reassuringly.

"Now, old man.

I have got digging to do.

I made the same concealment on you as I did for Adalia.

You should be fine yourself to wander around.

Just return here by dusk so we can leave together.

I do not want to find you," Aaron instructed, leaving Sean alone as he walked away into the bustling streets beyond.

---

Adalia moved with Flameborn through the vibrant markets and winding alleys of Truy, testing all sorts of delicacies together from street vendors hawking exotic fruits and spiced treats, a radiant smile finally blooming on the young girl's face that had endured so much hardship for far too long.

"If only mum and dad were here too," she said softly, her face suddenly etched with a profound sadness that clouded her innocent features.

Flameborn stopped in his tracks, staring at Adalia with a mix of empathy and uncertainty, unsure how to console her in her moment of grief.

"Have you ever lost anyone to bad men?" Adalia asked Flameborn, her ruby eyes meeting his with a curious vulnerability, seeking solace in shared stories.

"No.

Dad is strong.

Mum and dad's other wives are strong as well.

I'm also strong.

Everyone close to me is strong.

No one can hurt my family and friends.

Dad will never let it happen.

He's an emperor that will always protect us from bad men," Flameborn beamed with a proud smile on his cheeks, munching the last of his candy with youthful enthusiasm.

"I want to be strong too.

Show me how to be strong," Adalia asked, her ruby eyes wide with determination.

"That's easy, little girl.

If you just follow old brother here, I can teach you how to be strong.

I can also find someone strong to protect you," a man butted into their conversation abruptly, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent that sent chills through the air.

He had a scar on the left side of his face, one that resembled the mark left by a vicious whip, jagged and uneven.

It wasn't just his face; scars could be seen all over his body, crisscrossing his exposed arms and neck like a map of violence endured and inflicted.

The man was bald and ugly-looking, his features twisted in a way that would make others avoid looking at his face, his skin pockmarked and weathered from a life of hardship.

He had a sword strapped to his side, its hilt worn from frequent use, with faded cloth draping his burly frame.

"Go away.

I don't need your help, mister," Adalia refused firmly, frightened by the man before her, her small body instinctively stepping closer to Flameborn.

"It's alright, girl.

I promise not to be too violent too.

All you have to do is come with me.

You too, pretty boy.

I have some friends that wouldn't mind being friends with you, boy," the man said, licking his lips with a predatory gleam.

"You heard her.

Move along.

We are not interested," Flameborn said flatly, staring at the man with not much interest in his eyes, his young voice carrying an unexpected edge of authority.

"Oh.

Quite the sharp tongue you have.

I guess you must be really strong," the man smiled mockingly, staring at Flameborn with a twisted grin on his scarred face.

Flameborn refrained from replying to the man, his focus shifting as he went on to hold Adalia's hand gently to stop her from shaking and being frightened, offering silent reassurance.

"I have a surprise for you," the man said slyly, blowing a sharp whistle with his mouth that pierced the bustling street noise.

"My friends are here as well, so you can meet them in person," he laughed coarsely.

Around them, several men started appearing from the shadows of alleys and crowds, smiles on their faces as they all whistled in unison, looking at Flameborn and Adalia with dark interest in their eyes.

Some outrightly licking their lips in anticipation.

"We will make this quick and easy, children.

Just follow big brother's instructions and you will be fine.

I don't want to have to bruise your pretty faces first.

There's no need playing a hero.

Not today," the man advised menacingly, walking closer toward Flameborn and Adalia with deliberate, threatening steps.

"You lots are disgusting old men.

Mum said to never grant men like you mercy should I ever run into them," Flameborn said coldly, shadows creeping ominously from his feet to spread across the surrounding ground like living ink.

The shadows formed a dome, rising swiftly to enclose the men together with him and Adalia in a barrier of impenetrable darkness.

"None of you will be spared," Flameborn said with chilling finality, his young eyes hardening with draconic resolve.

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