Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

There was no chance for Alex to approach Frostbate directly, given the animosity they carried for him. As such, Edric and the co arrived in Swortine.

It was the closest nation to Grimland and the safest for Alex, considering the security wasn't excessively firm around the place.

Celestria and Amanda were inside a carriage; given their peculiar hair and delicate features, it was not possible not to attract attention.

Edric and Valerie were pulling the carriage as they halted before the security gate of Swortine,

"State your purpose and provide an identity."

Valerie glanced at Edric upon hearing the guard's demand.

The identity proof they have would probably reveal their connection to Grimland.

And there was a chance for Eryndor to find out about their stay in Swortine and send his forces.

However, unlike Valerie, Edric didn't panic and stepped forward with a smile, "We are here to witness the legendary contest of the braves. Surely you wouldn't keep us away from the grand event." As the boy said, he pushed a bag full of silver coins towards the commander.

The soldier narrowed his eyes, and for a moment, Edric thought that he might have messed up. However,

"You are our honorable guests. How can I keep you standing here in the cold?" Glancing at the soldier near the entrance, he gestured.

Edric grinned before he gave him a firm nod and returned to the carriage.

Valerie scoffed, "Look at you, bribing people so casually."

Edric began pulling the carriage once again, and he responded, "There is no human who is immune to the greed of some extra money."

"I don't desire money."

"Me too."

Celestria and Amanda immediately rebuked. Valerie wasn't also left behind, "I also don't feel the greed to earn money. What I truly want is strength."

Edric rolled his eyes, "If only the three of you hadn't been born into noble families..."

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Alex brought Rebecca to the market of the town. Although it was only an hour past dusk, half of the stores were closed.

The temperature drops significantly after sunset, and normally people don't go out around this time.

"Do you not feel cold at all?" Alex asked as he tucked his hand inside his pockets while wearing three layers of clothes over his shirt.

Rebecca was just wearing a sweater and a scarf to hide her hair and face, as she said, "It's quite normal for me. But well, if you allow I will cling to you."

Alex shook his head, "No, thank you. I am already feeling too cold here."

As they walked, snow began to fall, creating a beautiful scene for the duo to gaze at. There were a few groups who had lit a bonfire and were enjoying their evening with their loved ones and friends.

"By the way, Alex, although I am enjoying walking around with you, why are you torturing yourself with the cold? Shouldn't we just return and stay warm in the room?" Rebecca suggested.

"I would love nothing more than that, however, I have a goal in mind."

Rebecca knew that unless for some purpose, he wouldn't have invited her for a walk. However, what hurts is the fact that she didn't feel betrayed. It was like she had already accepted her position in his life.

'What am I thinking....' Shaking her head, she regained her smile and followed Alex silently.

Alex returned to the very spot where he killed that big ape today.

The place where he met Beatrice.

'Hmm...it should be around somewhere.' Alex was trying to find that small paper on which Beatrice wrote the names of the council members who put the seal on him.

However, because of the snow, it was impossible to look for it.

"What are you searching for?" Alex heard, as he nonchalantly responded,

"Just a small piece of paper..."

"If you want I can write the names once again."

This time he was forced to look up, only to realize that it wasn't Rebecca who was talking to him.

"So she is the old friend you went to meet?" The Vampire Princess asked as she crossed her arms and looked at the silver-headed woman.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Miss Steelhound." Beatrice greeted.

They got to know each other since Beatrice spent a few days back in the Steelhound mansion when she came to rescue others from Alex.

"You didn't run away?" Alex asked, a frown knitting his brows.

It was dangerous for a native of other clans to be present here in the capital; the situation between the three clans always remains stiff, and a single entity can cause unnecessary conflict.

Beatrice heaved a sigh, "I was compromised by someone, and naturally, now the Patriarch of Frostbate is looking for me for interrogation. So, returning to Frostbate would be dangerous."

Alex raised his brows, "Just tell him that you didn't come to meet me? Not like anyone would tell Eryndor about my presence here."

Beatrice shook her head, "You are wrong...Eryndor already knows about your arrival in Dorhales. He has a bunch of spies even in the main house of Dorhales. I bet he would even send an official warning to Dorhales' ruler, to hand you over."

Alex clenched his fist, "This is messed up. My plans to remain incognito are ruined."

"And I can't be any more apologetic about it." Beatrice lowered her head, "I thought Mace wouldn't betray me if I kept feeding her enough. However, after the news of your reappearance must have given her the courage to reveal your whereabouts to the Patriarch."

Rebecca asked, "Then why did you let this person...Mace know about the fact that you are going to meet Alex?"

Beatrice took a long breath...a tired one, "It's a long story, but to explain in short, after my mother's betrayal, Mace's family was solely devoted to surveilling me and my movements. I knew it would be impossible to visit Grimland without letting her notice, that's why I bribed Mace."

Alex narrowed his eyes, "Why does it seem you are hiding something here?"

Beatrice looked hesitant, as she said, "It's about your father's personal life, that's why I feel hesitant sharing it with you....but whatever. Mace is the Patriarch's mistress. However, because of their age difference, the Patriarch kept it under the wraps...but I somehow found out." Experience tales with empire

Alex now understood everything, "That's why Mace used to keep silent about your movements since she also wanted to not let others find out about it."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Beatrice nodded, "The Patriarch has a reputation when it comes to women. However, Mace has that allure to even make someone as strong-willed as the Patriarch give in to his desires."

Rebecca scoffed, "What strong-willed if he has three wives and a mistress on top of it?"

Alex decided to not comment on that anymore as he asked Beatrice, "What do you plan to do now? Are you going to stay here?"

Beatrice shook her head, "I heard the recruitment of champions in Swortine has begun. I may participate in the contest just so I can gain some extra cash?"

Rebecca suggested, "Since you are helping Alex out, I can lend you a place in Chainedvale. And for now, here." She took out a pouch from her pants, "A hundred gold and the Symbol of Steelhound which would allow you to reside in Chainedvale easily."

Beatrice was stumped at her place...couldn't understand what she should do.

Alex understood her dilemma, so he insisted, "Just take it, Beatrice. You and your mother have saved my life and protected me all those years. I can never return the favor so consider this as a sign of gratitude."

Beatrice shyly nodded before taking the pouch from the girl, "Thank you."

Alex warned, "Go to Chainedvale right away since Eryndor must have turned crazy by now."

Beatrice nodded, "Okay, and here." She handed him a small paper, "These are the five alive memebers who were involved in sealing your curse. I have marked the name of that person, who was head of the council at that time."

Alex read the name, "Raze Heltex."

"He is the current Council Supreme's father and lives in a heavily guarded compound. If you are thinking of questioning him, try to be discreet."

Alex nodded, "Thanks for the warning. I will cut the chase and ask the old man directly."

Beatrice gave him a firm nod, and not so long after, she departed.

Once Rebecca and Alex were on their way back, the red-eyed girl asked, "There are three days for the tournament to begin. Are you going to search for your answers before that?"

Alex nodded, "There is a high chance for Eryndor to try and suppress me during the tournament, and he might not fulfill the wish I would ask for even if I win. That's why I don't want to take any chances."

"Then let me come with you." Rebecca spoke seriously. This time, even he denies she would follow him.

However, "I will need your help, so yeah, come with me."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.