Raiden was silent as he followed Kent toward the training grounds.

He remained silent, but he was thinking. Of ways to make sure he left the estate. Today!

His brother might've believed he'd given up on the idea of going into the city, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Raiden never gave up — not when a challenge was involved.

Sir Leonard might have turned him down, but that only meant one thing. It was time to find a replacement.

And who better to replace one terrifying knight than another terrifying knight? Might be a weaker one but the son of a fire dragon was indeed, another fire dragon.

Both of them arrived at the training field where they trained but this time, they had come straight to Kent's own training area.

Kent began his warm-up routine, the usual swish of his sword cutting through the crisp morning air. He was so focused that he didn't notice Raiden slipping away toward a group of guards nearby.

Among them stood the broad-shouldered Captain Baren — second in command of the Goldheart guard, and arguably the only man in the estate whose laughter could shake windows. Kent's trainer.

Raiden grinned. Perfect target acquired.

"Captain Baren!" Raiden called out, jogging toward him.

The large man turned, his scarred face breaking into a grin. "Ah, young master Raiden! Come to challenge me too?"

Raiden stopped just short of him, catching his breath. "Not… today. I came to ask for something."

Baren raised a brow. "Asking me for something? That's new."

Raiden nodded, trying to look serious — though his eyes still sparkled with mischief. "You see, Kent and I wanted to go into the city. Father said we can… but only if Sir Leonard agreed to escort us."

Baren's grin widened. "Let me guess. Sir Leonard said no?"

Raiden groaned, crossing his arms. "He didn't even think about it! He just said no! Like I asked for a war or something!"

Baren laughed, a deep rumble from his chest. "That sounds like him, alright. So what do you want from me, then?"

Raiden's expression brightened instantly. "Come with us instead! You're strong — stronger than most guards here, right?"

Baren rubbed his chin, pretending to think. "Hmm. That depends. What's in it for me?"

Raiden blinked. "In it for you?"

The captain smirked. "If I'm going to spend my day escorting two young masters around, I'll need some incentive."

Raiden grinned wide. "You'll get to see me not cause any trouble! That's a big deal, right?"

Baren snorted. "That might be the worst incentive I've ever heard."

Raiden frowned. "Fine! What do you want?"

Baren's grin grew mischievous. "How about this — if I go with you, you owe me a sparring match one day. No holding back."

Raiden's eyes lit up. "Deal!" He couldn't be excited.

Sir Leonard owed him a spar sometimes in the future and now, he was owing Captain Baren another spar. He couldn't wait to beat both of them.

The captain blinked. "You agreed fast."

"I'll fight anyone who challenges me! Even you!" Raiden said, puffing his chest out proudly. "Sir Leonard owes me a fight too. He'll get beaten when the time is right."

Baren chuckled. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Alright, young master. You've got yourself a deal. I'll go with you and your brother."

Raiden almost exploded with excitement. "You mean it?! You'll really go?"

Baren nodded. "I said it, didn't I?"

Raiden's grin could've rivaled the sun itself. "Thank you, Captain! You're the best!"

And before the man could say another word, Raiden bolted off toward the mansion, leaving a confused Kent staring at his fleeing brother.

Baren blinked after him, then turned back toward Kent, who had stopped mid-swing, looking suspicious.

"What did my brother just talk to you about?" Kent asked slowly, lowering his sword.

Baren grinned. "Ah, that. He asked me to take you both into the city."

Kent froze. "He what?"

"I agreed," Baren said cheerfully, as if he hadn't just signed up for chaos.

"You what" Kent's expression twisted in disbelief. "You—you agreed? Just like that?"

Baren shrugged. "Why not? It's a nice day for a little outing."

Kent groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Captain, do you realize what you've done? Raiden is going to—"

"Cause trouble?" Baren finished, grinning. "Of course. That's why I'm going. Can't let the boy burn half the city down, can I?"

Kent let out an exasperated sigh. "This is going to be a disaster…"

Baren laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Cheer up, student of mine! Think of it as… field training."

Kent muttered under his breath, "Field training in babysitting…"

Baren just kept laughing.

Meanwhile, Raiden burst through the office doors with all the grace of a thunderclap. "Father!"

Lord Cedric looked up from his desk, blinking in surprise. "Raiden. Please tell me you didn't run through the hallways again."

Raiden ignored the question entirely. "Father, about the city trip! I found someone else to go with us!"

Cedric set his pen down slowly, suspicion already forming. "Someone else?"

"Yes! Captain Baren! He agreed to take us!" Raiden said proudly, chest puffed out like a little general.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, studying his son with an amused smile. "Did he, now?"

Raiden nodded so vigorously it was a wonder his head stayed attached. "Yes! You said we could go if we found someone willing, right?"

"That's what I said," Cedric replied. "But that doesn't mean I won't confirm it myself."

Raiden blinked. "Wait, what? You don't believe me?"

Cedric chuckled. "Raiden, I believe you. I just don't believe you entirely."

Raiden pouted. "That's the same thing!"

"Come," Cedric said, standing. "Let's confirm this with the young captain himself."

Raiden cheered inwardly — he'd already won! All that was left was proof.

They walked together across the courtyard toward the training field, where Kent was now grudgingly continuing his drills under Baren's watchful eye.

The clang of steel and the sound of Kent's heavy breathing filled the space until Cedric's voice cut through it smoothly.

"Captain Baren."

Baren paused mid-step, immediately bowing. "My lord! What brings you here?"

Cedric nodded. "I hear you've agreed to escort my sons into the city."

Baren smiled, straightening. "That's correct, my lord. Young master Raiden asked, and I couldn't refuse and so, I accepted."

Raiden grinned, triumphant. "See, Father? I told you!"

Kent, on the other hand, looked like his soul had just left his body.

Cedric regarded the captain with a faint smirk. "You do realize what you're signing up for, Captain?"

Baren laughed heartily. "If I can handle a full squad of drunken guards and a duel with Sir Leonard, I can handle two boys."

Cedric chuckled. "Very well. I'll trust your confidence."

Raiden practically jumped for joy. "Yes! We're going to the city!"

Kent groaned softly. "We're going to regret this…"

Cedric patted Kent on the shoulder. "Think of it as a bonding experience."

"Father," Kent muttered, "your definition of bonding is terrifying."

Raiden, meanwhile, was already running circles around them in excitement. "We'll get to see the markets, the stalls, maybe even the fountain plaza!"

Baren laughed. "Slow down, lad! The city's not going anywhere. Go pack what you need first, and maybe calm down before you start bouncing off the walls."

Raiden stopped mid-jump and saluted dramatically. "Yes, Captain!"

Kent sighed again, muttering under his breath, "This is going to end in tears… probably mine."

Cedric shook his head with a smile, watching his two sons — one practically glowing with excitement, the other already dreading the chaos to come.

He turned to Baren. "Keep them safe. Both of them."

Baren nodded firmly. "With my life, my lord."

Cedric smiled faintly. "I'll hold you to that."

By the time noon approached, the entire estate seemed to buzz with Raiden's energy. He dashed from room to room, shouting orders at servants who were far too amused to take him seriously.

"Snacks! We'll need snacks! And water! And—wait, do we need a map? Nah, I've got a good sense of direction!"

Kent followed behind him with a resigned look. "You got lost inside the estate last week, Raiden."

"That was a tactical detour!" Raiden argued.

Baren, who was waiting at the main gate with their small escort squad, laughed so loud the guards near him flinched. "Tactical detour, he says. This is going to be fun."

Kent groaned. "For you, maybe…"

Raiden grinned, bouncing on his heels. "Adventure awaits!" The last time he went out with Miss Hilda, he didn't get to see many places because they'd gone to get needed items."

Lord Cedric watched from a distance as the trio finally gathered at the gate — the ever-smiling Baren, the weary Kent, and his youngest son practically glowing with excitement.

He couldn't help but smile. "You really are something, Raiden," he murmured under his breath. "You never give up."

And as the gates creaked open, the morning sun washed over them, signaling the start of Raiden's real first step outside the estate walls in what felt like forever.

"This better be worth every moment." Kent sighed within their luxurious carriage.

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