Territories.

With everything lost I dedicated most of my time to simply exercising, I found no reason to leave the family grounds especially when my last choice led to the displeasure of many nobles, my personal maid was dedicated to letting me know about the meal, making tea if I needed it, letting me know if the bath was ready and not much more, while I continued with my daily life between sleeping and putting things in order or planning a little more of the more secondary things.

I waited patiently for the next festival, only to find out that it was more boring than usual, with only people selling food or expressing prayers, while the few games that represented money to be acquired were exclusive to the heads of the family, which ended with me in nothing and although the taverns recovered their momentum from before, there were no contests and from what I asked there were no plans to resume them soon, when finally, after almost 5 months something worthy of mention arrived I found myself in the office of the head of the family and to my surprise we were not the only ones, the lady of the house and two older children were there.

“Son, do you know why I called you?”

"Unless I've been reckless or caused trouble, I'm afraid I'm out of ideas." For the first time, if I'm not mistaken, he was sincere, but whatever was going to happen, I knew it wasn't my fault, to some extent. "I wonder if you could enlighten me, illustrious Head of the Family." The most common bow, which has even become a habit, arrived.

“It’s been a while, and you’ve shown me that your character is suitable.” I pass the papers forward. “We all think you’re missing a few rituals to take on papers and officially become part of the main branches of the family,” I speak as if the decision were difficult to make. “I think you’re ready to take on responsibilities, however minimal, and laying the groundwork should be important for everyone.”

I reviewed the documents clearly outlining a land acquisition deal. I read them quickly and found it interesting that no specific location was specified, and that they waited to put the other party's seal on it if they had it, and more importantly, how they put money in front of me.

"Fortune, our date has been postponed long enough, I'll call you today." I tried to stop the joy from showing on my face, but it hurt to keep from jumping for joy. "Know that I will be thorough in my search for a head of household."

"Once you find the territory that seems right for you to decide your own finances, remember that your family has treated you well, and you should give half of what you earn; with the rest, you can do whatever you want."

“I will make sure there is no doubt that my only sentence is to be recognized as a worthy son of the House of Sol.” Again, I bowed slightly, and withdrew. “In the next life, of course.” For the first time, I noticed how the gate of the house was considerably more wooden than the metal of almost all the others, but I let it go immediately, as the arrival of memories only served to marvel at my own ingenuity.

I left in a hurry, while my servant was close to assist me and once we arrived at the carriage she climbed into the transport section, while I climbed next to the driver, always happy to have a clearer view of my surroundings and possible dangers.

“Today is lively young man something happened.”

“A lot, we must send permission to the Castle to leave.”

“Today, I'm afraid that will take at least until dawn next year.”

“I’ll take care of the minor details; you just hurry up.”

"As you command." For the first and perhaps last time, things seemed to be going swimmingly, with even the driver seemingly going at full speed until we reached the castle and it was time to call in some personal favors.

The arrival was in my favor, there was no one and I had no problems, my lie well prepared and my fortune about to be claimed, also whoever sat in the position to be able to make the notes was in debt with my family and myself, for the last rescue of the merchant from the dark kingdom, those supplies cost me all my savings of that day, but it was worth it and there he was as happy as ever to see me and I reciprocated the joy.

“Miss, I urgently need an exit register.”

“Young Abaddon, it’s good to see you again. Know that I will notify the king so that he can authorize it as soon as possible. By tomorrow afternoon, you will be fine.”

“I’m sorry, but this is urgent. I could get it out today.”

“Of course I will have it for tonight without a doubt.”

“Even sooner, if I don't leave before dawn reaches the halfway point of its journey, it could be fatal.”

“SO MUCH!” He bit into the top of the piece of wood, and that told me I’d have to see the king himself if I wanted to leave the castle with permission. “I… I can ask for your help if necessary.”

“Sure, what can I do to speed up the process?”

“An audience, if you explain the reason to the king, he might prioritize it. I will write the order to you if you agree.”

“Please know that I will never forget this help to me, my family, and Lasha. Alba certainly helped you on this occasion.” Judging by the way she blushed, I assumed it was out of embarrassment, and only then did I remember the other problem, which made it even more urgent. “I ask that you hurry. Every step Alba takes on her journey is a step we lose toward preventing Lasha’s destruction.”

“Ha, sorry, I’ll finish it in a jiffy,” I speak quickly and work even more quickly.

It took longer than that, because he broke a couple of pieces of charcoal, but he completed it before the minute was up—it was worth teaching him how to write after all.

Once inside I waited, the King took his time to come which made me impatient and I paced a bit from side to side, when he appeared from the right carrying the papers, I became fussy, but soon I remembered the difference in our ranks and kept to myself what I really thought.

“Son of the Sol family, the new person in charge of permits, put a lot of effort into making this hearing possible, despite my busy schedule. Tell me what evil she intends to avoid.”

“My King, Lasha, is struggling to regain his strength, and the White Guard is in trouble if another assault comes.” I pressed my request to leave firmly, keeping the emotion from fading from my voice. “I know you’re busy, so I’ll get to the point. My prediction was disheartening.” I bowed my head and softened my voice, but I still lacked the strength to sound sad. “But the evil I predict—an invasion—can be averted. For one brief moment, Lasha once again became bright, and the people smiled…”

I raised my hand and instantly fell silent, loosening my grip, thinking of the many problems that could arise, judging by the stern look he gave me. "I haven't received any vision or omen from the cathedral. If the evil you mention is so terrible, don't you think it won't be that serious?"

“And… I, you see, don’t see it that way, but I’m sure it’s because I’m authorizing my departure. But if you consider this favoritism to be inappropriate, as everyone would see it, I won’t oppose your decision.” I leaned in almost without thinking much about it, trusting too much in luck that they would take my future position as something suitable for having a say.

“Evil will come from outside these walls.”

“Yes, my king.” I bowed, taking a step back. “My goodness, our meeting will be delayed a little longer.”

“I’ve spent the time I promised to give you, but I’m afraid I’ll give you more time. Tell me more about this vision?”

“I'll be brief. I saw warriors, and the leader was carrying a skull. He went inside and looted, but from what I could discern, they seemed weak, with flesh clinging to their bones.” A part of the truth was better than a lie, easy to conceal through disbelief or simply misinterpretation, and I liked the idea. After all, there were better rewards, for us and for everyone in general. “At the other change, when the light gained strength, I arrived escorted by them, with a lady clad in furs at my side.”