Going Their Own Ways I

Eric woke up to find that Seraphine was no longer beside him.

As if not having her around was not enough to throw him into panic, he realized that he was not in the alley anymore. Instead of a hard, cold concrete, he found himself on a soft, warm bed. But even when he senses that wherever he is now seems to be better than the outside world, it does nothing to keep him calm and composed.

"S-Seraphine... W-Where are you...? Seraphine!"

Eric could not sense any presence.

Disconcerted, he decided to get up from the bed and start groping his way around. He eventually reached the doors, and without sparing a moment longer, he barged right out of there. In a haste, he treads one hall after another until he manages to find his way to where the others are.

Seraphine and Clement are in a lounge near to where Eric is, currently engaging in a conversation with Helios.

They have all been tidied up right after they arrived at the Baron's imposing yet welcoming abode. The two others got to wake up first and figure out their present situation. With them gaining reassurance from the compassionate homeowner of that palatial residence, they joined him in that exchange and learned more about their circumstances.

"Eric?!" Seraphine blurted out, caught off guard at the sight of Eric standing all by himself at the doorway of the lounge.

"Seraphine!"

He sighed in relief as soon as he heard her call his name.

She bolts out of her seat right then before making her way in his direction. Going by how much he is panting and sweating, she can tell that he has been looking around in desperation.

"Are you alright, Eric? You shouldn't have ran around like that," she started again and held the side of his face, concern laced in her voice.

"I was worried for you, and I was confused. Where are we? Are you fine?" he asked before he placed his hand on top of hers, comforted by the gesture.

"I'm fine. Don't worry. We've arrived at our destination. This is Baron Carmina's home."

"Huh? What?"

"He took us in after he found us on the street last night."

Eric is taken aback to hear that.

Seraphine further explained their situation. She wants to reassure him as much as she can. Telling from his look of disbelief and perplexity, she supposes that he is finding all this hard to believe. Then again, they had been struggling under different kinds of hardships out in the streets for days.

Getting chanced upon by Helios of all people was a bit too inconceivable.

"Everything is alright, Eric. You don't have to worry so much..." Seraphine said with a soft and warm smile, caressing his face ever so gently in hope to dispel his fears.

"We've already talked with Baron Carmina. He said he'd help us."

"I see..." Eric trailed off and calmed down.

"Then, what would happen to us now?"

Right then, Helios approached the two of them, joining their conversation.

He is this charismatic gentleman with striking features. His russet red hair gleams a compelling luster while his keen, piercing orbs of the same color hold some drawing power. And as he stands there before them, he appears like one impenetrable fortress with how strong his presence is.

"Greetings to the Sky of the Empire. I'm Baron Helios Carmina. It's an honor to be meeting you, Prince Eric Caelestis..." Helios greeted with utmost deference, bowing in courtesy at the same time.

"I've heard the situation from your friends, and I'm relieved that you managed to fare well despite everything that happened. There's no need to worry anymore. Of course, it would be my honor to assist His Highness."