"Leone, I actually gave Hassan two obsidian crystals," Helen said as soon as she and her husband had relocated to a private location. "After our talk, I will also ask for his report.

"So, if there are some confidential matters you had omitted due to the presence of your brothers and sister, feel free to tell us now. I can tell that you’ve been holding back earlier."

"Understood, Mother," Leone replied. This time, he told them about Daedalus. He had asked for the grimoire’s permission through telepathy, and it agreed.

Earlier, he hadn’t mentioned the war against the Bloodtusk Tribe and their allies. After all, he didn’t want to make his family worry about him more than they already did.

However, since he knew his parents would want to know his current situation, he didn’t hold back and told them everything.

After he was done recapping, he told them about the most recent battle, as well as the possible conflict with the Darkmane Tribe.

"I don’t know if I should be impressed or depressed after hearing your story," Marco said the moment Leone finished his story. "Still, having the power to build things from scratch is truly miraculous.

"If the King of Britannia were to learn of your ability, he would definitely put you to good use by sending you to the north. His greed finally knocked him down a peg."

"The north?" Leone frowned. "Did the Radiant Empire suddenly declare war on Britannia?"

The Radiant Empire was an empire that raised Holy Knights. Their Elite Knights possessed holy powers that could bless a large number of troops, making them difficult opponents in the battlefield.

"It’s not the Radiant Empire." Marco shook his head. "It’s our other neighbor, the Valeria Kingdom."

"Them?" Leone’s frown deepened. "Aren’t they supposed to be Britannia’s ally?"

"Everyone thought so as well until the sudden skirmish at the north a month ago," Marco answered. "Their official stance is that Britannia broke their promise of mutual cooperation in managing the mithril mine of Valeria.

"I say our King has been too greedy and bit off more than he could chew. A war might break out soon. But something feels strange. It’s not the first time our bastard king has been greedy. Valeria typically just endured it because it couldn’t afford to offend the King.

"Since they started pushing back, I believe they had gained a backer supporting them from the shadows. They must be powerful enough for Valeria to finally stop enduring our king’s bullying."

Leone wanted to say that he hoped that Valeria would win the war. But as much as he hated that corrupt King, their victory meant his family would suffer as well.

He felt a little conflicted, but he was certain that his family felt the same way he did.

"Anyway, let’s not talk about that war up north," Helen stated. "We’re quite far from it, after all. The capital will fall before it reaches us. For now, tell us how you plan to handle the Darkmane Tribe. I don’t think the Aslan Tribe is capable of fighting them right now."

"You’re right, Mother," Leone replied. "However, even if we don’t win, we won’t lose. We’ve been working on an escape route by digging a tunnel through the Grimjaw Mountain Range. But before we escape, I’ll make sure the Darkmane Tribe will regret attacking us."

"Good." Helen nodded. "I’m glad you inherited that trait from me. We shouldn’t take things lying down and make sure to make our enemies feel the pain of antagonizing us."

"Yes, Mother. You’re absolutely right." Leone smiled. "But I have a question. By sending Hassan here, did you lose a powerful subordinate who could’ve been protecting our family?"

Helen didn’t answer right away. Instead, she looked at her son with a knowing smile. Leone was the type who worried more about others than himself.

"You don’t have to worry," Helen replied after some time had passed. "Hassan is one of my ten subordinates. He ranks 5th among them."

"5th?" Leone was quite surprised by this revelation. "Does that mean that you have subordinates stronger than Hassan?"

"Aside from my left and right-hand man, my other subordinates are almost equal in strength," Helen replied honestly. "If anything, they just have different specialties. I chose Hassan to come and find you since his specialty works well in the Borderlands.

"There might be magic users among the Barbarians, but it’s not much compared to our Kingdom. I also believe Hassan can handle almost anyone who may try to harm you. Aside from that, his ability is unique.

"He can turn into mist, making him immune to physical attacks. Hassan can also enter shadows to hide before he goes for the kill. He can also stay inside your shadow, so he can protect you even if you leave the safety of your fortress."

Leone had to agree that his mother had picked out the perfect bodyguard for him. Someone immune to physical attacks would indeed work well against the barbarians who didn’t use magical weapons to fight.

The only real threat to Hassan in the Borderlands were weapons made from Sand Steel, as well as powerful shamans like Gundar.

In the heat of battle, where hundreds of warriors were fighting, Hassan could reap the lives of his foes easily, making him a powerful trump card up Leone’s shadow.

"For now, stay vigilant and never trust anything the Darkmane Tribe says to you," Helen advised. "Focus on growing your forces, and keep in touch with us."

"I will, Mother," Leone replied. "Thank you for sending Hassan to me."

"Dear, do you have anything more to say?" Helen turned towards her husband, who was only listening by her side.

"Leone, have you found any lover candidate among the Barbarians?" Marco asked. "Don’t worry. Your mother and I are very open-minded. Even if they are a barbarian, we will welcome them to our family with open arms."

Leone thought of saying no. However, when the image of Yuni appeared inside his head, he couldn’t give an answer right away.

His silence and his conflicted expression was more than enough to tell his parents all they needed to know.

Marco broke out into a grin at the sight, while Helen covered her lips, her eyes revealing her amusement.

"Very well." Helen smiled sweetly. "On the next new moon, please introduce us to your girl friend."

"Just a friend?" Leone asked cautiously.

His mother made sure to pause in the middle when she asked him to introduce his girl friend to them.

"Just a friend." Helen nodded in affirmation. "Of course, if you have other friends, then feel free to introduce them to us as well. We would love to meet them too."

"Understood," Leone replied, but his face had reddened a bit.

Marco wanted to laugh, but knowing that his son would be embarrassed, he decided to just smile at him.

Helen was also looking forward to meeting his son’s girl friend. If she caught Leone’s eye, then she was not any ordinary lady.

After all, her son was very popular in the kingdom. Many noble ladies had even approached him and asked for his hand in marriage, instead of the other way around.

While they did want to talk a little longer with Leone, the light of the obsidian crystal was starting to grow dim.

This meant that most of its power was almost used up. Though, before it finally faded, Helen and Marco once again told Leone how much they loved and missed him.

"I love you too, Mother, Father," Leone said. "I look forward to seeing you again next month."

"As do we." Marco glanced at his wife. "Your mother was so worried about you that she didn’t eat much during the first week you were sent into exile. Just look at her. She’s thinner than she used to be."

"Oh hush..." Helen blushed a bit. "Like you’re the one to talk. When Leone was exiled, you kept on sharpening your sword while looking at the portrait of the king. If I hadn’t put you under house arrest, you might have already tried to kill him."

Marco scoffed in response. However, he didn’t deny nor confirm his wife’s words.

Leone watched his mother and father, feeling blessed that he was born in a loving family.

Even though they were a good distance away, the love they had for him was enough for him to continue his path on what he believed was right.