On the allied kingdom where Dusk and Harn had delivered the items.
The slaves we're put in a dungeon and what's there was filled with deemed useful slaves, using their talents, the King can easily plot a betrayal against the neighboring kingdoms.
Matter of fact, every slave inside this dungeon will be experimented on a specific date, to see whether they wield magical abilities, and if not, they will be executed accordingly.
The female slave from before wasn't alone in her cell, there was already someone else inside. That "someone else" was leaning back on the mossy bricked wall with chains just beside her head.
"Walk over to that weirdo over there and don't make a noise. Understand?"
"....."
The chains on her hand was opened free and is forced to walk inside the cell. And now she had a cellmate.
They can silently talk like a whisper or anything, but making at least any sound. Just a single audible sound coming from their mouths is enough for a punishment.
"Hey... what's... your name?"
She didn't want to speak as soon as she sat beside her, after a traumatic moment when she's whipped over and over by that jealous master form the parade. But with a respectful heart, she won't ignore her like that.
".... Yu-..Yuzuri... Henyumi."
"That's a nice name...
.....I'm Zoe. Apparently, I never got a full name...
...Or rather be named by someone."
So Zoe was raised in a harsh life, no one really tried to befriend her since she's a slave from birth.
"I'm... I'm very sorry, Zoe."
"Don't be. You didn't do anything...Thing is, you're really kind."
But one of the patrolling guard saw them talking, it's a stupid rule or more like a dumb reason, yet they punished both of them by whipping them only once, for now. And the guard even looked amused when he heard their gasps and almost sob-like.
"How lucky to be not in y'er place. Heh!"
Zoe apologized to Yuzuri, and blamed it to herself. But Yuzuri wouldn't allow her to take all the blame.
"It's my... fault too....
....Ever since I became a slave, I'm nothing but a burden to everyone."
And Zoe felt bad, but for her she's the one to blame and not Yuzuri. Because she really understood how she feels and what she experienced.
"...Me too..."
It became quiet in their cell after not talking a while. And somehow, Yuzuri's been keeping his words for a while.
"....But... Someone gave me a chance. At least... a hope."
She decides to share it on Zoe, because she thought it would help her accept a little hope, the same way she was given.
"He can't break that promise.... to save me from here....
....His name was Dusk."
"....."
_ _ _ _ _
It was Dawn on the outside, the cart where Dusk and Harn is, and the two knights as well, are still on the road of the forest.
Dusk on the back was sound asleep next to the treasures, and then woke up.
"Huh?.....
.....Whatever. Are we there yet?"
"We're close."
The familiar kingdom was finally visible from the horizon. Hours when they get back inside the kingdom, the Sun had settled and night fell.
"This is very tiring."
Dusk jumped out from the cart and claimed the price from Harn, before walking off. Then Harn continued to the Royal Capital to hand over the exchanged items.
Meanwhile, Dusk looked at both his hands and wondered if will he ever be strong to save her, at least only that slave.
'I'm too careless. Promising to save a stranger when I'm not even certain if I can do it.... Anyhow, just felt like I have to.'
He walked passed the academy that trains young adults. It was to see if they have the potential on becoming a trusted knight or even becoming a Division member.
With that, a little jealousy struck him. They can get stronger and stronger over time and explore the lands. And he himself remained as a peasant, but lucky enough to live inside a kingdom.
'What if, I was trained to be strong. That means I can do it, damn you Dusk, it's your fault for suddenly promising out of nowhere!'
He walked onto the apartment that's only five minutes walk from now. But deciding to join the academy, he needed money. In fact, he will seriously need money, to pay the owner or landlord of the apartment next week or so.
(Writing in progress...)