When Janis was still kneeling in front of Raynel, Devlin and his two friends are making their way back to the castle using Devlin's usual sneaky route. An underground tunnel that should be used as an emergency exit if Devlin's castle was attacked.

  Not for the young Prince to go out and play!

  “Guys, come on! What's taking so long? It's not like we've never been here.” Devlin complained to his friends.

  Letha approached Devlin. A concerned look on her face as she whispered. “I think you should check on Eurig. He's been weird ever since…you know…last night.”

  Devlin frowned. Indeed, what happened last night would scar any child. Let alone a privileged one like Eurig. Undecided on what to do, he walked towards the distracted Eurig.

  “Hey! You're okay?”

  Eurig was surprised. “Oh, hey. No it's nothing. Just thinking…maybe I should build my own secret exit tunnels under Chapman's mansion.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “It's a good idea. But…I don't think you could build one.”

  “Huh? Why?”

  “Because it takes a sorcerer to build a sturdy underground tunnel like this one. If it weren't for my father, I don't think those snobby witches would even give you the time of day.”

  Eurig was visibly disappointed.

  Letha meanwhile, was offended. “Hey! I'm studying to be a sorcerer, okay? Would you please not insult us so much.”

  Both Eurig and Devlin stared at Letha sympathetically. Letha indeed had a talent for magic. That's why Devlin ask his father Raynel to sponsor Letha once she's old enough to go to the academy.

  They even built an orphanage so she could live a bit more comfortably. An orphanage run by the Chapman trading firm.

  And yet, even using a King's name, Devlin knew those arrogant witches would never accept Letha as one of their own. They care too much about class and bloodline. No way would they give Letha even a sliver of a chance..

  Well, not unless they are a coven full of Janises.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Devlin grinned. “Oh, it's nothing.” He then turned to Eurig. “There's your answer, Eurig. Letha will build an underground tunnel for you. For free! Hahahaha.”

  Eurig also knew about the terrible reality. But the mood was getting better. He would not want to spoil it. “Hehehe. I'll be counting on you then, Letha.”

  Letha had a smug look on her face. “Hmph. You better buy me more snacks then.”

  “Ceh. Looks like the Chapmans will be working with a fat witch in the future.”

  “...YOU!”

  And they quarrelled all the way to Devlin's castle underground entrance.

  Behind Eurig and Letha, Eurig had a weird mischievous grin on his face.

  ‘Hehehe. Mercenaries are expensive. While loyalty is free.’