The time Ryan had spent on the demon continent was not much.
Even so, he was beginning to feel restless.
His companions, Helen and Mirian, were probably looking for him, and he didn't even know what part of the demon territory he was in.
And because of that, it was impossible for him to calculate how long it would take to return, or if it would even be possible to do so.
Now that they were gathered together with the kidnapped children, Ryan had to decide what to do next. Having to play babysitter in such a dangerous place was also something he wouldn't like at all.
'But I can't just leave and abandon this brat here either.'
Ryan approached the boy.
"What's your name, brat?"
The boy didn't answer. In fact, Beatrice repeated again that, ever since she rescued him, he hasn't said a single word. Karol walked over and patted the boy's head; he was motionless, hugging his knees, leaning against the wall next to the bed.
Then she spoke to him sweetly while brushing the hair from his face.
"Hey, tell me your name. Don't you want to go home? We won't hurt you."
"Since my sister left, I tried talking to him, but he didn't answer me either..." Beatrice's brother added.
Beatrice sat on the bed, crossed her legs, and placed a hand on her chin, thoughtful.
Then she spoke.
"I had thought about it when I got him out of that place, but now I'm sure: when I found him he was tied to a chair; he had no wounds, but there was a lot of blood. And there were also many empty potions around. You know what I mean, right?"
Karol's expression changed; she clenched her fists and fixed her gaze on Ryan.
"We have to take him with us, the poor boy is traumatized."
'According to what they say, they clearly tortured him and healed his wounds to do it again. But why would they do something like that? And why would a human noble be capable of planning something like this? Whoever is behind this... what are they planning?'
"Yes, I agree, and I want to leave as soon as possible; my companions must be worried." Ryan replied and approached Beatrice.
"What? What is it?" she asked, looking right at him; she blushed a little, perhaps remembering what happened.
"I want you to show us the way back to Ehres Valley." Ryan mentioned.
"So you come from that place? It's quite far." Beatrice replied.
Then Karol stepped closer to them and asked. "How far do you say it is?"
The demon thought for a moment. "It will take us at least four days to get there."
'Four days? That's a lot of time...'
"It will take us? Why are you talking like you're coming too? I don't think you have any business over there." Karol asked with curiosity.
"Oh, well... that's because... I will just guide you so you don't get into trouble!"
"And why would you help us? Just showing us the way is enough," Ryan added.
"That's because it will be my way of returning the favor for helping me get back to my brother! After this I won't owe you anything, understand, miserable human?!"
"Yeah, whatever you say. But four days is a long time. Why don't we just use the secret tunnel you mentioned earlier?"
"Don't be stupid. If the soldiers of Demon King Rigal are plotting something, it's likely that tunnel is guarded by a higher-ranking demon. If we run into Archdemons or Infernals... it will be the end of us."
She took a brief pause and then spoke.
"That's why it'll be best to take the long way; we'll avoid fighting. And I'll make sure to send a message to his majesty. He will send capable sentinels to investigate."
Karol brought a hand to her chin.
"Sentinels? Do you mean the personal guard of the Demon King's children?"
"Yes, exactly. In fact, the sentinel duels will be held soon and I will participate to earn my place as a sentinel for Lord Solaris," Beatrice replied with a wide smile.
Ryan and Karol exchanged looks.
"You mean him, I assume?" Ryan asked.
"Yes... no doubt..."
"Eh? What are you talking about? Do you know Lord Solaris?"
Ryan brought his hands together in a loud, dry clap.
"That doesn't matter right now. For the time being we will be a temporary party, so we need to leave."
"Yes!" Karol replied, and Beatrice nodded her head.
Beatrice walked over and, from under the bed, pulled out a sort of backpack and from it she took out several clothes, like hooded trench coats.
"We will be a pretty unusual party. Wear this. If we run into demons, I'll talk to them and don't worry, nobody will bother us."
'I hope so. Now the only thing left is...'
Ryan approached the boy. He was still looking at the floor, his gaze distant.
"Listen, kid," Ryan spoke loudly, with a deeper voice than normal.
"We are going back to Ehres Valley and I'll make sure to protect you until then. So tell me: what do you want to do? Stay here? Stay like this? Or come with me?"
The boy moved his hand for a moment; then, slowly, he looked up with tears in his eyes.
"I... I want to go back to my family."
Both Karol and Beatrice smiled.
"Well, looks like he feels calmer now," Beatrice commented.
Now they were ready; everyone got ready and put on the outfits Beatrice had given them.
And they set off on their way.
◇◇◇
The journey was long. But with Beatrice's help they had no issues and no need to fight.
They could already see Ehres Valley from a distance.
"Alright, I think we will only go this far." Beatrice said.
"Yes, we can see the village from here. If you get any closer, they'll consider it a demon attack, it's strange. Teaming up with demons shouldn't be possible, but it was exciting." Karol said.
"I say the same; you two are quite interesting despite being human." Beatrice said, crossing her arms.
Ryan intervened with a brief smile.
"What's wrong? Are you going to miss us?"
"Of course not!"
Ryan smiled and told her:
"Hmm, even so, maybe we'll meet again sometime."
"If that happens, then you must remember that... we will be enemies." Beatrice replied.
'Enemies, huh? Well, it's only natural.'
"I know. Until then, try not to die," Ryan replied and held his hand out to her.
Beatrice grabbed his hand. And with a firm handshake, they both looked directly into each other's eyes.
"You too, try not to die, Ryan."
For both of them, it was probably more than just a simple goodbye. But neither really knew what could happen if they met again.
Once they said their goodbyes, Ryan, along with Karol and the boy, headed to the village.
The guards were very surprised to see Ryan arrive with two little children.
One was the rescued boy and the other, Karol, who had already run out of mana and was back in her child form.
Ryan explained to the guards what had happened, leaving out the fact that he had been guided by demons.
The guards said they would pass the word to their superiors, confirm the boy's identity, and look for his family.
Meanwhile the boy would spend the night in the village infirmary. There they would make sure to feed and care for him, while they figured out his identity.
Ryan thought about taking him with him, but he didn't know if he would find Helen and Mirian at the inn or if a problem would come up along the way.
Besides, the village infirmary could take better care of the boy after everything he had been through.
So he decided to leave him in the care of the guards and the infirmary staff, agreeing to come back and visit him in the morning.
When Ryan left the boy in the care of the guards, he quickly headed to the tavern.
It was already night; in fact, very late.
When he opened the doors of the tavern, in the back, at a table, was Helen, and across from her, Mirian.
They both had several bottles of liquor.
Helen had red eyes.
"Ryan is a bastard! He dared to abandon us..."
Mirian drank another glass. Then she spoke.
"I can't believe he left us... after everything he has done to us... he's a jerk!"