After a week, Mixarnt had regained enough strength to move, though not excessively. He leaned on a medical walking stick for support as he made his way to the city gate to bid farewell to Carlos. Behind him stood Arthur, Elyssia, and Mika, their presence a testament to the bond they had formed through their shared trials.

Former Knight General Julius was also there, his presence a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of Carlos’ actions.

"I thought you said I was your son who died in battle," Carlos said with a soft sigh and a teasing smile, addressing his adoptive father.

General Julius chuckled, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Hoho, what do you mean? I have no recollection of meeting and knowing the man who stopped my other orphan son, Kael, from annihilating our kingdom," he said with a grin.

Carlos smiled warmly at Julius. Despite the years that had passed and the complicated history between them, both men held each other dear in their hearts.

"Hey, old man. Heard you were going to the east," Mixarnt said, carefully avoiding the word exile. Carlos noticed the tactfulness and appreciated it, chuckling as he recognized a slight improvement in Mixarnt’s etiquette.

"You damn brat, I’m still in my late 20s. I’m not that old!" Carlos said with a grin and a hearty laugh, his voice filled with affection.

Mixarnt smirked, leaning on his walking stick. "Late 20s? That’s practically ancient," he teased, earning a laugh from the group.

Carlos shook his head, his smile never fading. "You’ve got a lot of nerve for a kid who’s still learning how to walk again," he shot back, his tone playful.

The group shared a moment of laughter, the tension of the farewell easing as they reminisced about their adventures. But as the time to part grew closer, the mood grew more somber.

Elyssia stepped forward, her expression soft but resolute. "Take care of yourself, Carlos. The east is full of opportunities. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new purpose there."

Carlos nodded, his gaze meeting hers. "Thank you, Princess. I’ll make the most of it."

Arthur clapped Carlos on the shoulder, his usual gruff demeanor softened by the moment. "Don’t do anything stupid out there. And if you ever need help, you know where to find us."

Carlos smiled, his gratitude evident. "I’ll keep that in mind, Arthur."

Finally, Mixarnt stepped forward, his expression serious despite his earlier teasing. "Don’t forget about us, old man. And... thanks. For everything."

Carlos’ smile softened as he looked at the boy. "You’re the one who saved the kingdom, kid. Don’t sell yourself short. And don’t worry—I’ll never forget any of you."

"Oh, and I’ve already contacted the Adventurers' Guild branch in the east and informed them about your circumstances. So, if you ever decide to become an adventurer, your past won’t be judged or held against you," Mika said with a warm smile. Carlos chuckled softly and shook his head, his expression thoughtful.

"I think I’ll pass on that offer, Mika. I’ve had my fill of battles and adventuring. If I can help it, I’d like to start a new life far away from all that—somewhere peaceful and quiet," Carlos replied, his voice carrying a tone of quiet resolve. He then turned to Arthur, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you for the money you’ve given me to start fresh, and for arranging the carriage that will take me east. It means more than I can say."

Arthur nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You’ve earned it, Carlos. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve a chance to live the life you want. Just remember, if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands."

Carlos gave a small, appreciative nod, his mind already drifting toward the possibilities of his new beginning. The thought of a peaceful life, free from the chaos and danger of his past, filled him with a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in years. As the carriage prepared to depart, Carlos took one last look at his companions, knowing that while this chapter of his life was closing, a new one was just beginning.

Before stepping into the carriage, Carlos paused and turned to face Mixarnt—the boy who had freed him from the continental prison, giving him a chance to reclaim his life. The boy who had never judged him, save for perhaps his age. Carlos couldn’t help but laugh, a warm, good-natured chuckle that carried both gratitude and a hint of nostalgia. With a grin, he called out to Mixarnt, offering one last piece of advice.

"Kid! Don’t let yourself be bound by a kingdom! Don’t end up like us—choose your own path, live your life!" Carlos shouted, his voice filled with a mix of wisdom and urgency. As the carriage began to move, Carlos leaped nimbly onto its roof, sitting comfortably as he waved goodbye, his figure growing smaller with each passing moment.

Mixarnt stood still, watching intently as the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, carrying Carlos away from the city and toward a new chapter of his life. The young hero’s eyes remained fixed on the horizon long after the carriage had vanished, Carlos’s words echoing in his mind. There was a weight to them, a depth of experience and regret that resonated deeply within Mixarnt.

Mika, ever perceptive, placed a gentle hand on Mixarnt’s shoulder, her touch offering both comfort and reassurance. "That’s valuable advice." she said softly, her voice carrying a maternal warmth. "And it’s something we should all take to heart. Our paths may intertwine with kingdoms and powerful figures, but in the end, it’s our choices that define who we are and the lives we lead."

Arthur, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. His weathered face bore the marks of countless battles and hard-earned wisdom, yet there was a quiet contentment in his expression. "Remember, boy," he said, his voice steady and firm, "the world is vast and full of wonder. Don’t let anyone—or anything—dictate the course of your journey. Your destiny is yours to shape."

"That's right Mixarnt..." Elyssia said softly.

As the quarter stood together, the weight of Carlos’s parting words lingered in the air, a reminder of the freedom and responsibility that came with forging one’s own path. For Mixarnt, it was a moment of reflection and resolve, a seed of inspiration planted by a man who had finally found his own peace. And as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the city, Mixarnt felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to carve out his own story in the vast, unpredictable tapestry of the world.

As the group walked through the bustling streets of Naeva’s capital city, a somber and reflective silence hung in the air, each of them quietly acknowledging Carlos’s departure to the east. The weight of his absence was palpable, but it was Mixarnt who broke the silence with his characteristic bluntness and a wide, mischievous grin.

"I want to eat some meat," Mixarnt declared, his tone light and carefree, as though the heaviness of the moment had already been cast aside.

Elyssia, ever the playful companion, leaned in and took his hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let’s get you some meat," she said with a soft giggle, and before anyone could react, she was pulling Mixarnt along, the two of them breaking into a run as laughter spilled from their lips.

"E-eh! Wait, he hasn’t fully recovered yet! H-hey, wait up, you two!" Mika protested, her voice tinged with concern as she watched them dart off into the crowd. But her words were lost in the lively hum of the city, and she could only sigh in exasperation, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Arthur, standing beside her, let out a hearty laugh, his deep voice carrying over the noise of the streets. He shook his head, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched the pair disappear into the throng of people. "Ah, youth," he said, his tone warm and nostalgic. "They’ve got energy to spare, that’s for sure."

As his laughter subsided, Arthur tilted his head back, gazing up at the vast, cloudless sky. His expression softened, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought. "I wonder what destiny has in store for that brave little hero," he mused aloud, his voice tinged with both curiosity and admiration. "Whatever it is, I have no doubt he’ll face it head-on, just like he always does."

Mika, still shaking her head at the antics of Elyssia and Mixarnt, turned to Arthur with a resigned smile. "They’re quite the pair, aren’t they?" she said, her tone fond. "It’s hard to believe how far they’ve come—and how much further they’ll go."

Arthur nodded in agreement; his gaze still fixed on the horizon. "Indeed. The world is full of possibilities."

As the two of them continued their walk back to the guild, the lively energy of the city enveloped them. The streets buzzed with activity, merchants called out their wares, and children played in the squares. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a sense of hope and renewal—a reminder that life moved forward, no matter the challenges left behind.

For Mixarnt and Elyssia, the day was far from over. Somewhere in the heart of the city, they were undoubtedly causing a stir, their laughter and boundless energy a testament to the unyielding spirit of youth. And as Arthur and Mika made their way through the familiar streets, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead for their young companion. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Mixarnt’s journey was far from over, and the world was waiting to see what he would do next.