Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

"You really need to go?" Alex asked in an innocent voice, using some tricks to stop her. However,

"The only way I can think of preventing you from going to the Blood Domain is through my authority as the Saintess. And for that, I need to return to the Cathedral."

In the first place, she only had a few days of leave from the church. Because of her identity as the supreme Saintess, she cannot wander around like this because of the threat of being targeted by other races or evil nobles.

One of the many examples is the gang that arrived at the capital to take revenge on Sarah. And Allen as well is an example of those beings who can exploit the opportunity to kidnap Sarah.

For her, the church is the safest place. And before the Trials, she needs to maintain her reputation so she can support Alex if something goes awry.

Exhaling a weary sigh, Alex yielded, "Okay, fine. Do whatever you think is right."

Sarah grinned, seeing him being all grumpy and refusing to look at her.

She inched closer to him before holding his folded arms and whispering, "We have always been like this…separated by walls, and living with each other's memories. However, now we have a hope for a future where we won't need to hide our feelings or stay away from each other."

Alex held her face softly, his thumb rubbing on her delicate cheek, as he voiced, "I will make sure to build that future for you and us. I'm tired of living a life that doesn't include you."

Sarah smiled fondly, as she leaned in and kissed his lips softly, "Soon." She whispered once their lips parted.

Once they were done, they left the room and were met by the others who were ready to leave.

"So you failed to convince, I guess?" Amanda asked, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

Alex shrugged, "I can't stop someone from being dutiful."

Sarah chuckled as she held Amanda's hand and assured the girl, "I will come to see you soon again, don't worry."

"And when that soon would be? After a few years?" Seeing Amanda being all grumpy made Edric grin. It was rare to see his girlfriend act childishly.

"So is someone escorting her?" Rebecca asked, considering the importance of her safety, she thought that Alex might volunteer.

However, "The people from the church are already here." Alex spoke as he lifted the curtain and found seven carriages parked near the tree house, and over a dozen soldiers stationed around them.

Rebecca's eyes were stretched, "How did they know she was here?"

Sarah appeased her curiosity, "I sent a Soul familiar last night and asked them to pick me up."

Rebecca's brows were raised, but then she realized that it was not a wonder that she was able to summon a being from the Soul land.

Sarah was the blessed one, the chosen entity. Naturally, her calls to the Soul Land wouldn't have gone unanswered.

Sarah soon said her farewell to the others, and after giving a last, strong hug to Alex, she wore her usual veil over her face before heading towards the carriage all alone.

"Your Holiness! Ah, thank God you are safe." It was Saint Christopher who, as always, seemed pale in concern for Sarah.

Sarah didn't bother explaining things to him and boarded the carriage.

Peeking from the window, she gazed at the tree house, and muttered under her breath, "I will pray that you may live a better life, for both our sakes."

….

Once Sarah's carriage left the sight, Edric suggested, "Should we also get going? I can only imagine how troubled the Headmaster must have been without you."

The headmaster requested Alex's presence today, and because they were short on time, they decided to run all the way to Soulforge Academy, which generally would have taken two days on a carriage.

"Yeah, let's go." Alex nodded as he picked up his bag in which his own and Celestria's belongings were packed.

"Umm…Alex." Just as they stepped forward to leave the tree house, Rebecca called out.
Find your adventure at empire

Alex looked at the girl and her expression told him what she needed.

Glancing at the others, he muttered, "You guys go ahead. I will follow just in a bit." He knew Rebecca hadn't fed on his blood for a few days now, and considering the long journey they had to cross, it became more so necessary.

Celestria narrowed her gaze, however, she chose to remain silent. She would have plenty of time with Alex once they returned.

Once they were out, Alex approached the girl and began unbuttoning his shirt.

However, unexpectedly, she held his hand and shook her head, "I don't want to remember our farewell as how I took advantage of you."

Alex's brows drew closer, "Are you going?"

Rebecca nodded, "I don't have permission to enter the Blood Domain, so despite how much I am worried about you, I cannot come with you there."

The Oath—Alex remembered, restricts the house Steelhound from entering the Blood Domain unless they gain permission from several individuals from either side.

"It's okay, Rebecca, you have already helped me a lot. I cannot return the favor-"

"It was never a favor, Alex. I always helped you because I wanted to…so please, don't make me feel so distant." Her voice was low, and maybe Alex was just imagining it, but she seemed on the verge of breaking down.

Alex knew…he was now being unfair to her. She has proven her feelings toward him time after time. She has proven that for him, she can sacrifice everything including her life.

"Alex….." Breaking his train of thoughts, Rebecca stated something unexpected, "I want to be with you. Tell me what can I do to make that happen."

A sudden surge of determination appeared in her eyes as she said, "I am ready to go through any trial, but I want to become yours. I have tried so many times to suppress these feelings…to not make you take the tough call….but this is it. I want an answer today. I beg you."

Alex heaved a sigh, a long weary one, before he said, "You don't need to go through any trials…but if you…."

Rebecca's eyes widened as she continued to hear his words. Tears welled up in her eyes as she asked, "You will really accept me…if I…you aren't lying right?"

Alex shook his head, "This holds importance; that's why I am using your feelings to ensure that you reach there. Call me a scumbag, but this is important for you, me, and…" cupping her cheeks, he added, "...and for us." Pressing his lips against her forehead, he gave her a soft kiss.

Rebecca blushed feeling his warm lips, as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the bliss which only he could provide her with.

"Once you return, send me a letter through someone's familiar bond, okay? If I really go, I won't be able to contact you after today."

Rebecca slowly nodded, "Understood. I will ask Brother Eric for help."

….

Soon Rebecca and Alex walked out of the treehouse and told them that the Vampire Princess was leaving.

"Take care."

"See you around." Edric and Amanda bid their farewell, which made Rebecca smile.

Soon her eyes turned towards the blond Princess, before Rebecca uttered, "Take care of him."

"You don't need to tell me that…but well, I will." Celestria responded with a nod.

Rebecca gave Alex a goodbye hug before dashing away; heading toward Chainedvale.

Once she left, Edric asked, "Are we taking any break in the journey?"

Alex shook his head, "The sun has already appeared, we shouldn't take any break or we will arrive late."

"Then at least carry these," Andre suddenly appeared before them, extending a package made of big leaves, "It has some food. It won't taste great but will surely help."

Alex nodded thankfully, before he took the container and packed it in his bag.

Andre crossed his arms on his chest as he spoke, "I have heard many things from Hachi about you…and I must say that you are actually worthy of those praises."

Alex chuckled, "That old man praised me? That's surely a surprise."

Andre grinned, "He is a tsundere, just like you, that's why he doesn't show it."

Alex's smile faded hearing that word, and adding oil to the flames,

"Told ya." Edric added with a smirk.

Alex shook his head in defeat, before telling the older one, "Thank you for everything you did for us. See you later."

And soon the figure of the four individuals disappeared.

Andre exhaled an audible breath before he turned to look at his tree house.

"I guess I need to move on as well…"

—-----**-------

A/N:- On a side note, Alex and others went to his mother's grave early in the morning after Sarah announced that she needs to return.

I didn't add it in the chapter, since I thought the plot was slowing down? Well, I hope you all enjoyed reading the chapter.