Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

Alex, while barely on his feet, reached the cathedral.

The sky had started to darken, and the cold wind was making him shiver because of all the sweat.

He no longer has the extra weight on him, however, he was so tired that he couldn't walk properly without falling a few times.

"Thanks...here..." Paying the carriage driver who brought him here, he walked towards the church where hundreds of people were gathering.

There were two barriers before the church—one close to the main entrance and another farther away, just before the bridge that connected the town to the cathedral.

Alex could clearly see how the crowd was separated. Between the two barriers stood high-ranking nobles and visitors from other lands, dressed in fine clothes and speaking quietly among themselves. Meanwhile, beyond the outer barrier, the common folk gathered, kept at a distance as they tried to catch a glimpse of what was happening near the church.

Alex slowly made his way towards the outer barrier—weaving through the crowd somehow before he appeared before the soldier on the barricade.

"Let me in, I was invited." Saying so, Alex instantly showed the letter he received from the Saintess. He knew just telling them would result in nothing, considering he was not from any noble house.

The soldier took the letter, but rather than reading it, he threw it away, "Yeah, why not? This is the third time I have seen that kind of letter. The previous one even looked more authentic. Go away, kid."

Alex released a sigh in exasperation. He was tired, excessively. Hungry and tired.

And this damn soldier is not even bothering to check the letter which Sarah herself wrote and even used the stamp of the Cathedral.

'Sometimes...I really miss my mafia days.' Pointing a gun at people and getting his work done...yeah, the good old days.

Alex thought for a moment—keeping violence as the last option—when suddenly he remembered something and pulled it out of his inventory.

"You must recognize this right, soldier?"

The face of the soldier turned pale as he saw the emblem of bravery, which was recently granted to a young hero.

The rumors of the young hero defeating a Vampire Noble and protecting the Saintess' pride were widely known in the human realm. And that badge was being held by a certain young man....this can't be!

"I-I apologize!" The soldier gave a crisp salute, with his face still devoid of any color.

The other soldiers also noticed the commotion before their eyes went towards the emblem Alex was holding. Their reaction was similar.

Thankfully, Austin wasn't held there for long; just the apologizing soldier irritated him for a while before the silver head advanced towards the church.

"Alex!" He heard the voice before turning his head and seeing a familiar person standing there.

"Cela..." A sigh seeped through his lips as he slowly advanced toward a running Celestria.

They met in a strong hug, Alex enveloping the girl completely in his arms and resting his face in the crook of her neck.

Her scent...this warmth...her supple body....so comfortable~

Celestria was quite surprised by the strong hug but naturally, she didn't resist him and allowed her man to lean on her.

Softly, she whispered, "You did great. I am proud of you."

He didn't know why, but that compliment made him emotional slightly as he said, "Thank you..."

"Celes~tria~" Soon a melodious voice reached them, making Alex open his eyes before he looked at the person.

"Che..." Deciding to ignore him, Alex closed his eyes and snuggled even closer to her.

The first Prince's eyes widened as he asked in a tone of disbelief, "Did you just click your tongue and ignore me?"

Alex grumbled as he said, "Good evening, your Highness. I just didn't recognize you."

Seeing that, despite the exchange, they still were hugging each other, the man spoke through his gritted teeth, "Cela...it's enough now!"

Celestria frowned before she separated from Alex, not completely as his arm was still on her shoulder before she said, "What's the matter with you, brother? Not like you aren't aware of my relationship with him."

Celestria has already revealed to her family that she was in a romantic relationship with Alex. Her father even accepted their relationship. Rather he was eager to have them tied up in the knot of engagement after Alex showed his bravery and strength during the incident with Allen.

Although James was not in the palace at that time, it was highly likely that he had heard things from the others.

"Cela...it's inappropriate to be so intimate with a man who is not even your fiancé. Show some restraint."

Alex sighed upon hearing that. In this department, the second Prince is much better. He doesn't frown upon these kinds of things.

"Well, there you go." Since Alex didn't want to create a scene and let two siblings fight, he removed his hand from Celestria's shoulder.

Celestria looked at Alex in disappointment and concern. She knew how much he was tired, and that's why she thought she could give him some support. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire

No, she will give him support.

"Ah!" Alex exclaimed as suddenly Celestria picked up his arm, draped it over her shoulder, and encircled her arm around his back to support him.

Looking at her brother with a stern gaze, she said, "Let people think whatever they want. What matters the most to me is Alex and his health. And currently, he needs me. So excuse us, brother."

The look in Celestria's eyes clearly said that he had angered her. And that...didn't settle well with the Prince.

With his cold gaze affixed on Alex's back, he muttered under his breath, 'I don't like him...neither in the past and definitely not now.'

On the other hand, Celestria brought Alex towards the resting bench nearby

She was aware of what he went through, and just as promised, she would have gone to search for him if Alex hadn't returned by dusk.

"Ah, thank you." Alex thanked her as he sat down, his brows drawing closer in pain.

Celestria took out a potion from her pouch, but before she could feed him, Alex stopped the girl before informing her, "I already had three... any more would be counterproductive."

Celestria bit her lip...this was problematic.

She could see that his legs were swollen, and he was suffering from muscle spasms.

The very fact he was still conscious and somehow retaining his composure was quite praiseworthy.

"Ah...what are-" Alex was taken aback when suddenly Celestria knelt on the ground and rolled up his pants.

She didn't listen to him and took out a balm from her pouch.

"Cela...you are a Princess and we are here in the open." Alex tried to resist—but the moment her warm fingers traced down his stiff calf, he groaned in utter pain.

"Don't sound like my brother or I will say the same words I said earlier."

Alex heaved a sigh, "But Cela...agh..." Another groan as she massaged his legs with her tender hands.

His stiff and sore muscles were absorbing the balm and the heat was allowing them to relax.

Cela didn't pay attention to his resistance and continued to massage.

Nothing in the world mattered to her more than her beloved.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- God, I could share his pain—ran like three miles...but well, I got no Celestria.

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