When Nakito woke up again, he was lying in his bed at home, bandages wrapped around his shoulder. His parents stood by his bed, disappointed and angry. "You lost to that filthy elf, son..." said his father, sounding tired and shaking his head in disbelief. "You brought shame on our family, on the whole dynasty.

  Starting tomorrow you will pursue a career in the church. Maybe they can make a proper bishop out of you. Either way, you will not inherit this dynasty." Nakito felt like hell was raining down upon him, but he had no energy to argue with him left and fell asleep again.

  At some point, the sun had already set and the moon was lighting up the room, he woke up because of a strange noise coming from the house next door.

  A dark figure swung straight over the wall back onto the dimly lit street, a sack full of valuables slung over one shoulder.

  Nakito didn't hesitate for a second, got dressed despite the burning pain, fortunately it was only a cut, grabbed his bow and climbed down from the balcony on the garden wall below and then jumped on the street. He landed, still a bit sleepy and shaking, facing the hooded figure.

  The two recognized each other immediately. It was the elf.

  "Wasn't the prize money enough? Are you stealing from people now?"

  "I take from the rich and give to the poor...in this case, me" laughed the elf. "I see you're still not completely well. Are you really stupid enough to fight me again?"

  Nakito hesitated, feeling the wound and gripped his bow a little tighter. The elf was right, he would definitely lose now if the two fought. "What are you going to do with all that stuff? What did you need all that gold for?" Nakito asked to buy time.

  "Oh you know... it's actually none of your business, but I'll tell you anyway: I'll be leaving town soon. People hate me, I hate them and your slums are really disgusting."

  "Leave the town...when?" Nakito tried to sound casual, suppressing his excitement in classical noble manner.

  "Tomorrow morning. I want to leave as soon as possible."

  Nakito saw an opportunity. He didn't like the elf, but he was undoubtedly capable of surviving in the wild, at least having traveled long and far. Now that he thought about it, where did the elf even come from? Nakito was hoping to find out in time. The noble didn't want to become a bishop at all. No way.

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  "Fine, I'll come with you!"

  The moon lit up his smiling face as he declared his decision.

  "Y-you're coming what?!"

  The elf lost his composure for a moment, confusion and protest written over his face. Then he regained control and his face became an expressionless mask again.

  "Forget about it! You’re not coming with me."

  "Take me with you or I'll call the guards. Then none of us will get out of here. The whole city already knows of you. The soldiers are only waiting for the order to hunt you down, the order to arrest will probably be given within the next days. Do you want me to give them a reason to arrest you even earlier?"

  Nakito explained calmly, pointing at the stolen goods, his eyes shining in the moonlight, knowing he won.

  The elf was furious: "Okay, little nobleman, then come with me. Tomorrow morning at 5, we leave before sunrise. Pack your own food. If you die in the wild, it's not my fault." Having said that, the elf walked away.

  Back home, Nakito gathered all the things that were absolutely necessary for him in a backpack: some books for the wild, some money, provisions for a few days, a water bottle, as well as thick and thin clothes.

  He took his bow, quiver, family crest, and traveling clothes.

  A brown leather vest underneath a white shirt, gray trousers, brown leather boots and leather gloves.

  A look at the clock revealed: only 30 minutes until 5, time to leave. He slowly sneaked towards the balcony, jumping down onto the street like before-

  "Nakito, what are you doing?" His sister Sarah, who of course had already left for her morning walk, caught him.

  "I, um, workout?" he stuttered.

  "Do not lie to me. You have a packed bag like you're about to go on a journey." She started to smile gleefully.

  "Oh, how father will react..."

  "No, please, Sarah, listen..."

  Nakito thought hard, desperate, sweat running down his forehead, his voice shaking.

  "When I'm gone, you'll be the oldest child. Believe me, I won't be coming back for a very, very long time. Father will have to make you an heir, me leaving is only to your advantage."

  Sarah thought about the suggestion for a while.

  "All right...go away..."

  She had just turned around when she looked back one last time, a tear running down her cheek:

  "I hope you survive wherever you’re going. Please come back."

  She mumbled before she left.

  That was probably the last time I saw her for a very long time, Nakito thought with a weird feeling in his stomach.