Bonds of Friendship

Dean put away the half-token, then rubbed his chin as he looked at Wisdom Shield.

"Are you really the crown prince named Wisdom Shield His Majesty told us about?"

Everyone present knew which king Dean meant. Wisdom Shield felt a little more at ease and nodded.

"Since you've brought the token, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."

Wisdom Shield still thought Dean and the others were like the Mei Family Five Brothers—people Chen Cheng had picked up along the way.

"Oh, there's no need for that. His Majesty has already arranged identities for us. Here's a letter in his own hand."

A Er pulled a crumpled envelope from his robes and smoothed it with his hand.

"Sorry. We've been traveling so long that it got a little wrinkled."

Seeing how relaxed the five of them were, Wisdom Shield relaxed a little too.

"It's fine."

He opened the envelope and took out the letter. After reading it, he looked at Dean with startled uncertainty.

Dean knew at once that this really was Wisdom Shield.

Chen Cheng had told him the letter was written in a special code. Only someone familiar with it could read its true contents.

"Well? Was any of the letter damaged?"

Dean asked with a smile.

Wisdom Shield put the letter away and saluted Dean with clasped hands.

"Greetings, my young lord."

Dean immediately stepped aside.

"Hey, I'm just a prince's son whose house has fallen on hard times. I can't compare with a crown prince like you. Besides, I came here to follow your orders, so let's not stand on ceremony."

Just then, stomachs growled. Dean and the other four looked at Wisdom Shield in embarrassment.

Hearing them, Wisdom Shield broke into a laugh and turned to Xiaodun.

"Go tell the kitchen to make more