The next morning.

In the early sunrise after breakfast in the hospital, Kyle changed into a brand new set of uniform designed for officers that Joseph Kingsley had delivered to the ward as well as a badge hinting the rank of a second lieutenant.

Lucy paid great attention to Kyles dressing than he did, tidying up the collar and sleeves of the officers uniform left and right while carefully flattening the folds of his clothes with her hands.

Lucy, Im not going to a celebrity filled party. I dont need to look the part of a gentleman, right? Kyle joked. Sensing her silence and that troubles seemed to fill her mind, Kyle continued. Lucy. whats the matter? Did anyone bully you?

Lucy mustered up her courage and nervously asked with innocent, teary eyes, Kyle, are you going back to the battlefield with that bearded officer later?

Where Ill be going is nowhere near the battlefield, just to the recruiting base station. Kyle looked at her and smiled softly. But even if I am an officer, its expected for me to go to war.

Then can I go with you? Lucy bowed her head and pinched her little hands together.

Lucy, what kind of a fun place do you think the battlefield is that you forget the joys of a child? Kyle said with a straight face.

But my family died on the battlefield and my home is gone if youre gone Tears ran down from the corner of her big, innocent eyes.

That wont happen. Ill always be around. Kyle rubbed Lucys head. Right, my homes here in New York. Its empty with my parents no longer living. They died in the previous wars. If you dont mind, you can live there. Fill it with warmth. Make it a happy home.

Kyle read his files once at the training base, learning that hed become an orphan prior to joining the military and lived in a retro like villa left by his dead parents. The keys to his house was kept in a depository in New York and could be taken out anytime with an identity slip.

Live at your house Lucys eyes widened while her cheeks had been dyed a rosy pink. To her, Kyles words had a different meaning. That is they would be living together

You can stay as long as you want, Kyle said dotingly. He regarded Lucy like his own sister, and one he never had.

Kyle, youre so nice to me. Im glad you found me. Lucy jumped in joy. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Kyle on the cheek, then fled the room blushing like a frightened rabbit.

This girl really

Kyle touched the stolen kiss planted on his cheek before quickly putting the matter behind. Now wasnt a comfortable time to delve deep into his feelings. He must be strong enough to face all the unexpected crisis in the world. Accumulated military merit to rise in ranks, gaining reputation and power, and even wealth there were many things that awaited for Kyle.

To remain ordinary and allow the world to crumble and the people he knew or would know meet a tragic fate was never on his mind. He had his own blueprint for life and it awaited him to paint it to life one by one.

********

Around eight oclock in the morning.

Joseph Kingsley picked up Kyle with a jeep and drove to the military airport base.

Kyle said goodbye to Lucy and gave her words of comfort before boarding the transport plane with Joseph Kingsley to his original training base.