Alexander turned back around, completely ignoring him. Elion chuckled lightly, shaking his head as he looked ahead again.
For a while after that, the group's mood loosened just a little.
The five retainers were still wary of Elion, but their earlier stiff fear had softened into something closer to cautious curiosity. Every now and then, one of them would sneak a glance at him, only to look away the moment he so much as turned his head.
It was like travelling with a flock of nervous birds, except they were supposed to be young noble warriors trained to serve the crown prince.
Elion found it strangely amusing; he had hoped they would loosen up a bit more.
"So," he eventually said, slowing his mount enough to drift back toward them again.
All five retainers stiffened at once.
Elion sighed.
"You know, reacting like that makes me want to bully you more." They tried to relax since he had prompted them to, but the result was worse.
