It was a splendid morning, and the aroma of exquisite dishes and desserts warmed the cool air of the Veurbois estate as servants moved back and forth, finalizing the preparations. A great feast would be in motion soon, and already, people were waiting for the gates to open to join in on the celebration. There were a few nobles who’d remained, but most had left. One of the duties of the nobility was to spread their fortunes among the people; whenever there was a great celebration, there would usually be a moment for the common folk to join in. In this case, it was the feast.
There were always many soldiers where such events happened. In many cases, it wasn’t uncommon for deaths to occur. Commoners were greedy. They would trample each other for a chance of luxury. It was then only natural that the lack of soldiers made Cona nervous about the crowds that would pour in once the gates opened. She eyed her stone-faced brother. While she was happy to meet Shaden again, she wasn’t pleased about mixing around with commoners.
“Smile, Cona,” her brother advised. “Don’t look like a dog that has been stepped on.”
“Yes, brother,” Cona forced, “but being trampled is a possibility.”
“You speak as if the people would approach us,” Bathar snorted. “They won’t, but for a different reason.”
“And that is?”
Bathar motioned faintly to the gates. “See for yourself the competence of the Veurbois.”
The Head of the Veurbois, Lord Esel, emerged onto an elevated platform along with his family and the mystery boy. Cona sighed at the sight of him. If only they could dance again—but the opportunity would not come today. If only he would follow her to Tralogan…she would take good care of him.
Lord Esel began to say his greetings. It was the usual short speech about blessings and gratitude to all of the common folk. She never saw the point of it, but the masses had to be appeased now and then. It was one of the reasons why she never wanted to become a lady of a prominent household. There would be too much work.
She sighed again. What wouldn’t she give to be a lady at the capital and attend balls every day? But her family had other plans for her. Her achievements merely made her a better product. If she married the boy from who-knows-where, would she be free from her duties? Who exactly was he anyway?
“There is new information about his appearance in Nafar,” Bathar replied, “which is strange. The Veurbois have no ties to the south as we do.”
“What was it about?”
“Baseless rumors.” Bathar placed a finger on his chin. “Interesting rumors. It would explain why the Veurbois think so highly of him.”
“Did he dance there as well?”
Her brother glared at her. “Of course he did. No, you simpleton.”
She glared back and twisted her head away. It was clear he wouldn’t tell her because she spoke too much. And they were the ones who told her to be friendly with everyone. Rolling her eyes, she turned her eyes back to the front. The speech had ended, and Lord Esel had motioned for the gates to be opened.
“Surprisingly, everyone is here,” she gasped, shifting her eyes between the representatives of the Great Houses. “Even Lady Veila. Even the two princesses!”
Her brother didn’t reply. She didn’t care. He could never appreciate these moments of wonder, always keeping his head busy with nonsense. She pouted.
“Sister, remember to smile,” Bathar reminded.
She smiled excessively. Her brother didn’t give it a glance. She wished to kick him but knew the consequences that would follow, so she relaxed. Instead, she looked at the stream of people that had begun to enter the yard. The sight made her raise her eyebrows.
“They are so organized,” she observed. “Even the children are here.” Why can’t Tralogan be more like this?
As much as she wanted to complain, she could not utter words that would taint their honor. Still, her time in the city had made her compare very much. The Veurbois were lucky they had such citizens.
Her brother suddenly rose from his seat. Cona immediately turned to where he was looking. It took a second for her to see a familiar face—a face she’d forgotten had been missing.
“Goita?”
She frowned. The man was still in his night robes. He looked ridiculous running barefoot with his head down. His hands were gripped before his head as if he were praying. The people slid apart to make way for him. Goita headed straight for the platform, and with a loud yell, fell knees-down before it, placing his clasped hands above his head.
“I repent my sins!” he cried. “I repent my arrogance, my pride, and my discourtesy! Hear, everyone! I have made a grave mistake during a moment of celebration. Hear loudly! The Veurbois will receive no disrespect!”
Before anyone could react, Goita lowered his head again and began to scamper towards the gates, where a carriage was waiting a little distance away. He hastily entered the vehicle after which a flustered servant quickly closed the door. The carriage promptly rushed away, leaving a trail of dust behind.
“Brother? What was—”
“Quiet, sister. I’m thinking.”
She closed her mouth after seeing Bathar’s narrowed eyes. It could mean mild displeasure—or fury. He never let it show. She instead looked at the others.
Lord Beridas and Lady Enis looked unfazed. Lady Veila, who was near them, could be seen with an expression of mild amusement. Lord Medis was visibly confused. But most bewildered of them all was Lord Esel who was speaking to his two sons. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she saw a servant soon head out—likely to catch up with Goita.
She finally looked at Shaden. His eyes watched the direction that Goita had gone. Expressionless. So was the young lady’s face next to him. He saw the boy faintly smile and whisper something to Lady Eilae. She simply pushed her hair over her ear without replying.
Without notice, Shaden looked directly at her. She hastily averted her eyes instinctively. Why had she done that? She peeked back at him. He was still staring. She made a small, friendly gesture. He didn’t respond—then she realized he wasn’t staring at her.
He was staring at her brother. His dark eyes were unmoving. Even at this distance, she could sense something amiss.
She heard Bathar’s teeth clench together.
“......Brother?”
“Foolish,” he breathed. He called for a pen and a sheet and began writing something—something that he would never tell her. As a child, she’d been slapped on the face for trying to peek.
“Send this at once to my father,” he told their servant. “Be swift.”
The servant promptly left. Bathar then turned to her.
“We shall leave after this,” he said. “Tell the servants to make arrangements now.”
Cona opened her mouth to protest. “But—”
Her brother narrowed his eyes in annoyance.
“...there was a cake shop I wished to visit,” she faintly muttered.
“Tell the servants to get it,” he told her. “Please, sister. There may be danger lurking.”
Reluctantly, she called some servants to make arrangements for departure. The city of Vion had many beautiful locations she had wanted to visit—she didn’t have many opportunities to travel—and the planned stay had been a week. All because Goita had gone and made an embarrassment of himself for no reason.
Danger in the safest city in the Empire? She scoffed. Fine, she’d follow because she had no other choice. But she would make sure to give out some invitations beforehand.
With a deep sigh, she set her chin on her hand, rolling her eyes at the clouds that passed overhead.
⤙ ◯ ⤚
“Apparently, Lord Bathar instigated the whole thing,” Shaden whispered to Eilae after the commotion had died down, “as a joke.”
Eilae didn’t react as much as he’d hoped. She simply arranged her hair and placed her hands on her lap in a ladylike manner. “Does anyone else know of this?” she asked.
“Just you and me.”
“You should tell my father about it,” she advised, “so that things won’t get out of control.”
“I was planning to,” he nodded. “I wanted you to be the first one to know.”
“Then…thank you.”
“Was it satisfying?”
“It’s rare for a member of the Great families to grovel,” Eilae smiled. “It was amusing.”
“I was planning to do it to anyone who mocked you.”
“That being said, what exactly did you do?” she questioned. “It’s known that Lord Goita isn’t that brave of heart, but he is prideful. The Dofleur are prideful. I…hope this won’t result in a conflict.”
“Relax. I made sure not to be seen,” Shaden assured. “No one noticed a thing. Even if they start a war, I can wipe them out.”
“So, what did you do?”
Shaden scratched his cheek. “Well, I…took his heart out and held it in front of him.”
Eilae’s eyes widened. “You mean…as an illusion?”
“Er—no.”
“So you…opened his chest and…”
Eilae hesitated. It made him nervous.
“...cut through the bone as well?” she finished.
Shaden nodded once.
“And the blood?”
“I was using healing magic so he wouldn’t die when I took his heart out,” Shaden quickly explained. “I made sure no blood was spilled.”
“Was this your first time doing it?”
“Of course not!” Shaden said before realizing how bad that sounded. “I mean, I practiced on animals first. I can’t kill someone accidentally. Also, I left no scars.”
“What about the pain?”
“I think he screamed a lot. But I cut off the sound around his body. He was conscious enough to nod.”
Eilae was quiet for a while before she took in a deep breath and sighed. “Would it be rude to ask where you learned to do this? Was it my father? The other families?”
Shaden shook his head. He’d gotten inspiration from a movie. “I read a book. You know, one of those torture books you recommended before?”
“I remember doing that,” Eilae admitted. “Shaden—have they made you—have you killed anyone before?”
“Never,” Shaden answered.
“Will you if I ask you to do it?”
He thought for a moment. “If the person deserves it, I would. ”
“Truly?”
“Yes,” Shaden promised. “You have my word.”
Lord Esel finished his announcement of how they would find out the reason why Lord Goita had acted in such a way and that they had nothing to do with the incident. Shaden felt a little guilty, but what Lord Esel said was true. He’d acted independently; the Veurbois had nothing to do with this. Still, he’d sensed Lord Bathar’s suspicion when he’d locked eyes with him. He probably shouldn’t have done that, but his anger and pride had won over.
Let them theorize all they want. They will not find a thing.
The Guardian Dragon of Melern could not sense him. What more could humans do? Besides, it would be for their own good to not discover him. He’d had his fill of disrespect already—and had turned the tables against a being of absolute authority. There was more authority in his power than he’d believed. All order in society boiled down to violence, and so far, none had managed to outperform him.
“You will surely be questioned,” Eilae warned. “Feign ignorance.”
He nodded.
Surprisingly, even as the celebration progressed, no one approached him. They were busier talking with Lord Esel and his sons, so Shaden simply walked around with Eilae, Eyla, and Ailan to greet the citizens of Vion who had come to pay their respects. As their gratitude was so genuine, he even secretly healed those with illnesses with a touch—nothing noticeable. It was simple healing magic.
He finally remembered to go greet the princesses who were seated with their dragons, so he excused himself. They tensed when he approached. The knights who stood next to them placed their hands on their hilts—a small but definite move. Recollecting what Boren had taught him, he did a bow and lowered his head.
“The Guardian’s gaze be upon you,” Shaden greeted, “and your brother sends his greetings as well.”
“I have received my brother’s greeting already,” Princess Rayel replied. “He has mentioned that you hold some news for us.”
“W-we are pleased to meet you,” Princess Valencia said. The slight tremble in her voice was even more noticeable due to her fear. “But we did not expect to…react as we did yesterday.”
“Right. Let me explain that. Er—don’t be too shocked.”
He took out the orb he had hidden in his pocket (he’d actually opened a small portal to his storage, but no one had to know that) and held in before the princesses. Their dragons leaned forward to look; immediately, their eyes dilated. The princesses were visibly upset.
“This was given to me by the Guardian,” he spoke quietly in case someone would hear. “He mentioned that you would be cooperative if I had it.”
Princess Rayel held up a trembling hand. “Please, put it away.”
Princess Valencia seemed to be seconds away from tearing up, so Shaden quickly dropped the silver pearl into his pocket dimension. She let out an audible sigh, after which she bashfully covered her mouth with an expression of shock like she couldn’t believe she’d sighed. Shaden almost smiled.
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“You will have to explain,” Princess Rayel muttered. “Let us go somewhere quieter.”
“I know a place,” Shaden agreed.
So they moved to a pavilion that was a small distance away from the celebration within the garden. The servants quickly noticed their separation and began to bring drinks and refreshments to the table inside. Shaden asked Rose for a teapot and cups. As the preparations were being made, he cleared his throat.
“I have a small gift for you,” Shaden said, clasping his hands like he was doing a magic trick. When he opened them, he revealed a small but exquisite jar that he’d gotten from Boren. The sisters looked confused. Only when he opened the lid and began to make tea did they realize the contents of the jar.
“This aroma…”
“Please, have a sip.”
Shaden poured them each cup which they eagerly took. Their expressions immediately brightened after tasting the tea. Princess Valencia excitedly turned her head towards her sister.
“This is the Royal Blend!” she said in awe, “and perfectly brewed too.”
“Did my brother teach you this?” Princess Rayel asked.
“He taught me many things,” Shaden told her, “about tea, about you two. I could tell that he cared for his sisters very much.”
“Who are you?” Princess Rayel asked. “How did you get to know my brother? Are you one of his gambling friends? How do you know the Guardian?”
Shaden chuckled. “I am not a gambler. Your brother and I—you could say he owes me his life. As for the Guardian, I am…in a contract with him.”
A one-sided one, but he couldn’t tell them that he had the literal Guardian under his thumb.
It was Princess Valencia who spoke this time. “So you are…?”
“Shaden. A citizen of Melern, born and raised in Danark,” he answered. “I remember seeing you, Princess Valencia. I believe it was the procession for your fifth birthday.”
“You were there?” Princess Valencia gasped. She looked at her dragon. “Maroeth tells me he recognizes you.” Her eyes widened in realization. “You were the boy on the roof!”
“I’m glad to be in your memories,” Shaden smiled. “It is an honor.”
Princess Valencia blushed. She turned her head sideways and sipped on some tea.
“That doesn’t explain why you are here,” Princess Rayel continued. “What ties do you have with the Empire?”
“It’s complicated,” Shaden said, trying not to look at the younger princess. “You could say I have connections everywhere. I’m in the middle of exploring the world.” Kind of.
“The Veurbois would humor you?”
“They are my patrons, yes.”
Princess Rayel gestured to the feast. “All of this is for you. All of the Great Houses of the Empire came to celebrate your birthday. How old are you?”
“I now am thirteen.”
“Not even fifteen. And you say you are from Danark.”
“I was raised there, yes.”
“You are the same age as me!” Princess Valencia said with excitement. She sheepishly sipped on her tea again after reading her sister’s mood.
“Perhaps…you are a member of the Reapers?” Princess Rayel asked quietly. “That would explain many things.”
“They are cool, but no.”
“Then what are you?”
“I think we should all have our secrets. Anyways, Boren—Prince Boren,” Shaden corrected after seeing Rayel’s frown, “said that I have something to tell you?”
“Yes, he did,” Rayel said. “He told us you would bring good news—news about freedom and a secret that must be kept a secret.”
“Ah. I understand. It’s big news, so let’s make it more comfortable.”
After dismissing the servants outside (as well as the knights with Rayel’s permission), Shaden snapped his fingers, casting a barrier of sound prevention around them. The princesses watched in awe as their surroundings melted into that of the palace—specifically the garden Boren had mentioned was his sisters’ favorite.
“It’s only an illusion, but I hope you like it.”
“It’s like we’re back,” Valencia observed. “Rayel, you’ve missed this place.”
“It…is nice,” Rayel agreed. “Now then, what is the news?”
Shaden began to explain the events that had happened at the palace (excluding most of the details). He told them about how he’d made a contract with the Guardian (because his mana was special) and how he’d befriended Boren as the prince had been in charge of mentoring him (kind of). Lastly, he told them that in exchange for a lifelong supply of mana (that part was over, but he didn’t mention it), he’d asked for the freedom of the Royals.
“I didn’t see why Boren or you two had to die,” Shaden said. “It was time for new rules to be established.”
“How did you know of—did Boren tell you that also?” Rayel gasped. “Surely he told you why our death is necessary.”
“To avoid conflict due to succession?”
“That is only the surface,” Rayel informed. “This is a tradition—a necessity. A dragon that grows too mature poses too much of a threat. We are walking threats. Thus, the Guardian must retrieve his dragons, and we, being bonded, fade in the process.”
“But all of you are kind. Why would you be threats?”
Rayel closed her eyes. “Perhaps it is because we know our fate. Do you like history? There is a famous saying: ‘Power is the seed of corruption, and time is the water that lets it grow.’ There was a time when the Guardian allowed the royals to go on their own paths. It was the bloodiest era in Melern.”
She opened her eyes. “My brother holds too much desire. He has always pursued earthly things. But we are not princes and princesses so that we can idly enjoy our time.”
“Then you would die? For this tradition of yours?”
“It’s more than a tradition,” Rayel said sternly. “It is our obligation.”
Shaden could feel her resolve—and stubbornness—through her mana. He didn’t understand. What was wrong with having power? Power used for good was not corruption.
“What about the Guardian? He is powerful as well as old.” And he literally harvests the Royalty.
“The Guardian is not human,” Rayel clarified. “No race is more self-centered than a human. When an elf is given power, he betters his magic. When a dwarf is given power, he advances his techniques. When a human is given power, he seeks to control and dominate. Human greed is endless; thus, we were created to perish before all others. Yes—all humans must die.”
Rayel sighed. “I don’t mean it genocidally. It is good for humans to have an early end. A hundred years is enough. But for us—we age much more slowly. Living that long would only mean more attachments. We would struggle to live more. Nothing good comes from that.”
“Our attachments define us,” Shaden argued. “What is wrong with wanting to live?”
“Nothing,” Rayel shook her head. “But we are Royals. Let’s say that our generation lives peacefully. What about the next? And after that? There is no guarantee that they will be selfless. No—we must be an example of a willing sacrifice for peace.”
“But are you willing?”
“As I’ve said before, it is an obligation,” Rayel said.
“Not anymore.”
“So you say.”
“It’s true. Your brother is my witness.”
“He lies much.”
You are lying to yourself, Shaden wanted to say. How pained the princess had been as she’d spoken. Such was the life she’d been taught all this time. As much as he wanted to reveal that the system she put her faith in was rigged to feed the Guardian the memories of the Royalty, he imagined that it would be too much of a shock and decided not to.
“Every being deserves happiness,” Shaden said instead.
“I didn’t come to argue,” Rayel said. “Was that all you had to say?”
Shaden raised a finger. “Let me rid you of your doubts first.” He then closed his eyes and felt for a presence far away. It reacted, and he gave it a command.
“What are you—”
Suddenly, a portal opened before them, nearly causing Rayel to fall back on her chair. Valencia let out a small yelp as she sensed the presence within. Their dragons immediately lowered themselves.
“Mernos, retract your aura,” Shaden commanded. Immediately, the intimidating presence softened.
“Do not call me like a leashed dog,” a deep voice echoed from within the portal. “Have some respect for your teacher.”
Goodness. The dragon was intimidating as usual. Still, Shaden relaxed after sensing his shadow still intact on the great creature.
“I do respect you,” Shaden said, “so I ask that you tell these two about the new change in policy.”
“I am not a herald,” the dragon growled. “But I will humor you. Princesses Rayel and Valencia of Melern, raise your heads.”
The two girls, who had fallen on their knees, slowly raised their heads. A giant, glowing yellow eye stared at them from within the portal.
“No longer will the sacrifice of the Royals be required,” the dragon declared, the wind whirling around with each word. “No longer will dragons be given to each prince or princess, but only to the one deemed worthy of the throne. As for you and your brother, you have proved yourselves to be amiable. Be the guardians of Melern in my steed; lead the country towards a kinder future.”
“We hear and obey,” the two princesses answered with shaky voices.
The dragon’s eyes turned towards Shaden as if to say, is that enough? Shaden nodded in satisfaction.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Be gone, then.”
The portal closed with an echo, and Shaden released his hold on all the things that would have flown away. He held up his cup and took a sip. “Well? Do you believe me now?”
“I…uh. I…I don’t know what to say,”
Rayel’s eyes were wide with disbelief. Valencia, likewise, seemed to be in shock. They seemed to be lost in their thoughts, so Shaden decided to leave.
“Well…enjoy your time here,” he told them, undoing his magic. “Sorry about yesterday, and congratulations on your freedom.”
“Wait!”
It was Valencia who’d spoken this time. Her eyes were full of worry.
“What do we do now?” she asked.
“Enjoy your freedom,” Shaden shrugged. “Travel the world. Eat delicious foods. Meet people, fall in love, I don’t know. What were you going to do today?”
“Visit…a tea shop.”
“Then do just that.”
“That’s not what she means,” Rayel spoke. “We were meant to vanish. What is the purpose of our existence now?”
Shaden snorted. “Have you lived under a rock? Set your own purpose. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do either. But we need to live on, right?”
They didn’t seem to understand, and worse, their fear seemed to deepen—especially in Rayel. Shaden scratched his cheek, thinking about the right words to say.
“Try reading novels,” he suggested. “They’re fun.”
“Novels? They’re a waste of time.”
“You have all the time now. I don’t know, fall in love or something,” Shaden sighed. “The two of you are beautiful. I’m sure it will be easy.”
“Love is a blinding emotion,” Rayel muttered. “We were told never to love.”
“I’m sure it’s okay now,” Shaden assured. “Should I call the Guardian again?”
“N-no, please don’t.”
“You are free,” Shaden concluded. “Do whatever you want. Just don’t harm others.”
He got up, sensing that if he didn’t, they’d question him over and over. “I will go enjoy the banquet now,” he stated.
He’d expected to receive thanks—not confusion. It was getting awkward, so he got up and gave them one last opinion.
“Your brother is always open to help as well,” he said. “He probably knows the best.”
Then, without looking back, he began to walk away towards the rest of the celebration. His maid followed behind. He could tell that the princesses had more to say, but he couldn’t be absent for too long. After all, the banquet had been held in his honor. He had to humor the guests. Besides, the Melernian knights were already comforting the stunned girls.
“Oh.”
He turned a corner and was surprised to see everyone’s eyes on him. The commoners were moving towards the gates, and the personal escorts of the lords and ladies were standing in a line, blocking him from the others. The lord and lady from Pailas—Beridas and Enis—brandished their staffs, and Lady Veila, betrothed of the Crown Prince, stood at the front, her hair and eyes emanating a golden glow. Lan was also one of the few at the front, clutching the hilt of his sword, as well as Lord Bathar who held up an open tome in his hand.
Shaden raised his hands. “What is happening?”
It was Eilae who moved through the guards and rushed to him. She breathed deeply, catching her breath.
“A mighty presence was sensed,” Eilae told him, raising her eyebrows. “It wasn’t you, was it? Or did they try to harm you?”
“No, and no. We were clearing some things,” Shaden told her. Then, realization struck him. The portal. While he kept his mana hidden, the dragon hadn’t bothered to. The dragon’s mana had been too powerful for him to hide it with his sound barrier. “The princesses had a conversation with…the King.”
Eilae frowned. “Please don’t lie.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Please.”
“A portal was opened,” Shaden explained, “by Melern’s Guardian.”
“Do you mean the being from the myths?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To…have a conversation.”
Eilae blinked. Shaden blinked back. He heard footsteps behind him and turned his head.
“It seems like our little birthday gift led to a misunderstanding,” a calm but clear voice addressed the people. Princess Rayel came forward with her sister behind her, their dragons perched on their shoulders in a regal manner. “If we have startled any of you, we ask for your understanding.”
“What purpose do you have in giving the boy such a gift?” Lady Veila spoke out, lowering her hands. The others followed her example.
“Nothing. I simply found him…amusing,” Princess Rayel smiled. “I have taken an interest in him, and as it is his birthday, I have given him my consideration.”
Murmurs arose from the crowd. Princess Rayel turned her head, and her silver hair seemed to glow in power. Her grey eyes examined the crowd as if with pity.
“I sometimes forget how delicate mortals can be,” she said. “It seems like our presence here may be taxing. We will take our leave. And Shaden? Happy birthday.”
She looked at him once then turned around to leave. The crowd parted ways to make way.
“We will talk later,” Princess Valencia whispered to him as she walked by, “And…thank you.”
She gave him a peck on the cheek and hurried after her sister. Before she left the gates, she turned back once and gave him the most brilliant smile he had ever seen. He wasn’t sure if it was magic, but the world seemed to light up a tone. There were even small gasps from the crowd.
I can live with that, Shaden smiled to himself.
Or maybe not, he changed his mind after seeing Eilae’s blank face. She looked at him for a little too long.
“That was unexpected,” Shaden nervously laughed.
“It was,” Eilae agreed.
Someone put a hand on his shoulder. It was Lord Esel.
“Now, now, this mustn’t be a stressful day for you,” the man warmly stated. “I suggest that you go rest in your room. Things will become very strenuous if you remain.”
“I will take my leave,” Shaden agreed. Accompanied by Eilae and Rose, he headed into the manor as the people watched. He breathed a sigh of relief as the doors closed behind them.
“I don’t think I’m much of a people person,” Shaden muttered, loosening his clothes around his neck. “I didn’t think I’d get this much attention.”
“Go rest, Shaden,” Eilae comforted. “You did well. Leave the rest to us.”
“You’re going back out?”
“I must. It is a noble’s duty to tend to the people.”
“I feel bad being the only one resting.”
“Don’t be.” Eilae kissed his cheek. “You are our honored guest.”
“Wha—?”
“It’s a birthday gift,” Eilae quickly informed him. She blushed. “I’ll be going now. Rose, take care of him.”
She promptly left the building, leaving Shaden and his maid behind. He touched his cheek.
“Shall I give you a kiss as well?” Rose said cheerfully.
Shaden turned his head. “Huh? Uh—it’s okay.”
Rose was four years older than him: seventeen. Her red hair had reminded him of Enariss, but truthfully, she was a little more beautiful than her. Most people in this world were good-looking, and the girls he had met were considered even more beautiful. Shaden wondered what would happen to his emotions if he wasn’t circulating. He didn’t dislike the heart-fluttering of romance, but it felt wrong to like someone else other than Enariss.
“Please get me some comfortable clothes,” he coughed. “I’d like to wash away the dust. I will be in my room.”
Rose nodded once and left. Shaden made his way to his room. After shutting the door, he jumped on his bed and lay down, facing the ceiling. He released his circulation.
Nothing changed in the beginning. But as he thought about the events that had happened, his face soon warmed up. Getting up, he went to the mirror and looked at his reflection.
Am I that handsome? Am I actually really popular?
He touched his face and grinned. Balling his fists, he did a small celebration towards the air. He immediately acted calm when he heard knocking on the door. Soon, he was in a bath, relaxing by himself.
The only time he’d gotten attention from girls his age was when he was with the Nieuts, but Beila and her friends had treated him like a younger brother at most. It was the first time he’d been treated as a romantic interest.
Well…maybe Mistilia. The wolf girl—now that he thought about it—had been keenly intimate with him. He had heard about how the beastmen were quick to do many things…
Shaden shook his head. He wondered where the wolf girl was. He’d promised to see her again. But she’d left Danark, and he had no clue where she’d gone. Would she still remember him?
He sighed deeply and blew bubbles into the water.
Never did he think that he would be worrying about romance in his life—but here he was. But when he awoke, everything would feel like a dream again.
“Whatever happens, happens…”
Before he knew it, he’d awoken from a nap on his bed. He’d never napped that long before. He noticed something dark in the corner of his eye slithering away into him. His shadow. It had moved without his command.
“Huh,” he muttered. “I’ll have to ask Grandpa.”
He attempted to move but felt a weight on his arm. Looking down, he saw Eilae curled up beside him.
“Oh.”
It was a pleasant surprise. He smiled. She seemed to be asleep. Well, he could stay still for a while longer. He reached out with his hand and brushed the hair away from her face. Her face twitched faintly, but she remained asleep.
Out of curiosity, he decided to read her emotions. If she was dreaming, maybe he could feel something. Raising a finger, he touched her forehead with it.
A drop of water rolled down his eye. He wiped it, horrified at what he’d felt.
“......Eilae?”
Shaden held in the urge to vomit. For here, right beside him, within the face of serenity—here was anxiety, weakness, and strain. Here was helplessness and dejection.
Here was despair.