Wait who-

The crazy girl?!

What does she want, coming to me alone? Didn't we resolve our issues? Or does she want to seek revenge because I'm now in her territory?

"Don't worry, I won't harm you. You should learn how to maintain a poker face better. Many people can guess what you're thinking if you don't change it," she said while folding her arms and giving me her characteristic gaze, a gaze that made me feel humiliated to the core.

"And then? Should I become an ice statue like you? I'm sorry, but I prefer to express myself," I replied, not wanting to let her control my emotions. "What's the matter? You came to me for something, didn't you?"

Don't think I'll just bow down because I'm in your territory, miss. I also have my dignity as a man-"

"Do you need money?"

Hmm? Money? Did she just mention money?

"Mr. Anderson informed me that you will be joining the expedition because of a mission from the princess. We knights, of course, receive monthly payment, but since you are not registered, you will not receive any compensation.

Therefore, I thought of paying you, consider it as me not wanting to owe anyone, especially someone like you," she explained arrogantly, deliberately emphasizing those two words as if considering me a clueless little child.

Stay patient, Zent. There's no use getting emotional here, especially with someone like her.

Let's take a breath, exhale, and stay calm.

Phew... Inner peace.

"I'm sure the mission from the princess is just a useless mission ordered out of her selfishness-"

Right before she finished the sentence, without my conscious awareness, my body moved on its own, lunging towards her and delivering a 'Spinning Back Kick' that the knight quickly evaded.

She lowered her body, unaware that it was just a bait for the actual attack, a regular 'Middle Kick' that had been trained repeatedly in the hopes of inflicting some damage.

But just before it could hit her ribs, I held back the kick, staring sharply at her as she looked back at me with surprise and concern for her safety. "Never call someone's sadness selfish," I said, my voice filled with determination.

I walked away, stopping in front of the door, then glanced at her briefly, saying, "Keep your money, gold, or whatever it is. I don't need anything from someone who can't appreciate other people's feelings." And I walked away from the dining room, leaving the knight still silent in place, her face as red as a tomato from a mix of various emotions.

Oh, I was afraid my leg would break too.

"Hmm, he almost got you, Captain," a man said, suddenly appearing from behind the shadow of a wall, folding his arms and observing the exit door. "I didn't expect to meet someone with such skills. I don't think he'll be a burden on the expedition, and you did overreact a bit, Captain."

"I know that!" she snapped, clenching her fist as tightly as possible, causing her knuckles to turn white. "Damn it, what's wrong with him? I was just trying to start a conversation!"

Another knight entered the room, this time descending from above, hanging there like a bat on a thin thread, letting her long blond hair flow down. "Haiyahh, how many times have I told you, Celine? Think about your words before speaking. Not everything you think needs to be said," she explained.

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"But... didn't you also say that I should be honest with my own feelings?" the knight asked, confused by something that still felt unfamiliar to her. "I didn't mean to offend, but it's true that the princess is using that man to retrieve her doll, isn't she?"

The two people accompanying her could only shake their heads, unsure of what else to do to make their friend understand other people's feelings.

One thing they forgot was that Celine didn't even know her own emotions; how could she understand empathy? It wasn't something she was taught before. She was only taught how to survive.

.

.

Damn it, why did I let my emotions get the better of me... I NEED THE MONEY!

What if the payment turns out to be substantial? What if this opportunity only comes once? Hhhh...

But honestly, I feel content.

Money can be earned whenever I want, but not with that kind of humiliation.

Doesn't she know about the princess's situation, still mourning her mother? She's an important person in this city, a direct aide to her father. It's impossible for her not to know.

Stay calm, Zent. You don't want to ruin your evening with this, right? It's better to enjoy the beauty of this fantasy city at night- THAT'S IT!

A fantasy city at night!

Oh my goodness, why didn't I think of that? I really need some fresh air to clear my head. I've been sighing a lot today.

Your life isn't so burdensome, Zent. Be happy.

It's true, be happy.

Don't let negative feelings take over. Stay calm like water. You can do it, Zent, I know you can.

"Alright! It's time for me to enjoy this city. When else will I have free time like this, right? I better hurry and make the most of it!"

Just as I took no more than five steps, I heard a familiar voice calling out to me. The sound made me smile gently upon hearing it.

I turned around, and there she was, the princess, standing not far behind me, in front of a brightly lit room. I believe it was her room. She looked so fresh and clean, adorned in a beautiful blue dress, the same color as her adorable eyes that were looking at me with hope.

"Um, may I join you, Sir Knight?" she asked. Her fingers intertwined, trying to hide her nervousness.

Without hesitation, I bent my right knee forward, lowering myself to the ground, so that our eyes were at the same level. "Just call me Zent, and of course, you may join. But has the princess obtained permission from His Majesty, your papa?"

"Don't worry, didn't Zent himself say that I am a brave girl? So, of course, Papa granted permission!" she exclaimed happily, spreading her arms wide. "So, so, where are we going? Ah! I know! How about the fountain in the middle of the city! I heard there's an event going on, with lots of food!"

Oh dear, I really didn't expect Mr. Anderson to allow his daughter to walk with a stranger.

What should I do?

I can't bear to reject her, especially when the princess looks so well-prepared just to go with me.

Plus!

Who could bear to reject that CUTE gaze!

"Um, but..."

"It's okay, you two can go," said the father as he suddenly appeared from inside the princess's room. "Luna took quite a while to choose her dress, so as a good knight, isn't it your duty to accompany the princess?

Besides, you can try various foods from different races, and I'm sure you're eager to meet some of them. This event is an annual celebration we hold to commemorate the unity of each race, and it's an honor for us to be chosen as the host for this celebration.

You don't need to worry," Mr. Anderson continued, looking at my expression. "The reason I trust Luna with you is that I have lived long enough and met various people, so I can judge someone at first sight.

You are the kind of person I can trust, Zent, and your concern for Luna, even though I've given you permission, isn't that proof that you can be trusted?" He smiled, lovingly patting his daughter's head. "If you're still worried, don't worry, Celine and her two companions will follow you from a distance. In case something goes wrong, both of your safety is the top priority, so enjoy your evening."

Is it really okay? I mean, what if something bad happens? What can I do?

No, Mr. Anderson is right.

The princess has entrusted me, and I have to uphold that trust.

I stood up, straightened my posture, and looked at Mr. Anderson. "I won't disappoint you and the princess," I said. Then I turned to the little girl who was looking at me with joy.

I extend my hand towards her. "Let's go."

Her blue eyes widened, and she jumped in excitement, bidding farewell to her father, and then she grabbed my hand, quickly pulling me away from the mansion without giving me a chance to say goodbye.

Some of the maids who were temporarily carrying out their duties looked surprised to see their princess running off with a stranger, and they momentarily became alert. However, that was soon replaced by a warm feeling in their hearts as they saw their once gloomy princess smiling again, laughing with happiness.

Mr. Anderson watched the two of them slowly fade away, heaving a sigh of relief as a smile formed on his face, a smile he didn't expect to regain.