Nieren, Rya's Lady-in-Waiting and older sister, was positioned on the ground in front of Quinus and Rya's bedroom door. She had long, flowing blonde hair spread across the floor and was dressed in the Fiafyrian female retainer uniform. Ever since their mother, Yuliana, had adopted Rya as her new daughter just a week ago, Nieren embraced her new role with warmth and affection, eager to protect and support her newfound sister in their enchanting world filled with magical creatures and danger.

“Augh? Ow... Zzzzz...” The weary female wood elf groaned, seemingly unfazed by her tumble as she slipped right back into a peaceful slumber, lost in her dreams.

Rya let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes at the sight while Quinus stood there, caught between amusement and concern. His heart warmed at how endearingly adorable his future sister-in-law appeared, sprawled on the ground in a state of utter exhaustion from their long journey back to the capital. He couldn't help but smile, yet a pang of sympathy tugged at him—she had certainly earned her rest.

"Nieren! I told you to find a room to sleep in. You didn't need to stand guard all night." Rya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Nieren stirred and opened her eyes and saw Rya standing above her with her arms crossed and a slightly annoyed look on her face.

"Huh? S-Sis?..." Nieren muttered as she rubbed her eyes.

"Nieren?" Rya repeated and tapped her foot.

"Ahhh!"Sorry... I-I wanted to protect you and the Prince," Nieren exclaimed and sat up, looking around the room. She saw that the door to the Prince's bedroom was wide open. She was dumbfounded at first, then quickly jumped up to her feet and acted like nothing happened.

"That's sweet of you, but you need to take care of yourself. You have been up for nearly 24 hours," Rya stated and sighed.

Nieren's retainer uniform was looking a bit messy, and her hair was all tousled. She had some dark circles under her eyes from staying up late to "guard her adopted sister," though she had a few other reasons for staying up as well. She's become accustomed to hearing Rya and Quinus' activities, especially their sexual escapades. And the voice she was more attracted to was Quin's. Every grunt, moan, and groan of his turned her on and made her feel funny. Nieren convinced herself that her actions were all about shielding her new sister and the Prince, but deep down, she was grappling with a blossoming crush on him. It was a truth she was too blind to acknowledge, lost in her own delusions.

"O-Of course. I-I'm fine. Haah..." Nieren yawned, unable to conceal her exhaustion.

"Nieren... Go get some sleep and fix yourself up. I'll call you later, and you can come back."

"What!? No, I'm fine. Besides, I need to make sure that you're safe. It's a new place, and every few people realize that a dark elf is in the Palace."

Rya gave her older sister a skeptical look, "Nieren... You can protect me just fine when you are fully rested. Come on, let's find you a room so you can get some sleep. Then you can come back and do your job."

No! I'm fine, sis! This tiredness will pass," Nieren complained as she pushed away Rya's hand.

"You are being stubborn," Rya replied with a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Sis. But I am not going to leave your side until I know that the palace is safe for you."

Rya let out a weary sigh as she watched Nieren struggle to keep her footing. It pained her to see her friend so worn out, and the reason behind her own clinginess puzzled her.

“Dammit! She can barely stand,” Rya thought, frustration bubbling inside her. It was utterly absurd how stubborn she was being. Glancing over at Quinus, she sought a silent plea for assistance. Picking up on her distress, Quin strode over to the wood elf, ready to lend a hand. He smiled brightly at the Wood Elf, who did a double-take, suddenly aware of his presence.

"Nieren... I admire your bravery in protecting the woman I love," Quinus said as he grabbed her hand.

Nieren's eyes widened in surprise, a delicate shade of rose creeping across her cheeks as the dashing prince gently clasped her hand. Her heart raced, a wild drumbeat echoing in her chest, while her palms grew clammy with a surge of nerves. She gazed up at him, a mix of wonder and confusion dancing in her expression, captivated by the magnetic charm that radiated from him.

"But Rya makes a valid point. You really need to take a break," Quinus urged gently, his voice laced with concern. "It would truly be an honor if you chose to stay in my room. We have an extra bed just waiting for you." He stepped forward, guiding her toward the cozy, inviting space that was connected to Rya's and Quin's room that was off to the side.

Nieren didn't know what to do or say. She felt butterflies in her stomach. But she didn't understand why.

"Uhh? M-My prince?" Nieren murmured, locking her gaze with his. A rush of emotion surged through her, her heart fluttering like a captive bird. Confusion clouded her thoughts, and the weight of her exhaustion pressed heavily upon her, amplifying the whirlwind of feelings coursing through her.

Nieren couldn’t shake the peculiar sensation overwhelming her. 'Why does my heart race like this? What’s happening to me?' A flutter of confusion swept through her thoughts. 'Could Rya be onto something? Maybe hearing all that... passion is finally getting to me.' She took a deep breath, trying to steady her frenzied pulse as she trailed behind the captivating human. Under different circumstances, she might have pushed back against this unexpected attraction, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and curiosity tugged at her like an irresistible force.

Quinus gently guided her over to the empty bed and helped her sit down. Rya watched all of this with a dumbfounded look. How was it that Nieren was so stubborn with her, and yet Quinus' simple touch and smile made Nieren meek and compliant?

"I can see the concern etched on your face for my fiancée, and it’s entirely understandable. Believe me, her safety is my top priority as well," Quinus said softly, kneeling before the weary Wood Elf. Nieren, fatigue weighing heavily on her, let out a long, unguarded yawn, revealing just how deeply this journey was taking its toll on her. "But please, don’t sacrifice yourself in the process," he added, his voice filled with genuine care.

Nieren tried one last time to protest, her words heavy with reluctance, "But... But, My Prince—"

Quinus let out a warm chuckle, his laughter filling the room and cutting through her words. "Just call me Quin. That’s what all my friends do," he said, a playful glint in his golden eyes. With a gentle touch, he nudged her toward the bed. "Now, get some rest, Nieren. You deserve it." The wood elf met his gaze, her heart fluttering slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded and settled onto the bed, comforted by his presence.

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'Warm...' Was all Nieren could think as she nestled into the silken sheets, letting her eyes drift closed. Sleep claimed her in moments, and before long, she was lost in her dreams.

"Phew. She finally went to sleep," Quinus sighed, gently tucking the blankets around the wood elf as she settled into a deep sleep. With a sense of relief, he rose and made his way toward the perplexed Dark Elf, whose eyes looked at her older sister with more questions than answers.

"What the hell? I was trying to do all the same things you just did, and she wouldn't listen to me," Rya whispered in astonishment.

"Hmm? Well, she might have the big sister complex... I've seen that happen before. Sometimes, the older siblings want to be the ones to protect the younger siblings," Quinus whispered, leaning in close. "And maybe she needed to hear the same thing from someone else."

'Really? It looked like he was hypnotizing her. What the fuck is going on with you, Nieren?... Even since I've healed your mana vein, you've been acting stranger than usual. But it could just be the fatigue and lack of sleep...' Rya thought as she sighed.

"Hmph. Well, whatever it was, I'm glad she finally went to sleep," Rya grumbled. "Maybe I will ask her about it after she gets some rest."

"Least not worry about her for now, babe," Quinus whispered and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. "She's safe here," Quinus said while offering Rya his arm again.

"Yes, let's," Rya replied as she looped her arm around his and smiled at him.

As the two strolled out, they were met with a startled servant whose eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of both the prince and the enchanting Dark Elf by his side.

“I... I... I had no idea His Highness was back!” the servant exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. “Please forgive me for not noticing sooner! I’ll get right to cleaning your chambers!”

With a hasty bow, she hurried off, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway, eager to attend to their needs.

"Hold on!..." Quinus called out, halting the servant in her tracks.

"Yes, Your Highness?" the servant replied, turning to face the pair. She was trying her best not to stare at Rya and focus on the Prince.

"I have a favor to ask," Quinus said.

"Of course, my prince. What is it?" the servant replied.

There's another guest sleeping in my chamber. You can come back to clean my room in the afternoon—unless that goes against your schedule," Quinus explained.

"U-Umm. Well, yes. But it's fine. I can adjust to accommodate His Highness," the servant answered and bowed her head again.

"That's alright, just wait until the afternoon. Oh, and I'll send for another servant to assist you."

"T-That won't be necessary," the servant objected.

"It is because this place could use a little more cleaning than—usual," Quinus countered.

The servant's eyes darted back and forth from the Prince to the Dark Elf. She knew that this would be a good time to impress her superiors.

"Very well. If his Highness insists, thank you," the servant said as she bowed her head again before hurrying off. She kept glancing at Rya with fear in her eyes.

'Haah... Here we go again... Everyone is scared of the big bad elf... I should grab something to cover my ears so everyone can stop being so damn jumpy,' Rya thought as she sighed.

Quinus noticed the change in her mood and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry about them. They will get used to your presence soon enough," Quinus assured her.

"I know. But I'll grab a shawl or a hood so people aren't startled by me," Rya stated, her voice flat and tired. "Hang here, and I'll be back in a moment."

Rya sauntered over to the dresser, her eyes dancing over the array of accessories until they landed on a luxurious black silk shawl. It was the perfect companion to her new dress. With a graceful motion, she swept the shawl over her head, allowing it to cascade around her shoulders, elegantly concealing her long, pointed ears. She turned around a playful spark in her eyes. "So, what do you think? How do I look?"

Quinus just stared at her with a brilliant smile, "Beautiful... as always."

Rya flashed him a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she sent him a cheeky wink.

"Shall we?" Quinus inquired, a playful glimmer in his eyes as he extended his arm to her for the third time, inviting her to join him.

"Yes, let's," Rya replied, wrapping her arm around his. Then, they went on their way towards the private dining room.

As they strode down the dimly lit hallway, the guards snapped to attention, their expressions impossibly stern. Rya felt a flicker of unease wash over her; there was something unnerving about the rigid formality that surrounded her. She'd thrived in the laid-back atmosphere of Ironside, where the Dwarves welcomed her with open arms and hearty laughter.

Yet here, every detail seemed steeped in an archaic tradition she struggled to embrace. It was precisely this contrast that had drawn her to train under the formidable Fyrella Coldforge, the revered Baroness Dowager of Ironside. Rya had immersed herself in the nuances of Fiafyrian noble etiquette, determined to adapt. Still, the echoes of her old Earth habits lingered, making it challenging to navigate the stifling expectations of her new world.

Quinus and Rya stepped into the bustling dining hall, their senses immediately enchanted by the vibrant atmosphere. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they spotted Quin's loyal retainers—the young Ranger, Percy, and the ever-dutiful Sir George—gathered around a long, beautifully set table. A few servants darted between the guests, carrying platters of steaming dishes that promised a feast fit for royalty.

"Your Highness," Percy greeted with a bow of his head.

"Morning, Percy," Quinus greeted back.

"Your Highness, I trust you and Lady Rya had a pleasant morning?" Percy inquired with a smirk.

"We did," Rya answered for Quinus.

Percy just raised an eyebrow at the Dark Elf.

"Oh, stop, Percy... Like you are one that can judge. I had to change rooms because you and Dalia were howling at the moons last night," Sir George stated with a glare.

"And you're just annoyed that your 'Love Sage's advice still isn't helping you pick up the ladies," Percy taunted.

Sir George's face turned beet red, and he quickly looked away. "I-I'm getting better," he stammered, trying to defend himself.

"Sure, you are," Rya teased with a chuckle.

“Oh, I see how this morning is going to go,” Sir George exclaimed, throwing his hands up dramatically. “Just let’s all pile on poor old George, the world’s worst matchmaker. Why not kick a guy while he’s down? Well, I’ve had enough!” His eyes sparked with determination as he continued, “All your teasing and taunting has only steeled my resolve! I’m going to find the perfect girl… or perhaps a disciple! And mark my words, I will become renowned for my pillars of wisdom and courtship!”

With fervor, he jabbed his fork in the air, first pointing at Rya, then Quinus, and finally, he turned to Percy, who could only grimace at George’s bold declaration.

"Oh! A disciple, you say? Like young Percy? That sure helped him get labeled as a pervert, if my memory is correct," Rya asked, and Percy and Quinus looked at each other and smirked.

"Of course not! He failed to understand my teachings... But You! Lady Rya! You may have had the upper hand in getting Percy together with Dalia. And you might have helped fix Lord Johan's relationship with Lady Tayna... But I've been learning and taking notes on you and Prince Quinus' methods. I've been holding this back until we've returned home, and I am here to tell you that I will master them and become a Love Sage that this world needs!" Sir George announced with his fist clenched.

"So, what you are saying is that I'm a failure? And I'm here to tell you that I'm fine with that," Percy said, which caused the table to laugh.

"No! No, of course not, Percy. You were just the perfect test subject... Ahem! Sorry... What I meant to say was, you are a great example of what not to do, my dear friend," Sir George corrected himself, which only made everyone laugh even harder.

"Jeez... What has gotten into you, George? Isn't being a Royal Knight enough for you? Or are you going to take up the life of a Bard now?" Quinus joked, and Sir George paused momentarily as he looked like he was lost in thought. And after a few seconds, he shook his head vigorously.

"Bah, this is nothing. I was just messing with Lady Rya," Sir George retorted, trying to save face.

"Is that so? You weren't thinking of something else now, were you?" Rya asked.

"What?... No, no... Nothing at all," Sir George replied with a nervous smile.

"Oh? Is that so," Rya continued with a smirk.

A sheen of sweat broke out across Sir George's forehead, glistening under the sunlight that came through the large windows as tension mounted in the air.

"Y-Yes... It's nothing," Sir George stammered.

"Oh, you were. Well, that's a shame," Rya teased.

Sir George tried to ignore the Dark Elf's teasing, but his pride was making it difficult. He didn't want to admit that he was getting older, and he didn't know how much longer he had to find a wife and start a family. He felt his time was running out.

"A-Ahem. I-I don't know what you are talking about," Sir George said, and the others at the table couldn't help but chuckle at the knight's denial.

"Alright, I'll let you off the hook this time, George... But I won't be so merciful next time," Rya teased the old knight one more time. "Let's eat; I'm starving," Rya said as she grabbed her fork and knife.

Everyone else followed suit as they enjoyed their meal, chatting amongst themselves.