Brunaulf POV:

“...”

Beatrix stood in the middle of the room. Her legs poked out of the slits on either side of the dress, and her arms were completely exposed. The tightness of the black fabric accentuated the size of her breasts and drew attention to her phenomenal figure. One side of her dark violet hair, which shimmered with faint purple hues in some areas, hung over her right eye, hiding the scar and dropping all the way down to her breasts, where it rested neatly.

“You do not wish to say anything?”

Beatrix placed her hand on her hip and looked at me. I thought she would have been more embarrassed wearing something so revealing, but she appeared to be fine.

“...Make sure you bring your usual clothes with you.”

I turned my gaze away from her enchanting figure and left the room. While I had no interest in her, it didn’t feel right to be in the same space as her when she was wearing something like that.

I had already thrown the merchant attire on top of what I was wearing, so all that was left to do was depart.

Nana stood next to the carriage waiting below the porch as our eyes met.

“I’ll be riding with you until you get the hang off it.”

“Thank you.”

I walked down the steps and approached the horse carefully. Nana had reluctantly taught me how to ride one earlier in the week.

My hand hovered over its head for a few moments as I assessed its temperament. It neighed but didn’t avoid my touch. Instead, it rubbed its forehead against my cheek.

“She’s taken a liking to you.”

Nana reached my side and stroked the horse's back gently. Her attitude towards me had changed—she no longer had that hostility in her voice.

“...This is a very dangerous mission, Mad Wolf. I hope you understand the implications of your actions. Mess up here and a bounty will be put on your head. The Baron will stop at nothing to make you pay for taking your sister away from him.”

I cracked a wry smile at her words of caution. Put a bounty on my head? Did she honestly think I gave a damn about that? I laughed inwardly as my head throbbed slightly.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine.”

She stared at me for a while before looking away. Even her mannerisms were different. There were now signs of care in her actions and expressions.

“I hope so. Milady is strong, so I’m not worried about her.”

I clicked my tongue and turned to face her. The way she phrased her words was still slightly aggravating. It implied that I was a lot weaker than Beatrix, which from my perspective, simply wasn’t true.

“You have a lovely way with words, don't you?”

“I do try.”

Her lips curved upwards as she winked at me before walking away. I shook my head, climbed into the driver’s seat and grabbed the reins as the horse neighed energetically.

“Nana will join me inside once we’ve reached the halfway point.”

Beatrix handed me a map that showed the route we would be travelling on. I nodded my head as I double-checked she had brought a spare change of clothes.

“I won't let anyone see you like this, Beatrix.”

Her eyelashes fluttered while she stared into my eyes. The corners of her mouth rose before she walked away and entered the carriage that was covered with a simple design. The windows inside were blocked by large curtains so no one from the outside could look in.

“Please take care of her.”

Roy had left his post in order to see Beatrix off. I had spoken with him a few times during my stay, and he had never once called me ‘Mad Wolf.’

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Everyone here held Beatrix in high regard, from the cooks to the gardeners; they all had nothing but praise for her. However, the fact that Roy was making such a request further highlighted the dangerous territory we were about to embark into.

“At the very minimum, I guarantee you that Beatrix will return safely.”

“Thank you.”

Content with my response, he bowed his head and returned back to his post. We would see him one more time when we exited the front garden via the gate.

“Are you sure you don’t hold any romantic feelings for Milady?”

Nana jumped up and sat beside me as I took the reins. The time to depart was drawing near, yet she didn’t seem nervous at all.

“Not in the slightest.”

The horse neighed as the reins lightly tapped against her back. She started trotting towards the entrance at a steady pace without the need for much guidance.

“Have a safe trip!!”

A small group of people had gathered at the entrance. It was a group comprised of everyone staying at the Kassmeyer Mansion. They bowed their heads in unison and looked on with worry written all over their faces. I made eye contact with Roy and gave him a slight nod.

“...We’ll be back soon everyone.”

Nana's eyebrows crumpled while she waved towards the group slowly disappearing behind us. She turned back around and clasped her hands together tightly.

It took over 9 months to get this far. In a few hours, I’d finally be bringing my sister home. I gripped the reins tightly as my eyes narrowed.

If I had to go through a Knight's Apprentice to get her out of there, then I would do so.

I was ready for anything.

***

Jess POV:

I went on my tiptoes as my muscles stretched to the limit, accompanied with a long yawn. It felt really good alleviating the sleep debt my body had incurred.

I wiped my face and left the bedroom to make my way down to the living room. Grandma Yin’s perfect posture was the first thing I saw along with Miles curled up into a ball. She had a content smile on her face as she gazed down at him with loving affection. He slept soundly on her lap while she stroked his cheek gently.

“You’re awake, dear.”

Whenever I saw the two of them like this, I couldn’t help but think about my own upbringing. Being abandoned was bad enough, but I struggled to interact with others properly, and over time I considered it to be an unnecessary thing.

“...Yes, Grandma Yin.”

I bowed my head slightly as I watched her gently move Miles onto a plump cushion. She gazed at him for a while before turning her attention towards me.

“Let’s have a little chat, Jess.”

Her thin lips spread into a sweet smile as she beckoned for me to follow her into the kitchen. I don’t know why but I felt nervous. Grandma Yin was one of the few people... One of the two people that I got along with, and I didn’t want to offend her in any way.

“When will you tell him how you feel?”

“...Pardon?”

I looked at her with a puzzled expression as her eyes narrowed. She observed me carefully for a few seconds before letting out a small sigh.

“Child, if you wait too long, somebody else will move into his heart. My grandson truly cares for you, dear.”

“Ah...”

My mouth opened but all that came out was a strange sound. Blood rushed to my cheeks, and I suddenly felt hot. Grandma Yin put her small hand to her mouth as she chuckled lightly.

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand it. Grandma, you already know how I am...”

I gazed at the floor while colour returned to my flushed cheeks. I had feelings just like the next person, but I lacked experience and understanding. Many people call me cold, and I think they’re right.

“Sometimes we make the simplest of things too complicated. Your upbringing was one that no child should experience, but fate caused your paths to cross. You’ve experienced new emotions and feelings, leaving you unsure of how to act. So, listen to your heart, dear. Don’t be afraid.”

Grandma Yin rubbed my back gently while smiling. Something warm ran down my face as I touched my cheek. I looked at the water that soaked my finger and quickly wiped my eyes.

'Why am I crying?’

Was I really afraid? Afraid of what? I didn’t want to think about it anymore. I sighed inwardly and discarded any thoughts about this matter.

“Gran–”

“!!”

The whole building shook as the sound of a thunderous explosion reached my ear. I held Grandma Yin tightly to make sure she didn’t hurt herself.

“Oh dear, he’s working hard.”

She was referring to the District Leader. It was around one week ago that his training with Vice Lissandra started creating aftershocks. They were small at first, but gradually those shockwaves began to expand further and further till they covered half of District 4.

The Leader's constant growth energised the rest of the Organization, causing many members to reach higher Ki Stages. Practice became more intense, and the size of the Organization swelled daily.

Thankfully, the Vice Administrator had given the order to start reinforcing all of the buildings in District 4 once she became aware of the potential damage it could cause. It was unfortunate that the Cleaners would only repair damage after it's been done, so we couldn’t rely on their assistance this time.

“Ma!! Are you alright?!”

Miles pushed open the door in a panic. His eyebrows quivered as he examined Grandma Yin carefully.

“I’m fine as long as my grandson is.”

He let out a sigh of relief and turned his attention to me.

“Thanks, Jess.”

I nodded my head when I noticed his gaze sweep over me. His eyes seemed to be locked in place around my chest area, causing me to frown slightly. He gave me the thumbs up as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Wow. As expected, Jess. You’re the bes—”

My pupils dilated as steam rose from my face. In a panic, I kicked the door shut, knocking him back into the living room, followed by a loud thud.

“Ow...”

“...”

I stood in the small kitchen with Grandma Yin in silence.

“Ahem... He really is just like my son.”

Grandma Yin rubbed her small nose somewhat proudly with her finger, and I couldn’t help the corners of my mouth from rising.

Relaxing like this every once in a while wasn’t bad at all.