I stand still like the Statue Of Liberty, dumbstruck as I watch Azher vanishes to get in line. “…Did he just… go in line to buy Melody’s Sweet desserts?”
This Ardiane’s savior is a complete weirdo. Why would he line up when he can order them to his palace? I’m sure whoever the owner is would be honored.
‘I remembered seeing a café near here. Better wait there instead of stupidly standing in the middle of a crowded street.’
As I’m making my way to tell Azher, a young woman being forcefully dragged by a group of men in a lonely alley between shops catches my attention. The woman’s mouth is covered by a muscular man’s hand as she struggles to break free.
“T-That’s…!”
Forgetting my original purpose, I quickly follow the suspicious men. If I go and inform Azher first, I’ll lose them!
In the past few weeks, there have been numerous cases of people gone missing and human trafficking in the capital. I even went to shady places to investigate t
He put off his mask. A sweet smile crafts on his face. Though I’ve confirmed he’s Saikeo, I can’t let my guard down. “Why does the capital’s famous hero wants to be my knight? It’d be more beneficial if you reveal yourself or become His Majesty’s personal bodyguard.” “The truth is…” His finger scratches his cheek shyly. “I became Saikeo because I want to get my lady’s attention.” “Huh?” I gasp again, squinting very hard due to the bewilderment. What sick joke is this? “I’m well informed that many knights have asked the honor to be my lady’s knight and you rejected them all. But… I still want to try my luck.” “And what makes you think I wouldn’t do the same?” I ask, folding my arms. “If my lady grants me a chance, I will prove to you that I’m useful.” “Everyone is useful. Heroes teach people to do good while criminals set up as the repercussion of doing bad things for youngsters to not follow.” I remark. “I know how my lady has
Sentence of the day, this is definitely not how I expect events to turn out! “Huwah…! My little princess is such a great detective!” Dad hugs me tightly that I’m choking in the stomach. “Hey! She is my daughter!” Mom yells, abruptly pulling me. Yes, she freed me from Dad’s embrace but captured me into her arms. “No! Mine!” Dad pulls my arm. “Mine!” “Ehem!” Julian fake coughs, attracting Mom and Dad’s attention. He stands with his arms folded, speaking, “Excuse both of you. She’s my sister.” As so, the three of them quarrel as I’m stuck in between. D*mn, you, Killian Enzo! You’re so dead when I find you! ***** “If I see your hands down, you’ll be in Yuri’s oven!” I scold angrily, a rattan cane in hand. “I’m sorry, my lady…!” Killian whimpers, submissively apologizing. “Not accepted!” Killian continues on apologizing and I promptly reject right after. Every single time
“Red Arum.” Aiden keeps his answer short. “What? Isn’t that like… super-duper rare?” Red Arum is a very deadly poison produced from the world’s smelliest flower, Rilian Arum. It doesn’t take effect right after being consumed – eat, drink or sniff. The poison will slowly spread throughout the victim’s body within a week or two. After that, the victim will often feel dizzy and slowly lose his five senses within 3 months. Usually, the victim will die at that rate, but if he’s still alive, the blood vessels in his brain will burst, causing death. Simply put, the victim wouldn’t even know he’s dying inside within 3 months after consuming Red Arum. “Yes. You’re not affected by the poison, right?” Aiden’s eyes turn concerned. “I’m here, aren’t I?” He smiles “I was worried because you sensed the poison.” “Still, I’m not convinced. What if-” “I haven’t congratulated you on receiving an award during the parade. What was it again? Oddest
Catching my breath, I read the note slowly. My lady, meet us in the mini-forest. Killian’s injury is severe, but not to the point of dying. Ryan is treating him there. Sincerely, Kai I squint my eyes. Mini forest? Won’t the manor be more suitable? Anyway, without any delay, I rush towards the mini-forest, which is located a little further from the sparring ground. Mini-forest is a garden with wild trees that makes it look like a forest. You’ll feel surrounded by nature there. Hearing the birds chirping, breathing fresh smell-like-trees air, and enjoying the too-good-to-be-true scenery. Despite the name ‘mini’, the garden is quite huge. I explore around the forest. Not a figure is insight. I clench my fist in irritation. I swear that if this is a prank, I’m crushing each one of their skulls. “My lady!
The small party ends shortly right before evening. I knew how hard they worked to prepare this, so I insist on cleaning it up. They all objected at first, but because of my hard-headed persistence, they eventually give in. Well… it’s not like I’m cleaning up alone. Theron offered to help, though her true intention is clearly to eat Yuri’s leftover pastries. As I’m picking up the empty porcelains and plates, somebody snatches it all from my hand. Looking up, it’s Killian. “Eh? Why are you here?” I ask. Before he can answer, a group of maids appears and clean up the rest. Killian passes the empty porcelains and plates to them. “Allow us to clean this up, my lady.” The head of the maid offers, hands placed behind her back. “I can do it.” “My lady, His Grace will be furious if he knew my lady cleaned these.” She reasons. Well, knowing Dad, she has a point. “…Alright. I’ll leave these to you.” I say, giving her a pat on the shoulder
‘Father’s on a trip to the capital today! I can finally walk around the market after so long!’ I happily skipped, wearing a black cloak with its hood covering almost to my nose to avoid being seen. The smell of delicious barbeque and worth-drooling pastries strikes my nose. Loud voices from merchants promoting their goods and people chattering make the night market lively. This is the atmosphere I’ve been wanting, the total opposite of being trapped in the house. While I was walking around with a chicken skewer in my hand, a familiar topic reached my ear. “Have you heard? There’s another murder case here!” A woman says, carrying a basket of steamed bread – a merchant I assume. “It was a countess, right? They say all her jewelries and valuable items were gone.” The other one says, carrying another basket containing green vegetables. “Murder and rob cases have increased rapidly in this area. Why aren’t the imperial family taking any action?”
“My lady, Lord Julian is here.” Killian knocks on the carriage’s door where my little sister is waiting. “Come in.” She answers. As Killian opens the door, I’m dazed by the lady in front of me. Airis is sitting with her hand on her chin wearing a grand red dress with silver-gold diamond jewelries on her hair, fingers, wrists, and ears. “Airis… Your dress…” I stutter, shocked as to why she chose such a striking color out of everything. I thought she said she wishes to go with a non-striking look? “Mom ordered this dress for me for tonight’s banquet. I absolutely can’t turn her down.” “I swear your head is gonna end up with a huge hole tonight.” I laugh. “Sigh… Don’t even talk about it. I’d even attract animals with this kind of red.” I let out another small laugh and enter the carriage. ***** “My apologies, my lady, but maids and knights are not allowed to enter. They have a separate
I sigh in tiredness and fade up. Before I enter the forest empty field – where the hunting competition opening banquet is held – Mina told me that Azher was searching for me. He must have something to say before the ceremony started. Hence, I spend half of my energy wandering around in this extravagant dress. But I don’t spot Azher anywhere! “Is he playing with me or something?” I murmur, biting my lip. “Turn around.” Just by the voice, I instantly recognize the person behind me. I turn around, already prepared with an irked look. “Now you see him.” Azher smiles angelically. “Thanks for the exercise. I feel very healthy and energetic now.” I say, smiling with full sarcasm. He lets out a breath. “You’re really joining the hunt?” “For the three hundred twenty-seven times today, yes.” “A lady has never joined Ardiane’s hunting competition.” “I’ll be the first. There’s no law forbidding women from participating.”