Her platinum blonde hair fell like a curtain of the waterfall down her back. Unhurriedly, she walked, and a hot bun of bread was stuck between her teeth. Ghana bit down on the bread in her mouth with a bored expression. Her dark skin looked bright and red as it passed through the daylight. She doesn't usually let her hair loose and untied. However, the last of her hair tie snapped, and now she had to put up with letting her hair fall.

Two pairs of footsteps echoed within the long outdoor hallways.

"..."

Her ears caught whispers from the mouths of passing Dragorian sentinels and curious servant elves, and she listened quietly to their words, hoping for them to entertain her.

"How beautiful... I didn't think this person would look so fascinating..."

"It's a rare beauty. None can compare to it..."

"I wouldn't be surprised if a thousand men and women would be lining up to possess that body..."

"I know! Anyone would be blind not to acknowledge those looks at first glance!"

Giggles followed after the conversation of the two Dragorian sentinels making Ghana frown.

"Must be nice being the center of attention these days..." Her captivating blue eyes glanced at the person who was walking silently beside her. A slender figure could enthrall the coldest of men and a beautiful face that could bring countries before his feet. Despite the numerous murmurs around them, the youth beside her looked unaffected. There was a slight frown on his face as if he didn't like what he was hearing, and, at the same time, he found the murmurs unnecessary and irritating.

Within his arms were two silent little creatures: one black and one white. Snow and Keir were looking at each other competitively while Moulin caressed their furry heads alternately. Snow narrowed his silver eyes at the black wolf and puffed his chest arrogantly. 'Master likes me the most!'

Keir stared at his little friend and tilted his head. He didn't really understand the point of their competitive staring. Does his little friend like him?

His sudden tail wagged energetically.

Ghana smiled at Moulin playfully. The young man's expression fantastically expressed his feelings but guessing his thoughts was completely arduous. "Do you find their words displeasing?"

Moulin glanced at her after a few seconds of silence. "Is it essential to compliment me more because of my looks than my ability?"

"Oh, You want them to compliment your skill?"

"No, I particularly hate those kinds of compliments..."

"..." Ghana blinked. Then why are you so bothered by it?

Moulin chewed the inside of his cheek while frowning. He trained his body hard to make it look more muscular than slender. He was sure he doesn't just look frail now, but why was he still getting those kind of compliments? Moulin was currently confident that he doesn't look as delicate as a girl's body anymore... does he really look that feminine? Or is it because of the afterglow of those terrifyingly passionate nights in his and Hadrian's room?

Was that even real?

Watching Moulin's expression change every ten seconds, Ghana was undoubtedly entertained. Suddenly she spots something. "You're collar looks loose..."

"Really?" Moulin looked at her.

With a nod, Ghana stopped and fixed her friend's collar, buttoning them up, making Moulin looked refined and elegant. She patted Moulin's shoulder. "Finished..."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome..." She flashed a gentle smile while her thoughts became chaotic inside her mind.

A red mark. It wasn't an insect bit at all! Anyone would notice it at one glance!

Internally, she regretted being Lord Hadrian's secret spy for his lover. When she was first summoned in front of the lord's presence, Ghana thought she had done something horrible because of her temper. She didn't expect that she would be carrying the burden of becoming one of Lord Hadrian's shadows. What was even more shocking was the task given to her? Her face was white, and she gawked at the information she was forced to know.

Moulin Fraunces. The fiercest Aphrodite in Azuran. Her savior and friend. Was. The. Beloved. Of. Lord Hadrian Hercullio!!

Lord Hercullio then spoke of her circumstances, including the matter with her father. Explicitly speaking, Lord Hadrian threatened to return her to her father if she wouldn't take the task. Ghana could only cry invisible tears as Varick and Fhorg welcomed her to their 'Threatened-to-join' club.

While wearing a calm expression, she and Moulin arrived at the imperial castle's front courtyard, where their horses and flying mounts were readied. Yes, the day of departure had arrived, and Moulin had long anticipated this day.

The Guild Lords were already on their mounts; one was silently observing while the other was loud and commanding as he spoke out orders. Lord Hadrian's gaze swept the whole area until they landed on a particular silver-eyed youth with two creatures in his arms. Moulin blinked at him and then turned away to find his mount. Ghana followed him with furrowed brows. Sheesh, who could bear to endure that cold, frightening gaze?...

An hour passed, and the preparations were complete. A line of elven warriors lined up at the sides of the pathway where the Sentinels would be crossing—their armors, gilded with royal gold and green, the royal family's crest embellishing their breast.

The elven crown prince, along with his siblings and the court ministers, stood to see their good friends off. Without their aid, the kingdom would have been in peril, and his dear sister would have lost her life. Words cannot express his gratitude, and he made sure to let the king of Aurona know of their excellence and bravery.

The filtered light from the sky shined down upon their figures. It was an unforgettable sight, especially to Moulin.

Lord Ordan and Lord Hercullio gratefully received the farewells of the royal family and their people. Riding his mount comfortably, Moulin caught Jagra's reluctant gaze. Curious, he followed his friend's gaze and saw Gaile, Jagra's dear friend. Slightly furrowing his brows, Moulin sighs. He had already expected this from his friend. Jagra needs to learn not to grow too attached. Their separation was already expected; did he not know this would happen?

Suddenly, from the corner of his eyes, he saw a white figure standing behind prince Nordehl's generals. It was the Oracle Laphora with the human researcher Valkan. Catching Valkan's sulking expression and then Laphora's smile, Moulin sighed before he turned away. Nope, he wouldn't miss them one bit.

Relena and Rowan finally gave the signal to move forward when their Guild Lords finally finished talking with the Elves. Moulin glanced at Snow and Keir, who was excitedly peeking out from the cover of his satchel before he grasped the reins of his horse.

"MOULIN!"

Moulin abruptly stiffened at the noise. His horse neighed loudly as Moulin pulled the reins to a stop. Not only him but most of the people around turned their heads.

Princess Eilhara was staring straight at the young man with a flushed face. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouted once more! "I will wait for you to visit! You must come and visit me or else! You will live forever in my heart!!!"

...

Every single person who had heard the princess's bold declaration was frozen stiff. The sentinels, the royal family, the ministers, the generals, the elven knights, the servants, etc. Their faces were white as silence enveloped the whole area. Slowly, their eyes shifted unconsciously to the beautiful expressionless youth.

...

"Hm." Moulin only responded with a syllable that could barely be heard and turned around while briefly waving his hand. He guided his horse forward with a sigh.

Today was supposed to be a peaceful day... Well done, princess...

Princess Eilhara: Did he hear it? I didn't really catch his expression. Did he say something? Why didn't I hear anything!

...........

Utterly irritating...

Moulin could only explain his journey with these two words.

The daily playful snickers and teasing whistles thrown in his way were gradually wearing his patience thin. When they traveled through the grasslands, he would sense the curious stares of the sentinels around him. When they crossed rivers, they would occasionally tease him about his 'affair' with the princess. When they finally entered the nearest teleportation Pearl within the Meian country, A group of sentinels, both Leonile and dragorian, came to question him endlessly.

An Aphrodite maeruthan who had rescued the kidnapped princess and successfully captured her heart. It was an absolutely unique and exciting story, almost to the point of being legendary and funny.

Legendary my ass!

The ice crystal within Moulin's grasp cracked and shattered!

He was sitting within the halls of the Leonile Head quarters in Azuran. The moment they arrived, Moulin immediately followed his group to escape those chattering idiots that were bold enough to chase after him to talk to him.

He took a deep breath while unaware of the anger that emanated from his lone figure. The people curiously whispered to themselves as they stared at the young man.

"Ao?"

"Woof?"

Moulin lowered his gaze and saw the two brats staring at him with bright eyes while tilting their heads. Moulin only sighed.

"I heard a grand imperial ball would be held in the two guild's honor..." A voice suddenly spoke from ahead of him.

"Alsander!" Moulin widened his eyes in surprise. He hadn't seen a trace of this idiot ever since he returned.

"Hello, Moulin..." He smiled. His amber eyes eyed the young man before him. "You have really made a name of yourself. It's truly admirable..." He chuckled.

A frown etched Moulin's expression. "How fortunate of me. Forgive me, but I don't have time for interrogations to sate your curiosity..."

Alsander laughed. His laugh was so loud; it echoed throughout the receiving halls of the manor. When his laughter died down, he grinned at his friend. "How unfortunate of me..." He repeated Moulin's words teasingly.

"You..." The youth cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Alright, I'm not here to interrogate you at all." Alsander sighed with a heavy heart. "The Lord wants to speak to you. He is waiting..." Alsander forced out the words with a shudder. "Come on now, hurry."

Moulin swallowed. A cloud of gloom hovered above his head. His doom has come...