The couple enjoyed a light and delicious late breakfast in Lady Drusus' castle's grand dining room. The sun rose in the sky hours ago. Noon will arrive soon. More than a week has passed since they arrived in Bamunz. Aside from sightseeing and being entertained by the castle's owner, Kian only briefly spoke about their plan. No new information had been exchanged ever since they arrived.

“What do you want to do today?” Kian asked softly as he took a sip of his coffee.

Malak thought about it as he took a bite of a sweet and sour red tart topped with whipped cream. “We could go hunting? It doesn’t feel too hot today,” he proposed.

“Good idea,” Kian smiled as he lifted his fingers to the level of his shoulder.

Seconds later, a grey-haired butler was by his side. “How may I be of help?”

“Make the preparations. We are going hunting after lunch.”

“Everything will be taken care of. Please enjoy your meal,” the butler politely answered before stepping away from the table.

Despite his age, he was still quick and nimble on his feet. With a glance, he gathered the servants he needed before leaving the dining room to complete the task he was given.

“Do you remember how to hunt?” Kian asked casually.

“No, but I remember you liking it.”

The red-eyed man frowned. “We should do something that you'll also enjoy.”

“Hunting is fine,” Malak whispered as his cheeks warmed up. There was no way he could explain the reason. “Let’s get ready!”

Malak quickly stood up before escaping the dining room. Three maids followed quickly behind him like shadows. Each step they took was extremely light, despite wearing heavy layers of clothing.

Reaching his bedroom door, Malak turned around to face the three female demons.

“I wish to be alone.”

The maids glanced at each other before one stepped forward. “We were asked to help you get into your hunting uniform,” she spoke softly with her head slightly bowed.

“Thank you, but it won’t be needed. Call my maid for me. It’s the eldest one with black hair and cat ears.”

There was a moment of silence. “As you wish. If need be, we are at your disposal.”

Malak nodded before entering his private quarters. Once he closed the door behind him, he sighed in exhaustion. He didn’t think he will ever get used to it.

=^._.^= ∫

“What is he thinking? Using a demi-human as his maid,” whispered the first maid as she walked down the long hallway toward the servants' quarters.

The second female servant shrugged. “She may be an unparalleled beauty.”

“But… he seems to be in a relationship with another male…”

“Oh, but between the aristocracy, it is a common thing,” the second maid chuckled behind her palm. “Once we see her, everything will be clear.”

“You’re right.”

Both females chuckled as they were excited to have found a new source of entertainment.

In front of a door, they composed themselves before knocking on it. Soon after, Mikasa appeared in their line of vision. In mere seconds, they analyzed her features.

“Yes?”

“Come with us. You have been summoned.”

“By whom?” Mizuki asked as she stared at the three strangers.

Taken aback, the maids frowned at her.

“I shouldn’t have expected anything from a demi-human,” the first maidservant whispered in disdain.

Mizuki’s ear twitched. Despite hearing her clearly, Mizuki kept silent.

“You’re Sir Malak Osman's personal maidservant, aren’t you?” the second female demon asked.

“I am.”

“Assisting and helping your master in any way you can is your duty. Now, your master asks for you. It is not proper to make him wait.”

“Ok,” Mizuki answered before closing the door in their face.

Stunned, both female demons were frozen in place. A moment later, Mizuki walked out in her uniform. Keeping a safe distance from her, they avoided her like she had the plague.

“Follow us.”

=^._.^= ∫

Malak opened the door and came face to face with Mizuki. Taking a step aside, he allowed her access to his bedroom. Immediately after, he closed his door. Malak didn't want to face those maids again.

Mizuki silently stood next to the big window. The view it gave over the city was beautiful. But she paid no attention to it. Malak was the focus of her attention.

“Sorry about that. They didn’t want to leave me alone,” he explained as he examined his hunting clothes.

The outfit was mostly composed of black leather and thick cloth of the same colour to protect its wearer. It was simple and looked rather comfortable. Although, Malak was still skeptical about how simple leather could stop an arrow or the fangs of a wild beast. Often more than not, he longed for the modern technology of the other world.

A simple thought about it brought a bitter taste to his mouth. As he recalled his human family, images of them flashed through his mind. Malak didn’t regret leaving Earth with Kian. Although his soul yearned for this place, he still lived many years on the blue planet. The young demon only wished he could have left them on a brighter note.

Mizuki’s hands brought him back to reality. She gently took away his outfit from his grasp. “Let me help you,” she proposed.

Malak nodded as he stood still when her delicate fingers unbuttoned his shirt. He quietly observed her as he undressed him. The strength she gained in only a few weeks was remarkable. Despite being born into a royal family, she fell into slavery, but never gave up on her will to live and the family she had left.

“Don’t you miss it?” Malak blurted out as he slipped one arm into the leather jacket.

“It depends on what you’re referring to.”

“Eastokya, your home country, your family…”

Mizuki’s hands never stopped. Her voice never wavered, and she looked right into Malak’s eyes before answering. “No.”

Malak respected her silence and didn’t probe further. Ready, he was about to leave the room when her voice stopped him.

“They kicked me out. I don’t have a reason to return,” she added before opening the door for her master.

As Malak walked down the hallway, the three maids shadowed him all over again. They kept walking a step behind Mizuki. After some guidance, he arrived at the stables. Kian was already there. The couple’s hunting outfits were similar. As opposed to Malak's black clothes embellished with silver arrangements, Kian's were gold.

“You’re here,” the King smiled as he caressed a beautiful white horse.

Malak hurried toward him but tripped on his own feet. As he saw the ground getting closer, he protected his face with his arm and awaited the impact. When nothing happened, he opened his eyes. Although Malak fell on the floor, he didn't hit the ground. In between his body and the dirt road, there was a thin layer of darkness. It acted like a fluffy pillow.

With the maids rushing toward him, they helped him up before checking for any injury. By the time they realized something was wrong, Kian already cancelled his power.

“I’m fine,” Malak assured them before resuming his walk toward his love.

“Are you certain?” Kian asked with worry.

Although he was the one who saved him, Malak thanked him and assured him he was not hurt. Instead, he directed his attention toward the magnificent horse. Its fur was white, but under the sun, it glowed in a metallic hue. Gently, he caressed it. Malak had never seen a horse this beautiful.

Soon after, the stable boy guided another horse to Kian. Despite his limited knowledge of them, Malak could feel the black horse's power. It was a beast with a strong character. Kian observed it before nodding in satisfaction. Even with the boy’s warning, he didn’t hesitate to fasten his saddle on the horse. Malak watched nervously as his husband mount it. As the animal neighed and struggled, everyone stopped breathing. As a result of the brief scuffle, Kian successfully controlled the horse. Relieved, Malak breathed again as the servants clapped.

Following his example, Malak placed his left foot on the stirrup before grabbing the saddle with his right hand. In a swift motion, he pulled himself up onto his horse’s back. The beautiful glowing creature snorted and didn’t show any sign of agitation.

As the servants gathered the weapons and dogs, an uninvited guest made his presence known.

“What a coincidence. It seems like fate brought us together,” Lord Ahlers smiled as he reached the stables with a row of servants trailing behind him.

Startled, Malak turned to hide his face from him. He forgot to bring his mask out. But before he could utterly panic, Mizuki quickly handed him his mask. Malak thanked her before putting it on.

Kian urged his horse to move in front of Malak, so he was protected from prying eyes. “What a coincidence indeed,” Kian smiled, but his tone suggested otherwise.

The Lord of Ginargzar laughed nervously, completely taken aback by the chilly welcome. “Bring me my horse,” he harshly ordered the stable boy that got near him. “This perfect weather gave me the urge to hunt. In Ginargzar, there aren’t any forests. Wouldn't it be a shame if I passed up this opportunity, wouldn't you say?” he added with honey-coated words.

“I wasn’t made aware you were into the hobby,” Kian answered. “Your skills must be as good as your craft.”

Lord Ahlers forced a smile. “How can I compare to Your Majesty?”

“You better remember that.” Kian tightened his hold on the reigns as the horse got restless after staying immobile for too long. “Let’s go.”

Breaking into a gallop, Malak closely followed behind. Taken by surprise, Lord Ahlers quickly got onto his horse before chasing after the couple. While catching up, he swallowed his pride and plastered a smile on his face. He only needed to endure it a bit longer. Amid that, the Lord of Ginargzar wondered who was the man behind the former king. At first, he thought it was his mad dog, but the physique didn’t match. Both of them were present upon their arrival at the castle. Was he wearing a mask because of an unsightly disfiguration? If not, what was his reason for hiding his identity?

As Kian and Malak slowed down, the Lord did too. The latter stopped his horse when he reached the masked man’s side. They both observed Kian reach for an arrow before nocking it on his bow. He took a deep breath and aimed at his target. Almost 50 meters away, there was a small animal similar to a giant rabbit, with three horns on the side of its head and on its forehead. The unsuspecting animal was eating the head of a smaller prey. Quickly, Kian released the arrow.

“A clean shot!” Lord Ahlers exclaimed before the arrow struck.

Alerted by the noise, the rabbit pushed the rat into his cheek before dashing away. Kian lowered his bow and glared at the man who just alerted the prey. The latter laughed nervously as he refused to make eye contact.

“Why don’t you show us your skills,” Kian smiled sharply.

Cold sweat slid down the Lord’s back. “I will present you with a beast fit for a king!”

“Do not disappoint me.”

Lord Ahlers crushed his heels into the horse’s sides. It neighed in displeasure before breaking into a dash. Once he was out of sight, Kian’s shoulder relaxed.

“This isn’t how I imagined our date to go,” he said apologetically.

“Aren't we now able to spend time together?” Malak smiled behind his mask. “But I’m sure you’ll find him a use for him.”

While he was deep in thought, Kian tilted his head to one side. A cruel smile stretched on his lips. “I think it is time we let our beloved King Serik know of my return.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“Let’s send him a little gift,” Kian grabbed the reigns tighter.

“What kind of gift?” Malak asked as he felt butterflies in his stomach.

“I’m sure we can find something suitable in this forest. Let’s go before our prey runs too far away.”