“Lady Elyane!”
Everyone turned to her instantly.
“Is that… Commander’s wife?” the knight with the hammer asked.
SMACK.
“He’s not married yet!” the mage shouted.
They all gasped, staring at Kael.
“He… he’s in love!” they realized.
Kael jumped down and hurried back to Valencia’s side.
“Valencia…” he said. Then he collapsed into her arms.
“Kael?!” she frantically called.
He panted, closing his eyes slowly.
“I’m… happy to see you…” he muttered before he fell asleep.
Valencia paused, staring at everyone. They all shrugged and averted their eyes, except the physical lady. She shook her head and walked to Valencia. Then she carried Kael over her shoulder.
“My Lady, Commander was rude. I will take him back. You should head back, too,” she explained. Valencia nodded hesitantly, feeling awkward. “I’m Lady Opheli, House of Wales, but you can call me Opheli.”
Valencia nodded blankly and followed Opheli to the dukedom. Valencia turned her head a little, listening to the other monsters screaming before the silence.
The hammer man laughed and scratched the back of his head.
“I’m Baron Gusto, House of Sisea! Don’t mind the crazy sounds of the monsters!”
Valencia looked at him, acknowledging him. The hooded mage jumped in between them.
“I’m Adon! House of Terra!” she introduced herself. Then she pointed at the archer. “That’s Jun. House of Yane!”
William scruffled Adon’s head, pushing her down.
“Don’t scare the lady!”
“Hey! I’m not scaring anyone!” Adon barked.
Detri shook his head, crossing his arms.
“A bunch of kids…” he mumbled as he sped up, brushing them.
They walked and bickered on the way back. Valencia helped Opheli place Kael down on the bed. Once Opheli saw that Valencia could take care of the rest, she bowed and left the room before a maid entered and placed a bowl of clean water with a small cloth beside Valencia.
As the maid left, Valencia stared at Kael, wiping the blood that had nearly dried up on his head with the towel and clean water.
“You have a kind group of people,” she whispered, smiling. She looked down, dropping her hands. You all fight so amazingly together. You have an Esper that controls the earth, physical strength, and wind. She clutched the towel tightly.
Suddenly, his hand raised, caressing her cheek. Her eyes widened before she moved her gaze to him.
“Hi…” he faintly smiled.
A tear streamed down her face. She placed the towel down and hugged him.
“I’m sorry… because of me…”
“Shh…” he whispered. “I need your hug for now. Just you.”
She nudged her cheek against his chest and held him tightly. Did I… cause the monsters to appear? Her gaze went vacant as his hand pulled her closer.
Footsteps drew closer from the door. Nuredus entered the room with a priest to heal Kael’s wounds. After the priest finished healing the wounds, Nuredus lectured him for being reckless before the wedding.
Kael nodded at all the wrong moments, gaze glued to Valencia like an eager dog waiting for praise. Valencia averted her gaze, blushing and lowering her giggle.
“Are you even listening to me, son?!” Nuredus snarled.
“Mother, I would like to spend some alone time with my fiancée,” Kael grinned.
Nuredus scowled breathlessly in the air.
“Wedding is tomorrow! Better not go to the chapel with bloody clothes!”
Once the door closed behind her, Kael grabbed Valencia’s hand. They locked eyes.
“Did you get hurt?” he asked. She shook her head, biting her lower lip. “Where did you go? I was really concerned…”
“I… ran away and got lost…”
Kael stared at her, being still. Lies. I smelled you, but then your smell… vanished instantly. He forced a smile.
“Valencia…”
She gulped, looking at his face.
“Yes…?”
Silence settled around them. Kael’s gaze lowered to her clothes.
“When did you change your clothes?”
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