"Are you alright?" Kenley showed no sign of anger despite being called a pervert. His attention was instead drawn to the shattered fruit plate on the ground, the scattered fragments, and the fresh blood trickling from the cut on Sylph's calf.

  As he spoke, Kenley strode toward Sylph.

  "What are you trying to do? Tia is still here!" Sylph's face tensed with wariness.

  Kenley ignored her reaction, extending a hand and effortlessly pulling her to her feet.

  "Sit inside and wait for me a moment." With that, Kenley turned and walked off to retrieve something.

  Sylph was momentarily stunned, but she merely muttered under her breath,"You scoundrel, how strange."

  Glancing at Tia, who was still lying on the bed, Sylph's cheeks instantly flushed. Memories of last night's intense and embarrassing scene replayed in her mind, her erratic heartbeat serving as an incessant reminder, like an alarm going off at random intervals.

  Forget it. I'll sit and see what this scoundrel is up to.

  She didn't have to wait long before Kenley returned, carrying a towel and a roll of gauze.

  Kenley handed her the towel."Here, wipe yourself down first."

  "Oh." Sylph responded nonchalantly, though her gaze kept darting toward Kenley, studying his expression.

  This scoundrel worked so late last night. How does he still have so much energy today?

  Kenley paid no mind to her scrutiny. Kneeling before her, he took out the gauze and a small bottle of medicine, beginning to treat her wound with practiced efficiency.

  "You haven't learned healing magic yet, have you?" he asked, not pausing his movements.

  Watching Kenley tend to her so earnestly and quietly, Sylph found herself thinking: This bastard isn't so hateful when he's calm. At least he has some self-awareness.

  Hearing his question, Sylph replied,"I've mostly focused on offensive magic. I'll learn healing magic later."

  Kenley glanced up at her."How many hero novels have you read?"

  "Hmm… roughly six hundred or so?" Sylph thought for a moment before answering.

  Kenley's mouth twitched at that. No wonder she didn't know any healing magic—she'd spent all her time buried in books. He had heard rumors that this princess had a peculiar hobby of collecting novels from around the world. Now, it seemed those rumors were true.

  "Alright, that should do it. Be more careful next time. Just because you're an elf doesn't mean you can't get sick or injured," Kenley remarked as he stood and turned to put away the supplies.

  "Kenley, I like you!"

  Clatter!

  The items in Kenley's hands crashed to the floor.

  The atmosphere instantly fell into an eerie silence, as if a shadow had been cast over the moment. Even the morning sunlight was obscured by gathering clouds.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Tia remained motionless, her eyes still shut. Kenley, his back stiff, did not turn around. Meanwhile, the one who had just spoken remained oblivious to the impact of her own words.

  "Just kidding! Hehehe!" Sylph suddenly giggled, covering her mouth. Though her face was full of mirth, a fleeting trace of sadness flickered in her eyes.

  "Sylph, that joke isn't funny," Kenley muttered, his head tilting slightly as he glanced at Tia. Seeing no reaction from her, he secretly exhaled in relief.

  "What? So it's fine for Tia to like you, but not me?" Sylph's tone carried a hint of defiance.

  Kenley crouched down to pick up the fallen items, replying in a dismissive tone,"Please, based on how you've been acting these past two days, it'd be a miracle if you liked me. Besides, there's no reason for us to have much interaction. You're a princess, and I'm just a farmer. Tia is one thing, but you? Forget it. I know my limits."

  Kenley placed the items back in the cabinet. He didn't believe Sylph for a second. It was completely illogical—who develops feelings for someone after barely knowing them and exchanging a few quarrels?

  Besides, she'd spent this entire time arguing with him, constantly butting heads over differing views. A princess like her, with a brain full of fairytale fantasies, falling for a lowly peasant like him? Ridiculous.

  Hearing Kenley's words, Sylph sighed helplessly."I was serious, but you just won't believe me."

  Kenley turned back to face her, spreading his hands."And I'm telling you seriously, but you won't believe me either."

  "You—! Why are you copying me?!" Sylph's face turned red with frustration.

  "What? You can say it, but I can't?" Kenley rolled his eyes.

  The phrasing, the structure—he had clearly just mirrored her own words! Sylph was both flustered and angry, scrunching her nose as she huffed,"Shameless!"

  "I'm a selfish and self-serving person. Why would I need shame?" Kenley chuckled.

  "You! You, you…!" Sylph's face turned red, then white in rapid succession.

  "I'm done talking to you!" With heavy, deliberate footsteps, Sylph stormed out of the room, intentionally making as much noise as possible.

  Yet, unbeknownst to her, as a ranger, her natural steps were already light. Her exaggerated stomping only made her seem oddly adorable—like a spoiled noble throwing a tantrum.

  That was Kenley's impression.

  But when he turned around, he suddenly noticed that Tia had sat up at some point.

  Kenley froze…

  ------

  Time passed in a blur. Throughout the morning, Kenley spent his time accompanying the two girls as they explored the city. However, Sylph continued giving him the cold shoulder, barely acknowledging his existence.

  Kenley was more than happy with the peace and quiet, leaving Sylph and Tia to chat to their hearts' content. After all, they hadn't seen each other in years and would soon be parting ways again. Their reluctance to separate was palpable.

  More importantly, today was the Sacred Bestowal Day, an annual grand festival. Nearly every nation within the influence of the Holy Church of Light held celebrations for this occasion.

  Yet as Kenley walked through the streets, his attention was drawn to a procession moving along the Avenue of Light.

  It was the royal entourage…

  Gilded carriage shafts, jade-white carriage walls, radiant golden wheels, and crystal lanterns. The royal coachman sat proudly at the front, his black cloak immaculately arranged, his pristine white gloves gripping the reins. The six divine steeds, pure white and untainted, moved in perfect harmony, their hooves rhythmically striking the ground.

  A massive shield-shaped emblem adorned the carriage, bearing the insignia of the Four-Clawed Holy Dragon: Odekens. Surrounding it, blue irises, the royal symbol, were perpetually enshrined on the crest. Two crossed swords accompanied the dragon—the legendary royal sword, Dreamlake Ail, and the ancestral king's blade, Judgment Christophon.

  Leading the way were the Royal Guard, clad in enchanted armor forged from mithril, gleaming under the light. Even from dozens of meters away, Kenley could feel the radiance reflecting off their suits. The knights rode not ordinary horses but Celtic Akhal-Teke steeds, noble-blooded warhorses.

  Their T-shaped helmets barely concealed their sharp gazes. The sun-cross insignia on their chests symbolized the nation's official faith, also marking them as the exclusive royal guard. Their polished boots gleamed, a sheathed sword rested at their waists, and on their backs hung shields engraved with the royal crest, albeit with slight variations.

  The entire procession stretched over a hundred meters, with over five hundred personnel in total. The grandeur, the formality—it was an awe-inspiring spectacle.

  For more than ten minutes, the royal convoy slowly passed through the streets before vanishing from Kenley's sight.

  Yet just before the last carriage disappeared…

  Kenley caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.