"Are you leaving now?"
"Yes, I've been away from my territory for too long. I can't afford to be gone any longer."
"I see..."
Currently, Eveline, along with several maids, was seeing Selena and her entourage off at the front gate of the palace.
"Don't be so sad. It's not like this is goodbye forever, right? Well then, goodbye."
Selena turned around and walked toward the carriage that would take her back to her domain. Eveline watched her go, her gaze filled with the pain of parting with something precious.
Just as Selena was about to step into the carriage, Eveline called out, making her glance back.
"Wait, Selena!"
"Wha—"
Smooch!
Without hesitation, Eveline rushed up behind Selena and pressed her lips against hers!
She kissed Selena on the lips—right in front of her servants and followers!
The warmth of Eveline's lips sent Selena's head spinning, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. It was her first kiss—especially her first with another girl—right in front of everyone!
Squelch.
After a few seconds, Eveline pulled away, touching her own lips with a shy expression.
"So this is what a kiss feels like. It's kinda ticklish, hehe."
"W-what do you think you're doing, Eveline?!"
Shocked by the sudden kiss, Selena raised her voice, her face burning red like a ripe tomato.
"Eh? Didn't you say you'd be happy if someone desired and loved you? I'm just doing that—by giving you a kiss."
"Wha—ugh! To hell with this! I'm leaving, hmph!"
Flustered and blushing furiously, Selena rushed into the carriage, followed by her dazed and speechless companions.
"Goodbye~"
Eveline smiled sweetly, waving her hand with a tender gaze—completely different from the sadness she showed earlier.
Once Selena's carriage disappeared from view, Eveline spoke in a cold tone, in stark contrast to the gentle demeanor she had just moments ago.
"Emma, send the letter I wrote yesterday to the head of the Arcanis Academy."
"Understood, Princess."
The sudden shift in Eveline's personality didn't surprise her maids at all. After all, they served her directly.
---
Silence.
Inside the luxurious carriage, there was only stillness. The only sounds were the turning of wheels and the neighing of horses.
"Milady... do you have that kind of relationship with Princess Eveline?"
"W-what do you mean, Astrid?"
After a long silence, Astrid finally broke it with a question that shattered the stillness.
It wasn't just Eveline who harbored romantic feelings for Selena. Astrid, Vine, and Seraphina all felt the same way—and it wasn't a secret. Nearly everyone in House Everthore knew it.
So watching the person they loved being kissed by someone else was... unbearable.
"A relationship like lovers, milady."
"Hic... hic... hic... I hope you'll be happy forever, M-milady... hic"
"Kill the princess... kill the princess... kill the—"
"N-no! I mean, yes, Eveline does like me, but we're not in that kind of relationship! Seraphina, stop crying! And Vine, stop radiating that murderous aura!"
Astrid added to her question calmly, but if one looked closely, a subtle furrow of anger was visible on her brow. Meanwhile, Seraphina wept quietly and Vine emanated a killing intent so strong, one would think her family had just been murdered.
"Even so, Milady... I have no right to stop you from being with someone. I only wish you'd be more honest with us—about everything, including this."
"For heaven's sake, I already said there's nothing going on between me and Eveline! I was just as shocked as you all when she kissed me! You saw it too, right?!"
"...That's true."
"Now you realize!?!?"
After calming down and taking a deep breath, Selena gently held Vine's hand, who sat across from her, and Seraphina's, who sat beside her. She then placed their hands on her chest and said:
"And besides, it's not just Eveline. I know you all love me—from the bottom of your hearts. And I feel the same."
Selena spoke with warmth and sincerity in her eyes.
"M-Milady... d-does that mean... you love us too?"
Astrid asked, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her usual calmness vanished, replaced by a hopeful expression. She couldn't believe it—the person she loved, someone she thought she could only admire from afar, actually returned her feelings.
"Of course. I love you all from the bottom of my heart."
"Milady..."
Tears of joy welled up in Astrid's eyes, followed by Seraphina and Vine who were also moved to tears.
"Ahh, don't cry..."
Selena panicked as emotions overflowed from the three of them. It was the first time she had ever seen them cry—even when she first found them battered and close to death, they had shown no emotion.
"This is merely our happiness spilling out, Milady. Who would've thought... the one we only dared to dream of... actually loves us too."
"Exactly, Milady."
Head nods.
Astrid expressed her feelings, echoed by Seraphina and Vine's agreement.
"I see... I'm glad."
And so the carriage continued its journey, filled with chatter between Selena and her loyal companions—some playful, some serious.
But then, a loud crash sounded outside the carriage, and it came to a sudden halt.
"Hey, driver! What's going on?!"
Astrid called out sharply, but only silence answered. Due to the carriage's enclosed design, they couldn't see what was happening outside.
"Vine, get ready."
"I understand."
"Milady, it seems we're under attack. Please remain inside. If things get dangerous, you and Seraphina must escape with teleportation magic. Vine and I will hold them off."
Seraphina, aside from being skilled in administration, was a talented mage. Teleportation was one of her specialties.
Astrid's plan was to buy time while Seraphina prepared the spell and ensured Selena's escape.
"Astrid, Vine... be careful."
"Understood. Then, please allow me to go first."
Before stepping out, Astrid approached Selena, knelt down, and kissed the back of her hand. Vine followed suit.
(Ugh... No matter how many times they do this, I'll never get used to it, Selena thought.)
Vine stepped out first, sword in hand, ready to tank incoming blows. Astrid followed close behind.
The first thing Vine saw was the mutilated body of the driver. His head had been cleanly severed, with surgical precision—clearly the work of an experienced killer.
"You bastards... You've got guts, attacking my lady like this."
Astrid's voice thundered across the forest road.
Moments later, the trees around them rustled unnaturally.
Then—nine figures emerged from the shadows, cloaked head-to-toe in black. Only their eyes were visible.
"Vine, you take four. I'll take five."
"I could take all nine if you want. Just watch from the sidelines. These guys are weaklings."
"Four. You take four. I know you just want Milady's praise."
"Tch."
Even in a life-threatening situation, they still argued over who would win Selena's favor. The idea of losing never even crossed their minds.
Enraged by their taunts, the black-clad assailants charged all at once.
"Bring it on, you little punks. I haven't killed humans in a while."
Astrid grinned wildly and leaped into the fray.
---
Please support and vote if you enjoy the story! Your encouragement keeps me motivated to continue updating this novel.
Peace :D