For another king to visit another kingdom, of course, everyone would be busy. After all, this could lead to a war if one offended the other. But more than that, what the fuck is that Zero planning to do?

"Lilou, are you really alright?" Charlotte inquired as I scratched my temple. "Here, try this pudding. You barely had anything."

"You should enjoy this rare opportunity, Lil. We don't get too many day-offs, so use this day to enjoy it." Ramin chimed in a cool manner, making me glance at him and study him.

"What?" he asked with a furrowed brow upon noticing my prolonged stare.

I shook my head. "Nothing." I just noticed that Ramin's temperament had changed gradually. Although he was always energetic in the training grounds and fieldwork, he doesn't complain whenever he was in the office and actually rests on our rest day.

"You, are you going to get married to Kristina or what?" Charlotte suddenly inquired, breaking the ice as she was also staring at Ramin. The latter's face immediately distorted as he shot her a glare.

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

Charlotte just rolled her eyes and shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, I never expect you to say such words. You never enjoy rest days."

"And what's that got to do with Kristina and marriage?"

"Wait, wait, wait!" I snapped in confusion as I caught their attention. "Ramin and Kristina? What is this?"

"Lilou, really? You don't know Ramin and Kristina are lovers?" Charlotte cast me an eye full of disbelief.

Ramin grunted in frustration as he ran a hand through his hair. "We're not, alright?! Kristina is just teasing you! How — ugh! Whatever. Think whatever you like."

Charlotte pouted as she let out a scoff while gazing at him with disdain. Meanwhile, all I could do was dart my eyes from Charlotte to Ramin before narrowing my eyes in suspicion. Ramin and Kristina? I was too preoccupied recently with my own thoughts and everything that had happened, that I didn't notice Kristina and Ramin's sudden closeness.

'Ramin and Kristina, huh? Right after Sam started training us?' I pursed my lips and was occupied with my own thoughts once again. The memory of my last encounter with Fabian hovered over my head once again, which made me unconsciously bit the tip of my thumb.

"Lilou."

I snapped out of my thoughts and gazed up at the two of them. They were staring at me, wide-eyed.

"What?" I asked in puzzlement, only to realize that they were staring at my thumb. I didn't realize I was biting it so hard it bled.

"Lilou, are you really alright?" Charlotte asked in worry as she offered me a handkerchief. "How can you bite your skin so hard it bleeds?"

"It's nothing," I shrugged and pressed my thumb with the handkerchief.

"How can it be nothing? I'm don't want to pry, but aren't we friends? You can always tell us what's bothering you." She let out a deep sigh as she glanced at the handkerchief and then at me. Ramin only stared at me in silence, but his worry was clear in his eyes.

That was the point why I never told them what I had been thinking… they were my friends. Moreover, since they were bearers just like me, there would be a day that they would have to wield their weapons at me.

The thought of it brought this bitterness to my heart. "I'm really fine."

"But —"

"Charlotte, Lilou said it's nothing. It's probably nothing." Ramin cut her off and offered me a meek smile. I could only thank Sam for Ramin's growth; he had truly matured.

His remarks finally pushed her to concede in probing. "Fine. If that's what you say."

"Who knows? Lilou might be pregnant…"

"Ramin!"

"What?!" Charlotte's eyes widened as she immediately cast them on me. "Are you…?"

"No." My answer was just as quick as a bolt of lightning. "Ramin?! Are you kidding me?"

"Well, I'm just saying." Ramin shrugged as he averted his gaze. Thanks to his reckless remark, it diverted Charlotte's focus and the atmosphere between us three grew lighter.

**

After our meal, the three of us strolled the busy capital. Because of the upcoming founding celebration, the Capital was busier than ever, even in broad daylight, as guests from all around the land had started arriving in the Capital. Vampires and humans were in peaceful harmony here. It was entirely different in Grimsbanne since the people of Grimsbanne were afraid of vampires.

"Gahh! Those chicken skewer." Charlotte wiped her drool as her eyes follow where that aroma's direction. "Let's buy that!"

"We just ate —" Ramin choked when she smacked his back with a smile.

"What did you say?"

Ramin ground his teeth as his hand tried to reach his back. "How can you raise the hand you used to wield your weapon to a delicate boy like me?"

"Delicate… have some conscience, Ramin." Charlotte rubbed her shoulders as she cringed.

"Whatever, girl. Let's go buy that chicken skewer. Really… does the women in the third squadron gluttons? Where are all the foods you've been eating go?" he grumbled in irritation before Charlotte dragged him with her. She glanced at me momentarily, and I gave her a nod as I followed them from behind.

While Charlotte made her ordered, I looked around at the busy street of the Capital. It was not like it was my first time going out, but there were more carriages passing through today. Such a big occasion and Grimsbanne never celebrated it.

My eyes glanced at the speeding carriage.

'How can the coachman ride so fast in here?' I wondered but paid no attention to it since it was not my business. However, just as I decided to let it be, my eyes narrowed as I noticed a child suddenly crossing the street.

"No, hey, don't! Look!" I hollered and at the same time, the child froze in the middle of the street while the galloping horse came close.