Luana asked, confused and scared.

The princess and her bodyguard were near the training grounds. In front of them, stood a huge wolf with gray fur and black piercing eyes.

Lucas said, stroking the animal's head gently.

The latter was the same height as his master. It had big paws, sharp claws and long canines.

she repeated, confused.

he answered, smiling affectionately.

the princess replied, still scared.

she added, amazed.

she asked, shocked.

he replied nonchalantly.

she started hesitantly.

he asked gently.

After a little hesitation, Luana nodded softly, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

he replied, smiling and patting Leo's head gently.

The latter began to walk slowly towards Luana, which made her startle and back up a few steps.

Arrived in front of her, the animal lowered his head, as if asking her to caress him.

Lucas remarked, smiling slightly.

she asked nervously.

The young knight nodded at her, his smile widening.

The princess put her hand gently on the wolf's large head and caressed it. The latter whimpered softly like a little puppy, showing his joy and submission to her.

Lucas remarked.

she laughed while scratching his jaw.

Leo moved closer to her and licked her cheek affectionately, making her giggle heartily.

Lucas, who saw the scene unfold before his eyes, felt that his feelings for the young princess were only deepening more and more. But he couldn't deny the fact that he was a little bit jealous of Leo.

'I've become completely delirious now. I'm getting jealous of my own pet. That's shameful,' he thought.

It was Luana's voice that brought him out of his thoughts.

she said, stroking the animal's neck.

he asked, confused.

she answered, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

Lucas felt that his heart was going to come out of his chest from how hard it was beating.

he asked hesitantly.

she answered nervously.

he exclaimed in shock.

'How could I find serving you boring and annoying ? Besides, I was the one who asked His Majesty to give me this position so that I can protect you better,' he thought.

she revealed, embarrassed.

'The reason why I was looking at you so intensely is the fact that I haven't seen you for three years and that I missed you so much. That's why I couldn't take my eyes off you. But apparently, instead of making you feel security and affection, I made you feel fear and hatred,' he thought bitterly.

she concluded, smiling warmly at him.

he whispered, smiling back at her.

Luana stayed silent for a moment, watching the sky.

she asked.

he replied.

he replied.

she declared.

she said.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

A few hours later, everyone gathered in the great hall as planned, patiently awaiting the arrival of the princess.

Azusa was sitting next to her parents. Beside her was Mina and her father, Count Edgar Taliny. In front of them, on the other side of the table, were Eric and Matthew.

The doors of the great hall opened, announcing the entry of the princess and the captain of the Imperial Army. Everyone stood up to bow to her.

Luana was dressed in a pale pink, long-sleeved dress with a pair of ballerinas in the same color. Her long, slightly wavy hair was left free.

As for Lucas, he was dressed in his usual armor with his dark blue cape.

she said with a smile.

The young princess sat down at the end of the table, followed by Lucas who sat on her right, next to Sir Carter and Sir Lobelia.

Everyone looked at her intently.

Angus replied.

Eric retorted.

Luana explained.

Matthew said.

she declared.

exclaimed Angus, standing up abruptly.

An icy silence settled in the room.

he continued shouting.

she retorted.

she exclaimed.

Eric began.

he continued.

the princess hesitated.

interrupted Angus.

asked Sir Carter.

he continued.

asked Eric, confused.

Angus exchanged a long look with Lucas.

A heavy silence settled again.

Luana pleaded.

After a long silence, Angus sighed heavily.

he said reluctantly.

she exclaimed with a bright smile.

he said to Lucas in an authoritative tone.

replied the young captain.

," replied the duke.

Lucas nodded at him in response.

announced Luana.

Everyone looked at her intently.

said Angus, standing up and bowing.

said Taliny, doing the same.

replied the princess.

The two young girls stood up and bowed to the princess.

said Azusa.

Mina replied.

Luana nodded at them.

she declared.

Eric and Matthew's eyes widened in surprise.

said Matthew, bowing.

Eric replied.

The princess and her bodyguard nodded at them.

they all replied while bowing.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

After dinner, Luana went to her father's bedroom. The latter was lying on his bed like a dead man. His skin was very pale and his body looked so weak and fragile.

Beside him, on the bedside table, were dozens of vials of medicines and tonics.

The princess walked over to him and sat down on a chair next to him.

she greeted, smiling.

She received no response from him. She could only hear his slow breathing.

She took his hand in hers and kissed it.