The bell jingles as Tessley played with it between her fingers. Disinterest filled her amber eyes as she gazed at Moulin.

A crease appeared in between Moulin's forehead. He thought deeply. What was her relationship with Alsander Vernallia? A close cousin? A sibling? Alsander grow sullen knowing Moulin would probably beat her until she couldn't get up? Probably.

Moulin could not bear to hurt a friend like Alsander no matter how much of a chatter he is. His mouth was always spouting about his studies about Rafelon. Thinking of Alsander made Moulin recall the day when the voice spoke to him.

Moulin shook his head. He needed to finish this little fight as soon as possible if he wanted to get things done quickly.

The Hercullian Lord raised a corner of his lips as he scrutinized Moulin's expression. Looking at his expression, Hadrian could guess the youth wanted to end the match quickly. Impatience was clouding his silvery eyes.

Tessley lifted her chin, "Come at me, Aphrodite." Her tone aimed to intimidate Moulin. Deep inside, she doubted Moulin's ability. She knows every one agrees with how this Aphrodite could complete the trials given to him. How did he achieve the 16th standing of the Trials with that thin body of his? The band on his wrist indicated how terrible his internal power was. It was extremely suspicious. Tonight, she was going to expose the young man's lies and weakness.

As the crowd cheered with anticipation, they reminded Tessley to take it easy for the Aphrodite maeruthan.

"Tessley! Don't injure him too much!"

"Let the little guy have a shot!"

"Extend the minute for him!"

Laughter echoed in the halls as they continued.

Hadrian's eyes deepened as he stared at the slender figure of the silver-eyed youth. He knew Moulin wouldn't be affected by the crowd's baseless judgment of him as an Aphrodite maeruthan. However, Hadrian knew the youth was getting annoyed with all the noise.

Troid and Tyve both glanced at their Guild Lord's amused face. Hadrian looked too amused to be angry at the crowd's chatter about his lover. Perhaps, he predicted something? The twins instantly focused their attention on the match.

"Is he going to be alright?" Even Jagra felt slight anger as he glanced at the crowd.

"He'll be fine... " Ghana replied with a smile. However, she stepped behind Jagra who turned curious about the confidence in her tone.

"Begin!" Varick let the watch dangle as he observed Tessley and Moulin.

Tick!

Tick!

Tick-

Out of the blue, a large gust of freezing wind blew away the delight in every single person's face. The spine-shivering wind gave them a frigid chill as if I've had penetrated their pores, not allowing their bodies to warm themselves. They stood speechless.

Silence descended around the hall as numerous eyes were stuck on the scene before them.

Hadrian showed a faint smile while the others around them gaped. Shock painting their faces.

A particular tiny fox lifted his head. He blinked at the direction of the blast of chilling wind and scurried towards it.

Gentle footfalls echoed as the slender youth walked unhurriedly. There was a sheet of ice beneath his feet in every step he takes. Moulin stood before the standing Tessley.

Thud!

The female maeruthan's knees buckled and she kneeled on the floor shivering. Her trembling grip on the bell loosened and it jingled as it fell on the ice layered floor. She hugged herself for warmth as she trembled. A layer of ice coated her skin and her lips had turned purple. Despite the fact that the ice didn't penetrate her skin, the cold was indescribable.

Releasing a warm breath, she looked up and flinched.

Silver eyes glared like a sharp blade pointing at her throat. Although it was only a look, it sent a sense of fear down her spine. She parted her lips yet no words could come out.

Moulin ignored her state but felt pity and a sense of guilt as he remembered Alsander's face. He lowered his body and his pale fingers picked up the bell from the ground. It jingled pleasingly in Moulin's ears.

"I yield... " Tessley uttered as she lowered her head.

"No need..." Moulin looked at her. "...I already won"

The crowd cheered as mightily as they coulda It was like a roar of thunder had noised into the halls deafening everyone's chatter. They could not believe it. The beginning of the starting seconds of the time and the test was already over in a snap. An honorary sentinel defeated by a mere junior. An Aphrodite at that!

They raised their arms, proudly addressing Moulin as one of their own.

Jagra was frozen stiff as the chilling breeze almost froze his shocked expression while Ghana laughed from behind him. Her blue eyes gleaming brightly as she anticipated the day he would challenge Moulin into battle.

Varick grinned while the rest of his friends gaped in disbelief.

Golden eyes narrowing, Hadrian traced Moulin's figure as he ignored his guild's wildness. The youth was still merciful as ever, the Lord could tell. He lowered his gaze and commanded Varick to end their little entertainment.

Worthy of being a Leonile sentinel! Troid and Tyve stared at Moulin with widened eyes. No wonder the Lord would woo him. Moulin was worthy of being called their Lord's beloved. Should they start addressing him as a madame?

"Ao!"

Moulin looked down and saw Snow, whimpering beside his feet. Snow went teary as he lifted his forepaws on Moulin's ankle, wanting to be carried up. With a helpless sigh, Moulin picked up Snow from the ground and gave the little fox the round bell to play with.

Moulin returned his attention to the shivering Tessley kneeling before him on the floor. He lifted his hand and thawed the ice around her, finally giving her the warmth that she desperately needed.

Moulin watched as she rubbed her fingers together as soon as the warmth enveloped her once again. His brows furrowed in confusion as he lowered his gaze. He had lost control of his mana. The bubbling mana inside him exploded just before he could activate his ability. He didn't know what had happened.

"Thank you... " Tessley said as she stood up from the floor with slightly unsteady legs. Gone was the ridicule and doubt in her eyes as she looked at Moulin. What replaced it was admiration and respect. "I had doubted your strength. Forgive my rudeness..."

Moulin smiled faintly. "It's fine. I have grown accustomed to the doubtful looks thrown at me." He shifted his hold on Snow as the bell rang wildly in his little paws.

Tessley lowered her head. She looked apologetic. "I will recognize you as a Leonile Sentinel a thousand times over." She bowed her head.

Moulin felt helpless as he began to coax her to lift her head. Honestly, he wasn't even bothered by her cold attitude towards him. It wasn't a big deal that someone despised him or anything. He didn't feel offended by her.

An arm circled Moulin's neck and he was pulled back with a yelp. Snow growled as he glared at the person grabbing his master.

"Phenomenal!" Ghana laughed. "We should spar sometime!"

"I'd rather sleep!" Moulin replied.

Laughter joined the scene as the music began to play and the tables were pushed back to the center. The crowd of sentinels warmly welcomed the recruits with joking descriptions of their guild's honorary sentinels and the pains of being under the command of Varick and Fhorg. Some narrated the tales of their hometown while others showed off their abilities to Moulin in an attempt to impress.

Moulin ignored their efforts as he drank his liquor. Who says he couldn't drink? He was a legendary alcoholic back in his world and he couldn't care less about being an alcoholic in this world. Although he could only drink a few glasses because of his body's low tolerance to alcohol. Emlen would be furious once he knows about this. Moulin shrugged as it was a problem for another day.

While he listened to the chatter of the other sentinels, he occasionally glanced at the Hercullian Lord who was conversing with Varick and Fhorg softly. His clothes blended with the rest of the sentinels yet his aura oozed with dominance and authority. Moulin flinched when the man shifted his attention and their gazes met.

Hadrian narrowed his sly eyes at him making Moulin roll his eyes. Moulin turned his attention away and continued to talk to Ghana. The scene in his room replayed in his mind once again. He could not help but down another glass.

"If I may ask, how are you related to Alsander Vernallia?" Moulin asked Tessley who raised a glass to her mouth.

A crease appeared in between her brows as soon as the name was mentioned. Forcing a smile, she turned to Moulin. "Alsander... Vernallia?"

Moulin nodded.

Putting her glass down, Tessley frowned, "He's my cousin. If you are acquainted with that strange person, I tell you! Do not let down your guard!" She warned. "That dog would read around rumors about you and how you..." She started mumbling endlessly as she downed her drink.

Moulin widened his eyes slightly. He could see the resemblance of Alsander and Tessley from their hair and eyes. They looked quite similar to be called cousins. Speaking of Alsander, Moulin should write him a letter of his acceptance to Leonile Guild.

The night was long and merry. Most have already left to return to their rooms. Even the Hercullian Lord have left with Varick after sending Moulin one last strange glance.

A little fox yawned as he curled himself on Moulin's lap. Moulin knew it had been a long night and it was time for him to retire back to his room. He said farewell to Ghana and the others as he stood from his seat. Some had offered to escort him to his room and Moulin immediately declined. He found it detesting to be treated as though he was still a young master within the guild.

He left the leisure hall and proceeded towards the Sentinel's quarters. The hallways were dim and only the moonlight and the dim-lit hallway lamps had lit his way. His footfalls echoed solemnly as his silver eyes stared at the bright full moon beyond the windows.

Moulin's eyes softened. Tomorrow was going to be another day... to seek some answers.