When I realized I liked Kaichen, I was happy to have him by my side. I was even imagining a future with him. That future didnt seem impossible if we continued like this. Julius struggle for the throne had already begun, and he had to fight Princess Akshetra, who was a real villain.

If we wanted a happy future, Julius had to become the emperor. I could only dream of other things if his story was complete. He is the main character, after all. That was what I had decided but I depended on Kaichen far too much. The bitterness lingered in my heart. This was Heulin, not Acrab. This was a place where there were fierce political wars and people deceived each other. I had to be careful.

Dalia.

Yes, Teacher.

Dont overthink about useless things.

Just dont ever change.

I felt like I had been caught doing something wrong. I tried to smile. Kaichen raised his eyebrows and took my face in his hands. It seemed as though he was telling me not to give him a fake smile. I stopped smiling and lowered my head.

Just, stay by my side, alright?

But I am by your side, as usual, I said, confused.

But you are making a stupid face.

He flicked a finger lightly at my forehead like he always did. He then didnt say anything more and turned his back to me to watch Chushinick and Lamia who were in a conversation a little distance away. He folded his arms and watched. Kaichen stood there appearing stern and intimidating. Whoever said magicians were physically weak was wrong.

Kaichen had practiced swordsmanship unfailingly for the past two years. Every night he would be out with his sword swinging it murderously like a madman. I stared at Kaichens back, which was so broad that it covered Chushinick and Lamia from view.

So? Do you intend to duel me? asked Kaichen.

Thats right. I think I will only be able to see His Majesty the Crown Prince tomorrow when the Ladys honor has been restored.

Kaichen accepted the duel with a brisk nod.

Foolish Chushinick, I thought. You might not live to see the Crown Prince tomorrow.

The sudden news of a duel caused a stir in the restaurant. Kaichen was in disguise, so it seemed people didnt really know who he was. But they knew Chushinick Petral, a famous knight who was the Crown Princes escort and guard. To duel with such a knight seemed no less than a suicide mission. They stared at Kaichen sympathetically.

Kaichen didnt care much about it. Chushinick saw Kaichen without a sword, so he gave him time to prepare. They decided to meet in the square right in front of the restaurant an hour later.

You should be more careful with your words, Countess. Unlike Acrab, Heulin is a dangerous place where a single world can ruin the whole family. I recalled Julius words. I am so sorry Julius. I made trouble even though you warned me.

But your teacher will protect you even if I dont. Julius had said that before. Could he see the future? His words had come true. Kaichen had stepped in to clean my mess again. We moved to the square after a while.

Teacher, are you really going to fight with a sword?

Obviously. Its a duel.

Its only been two years since you started learning swordsmanship! I heard that Sir Petral is the Crown Princes knight

Do you think Ill lose?

It didnt really seem like that. I had seen him practice like a madman. But swinging a sword alone was different from dueling a person.

No, but I am worried that you might get hurt. I cant live with myself if you get hurt because of me

I thought what I said was very cringy. He was the Archmage, after all. He smirked and took out his sword from the subspace.

Hm you should worry a little. After all, you said you want to be greedy and have me all to yourself.

What?

Let me tell you one thing.

Okay what?

Kaichen lightly swung his sword once. I saw Lamia and Chushinick approach. She had a triumphant smile on her face. Kaichens face darkened as he watched her.

You won, he said. And you will continue to do so. I couldnt properly hear the second part because his voice was so low it was only a mumble. Kaichen looked at my stunned face, smiled and walked to the space to duel.