*Author's POV~*
A young man in his 20's appeared out of a bush and stood next to Alex. That dashing young man was recognizable even from a distance.
Erick Blaze...
His hair was crimson red and blue eyes of a cat. Erick is the vice captain of the royal knights. And... Alec's admirer, not in the idol sense but in the romantic one.
The blue cat eyes were his signature look, it's because Erick is a wizard. "The Great Wizard". The only one in the Night Empire, since wizards in the empire are only born in the Blaze bloodline. And only one "Great Wizard" or "Great Witch" can be born at a time. You have to kill the current Great Wizard or Great Witch in order for a new one to be born.
And their enemy kingdom took advantage of that. Those wizards have an extreme grudge towards the Blaze duchy and used Alex as a hostage so they could cast an eternity spell on Erick. Then, they locked Erick away for eternity. So that there will be no more Great Wizard or Great Witch in the Blaze bloodline for the future generations.
Because every new witch and wizard in the Blaze bloodline means a stronger one. And the enemy can't afford to take the risk of being overpowered.
Even though the Blaze duchy has already signed a treaty with them, they still weren't in peace. So eventually... They wiped out the Blaze dukedom with a squeaky clean explosion which killed all the remaining Blaze bloodline. And they kept Erick alive as a trophy for their success.
Erick put his arm around Alex's shoulder while looking at Alexandria as she walked back to the mansion. Alex slightly glared at him and shrugged his arm away.
Erick's eyes widen slightly. "Am I going nuts over you which I already am, or did she just used the word that starts with *T* followed by *h* along with*a* inserted with *n* continued with *k* with the word *you*?"
Erick covered his mouth with his hand and shook his head in disbelief. "I can die now." He nodded. "Did your older sister actually just said thank you? And to you, of all people?" He clarified as he turned his head to look at Alex.
Alex nodded and sighed. "Why are you here?"
"Well..." He gave Alex puppy eyes and said, "You've been gone for too long and I've been so alone-"
"Be serious." Alex said sternly.
"You're no fun, yet I still like you." Erick said with a flirtatious tone.
Alex glared at him and Erick immediately cleared his throat, knowing better than to piss off his captain.
"The other knights are wondering how long you'll be staying here. And this time, it's not because I'm irresponsible but because they miss you-- and your stinginess." Erick said with a smile.
Alex sighed. "I'll be here till my sister recovers."
"Oh, the amnesia?" Erick said casually.
"How did you know?" Alex asked with a slightly surprised tone.
"I have my ways. Anything about you reaches my ear." He said with a wink.
Alex looked at Erick with annoyance visible in his features.
Erick noticed his expression and immediately said "Before you get mad-"
"-I'm already mad." Alex cut him off with a glare.
"I promise I didn't use a spell on you--" Erick said reassuringly. "...Just a spy"
Alex furrowed his eyebrow. "Ric."
"-But I worry." He said pleadingly, hoping Alex will go easy on him.
Alex sighed in annoyance.
"So..." Erick said in order to distract Alex from his anger. "How's your sister?"
"... Her memories still haven't returned." He said simply.
"Worried?" Erick asked, studying Alex's expression and tone.
Alex paused for a moment before nodding which made Erick smile in amusement.
"Wait, how long have you been following us?" Alex asked with a raised brow.
"You two? Since you both took a walk earlier." He answered casually. "And if you're asking how long I've been following just you... Since forever?" He said with a flirtatious tone.
Alex simply rolled his eyes and shook his head, clearly unamused.
"Keep that up and I might just follow you for the rest of my life." Erick said teasingly.
"Keep that up and I might just end your life." Alex said with serious look.
Erick laughed and raised his hand in mock surrender. "Got it, I can take a hint." He said playfully while looking at Alex over his eyelashes.
Alex unsheathed his sword which made Erick instantly teleport out of the Dandelion Duchy and back to the Blaze Dukedom.
Alex smiled slightly and looked over Alexandria's balcony. He saw her sleeping while sitting on her chair and her head leaned on her desk. He was relieved to see her sister sleeping peacefully. He went back to his own room and continued working on his tasks as the successor of the Duchy.
~Rin as Alexandria Dandelion's POV~
Astrid carefully tapped my shoulder. "My lady, it's time for dinner."
I opened my eyes slowly and sat up straight. I stretched my arms and yawned. "Dinner?"
"Yes, my lady. The duke had invited you to dinner." She said gently.
*Her voice is so soothing... I thought an angel was waking me up, I almost didn't wanna open my eyes.*
"I see..." I said drowsily.
"May I get you ready, my lady?" She asked softly as she tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear with gentleness.
"You may." I answered, rubbing my eyes, still a bit sleepy.
~30 minutes later~
*Bathe, drying, dressing up, fixing hair and jewelry all in 30 minutes. And they're all well done... She really is Duke Dandelion's most trusted and capable subordinate. And of course, my favorite character.*
"Thank you." I said softly.
Astrid paused for a moment, clearly surprised by my gratitude. She smiled softly. "It was my pleasure, my lady."
I smiled back and glanced one more time at the mirror before standing up from my chair. As I turned to the door, Astrid opened it smoothly.
*Now, if you're wondering where Lina is. She's my maid for the morning and Astrid is my maid for the afternoon and evening. The duke arranged it like that in order for me not to be too crowded with people... He worries too much.*
I went out of my room and headed to the dining room. As I reached the dining room, a knight opened the door and announced my presence. Astrid stood beside the door and didn't come in.
As I entered, I saw Duke Dandelion at the end of the table and Alex sitting on his right. The butler pulled out the seat on the left side of the duke, signalling me to sit there.
I sat down and a maid from the kitchen served my food.
I looked at both Alex and Duke Dandelion who was already staring at me. I looked back at my food as I saw their gaze.
*...Well, this is awkward. And ugh, can't they stop looking at me?!*
I blush slightly at their gaze, suddenly not knowing how to act.
The duke simply chuckled at my flustered reaction.
I looked back at the duke and pouted slightly. "Don't tease, father."
The duke smiled in an amused way. "Haha, let's dine." He said before eating. Me and Alex followed eating soon after.
~After having dinner~
The duke looked at me and Alex with a bright smile.
*He's smiling brightly. Not good. I won't like this news.*
"The Sapphire Duchy will be hosting a banquet two days from now." He said softly.
*That's the female lead's dukedom... I definitely won't like this news.*
"I suggest that you both attend it." He said firmly.
My eyes widened for a second before I regain my composure.
*Sigh... Goodbye peace.*