As Rumina sat there, still trying to recover from the embarrassment, Kaira couldn't resist poking more fun.
"So, Miss Warrior Princess," Kaira began with a smirk, "are you ready to hunt down a man who probably doesn't even understand the concept of romance?"
Rumina shot her a glare. "It's not about romance! It's… it's about honor," she huffed, crossing her arms.
"Right, of course. And all that 'marriage condition' talk had absolutely nothing to do with you being interested in him?"Kaira raised an eyebrow, thoroughly amused.
Rumina's face turned a shade deeper. "Why would I be interested in a guy who'd rather live in the woods and paint?"
Kaira chuckled. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because he's the first person to ever defeat you?" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Or maybe because he's so clueless it's adorable?"
Rumina groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I can't believe he just… walked away. Who does that?"
"Well, Ravihiro does," Kaira replied with a grin, leaning back as if savoring the whole situation like a spectator at a play. "And honestly, it's the funniest thing I've seen in a century."
Rumina gave an exasperated sigh. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
"Oh, I am, I am," Kaira said, feigning innocence. "I'm just enjoying every second of your 'honorable' pursuit."
Suddenly, Kaira leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'll tell you what, Rumina. If you want any tips on winning over this mysterious forest hermit, I'm all ears."
Rumina's eyes brightened. "Really? You'll help?"
Kaira paused dramatically, a teasing sparkle in her eye. "Sure. But it'll cost you."
Rumina's face fell. "Cost me what?"
Kaira tapped her finger on her chin, pretending to think hard. "Let's see… how about… five years of free teasing rights?"
"Five years?" Rumina balked. "Absolutely not!"
Kaira shrugged with a smug grin. "Then good luck figuring him out yourself."
Rumina groaned but then narrowed her eyes, a hint of determination shining through. "Fine! But I'm not going to beg for help. I'll find a way to make him see me… somehow."
"Oh, I'm sure you will," Kaira replied, grinning wickedly. "And I'll be right here to watch the fireworks."
Just then, Rumina stood up and huffed, "I don't need you mocking me, Kaira."
But Kaira, ever the teasing friend, wasn't about to let her off so easily. "You know, Rumina," she said with a smirk, "if all else fails, you could always kidnap him. That's how dragon queens handled things back in the day."
Rumina's jaw dropped. "Kidnap him?! Are you insane?"
Kaira shrugged nonchalantly. "It worked for centuries. Who wouldn't fall for someone who's willing to go the extra mile? Besides," she added with a wink, "I'd pay good money to see his reaction."
Rumina sighed, trying hard not to laugh. She shook her head, still smiling despite herself. "I can't believe I'm friends with a dragon queen who's basically a prankster."
"Life's too short to be serious all the time," Kaira replied, giving her a playful nudge. "And besides, what's a queen without a little fun?"
As Rumina left, Kaira called after her, "Don't worry, I'll make sure the whole forest knows you're courting a hermit artist! The birds, the beasts, everyone's going to be rooting for you!"
Rumina groaned, storming out. "You're the worst!"
Kaira just laughed. "Oh, you love me!"
And as Rumina marched out, a faint smile on her face, she couldn't help but admit that Kaira, for all her teasing, might just be right.