Calus raised his arm, blocking the sunlight from his eyes.

His clear mind was soon filled with shock as he looked to his side. There she was, Mabi, naked but wrapped in a sheet, sleeping soundly.

Yesterday's incident replayed in his mind, but he didn't regret it. In fact, he loved it.

His eyes, when he looked at Mabi, were clear. He knew what he felt for her, and he would man up to it.

Smack…

Calus' lips pressed gently on her forehead as he carefully moved her hair from her face.

With the sunlight shining on her cheeks, her beauty was even more pronounced.

"I will be responsible for us," Calus whispered in Mabi's ear as he stood up.

He looked around, and within a few moments, he was fully dressed and left the room.

Immediately, Mabi's eyes opened, and she curled into a ball.

"We… we actually did it," Mabi said in shock, feeling shy and flustered.

---

Soon, Mabi and Calus were called by the king.

In the king's study, the two stood, unable to look at each other, their faces flushed. The king rubbed his temples as he observed them.

"Sigh… you two," the king said, pausing, but he soon got down to business.

"I just received important news. On the Western Continent, there has been an uprising by a cult group. Their members are labeled insane, and they sacrifice villages, hundreds of people claiming it is for the will of their god."

"This group claims their god is good and merciful and grants all wishes. Their numbers are growing quickly, and even their secret base is difficult to find," the king continued, noticing the serious expressions on Calus and Mabi's faces.

Yes, these were people he had trained, they could separate personal life from business.

"Your job is to go to the Eastern Continent and investigate. Preferably, try to discover who the leader of this group is and report back," the king ordered. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Yes, Your Majesty," Calus and Mabi said in unison as they bowed.

"You may leave," the king instructed.

Just as they turned to leave, the king called out again.

"Calus, wait," the king said, and Calus paused, wondering what he wanted. Mabi looked back but ultimately left.

"I guess our chat will have to wait until later," Mabi thought, quickening her pace.

She and Calus still needed to clarify their relationship at least enough not to go too far and hurt each other. But every time she remembered yesterday's incident, she felt a fluttering happiness in her stomach.

Back in the king's study:

"I am well aware of your relationship. I will watch over you, but… we both know about Arie and her obsession with you. Please clarify things with her gently and lay her feelings to rest," the king said, stepping back as he implored Calus.

Calus paused. Yes, he hadn't forgotten that both Arie and Mabi liked him. But… he loved Mabi, not Arie.

Also, it seemed yesterday's incident had been witnessed by prying eyes. Well, that was to be expected when they did it in the palace.

"Yes, Your Majesty. You need not beg me. I will lay the princess' feelings to rest gently," Calus promised.

The king nodded.

"Thank you. You may leave," he instructed. Calus bowed and left.

"Little girl, it's time you grow up. I'm getting old, and soon this kingdom will be handed to you," the king muttered to himself.

---

Outside, Calus paused.

Mabi was already gone, as expected. But he still needed to make his feelings clear not only to Arie but to Mabi as well.

With determination, Calus walked forward and headed for Princess Arie's room.

Moments later, he arrived. The guards outside the door bowed to him.

Knock… knock…

"Yes? Who is it?" a thin female voice called from inside.

"It's your loyal retainer, Calus," he replied.

"Come in," Princess Arie said, and Calus entered.

The room was cozy, with bright blue designs on the walls, chairs, and a few materials in pink. Among them stood the princess, her presence lighting up the room and making it even more beautiful.

"Calus… it's been a while. I wanted to visit last night, but Father wouldn't allow it," Arie said, and Calus smiled lightly.

She was still as beautiful as ever, her white hair and pale, smooth skin giving her the appearance of a frozen ice beauty from another realm.

Her body had matured, her charm of a young woman evident. Every little movement showcased her curves and elegance.

"I see, Princess… ah yes, I was… busy late last night," Calus said carefully, choosing his words.

Of course, this caught Arie's eyes. She pouted, a sharp pain in her heart, though she smiled.

"That's good. I've missed you since the training. Come, let's hang out for a bit," Arie said. Calus nodded, and they began talking.

For Calus, he wanted this to be the last time they hung out alone. As for Arie, she sensed that things were more complicated than they seemed maybe between Calus and Mabi…

They treated the visit as a farewell not to their friendship, but to a feeling that could never sprout or grow.

Finally, after a few minutes, Calus took the lead.

"Actually… I wanted to say that Mabi and I are dating now, and it will eventually lead to something more. I came here to seek your blessings, as the princess and as my friend," Calus said softly, bowing with a faint smile.

Arie felt a pang of heartache, lost as her heart throbbed.

Her guess was right. Calus and Mabi were officially a thing. But it hurt more than she had expected.

Calus wasn't just seeking her blessing, he was telling her he was serious about Mabi and their relationship. Seeing his genuine smile, she realized he truly loved her. She would be selfish to still chase after him.

"Ah… that's amazing, Calus. I definitely give you my blessings and wish you both a prosperous relationship. And if it ever reaches that stage, I'll make sure your marriage is the best," Arie said proudly, as Calus bowed even lower.

Even as she spoke like this, she couldn't hide her pain.

"Thank you, Princess. And soon, I wish a happy relationship for you too," Calus replied, and Arie nodded.

Getting this off his chest felt like a heavy burden had disappeared not only for Calus, but for Arie as well. The two friends spent the afternoon together, easing the tension and sharing a quiet moment.

Finally, Calus was done.

As he left her room, his heart felt at peace.

"Now… to face Mabi," Calus thought as he moved on.

Inside the room, two drops of tears fell from Arie's eyes like waves on a white sea...pure, elegant, and creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

"I wish you well… Calus. Too bad our feelings can't be realized… Mabi was always the bravest among us," Arie lamented, as her tears multiplied quickly.

*******

Erm so one more chapter

It will come like few hours , sorry I need to rest for a bit. But rhe more active you guys are the more chapters I upload.