n

n

n

"I can't believe you all came at once,

" I couldn't help but comment as I faced the expectant faces of my friends.

n

"Why not? It's just like the old times.

" Eon responded, seemingly nostalgic of his so-called 'old times'.

nConrad immediately refuted him for it.

n

"The old times? Eon, you speak as if it happened decades ago.

"

n

"But it felt like that to me!

" Eon defended.

nWe were in the garden at the moment, sitting around the table just like how we did it in the past. I kind of agree with Eon on this one, it really felt nostalgic. Though it's a pity that Ezekiel is not as free as everyone else's so he's currently not with the group.

n

"When was the last time we got together? Or saw each other at all? After the night of the founding ball, all of you got busy!

" Eon continued his rant.

nConrad raised his brows and chided.

n

"As if you aren't busy too?

"

nYeah, Eon. Aren't you getting ready to take over the family? Aside from your responsibility as a vice-captain, you're also a next-line count. His duties might be doubled now. And with the current problem the palace is facing, strengthening the security around the empire and the palace is already another job.

n

"Was the founding ball that long ago?

" Noah asked thoughtfully.

nI was actually surprised to see Noah here as well. It felt like he's never active after we graduated from the academy, you know. He was the first to catch my attention when I got down after being informed that I had visitors. This man is really off the grid.

n

"Kind of…?

" I answered.

nEon raised his chin proudly.

n

"See? I don't even see you in the palace anymore!

"

nAh? Why is he accusing me so suddenly?

n

"I got busy…?

"

nAnd what does he mean by him not seeing me? I'm literally always present?

n

"Just like I said.

" Eon then remarked, proud that his stance was proven.

"You come to the palace so often yet not a glimpse of your shadow is seen.

"

n

"Why are you so intense? Do you really miss hanging out that much?

" I pointed out.

"And don't I visit the ground sometimes? Didn't we meet often? What?

"

nI just want to know what goes in this man's head sometimes. Is he suffering from memory lapses now? Did he somehow hit his head while practicing and now he forgets things?

nLuther then started snorting at the side, giving Eon ambiguous looks.

n

"Heh.

"

nEon ignored the laughing person by his side and blushed.

n

"…

"

nWhat? I don't get it… I'm suddenly confused why the conversation shifted so much. Why do I look like I'm the villain? What's going on?

n

"Come on Nads, Eon just probably missed you, that's all.

" Noah piped in, grinning mischievously.

n???

n

"Why would he? As I've said, I see him all the time!

"

nEon pursed his lips, still blushing hard, looking flustered, while Luther was dying at the side.

nHuh. It must be embarrassing to contradict yourself!

n

"Pfft--

" Luther then turned his eyes to Nathan beside me and grinned wickedly.

"Captain? Why do you look mad?

"

nEon paled at the instant he was mentioned and cleared his throat, averting his gaze to anywhere but us.

n

"Ahem! I missed everyone, not just Nadia! Get your facts straight, Noah.

"

n

"Sure you do…

" Noah responded, not even hiding his teasing smile.

n

"I'm sure Noah feels the same. Right, Noah?

" Eon fired.

nGwen, who was fanning herself to my left, hid half her face behind the hand fan and narrowed her eyes at the rowdy guys.

n

"You guys don't change, do you? Still so loud.

"

n

"Oops-- The future duchess' is mad.

" Luther simpered, acting unapologetic.

n

"Honestly, why are you guys here anyway?

" I then mentioned, diverting the topic.

nI have already received their well-wishes but seeing them all at once is kind of excessive, I guess? I mean, aren't they all busy? How do they balance their time to come and hang out?

n

"That again? Of course, we are here to check on you. What else?

" Noah answered on their behalf.

nThat sounds strange, especially from him. The busiest person out of everyone here.

n

"Right. Why do you always get in trouble? Seriously?

" Eon grumbled for the nth time today.

nConrad nodded in agreement.

n

"You're like a trouble-magnet, Nads.

"

n

"And you are so weak too, always falling ill!

" Eon seconded.

nI can't refute that. Because it's true. I am really weak. Though I gained something useful, I'm still far from being considered strong.

nSpeaking of, I tried experimenting with magic these days and though it's not life-changing or heaven-defying, it's still fruitful nonetheless.

n

"We wanted to visit you during the time that you were sick but Nathan won't let us.

" Eon then cast a glance at my brother.

n

"Right.

" Bea nodded.

"It's good that you are well now.

"

nI'm also surprised to see Bea here too. Are they allowed to leave the palace? But seeing she's here, it's probably like that. She's also one of the people I rarely see these days.

n

"I heard you were summoned to the palace last time? It was quite a scene too.

" Noah suddenly shifted the topic.

nYes, you are right. Our conversation is all over the place, I don't know why either.

n

"Oh, yes I was. They were worried, so…

" I trailed off and then laughed awkwardly at the end.

nIt kind of sounded like I'm so important to even have the monarchs worry about my well-being. Anyway, I can't just say the reason why I was invited to the palace was that they were testing if I was a saint. And the reason why there are so many guards was because of those damned mages who ambushed me.

nThose two reasons are confidential. Might as well just say a white lie which is true in a way.

n

"The palace even sent so many knights to escort her. Everyone was thinking that some important people from other kingdoms had visited the empire.

" Luther chuckled.

nI knew rumors would spread. I even expected that.. The citizens and the nobles love gossiping so much, after all.

n