n

n

nNathaniel was there to welcome our group as soon as we arrived at the palace. He then escorted us to the east wing where my room would be while I live here. In my whole 19 years of existence, I have never thought that there would be a time that I would get to live in the palace, even temporarily. It's just… I don't know… surreal?

n

"This place is closer to the tower thus the emperor wanted you to stay here so you could feel more assured,

" he said as he showed me the room in its entirety.

nMy eyes roamed around the unfamiliar surroundings I would now call mine. Everything is new to my eyes, the bed, the decorations, the ambiance in general, and the view. I thought of the scenery I have grown to love after seeing it every day and then compared it to now. Instead of the rose garden I personally cultivated, it was just green hedges.

nAlthough I could clearly see the arcane tower in the distance, it still felt a little empty inside my heart.

nOh, Nadia. Aren't you just being ungrateful? You are not here to sightsee but to hide from lunatics.

nWho can be able to tell someone that you had the chance to live in the palace for free? A lot of people will offer everything just to be in your shoes so shut up.

nI turned to Nathan,

"Brother… Are you also staying here?

"

nNathan nodded resolutely,

"I'm strengthening the security around the palace to prevent those people from getting in. Now that you are currently staying here, there is a possibility that those people would come here as well,

" his right hand then patted my head,

"If you need me, you can ask one of the guards to find me and I will come right away.

"

nA soft smile painted my lips,

"I feel more assured now…

"

nI feel so blessed to have such a competent brother… Have I told you that already? I did? Well, it's not enough!

n

"Rest if you are tired,

" he whispered. As if remembering something, his face scrunched in worry,

"I heard you were attacked again. Are you hurt somewhere?

"

nI quickly shook my head in assurance.

n

"I'm fine, Lu— Sir Lukas protected me, it's the knights who got injured. I helped them a bit but they still might need more medical attention,

" I then added.

nNathaniel nodded in understanding, looking relieved.

n

"Don't worry, we'll make sure you're safe.

"

n

"I know because my brother is the best,

" I grinned at him.

nHey, I would only act like this in front of the people I love, alright? Don't say that I'm corny.

nNathaniel seemed much better after hearing that since we all know that he is a tsundere and sis-con.

n

"I'll be leaving now, remember what I said.

"

n

"Okay,

" I replied and waved at him.

nNathan patted my head one last time before finally leaving me and my maids. There were two additional people that Nathan introduced. They were palace maids that are specifically given to me to cater to my needs while I'm in the palace. Together with Erin and the rest, they had started to arrange all our belongings diligently, so I left them to their devices.

n

"So your brother is the best?

" A voice suddenly spoke out, startling me.

nI turned around and saw Lukas leaning on the open window and gave him a dirty look.

n

"Can you stop doing that?

" I hissed with gritted teeth,

"At least give a warning before you arrive or something. You're going to give me a heart attack one day!

"

nHe's a ghost and he's a nuisance! I wouldn't even be surprised if I get to know that I have heart disease in the future. And it's all the fault of this presumptuous man!

n

"A warning, you say?

" He repeated, tapping his chin in thought.

n

"Yes. You can knock on the window? That will let me know that it's you,

" I suggested as I tried to calm my loud heart.

nGeez, that truly shocked me.

nThe side of his lips curled upward,

"How would you know that knocking means me?

"

nI threw him a pointed look,

"There is no other person out there who is brazen enough to come to my room except you, your grace.

"

n

"Brazen, huh… You really like calling me a lot of names,

" he drawled.

n

"For it is the truth. And stop coming inside unceremoniously! You've been like this at my house and now you're doing it even here! What would the others say if they saw you? The sun is still out and this is the palace, stop doing whatever you want.

"

nMy eyes gravitated towards the equally stupefied maids at the side who were staring at Lukas with wide scandalous eyes. I mean, seeing the presence of a man who suddenly appeared out of thin air, unannounced, and uninvited, is unheard of. Just look at those two palace maids!

nOh, I'm starting to have a headache now…

n

"Hmm…

"

nWithout a word, he started to traverse the distance between us and I thought that he was going to try something weird again, which made me take a step back.

n

"You— What are you doing?

"

nI even glanced at the maids and then back to Lukas, warning him with my eyes. But I guess, I shouldn't be too assuming, after all, seeing that he actually went past me and headed towards the bathroom.

n

"Inspecting the place,

" he replied.

nI cleared my throat to rid myself of my embarrassment.

n

"This room is given by the emperor, it should be safe,

" I pointed out.

n

"You'll never know…

"

nI smacked my lips shut and just let him do as he pleased.

nInstead, I went to the window to gaze at the looming tower in the distance, gradually losing to my thoughts. Kuro had already pranced towards the sofa and sat there while Erin and the others cautiously worked in the background, glancing at the nosy Lukas from time to time.

nHonestly, I just hoped that there would be no strange rumors circulating the palace about me. I would seriously choke Lukas if my name gets tarnished because of him.

nAfter he was satisfied, he walked back to the room and sat beside Kuro, with his legs crossed and looking very much like he was at his own home.. Kuro, on the other hand, wagged his tail, showing that he was happy, and scooted closer to actually nuzzle Lukas' side under my horrified gaze.

n