n

n

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"DON'T worry too much about Princess Neoma, Lewis,

" Glenn consoled the young knight. Right now, he was leaning against the door of the royal princess's room. He had a feeling that the fox boy would try to enter the chamber if he moved from his spot.

"Her life is in danger. She's simply going through a process that people with blood like her have to experience.

"

nLewis just glared at him.

n

"Even if you glare at me, I won't move from this spot,

" he told him with a soft laugh.

"You can try to walk past me. I won't kill you because Princess Neoma is fond of you. But I can't promise that I won't cut an arm or leg from you.

"

nIt wasn't an empty threat.

nOf course, he would rather not hurt a child. He had fought in too many wars already. The thing that would never leave his conscience alone was the faces of the children warriors that he had to kill then. He didn't want to add Lewis to that list.

nSo he was glad when the fox boy toned down his bloodlust.

n

"Oh, you've matured,

" he complimented the child brightly.

"In the past, you didn't know how to hold back. Do you remember when you attacked His Majesty's Soul Beast recklessly?

"

nOf course, the child ignored him.

nAh, he only likes talking to Neoma.

n

"I was also raised by the White Lion Knights so I have an idea what you might have learned from them,

" he said because well, he liked talking to other people. It was a breath of fresh air than his usual day following His Majesty around.

"They taught you to choose your battle wisely, didn't they? You should seriously follow that lesson, Lewis. You're still too young to die.

"

n

"I won't die early.

"

n

"Ah, finally,

" he said cheerfully.

"I thought you were going to ignore me all night.

"

nHe was glad that Lewis seemed to value his life even more.

nTo be honest, His Majesty ordered him to keep an eye on the fox boy.

nThe reason why Lewis was sent to the White Lion Knights was for him to be surrounded by capable people as he trained. Even though Duke Sloane was gone, His Majesty had a feeling that there were still people who were after the fox boy and his Marble.

nAccording to the emperor, Duke Sloane wasn't smart or strong enough to work on his own. So he must have connived with someone else regarding the late Empress Juliet's resurrection. The enemies might have laid low when the House Sloane was punished. But His Majesty was certain that they would definitely be back for Lewis.

nI feel bad for Lewis and Princess Neoma. Despite having enormous power, they are still children. But they can't enjoy their childhood because of the people who are after their abilities.

n

"Hang in there, Lewis,

" he said to the young knight.

"The empire needs a talented knight like you to protect the throne.

"

n

"No,

" Lewis said firmly.

"My life and power belong only to Princess Neoma.

"

nAll of a sudden, Glenn was reminded by the former Commander Gavin Quinzel's dedication to Lady Mona Roseheart.

nIt didn't end well.

n

"Lewis, Princess Neoma is still a royal princess,

" Glenn gently reminded the child.

"You are his knight– and only that. Do you understand?

"

nLewis tilted his head at one side, his face blank as usual.

"No.

"

n***

nWHEN NEOMA opened her eyes, she was greeted by her dad's worried face.

nTo be honest, she was surprised when she saw her dad because he wasn't supposed to be home tonight. He had a big awarding ceremony that he was supposed to attend. Her father's drama was the biggest and the most successful show in South Korea this year.

nShe was 100% sure that her dad would also bag the daesang award for his spectacular performance in that drama. The daesang award, or the grand prize for the Best Actor category, would definitely be awarded to his father.

n

"Appa, why are you here?

" Neoma asked in a cracked voice. She had a high fever and a nasty flu. Thus, she felt like crap. And she felt worse knowing that her father went home just to take care of her.

"I'm okay. You shouldn't have left the award show just for me. I'm sure that you'd get the daesang award tonight.

" She paused for a while because her throat hurt a little. Then, she continued.

"Plus, you're supposed to go on a date with eomma after.

"

nIt was rare for her mother and father to have a long break at the same time.

nAnd so, the two decided to go on a short vacation without her. She was the one who insisted for her parents to spend time together with just the two of them.

nBut then, she had to get sick.

nArgh.

n

"The award show and the vacation don't matter to us, princess,

" Won-shik Kim, her father, said gently.

"Your mother is making your favorite mushroom soup.

"

n

"I like it,

" she said with a weak smile.

"But appa, it's not too late to leave. I'm a big girl now and I don't need you and eomma to take care of me. I just need a good night's sleep. I'll be good as new tomorrow morning.

"

n

"No can do,

" her dad said while shaking his head.

"Your mother and I will stay and take care of you. You are more important than anything else in the world, our Princess Neoma.

"

nShe giggled at the pet name that her parents gave her.

nTo be honest, at first, she felt awkward whenever they called her

"princess

" because of the memories of her first life. She was a royal princess back then, but she was neglected and abandoned by her own family.

nBut luckily this time, her parents gave that name a new meaning.

n

"Thank you for treating me like a princess, appa,

" she said genuinely.

"You make me feel so special and I love it.

"

n

"You are special, our little Princess Neoma,

" her dad said softly, then he kissed her on the forehead– making her close her eyes in the process.

"We will not lose you this time, Your Majesty.

"

n'Your Majesty?'

nIt was the first time that she heard that from her dad.

nBut Neoma was too sleepy to ask. Plus, her stomach growled loudly. Her hunger beat her curiosity at that moment.

"I want eomma's mushroom soup, appa…

"

n***

n

"APPA, I'm hungry…

"

nNikolai glared at Neoma.

"Are you really still asleep?

"

nHe didn't know how it happened but right now, he was lying on his side while Neoma was stuck beside him. She had her tiny arms around him and she wouldn't let go. The royal princess also kept on mumbling incoherent things.

n

"Let go,

" he ordered his child.

"How can I ask for the servants to bring you food if you're clinging to me like a monkey?

"

nOf course, he could always just call for Glenn.

nBut he'd rather die than let his nosy knight catch him in that awkward position. He would never hear the end of it from Glenn. Unfortunately, his personal knight was so keen in making him improve his father and daughter relationship with Neoma.

n

"I'm hungry,

" Neoma complained, her eyes still shut.

"Appa, I want eomma's mushroom soup…

"

nThat made him freeze on the spot.

nWhen he shut his eyes tight, a piece of an unpleasant memory began to flood his mind.

n

"What kind of bland dish is that, Mona Roseheart?

" Nikolai asked while looking at the bowl of unknown soup that she offered to him. Right now, he was sitting on his bed while Mona occupied the chair beside the bed.

"Where's the royal chef?

"

n

"Just try my specialty first,

" Mona insisted with a pout.

"Don't you trust me?

"

n

"I trust you, but not your cooking skills.

"

n

"Hey!

" she complained with a soft laugh.

"This is just a mushroom soup. Anyone can make it right, you know?

"

nHe just have her a doubtful look.

n

"Fine,

" she said. She looked pissed this time.

"I'll ask your royal chef to make you a fancy soup. I shouldn't have offered to nurse an ungrateful brat like you. I'm leaving, Your Royal Highness.

"

nShe would only refer to him by his title (if they were alone) when she was pissed.

nHe couldn't help but smile at the way she acted. It was adorable. He liked seeing different emotions on her face.

"I'll have a taste of it on one condition, Mona.

"

nShe raised a brow at him.

"And what might it be?

"

n

"Feed me,

" Nikolai said with a smirk.

"I will only eat your

"specialty

" if you feed me yourself.

"

nMona's beautiful face turned red.

"Why are you such a baby, Nikolai?

"

nNikolai opened his eyes and when he did, Neoma's sleeping face greeted him.

"Mona, how come this child is craving for your

"specialty

" dish?

"

n***

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n***

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