Huh? Sylvia scurried away in shock wondering why the savage beast was suddenly acting like a domesticated pet.

But then she remembered how the other magical beasts back at the castle stables had acted and assumed that this was probably the same thing.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she hesitantly moved closer to the beast again, this time taking the initiative to extend her hand and pet the humongous wolf.

She pulled the beast closer and nuzzled her head with its and the next second before she realized it, she was already hugging it and sobbing into its pure snow-white fur, both her hands wrapped around its head.

She had completely forgotten that it was a strange beast that she had met only seconds ago and was even terrified of in the beginning.

She was now treating it like a stuffed toy and hugged it tightly, the presence of the beast strangely comforting her.

Even the wolf itself was completely gobsmacked and unable to shake off the woman who was casually dirtying its elegant invaluable fur.

Its eyes stared into the distance as if it was trying to figure out some sort of mystery that evaded it. Nevertheless, it didn't move and allowed the young girl to vent out all her frustrations.

A few minutes passed in this awkward uncomfortable silence when suddenly a twig snapped in the distance and rustling sounds echoed.

Both the wolf and Sylvia snapped out of their trance and broke apart to turn around and see who was coming near them.

But when Sylvia blinked and turned towards the wolf again, it had already disappeared just as silently as it had sprung in front of her.

Her eyes darted in the darkness of the night, searching for the beast but it was nowhere to be seen and strangely the unsettling feeling returned to her heart.

"Are you alright?

" A voice sounded near her and Sylvia snapped to turn and look at Mikel.

"What are you doing here?

" She blurted out and then gingerly added.

"Your highness.

"

Mikel sighed, tiredly slumping onto the grassy ground, right next to her.

"I deserve that and then some more…

"

He cocked his head to the side and caressed her cheeks that were clearly drenched.

"I am sorry. I didn't know. Otherwise, I would have at least warned you.

"

"It's fine. I understand.

" Sylvia tried her best to keep a brave face but her voice cracked despite that.

"Please trust me.

" Mikel pulled her closer and tightly hugged her, making Sylvia let out a deep sigh.

It was not that she didn't trust him. It was just that… it still made her a bit sad… to share the person she loved with someone else even if it was just for namesake.

"Please trust me, my dear,

" Mikel muttered again, his obsidian orbs begging her for forgiveness.

"Mmm…

" Sylvia nodded without saying anything else. As it is, the man's life was hard, she didn't want to make things more difficult for him.

The two of them quietly sat with each other for a while, when Sylvia finally broke the silence and asked.

"Why the engagement suddenly… I mean you don't have to tell me if you…

"

"I was strong-armed into accepting it,

" Mikel replied before she finished her sentence.

"This evening when we arrived at the castle, we have a small meeting with the King prior to the dinner.

"

"For certain reasons, the Duke and the King both pushed for this alliance and I had to oblige.

"

"Otherwise, it would have brought too much unwanted attention on me and worse, on you.

"

Sylvia nodded, listening to his words intently. She had also guessed that it was probably something like this.

"Are we… is there a war brewing?

" She hesitantly asked.

"No. Nothing like that, as far as I know. Don't worry. If it comes down to it, I will always be at your side.

"

"This engagement will never have any real meaning. It's a lie. You know that right?

"

"Mmm…

" Sylvia nodded. However, Mikel could see that she was clearly hurt and was not her usual joyful self.

"When we return back to the castle, Leol volunteered to personally train you in magic.

" He added, in an attempt to cheer her up even though he hadn't yet spoken to Leol about it.

And just as he expected, Sylvia's face slightly brightened upon hearing this, but still, there was a bit of sadness lingering as she nodded in response without saying anything.

It pained him to see the girl like this and his hand that was caressing her cheek stopped.

Mikel suddenly knelt on the ground on his knees and bowed, lowering his head in front of Sylvia.

"Ahhh… Mikel… What are you doing?

" Sylvia was completely flustered to see a grown man kneeling down and apologizing as a child does to a teacher.

"Please forgive me, my dear. I will accept any punishment that may seem fit. I am willing to lick you all night long if that will appease your anger.

"

Sylvia's eyes widened even more and she was shocked to hear the filthy words coming out of the man's mouth, especially when he was kneeling down so sincerely and obediently.

However, to her dismay, the devil did not stop there.

"I have sinned far too much, my dear.

"

"I will atone for this sin by serving you every night until the rest of our lives, my dear. I will lick your ears, neck, nipples, belly button, toes…

"

Sylvia completely reddened and did not let the shameless man finish his words as she pushed him away with all the force that she could muster.

Mikel tumbled like a jar and as he fell on the side, he pulled the woman with him as well, tickling her as she fell on top of him.

"Ah… Ouch… stop it… you jerk… stop it… stop it…

" Sylvia giggled, squirming and wiggling as the man continued to mercilessly tickle her and torture her until the last bit of sadness in her eyes disappeared.