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nAfter cleaning the meat and neatly stacking several skewers, Cassius quickly ran around and collected some firewood.

nAnd in the name of guarding the meat, Sylvia stayed back, leisurely playing, throwing pebbles on the brook and watching them skid along the surface of the water, making tiny little splashes.

nHer eyes twinkled as she happily enjoyed the cool breeze of the dusk and the cloud patterns of the setting sun.

nShe was the perfect picture of a carefree young girl. She might have as well come out for a picnic with a group of close friends.

nOf course, all of this was possible only because a certain someone was currently pretending to be asleep.

nMikel laid underneath a tree, his tall figure resting on the green pasture, and his hand lazily covering his eyes.

nTo the distant woman, he sure looked like he was taking a small nap, and resting.

nBut in reality, his eyes as always lingered on the slender woman, keenly watching her antics, observing even the smallest of her movements through the gaps in his fingers.

nHow courageous! Mikel chuckled lightly in amusement.

nThe girl in front of him consistently surpassed his expectations, never failing to surprise him every single day.

nHe could only barely hold in his laughter as he continued eying her with a loaded grin.

nIt was indeed true that human beings often revealed their one side when they were being watched while another when they think no one is watching them.

nBut he didn't mind it.

nIt was after all human nature to err. Besides, if there were no crimes, then how could there be punishments?

nThe man's lips curved upwards, his smile being three parts evil and seven parts wicked.

nSoon, the colors in the sky faded and the evening darkened.

nCassius somehow finished setting up everything, doing all the humdrum work by himself, and that too with a smile on his face.

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"Slave gal! Everything is done!

" He wiped the sweat off of his forehead and clapped his hands.

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"Yes, your highness. It looks amazing.

" Sylvia licked her lips, smacking them in hunger.

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"Can you make fire, slave gal?

" Cassius asked, eager to show off the next step.

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"No, your highness. I don't have any aptitude in magic.

" Sylvia pursed her lips and shrugged.

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"Oh! Then you will really enjoy this. Watch me carefully. Ta Da!

"

nThe little kid snapped his fingers together and mumbled something.

nImmediately, bright sparks flew amidst the heap of dry wood in front of them, setting them ablaze.

nSylvia couldn't help but jerk away slightly.

nIn a matter of seconds, the kid had kindled a small fire, crackling and roaring as if it was alive.

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"Perfect! Now we can start grilling!

" Cassius clapped his hands and began setting up the meat skewers, also by himself.

nSylvia, however, noticed something very very important from the corner of her eyes and quickly grabbed the skewers from the little kid's hands.

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"Let me do it, your highness.

" She shamelessly smiled and helped the kid.

nShe diligently arranged all the meat skewers on the makeshift wooden setup, that was a height in order to protect the tender meat from direct fire.

nAs soon as she was done setting it up, the meat started slowly cooking, a delicious aroma wafting out almost instantly.

nSylvia had already forgotten all about the blood and gore, her eyes only on the prize in front of her.

nShe had barely eaten anything since morning and her stomach was on the verge of a major revolt.

nIt even grumbled loudly, letting everyone know about her predicament.

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"Slave gal, did you just fart?

" Cassius pointed his finger and laughed at her.

nSylvia was mortified, but seeing that Mikel and Theodore were walking towards them, she silently bit her lips and swallowed back her shame and embarrassment.

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"I am just hungry, your highness.

" She bitterly smiled.

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"Heh. What a coincidence! I am hungry too!

" Mikel chuckled as he strolled over to them lazily, Theodore closely following behind him.

nSylvia immediately stood up from her squatting position and bowed, greeting the Prince and his Knight.

nMikel did not spare her another glance as he sat down next to Cassius and started chatting with him about the academy life, asking him various things.

nThe little kid who was more than fond of bragging excitedly began telling Mikel a truckload of stories, most of them being mundane and insignificant.

nHe boasted about how he got the highest marks in history. He boasted about how good his physical fitness records were and the kid continued prattling on and on, almost chewing Mikel's ears off.

nAs a slave, Sylvia knew that she was supposed to become a backdrop to these people, acting as if she didn't exist, but she couldn't help herself and sneaked a small peak at Mikel.

nShe didn't think that the man would have so much patience as to listen to the silly child without a single grumble.

nPerhaps it was the flames of the bonfire casting a dull brightness on his perfect ethereal face, the man looked more attractive than usual, his eyes radiating warmth and affection.

nHer gaze lingered on him longer than she meant to and it didn't escape the devil's eyes.

nHe felt her looking at him, and quickly shifted his gaze to meet hers, sending shivers down Sylvia's spine.

nLike a thief caught in the act, she immediately bent her head back down, a bright rosy hue painting her soft cheeks.

nMikel chuckled softly as he continued listening to the boy next to him.

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