–Splash!
A Chimera slumped and I glanced sideways to slash at the one that was leaping at me.
Black blood splattered everywhere and at this point, I was drenched in blood mixed with sweat.
"Kkiieekkk!!"
Two Chimeras were seen jumping from both sides and one rushed at me below. I pierced the one below and shot my wind bullet at the left side.
That was two…
However, shock and panic filled my mind after I realized that I couldn't draw my sword; it was stuck in its heart.
As I didn't have enough time to pull it, I shot a wind bullet in a panic state and the outcome was… it missed the target.
My eyes widened when a ferocious hand was inches away from me.
'Ah, I made a mistake…'
–Boom!
I was astonished when a fireball struck the beast before it could reach me, sending it away. I glanced back and Leticia was seen there, extending her hand.
"I'm sorry, I can't leave Your Highness alone."
I couldn't help but furrow my brows.
'She's an Elementalist?'
Well, that explained why I couldn't catch her back then, and how reluctant she was to take the dagger.
"Kkiieeekk!!"
Nevertheless, I returned my sight to the front and drew my sword to swing my sword once more.
But this time, Leticia supported me from the rear, and within half an hour, we exterminated the Chimeras in this area.
"Haa… haa…"
As I catching my breath, I swept my eyes to the surroundings and the sea of corpses could be seen lying below.
Ignoring them, I turned and approached Leticia.
It would be best if we could keep moving because I didn't know when the Chimera would come here.
"Let's go."
I offered my hand, but the moment her fingers touched mine, she was startled and immediately hid her hands behind her back.
"I'm fine. Let's go."
She stepped forward but I blocked her way and stabbed my sword to the floor.
"Give me your hands."
She shook her head.
"Give me your hands."
Yet, she remained persistent. I couldn't help but sigh tiredly; I didn't have time for this, and so I spoke.
"I won't marry you if you don't show your hands."
"Will you marry me if I show my hands?"
I tried to snatch her forearm but she stepped backward.
I massaged my temples, this was getting annoying. Also, why was this girl obsessed with marrying me?
"I will give you the answer after you show me your hands."
She brought her trembling hands to me, I flipped them to see her palms and what greeted me made my eyes widen.
Burn wounds filled her palms.
I gazed at her but she threw her face sideways to avert my eyes.
"Who is your Elementalist tutor?"
She shook her head.
"I don't have one."
Well, that explained why she lacked 'control' of her Elemental and turned her spell into a double-edged blade.
However, my forehead creased, and didn't that mean Leticia opened her Mana Pool and formed a Mana Core by herself?
'This girl is kinda crazy in my eyes.'
I channeled my Mana to my Elemental Water and let it bound her hands. Luckily, I learned a basic aid with my Water Elemental.
"Where did you learn about Elementalist?"
"I learned through books."
Just like I predicted. But, the fact that her parents had no idea about it, it seemed she often ran away from home and trained behind their backs.
"If you want to learn about Elemental, ask your father for a tutor. Don't do self-taught. It's dangerous, you might explode."
She tilted her head.
"But I never read that someone explodes due to self-taught."
Of course, it was a white lie. I was just trying to prevent you from doing something dangerous.
"So, do you believe the book or me?"
"I believe in Your Highness."
"Good."
As expected, her amount of trust in me was just ridiculous.
"Also, stop sneaking alone. I hate it, so unladylike."
"B–but…"
She sighed and eventually answered.
"I understand."
I couldn't help but smile at her innocence, she was so pure that I, myself, was afraid that I might taint her.
After a few minutes, her burn wounds were healed; leaving no trace at all.
I let go of her hands and her eyes twinkled with amazement upon seeing her hands but she immediately lowered her head.
"Thank you and… I'm sorry… I'm… useless."
I patted her head.
"It's not true, you did a great job in my opinion."
Well, it was the truth. Her support was always on time although she burned herself.
She lifted her head and stared at me.
"Then… does that mean Your Highness will marry me?"
Tsk. I clucked my tongue inwardly.
And why were we going back to this topic?
"How old are you?"
Although I knew the answer, I was just going to beat around the bush.
"I'm five years old."
"At your coming-of-age ceremony, I will attend it, and if you say that you still love me, then I will marry you."
"That's a promise, right?"
"Yes. I promise you, here."
I offered her my pinky finger. Her smile bloomed and bound our fingers.
"I only have to wait for thirteen years, right?"
"Yes."
Wasn't she way too optimistic?
I didn't even know if her heart would remain the same or had changed. But at least, it would make her realize her true feelings.
Not just some random puppy love.
"Well–"
A voice echoed throughout the space; a male voice. I quickly took my sword and hid Leticia behind my back.
"–this is the first time I've ever seen a couple having a date in the sewers."
–Splash –Splash –Splash
His steps came closer and my wisp of fire revealed his figure, it began from his lower body to his upper body and a black-haired boy with golden eyes appeared behind the shadow.
My brows furrowed.
"Alex?"
The boy let out an annoying grin.
"So, did you miss me?"
Instead of longing, I want to punch him in the face.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶