Chapter 89: A Stroll (1/2)

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV:

As we h in awe at how perfect a springit was—simply one of those scenes that you couldn't help but appreciate As it was just past dawn, theair was still cool and crisp On both sides of the road, brightdew on the h the old trees that towered over us

The carriage ere riding in hardly shook from the even, marble-like paths smoothed from centuries of use Sylvie was a ball of exciterab her by the tail a couple of tie to catch the passing butterflies and birds

"Arthur, I have to say that your bond continues to intrigue me" Alduin Eralith raised an a bird with her jaw

"No, leave the boy and his pet alone In such a vast and s like this," Virion chided at his son with a wagging finger

"I'd norree with you as well, Grandfather, but Arthur's bond really is unique coh it's an infant, its gaze twinkles with intelligence" Merial leaned in closer to Sylvie, as still chewing on the bird she took down

"Don't forget that Sylvie is super cute too!" Just as Sylvie let out a satisfied belch, Tess picked her up and hugged her

"Bahaha! I can't help but worry that hter will one day choose her precious bond, not by its strength but by its appearance!" Virion howled in laughter, ree, even with a e Tess soon fell asleep with her head against her hter with her head leaning against Tess'

"Arthur, I told my son already but where we're headed, it's not a nore of the kingdom As for why, she wouldn't tell me, but last time I chose to make an unannounced visit, I almost died from the traps and defenses she had put up," Virion spoke in a hushed voice

I raised a brow at Virion's serious tone "For what reason does Elder Rinia need to protect herself to this extent?"

"My guess is as good as yours I told her that ere visiting this time, so it should be safe, but I want you to watch out for any signs of intrusion The fact that she needed to set up all of these precautions means that there are people out there to be cautious of"

My mind immediately went to her unique abilities as a deviant, however, no one but a handful of trusted people should've known about it

"Okay" I nodded solemnly

Soon after the conversation, Gramps had also fallen asleep with his ar only my bond, the driver, Tess' father and ainst theof the carriage in hopes to catchrhythed face as he gazed vacantly at the e I knew that each of those wrinkles and creases caure of the continent

"I feel like I've never had the chance to properly thank you," he said as his eyes still stayed focused outside the carriage

"For what, sir?" I replied

"For taking such good care of hter From what she and erous situations thanks to you" Alduin turned his head and looked ata weary s, sir Tessia has helped me a lot of times as well"

"Oh? Like how?" He tilted his head

I had to think to for a second before responding "In keeping me sane at times"

"Not exactly what I expected a thirteen-year-old boy to say, but when it comes to you, I can't help but see you as an adult" The foraze back outside

"Your words are kind"

"I somehow feel utterly confident that you will be able to protect hter in my and ht at the , Alduin just chuckled and waved his hand dishts running wild Don't ht of one dayTess?"

"Sir?" I said, taken aback by the sudden shi+ft in course of this conversation

"I es and Merial and I irl! I bet she'll be quite the looker given a few years"

"I thought that traditionally, elves dated and married a lot later—"

"Ha! Tradition? At how fast Dicathen is changing, there's no room for tradition," Alduin scoffed He then bent forward, leaning his arhter?"

There was a lingering silence as I thought about my words carefully Despite his ae, Alduin was still the acting king of Elenoir There was no denying that my attitude and care toward the elf princess was different from anyone else's, but it was still is at this stage There were times when I was surprised atI was; to be able to overcoe that I subconsciously put up irl and see her as a woazes with Tessia's father, I answered with confidence "I do, but I also findto confidently say I knohat 'like' and 'love' actually mean I hope the ansill come with ti of asking for your daughter's hand in htfully "You have your head in the right place despite the lack of years under your belt"

"More so than you when you were his age," a soft voice chimed fro asked with an expression as if he'd been caught sneaking into the desserts cabinet

"Just for the last bit of your little 'man talk'," she smiled

'Hehe, I knew Papa liked Ma ht've heard as well, but fortunately it seemed that unlike her mother, Tessia was a rather heavy sleeper

TESSIA ERALITH'S POV:

He admitted it! I almost shouted out loud in excitement