Chapter 21: The Royal Treasury [3] Mira didn’t understand. She truly didn’t understand why, when she heard those words, her cheeks flushed. He was just a kid, wasn’t he? He was far younger than her yet she had ever imagined herself reacting to in such a way. Her duty was to guide him and keep an eye on him in the treasury — not to let her composure crack in front of someone who wasn’t even fourteen yet. Yet here she was, heart drumming faintly against her chest. "What do you mean by that?" she asked at last, voice sharper than intended as she gathered herself. It came out quick — very quickly. Azel tilted his head, lips curling into that calm smile of his that seemed to constantly toy with the edge of mischief. His hand went to his chin, as though he were contemplating a grand strategy. "Well," he began casually, "I just want you to spend some time with me while I’m at the palace. Maybe show me your swordsmanship too. Father’s told me a lot about you... about how you’re the youngest Knight commander in the Kingdom. I’d really like to see your skills in person." Mira froze. Her cheeks, despite her best efforts, tinged pink at his words. ’Damn it.’ Why did praise hit her so easily? Especially when it was about her sword skills. Of course, anyone would feel pride hearing their accomplishments recognized, but this boy’s words — confident, mature, and delivered so smoothly were dangerously disarming. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. She was proud of her swordsmanship. Violent Serpent. That was the name of her style, a fluid yet lethal technique renowned across the Starbloom empire for its precision and speed. It wrapped the user’s blade in violet aura, striking in unpredictable, whip-like arcs, like a serpent lunging from cover. Few had mastered it enough to manifest the serpent’s shape itself. Mira was one of those few. Azel, of course, knew all of this. He wasn’t praising her aimlessly — no, he was fishing, laying groundwork. If there was any way to learn her style or incorporate elements of it into his training, he wasn’t about to pass up the chance. Mira looked at him slyly, turning away slightly, if only to hide her expression. "Well," she replied smoothly, "if that’s all you want... then you’re free to. You can have one of the maids seek me out anytime you’d like to spend time together." "I understand," Azel said, bowing slightly. His voice was polite, but his smirk didn’t escape her notice. "Thank you for escorting me to the royal treasury, Miss..." "It’s Mira," she interrupted gently. "Mira Elhart. But you can just call me Mira. I don’t mind." Azel’s eyes glimmered as if he’d won a small victory. "Alright then, Mira." And with that, he turned and exited, his steps light, his posture utterly relaxed — as though their exchange hadn’t unsettled her composure entirely. Mira remained in the treasury, staring after him for a moment longer than she cared to admit, before shaking her head and sighing. Azel wandered the massive halls of the palace. He moved briskly, confident at first... but after twenty minutes, it became clear he had no idea where he was. He was lost in the winding paths of this Godforsaken palace. "...Yeah," he muttered to himself, glancing at identical marble corridors and endless ornate pillars, "I’m lost." The Starbloom Castle was a maze. It was like the architects deliberately wanted outsiders to get hopelessly turned around. "Uhm... Sir Azel?" The soft voice reached his ears, light but clear. He turned, blinking in mild surprise, and saw her. Naelia. The princess stood not far down the hall, her violet eyes bright, her expression shy but eager. She wore a pale blue dress trimmed with silver, one that suited her perfectly and made her look... well, even cuter than usual. For a moment, Azel found himself silently stunned. "Sir?" he echoed with a chuckle. "I’m not an old man yet, Princess. Just Azel is fine." Naelia blinked rapidly, realizing her formality. She stepped closer — too close, perhaps and only when their faces were barely a meter apart did she realize it herself. Her cheeks reddened instantly, and she stepped back, hands folding demurely in front of her. "T-then... Mister Azel," she said hesitantly, "would you... would you like to join me for lunch?" Azel blinked. For a second, he swore the words didn’t register. Lunch? With the Princess? He smiled. "Sure," he replied simply. Even though he didn’t show it, adventuring through the winding halls of the Starbloom castle and the Royal treasury was taxing and before he started his gravity training with the Bracelet, he wanted to at least refill his energy. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮 "My mother will be there too," She said as she took hold of his hand, "She wanted to thank you personally for rescuing me." "Oh." Azel said but deep down... he became nervous. The Second Empress wanted to meet him personally? He didn’t know why but he suddenly had a bad feeling about it.