8 Will You Marry Me?

Levi walked through the hallways with his large sword on his back. Everyone he met on his way fell to their knees at the very sight of him. The King of Baize had been gone for over four days. The ministers were ready to announce him dead to the world. Here he was, walking in the palace halls, cold as ever.

Levi arrived in his study to find Tani, his most trusted guard, and Khala. "Big bro! Where the hell were you? Tani sent a secret missive to the Li Clan about your disappearance! I rushed here to find you were really missing!" Khala was the young heir of the Li Clan. Nobody knew they were affiliated with each other. The Li Clan was a powerful clan that specialized in martial arts and weaponry. They didn't concern themselves with affairs outside their clan, but they are under Levi. They were his secret strength.

"I was ambushed by assassins. It took longer than expected to get back." Levi said flatly as he sat on his seat. Tani quickly served him a cup of tea as he looked at his master worriedly. "Master, Minister Kadu wanted to declare your death yesterday when he found out you were missing. I have tried to hide your disappearance, but they seemed to already know you have disappeared."

Levi calmly drank his tea as he read the reports detailing the events of the when he was absent. "Big bro… Where were you? I doubt those assassins could hurt you at all!" To Khala, Levi was the strongest man in the world. No one could beat him! Especially some measly assassins.

Levi shook his head, "I am injured." Tani and Khala exchanged glances before looking at Levi with wide eyes. Injured? That has never happened before! The King of Baize could always protect himself. "Big bro… How is that possible?" Khala asked in disbelief.

"The assassins knew low level magic. I was caught off-guard. Luckily, I was helped by someone." Khala was doubtful. Assassins know magic? Though low level, it was impossible. "Master, are you certain?" Tani asked anxiously. This news was dangerous for Levi's power. If they didn't find the source of the magic-practicing assassins, it would be difficult to defend for future attacks. After all, only royals could use magic. Both Tani and Khala were very skilled in martial arts, but did not have any magic.

Levi was still calm. He didn't care much about assassins. He's faced his fair share of assassins since he took the throne. Knowing magic didn't make them more powerful. But he was also interested in just who could have accomplished such a feat. It was quite amazing to be able to teach magic to non-royals. It was impossible, however, the truth was right in front of his eyes. Those assassins could use magic. He didn't even face heavenly retribution for using his magic against them.

"I'm certain." He said coldly as he put down the reports and ordered, "Call for court tomorrow. I want to see the faces of those ministers that wanted to announce my death." Tani quickly bowed and left to do his orders. Khala looked at his big brother worriedly. "Should we send for an imperial doctor?" Levi shook his head. "My injury must be kept a secret. I'll be fine."

Khala didn't fuss until he remembered his brother's words. Someone had helped him. "Big bro… Who helped you? Where were you these past few days?" Levi paused at the question, remembering a certain fox princess with bright green eyes.

"It's not important." Levi murmured as he looked at another stack of reports on his desk. He sighed as he rubbed his forehead. Couldn't he catch a break? Khala looked at his weird expression and asked carefully, "Big bro… who exactly did you meet?"

Levi suddenly realized he was acting out of character and glared at Khala. "Not leaving yet? Close the door behind you." Khala shut his mouth resentfully and went to do as his brother said.

When he was finally alone, Levi leaned on his chair sighing heavily. He slowly retrieved the thing he had kept his pocket and stared at it. It was the silver fox charm he had taken from Anya's bedroom. He closed his eyes and suddenly saw her smiling face.

He glared at the fox charm like it was its fault he had imagined such a thing. "Get out of my head." The fox charm stayed still in his hands. He continued looking at it for a while and suddenly realized he must have gone crazy to be talking to an object. He was going to throw the charm away when he paused. He looked at the fox charm and remembered her soft touches when she treated his wound.

Levi felt his mind going into disorder. He didn't want to think about her. But thinking about her made him feel warm. What was wrong with him? He glared at the offending fox charm and opened his drawer. He quickly shoved the charm inside and shut it close. Out of sight, out of mind.

He took a deep breath and looked at the tall piles of papers on his desk. He sighed as he continued reading the reports. His head was aching by the time he finished the reports. A small group of ministers wanted to announce his death while majority disapproved. There were also many ministers that suggested he get married and quickly beget an heir to ensure the dynasty. Many ministers suggested their own daughters or granddaughters. There were also ministers that suggested marriage to princesses from neighboring kingdoms or powerful kingdoms to cement their power.

Levi rubbed his head as he read the frustrating petitions. He had no plan of ever getting married. He didn't care how powerful the kingdom the princess came from. All he cared about was keeping his kingdom's power and territory. He would never attack, just defend.

He read the names of the suggested princesses of the ministers. He was just skimming through them when a familiar name caught his attention and made him pause.

Anya Blythe. Princess of Aonani.

His lips curled up into a mocking smile. He had resolved to forget whatever feelings he had for the fox princess, yet here he was pausing at her name. He was about to throw the papers when Tani entered his study with an unusual expression.

"What is it?" Levi's voice was cold. He didn't like it when his subordinates hesitated. Tani never had that problem, yet here he was.

Tani knew his master was possibly annoyed with him, but he couldn't help but hesitate. It was a very unusual thing indeed.

"Spit it out."

Tani didn't dare to hesitate further as he clasped his hands to a bow.

"Master, the Princess of Aonani, Anya Blythe, is currently waiting at the palace gates." Tani paused at his master's unusual show of expression. Did his master know the fox princess?

Levi controlled his expression and looked at Tani blankly. "What does she want?" It was rare for princesses to personally come to a king's palace. It was not proper decorum, yet that fox princess actually dared to do it.

Tani took a deep breath before looking at his master unsure. This was the first time he's ever encountered such a woman in the many years he has worked for the King of Baize. Many women tried to approach him in balls, and meetings. But no one has ever gone to his gates themselves.

"The Princess of Aonani wishes to ask for your hand in marriage."