Chapter_23: Apollo

Apollo, the Royal Knight, was about to become a Royal Guardian that night. He kneeled before Lady Ana, showing his loyalty and determination. His gaze revealed his unwavering devotion to her.

"Dear Lady Ana, what can I do for you?" Apollo asked, a hint of a smile on his face.

Lady Ana slowly extended her hand towards Apollo's head, smiling slyly. Apollo, being the gentleman, carefully lifted her hand and kissed it as a sign of respect.

"I have summoned you for tonight. I need you to obey my commands," Lady Ana said with a pleasant tone.

Lady Ana twirled and lifted her dress to display her femininity, then gave a slight bow to Apollo. Straightening up, she fixed her gaze on him and said with a sly smile, "You do realize that this is your greatest day, don't you?"

"Princess, I am well aware," Apollo replied with a chuckle.

"Lady Ana, I will always follow your orders."

As he spoke those words, Apollo reminisced about all the memories with Lady Ana and his journey to becoming a great knight. He had grown up as an orphan, but his strong will and leadership had allowed him to survive in the dangerous district. Known for his serious and decisive nature, he had earned respect in the community.

After years of hard work, he had finally achieved the rank of Royal Guardian, a testament to his determination and leadership.

"That's very kind of you, Apollo," she said with a pleasant tone. Looking up with a smile, she declared, "You are now mine."

Apollo looked puzzled and didn't respond; his confusion was clear from his expression. Waiting for a reply, Lady Ana chuckled and noticed his silence, saying with a laugh, "Is it really that difficult?"

"It's not that, Lady Ana. It's just... am I really suited to be a Royal Guardian?" he asked with a sorrowful look.

"Apollo, you are more than suited. In fact, I sensed the loyalty in your aura, and that's why I elevated your rank," Lady Ana assured him.

"Your words don't prove your loyalty, Apollo. I already trust you wholeheartedly," Lady Ana continued in a gentle tone.

"Then what should I say in response to that?" Apollo asked with concern.

"It's simple, really. You should reply with: I am now yours, my princess," Lady Ana said with a smile, giving Apollo a pleasing look.

Apollo was flustered, as was Alonso, who had been quietly listening. Alonso's respectful silence had given them the space to talk.

After a moment, Apollo cleared his throat and said in a flustered tone, "I will say that for you, Lady Ana. Just for you."

Watching them, Alonso thought that Apollo was indeed the kind of man Lady Ana liked—quiet and supportive of their relationship.

"That's all, Apollo. I called you for that." Lady Ana chuckled as she strolled past the kneeling Apollo.

"Let's head back to the main castle, boys," Lady Ana continued, walking at a leisurely pace while stealing glances at the sky.

As she walked, Alonso followed suit, and finally, Apollo. They continued their journey back to the main castle, all with their eyes fixed on the sky.

With her eyes gleaming, Lady Ana smiled gracefully.

'If someone were to answer that correctly, then that person is truly beyond perfect .'

…

As Kylor rose from his chair, he bid Damian farewell, "Damian, it was a pleasant conversation. I look forward to seeing you tonight or tomorrow."

Exiting the room and closing the door behind him, Kylor found himself once again in the hallway on the second floor. He made his way down to the first floor, taking the wooden stairs to descend.

The sound of tears filled the air, weighing heavily on Kylor's heart as he walked. His thoughts turned to leaving the house, but he was stopped by Damian's sister, Delia, who greeted him with concern.

"Kylor, how did your conversation with Damian go? I hope I'm not being a bother by asking," Delia said with a sorrowful expression.

Kylor reassured her with a kind smile, "It's alright, you're not bothering me at all." He held her hands gently and maintained his reassuring demeanor.

"He's doing alright, better than expected," Kylor replied in a cheerful tone.

As he spoke, he recalled Damian's troubling words: "If this emotional burden persists, then perhaps the peace of death would be preferable." Despite this, Kylor chose to keep it to himself, knowing that revealing it would only cause more distress for the family.

Faced with the decision to tell the truth or conceal it, Kylor opted to keep it hidden, knowing that revealing it would only add to their current troubles.

"I'm glad he's not hating on himself," Delia said, adding to Kylor's inner turmoil. Nevertheless, he responded with a reassuring tone, "He's not the type of guy to hate on himself."

Kylor added with a gentle tone, "He'll probably come back to the Royal Knights tonight or maybe tomorrow."

Delia expressed relief, saying, "I see. That burden in his heart will surely disappear; it's only temporary and will fade after a week." She took a deep breath while maintaining her composure.

"Kylor, it was nice talking to you. You're leaving, right?" Delia asked.

"Kylor, you've really grown into a man. Being a Royal Knight is hard, and I'm surprised that you are taking the job well. Go on, Kylor," Delia said as she waved at him while walking away.

Exiting the house, Kylor was greeted by children playing outside. Their laughter reminded him of his carefree childhood.

'Those kids will probably be like us in a decade," he thought to himself.

Turning to the right, he was surprised to see the Royal Knights waiting outside. Confused, he asked, "Why are you all here?"

Lancelot, Gideon, Davi, and Adriel were there, waiting for him to leave the house so they could greet him.

Lancelot explained in a soft tone, "We've already defeated the Grimoire. Matheus and Azariah aren't here because of their battle injuries. Don't worry, we've taken them to the nearest hospital."

Kylor couldn't believe it and asked, "All of you really waited for me?"

"Yes, and we'll ask you about Damian soon when we reach the nearest food place," Gideon said confidently.

"So, let's go," Lancelot said as he began to walk.

The others followed suit, and Kylor fell in step with them.

…

As Ragnar and Bane made their way down the wooden stairs, Garnette followed closely behind. They quickly entered the first floor of the house, where Grandma Ethel and Falco were waiting for them, seated on a chair.

Four cups of tea sat on the table, and a large bowl of salad with three empty bowls was placed on the side. The first floor was tidy, with no dust to be seen on the floor.

"Hasn't this already been cleaned, Grandma Ethel?" Bane asked, looking surprised as he held his broom.

Grandma Ethel nodded and replied in a wise tone, "Yes, it's already been cleaned. Perhaps your job is done."

"But before you go, you must make sure to fill yourselves up," Grandma Ethel added before taking a sip of her tea.

The three of them changed their expressions and eagerly took a seat, sipping their tea and enjoying the salad. They began to engage in conversation.

"Ragnar, my husband spoke highly of you. It seems you were truly a great man," Grandma Ethel said as she took another sip of her tea.

"No, no. He was the one who helped me; he is a greater man than I am," Ragnar replied as he ate his salad.

"Look, this watch is from him; he gave it to me. But I think I'm only borrowing it," Ragnar said as he quickly retrieved the silver pocket watch Arawn had given him to show Grandma Ethel.

"I also borrowed a trench coat from him, but it's currently in my room in the castle," Ragnar continued.

"You should keep both of those for yourself; we have plenty of things like that, so they're all yours," Grandma Ethel said kindly.

Ragnar was surprised and embarrassed at the same time as he insisted, "No, I think I'll give this back once I'm done with my business here."

"No, take it for yourself. You are welcome to have those for free, Ragnar," Grandma Ethel insisted.

I suppose I don't have much of a choice.

Ragnar reluctantly accepted Grandma Ethel's offer since it was being given away for free. The items Arawn had given him were also valuable, so turning down the offer would mean losing something important.

Ragnar didn't push further; he quietly ate his salad and replied, "Sure."

Grandma Ethel didn't say anything, but she gave Ragnar a knowing smile as she continued to sip her tea.

The five of them continued eating in silence, occasionally engaging in conversation. As they ate, Garnette noticed that Ragnar didn't take a break to rest his injuries, instead choosing to work, which could further deplete his energy.