Vol.5 Ch.102- Quarrel.

Sylvia Talgan's POV

"Voker? Are you in there?" I asked while knocking on his door.

"Yes, come in."

Why…why does he sound like that?

I carefully opened the door and peered into his room. Despite living together for months, the two of us never really went into each other's room. Voker didn't spend a lot of time in his room anyway, and it showed. I'm pretty sure he only uses this place to sleep.

Would it kill him to decorate the walls with anything? Even an extra piece of furniture or something?

Voker's room was exactly the way we had found it months ago, mostly empty and spotless. Voker had a bed, desk, a drawer, and that was it. His bed had the same white sheets that they came with, and his bed was made to perfection.

I feel like his room is cleaner than it was when we got here.

Voker was at his desk working on…something. Typically if it were homework or something for class, he would do his work in the living room or dining room. I walked over to him and peered over his shoulder.

"What are you writing?" I asked.

"Some long-overdue letters to Dominick and a few other things to the guild," he said flatly.

"Mhm…what's the matter with you?"

Voker stopped writing and brought his masked face to look me in the eyes. I couldn't see his face, but I could just tell something was wrong with him. He's been acting differently…he seems…tired? Or maybe even a little frustrated?

"I'm fine," he responded drily.

No… no, you aren't.

I looked at the top of the paper he was writing on and had to do a double-take to make sure I had read it correctly. It was a guild purchase order for a bunch of stuff… Flash Powder…Berserk Caps…and some other things I didn't recognize. "Why are you buying all of this? And why so much of it?" I asked.

And is that a quest form, or am I misreading that? Stupid Human language and its confusing symbols…

He shrugged and went back to writing. "Sylas and I are going to work on a few things together. I also need to restock some equipment and supplies for the trip. So figured it was best to do it now rather than later."

"You are going to make that drug again…aren't you?" I asked him.

"I am. I had originally created it to escape my enslavers, but I have found a lot of uses for it since then. Sylas is going to help me improve the formula. At least, I hope he is," Voker grumbled.

I sighed and looked for an extra chair to pull up next to him, but of course, there wasn't one. So I just settled for standing over him instead. "Voker… can I ask that you not use that stuff anymore? What it's doing to your body is pretty severe… if something were to happen to me or if it got so bad I couldn't heal you…" I trailed off.

"Then I simply won't let anything happen to you. But this is exactly why I'm going to Sylas for help. I believe he can help lessen the effects of the drug, even if a little. Besides, it's not like I'm taking it all the time…" Voker said defensively.

"You say that, but you've taken it far more than you should have, haven't you? If you take it for every serious fight when all the fights you have are serious…. doesn't it defeat the purpose?" I argued.

Voker let out a tired sigh and held his head. "You're right… but the thing is… if I were to die during one of those fights and the difference between winning and losing was the smallest of margins… would you rather me take the drug or die?"

"That's not what I meant," I mumbled.

Voker put down his quill and scooted out from the desk. He turned to face me fully. "Thank you for your concern. I understand you are worried about my health, but nothing matters if I die, right?"

"Right.. but we have each other, so things are going to be okay…"

Voker let out a tired chuckle. "Yeah, everything will be fine. But Sylvia, I want you to know that I will use every little thing to my advantage even if it hurts me in the long run because there isn't a long run for me if I don't survive the short run. I… I have a bad feeling about all of this assassin business going down. I may have indirectly put a target on our backs by getting involved…. I'm sorry," he apologized.

He sounds so distant, just like that one time in the dungeon where he exploded from what I said. But this…this is different.

But honestly… this guy is constantly worrying about me. He was the one fighting an assassin in an alley.

I bent down and ran my hands through Voker's silky smooth ash gray hair. I preferred his black hair more, but I didn't mind the gray. I suppose I've just grown used to it. I just look forward to the time when he can finally be himself. I think the reason he is like this is because of all the waiting around he's been doing. It must be hard… knowing your family is so close yet so far.

The tips of Voker's ears turned a bright red as he mumbled something under his breath. I may have promised myself not to force things, but I couldn't help it at times like this. Seeing him embarrassed and flustered does put a smile on my face. More importantly…it helps keep his mind off whatever is bothering him.

Is this just him being him or does he…maybe…

"Your hair is getting long… you haven't asked me to cut it in a while. Did I do that bad of a job last time?" I asked, not meaning to sound so hurt.

I played with his hair for a while and let him stammer out a response. "No! Not at all. It was fine…I just…since we were leaving soon, I thought I could grow my hair out just a bit…"

"Mhm… for that promise to your father?"

Well… at least he doesn't think I did a lousy job…his hair is so soft…how is this fair?

"Yes, that promise…Sylvia…could you please stop playing with my hair? You are a little too close as well," Voker said quickly.

I let out a giggle and moved my hand away from him. "Did it bother you? Me being so close?"

"Well…no… I mean, yes? No… it didn't…I'm just busy right now so— why are you laughing at me? Why is everyone laughing at me…" Voker asked with a sigh as he rubbed his ears.

"Oh, nothing… you should think about that while I'm gone for a bit. I won't be home till later, so don't wait for me, okay?"

That's right. I won't push him, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do nothing. Besides, teasing him is part of the fun sometimes.

"Okay," Voker responded hesitantly.

Okay? I know I just said I won't push him but would it kill him to at least ask where I'm going?

"Aren't you going to ask me where I am going?"

"Uh… should I? I mean, you can—"

I crossed my arms across my chest and looked down at him. "Do whatever I want? I know that already. You say it all the time, and I'm thankful you aren't some overprotective weirdo… but you could at least ask where I'm heading off to or who I'm going with… what if something happened to me? Huh?"

He hasn't even asked me how my swordsmanship class is going… he doesn't even know that I'm taking another class right after it, either. Then again, that might be because I told Varnir not to tell him… well he could still ask, at least.

Voker scratched the back of his head and let out a weak grunt. "I mean, if you put it that way… then where are you going?"

"To the markets."

"To what markets? There are multiple…"

"The upper district ones."

"To do what? Go shopping?"

"Yes."

"Who are you going with?"

I take this all back… this is kind of annoying. But, I have a newfound appreciation for Voker not putting his nose in my business all the time.

"Why do you look annoyed with me… didn't you just request that I ask you more questions?" Voker asked with a defeated sigh.

"Yes, but… maybe not so many. I'm going with a lot of the girls from class. We are all going shopping, so I won't be home till late."

I could tell Voker was looking at me in pure confusion from behind his mask. Finally, he rubbed his ears and head and faced his desk once again. "Why couldn't you just tell me that from the beginning…" he whispered under his breath.

Because it's more fun this way.

"Anyways… what will you be doing? Can I have a little snack before I leave as well?" I asked with a barely suppressed giggle.

"Can you not call my blood a snack…my bones work very hard making the stuff so that you can survive…" Voker said with faux annoyance. "But I will be running some errands. I need to drop these off and see Sylas afterward. Oh… there is one place I want to check out as well, but I'm not sure if I'll have time for that or not."

He seems excited about the last part? And wait…

"The bones? Why would your bones make blood? Doesn't your heart do that?" I asked, confused.

Voker stopped dipping his quill in the inkwell and slowly turned his head towards me. "Well… yes… no actually…your bones are responsible for making blood…did you not know that? So how are you increasing the rate at which my blood comes back if you aren't using my bones?"

I'm so lost right now. Voker seems pretty confident about this… am I the one out of the loop, or does he know something I don't? "I just use my Blood Sorcery… but that doesn't make any sense…bones don't even have blood in them? So how can they make blood?" I questioned.

"Bones can bleed…just… forget about it. You are going to be late for your event. We can talk about this another time," Voker said with a dismissive wave.

Is he… nervous? But the bones, huh?

"Fine. Try not to miss me too much when I'm gone," I said playfully.

"I'll do my best…" he groaned. "But Sylvia."

I stopped just short of the door and turned back to face him. I could feel Voker's intense gaze boring into me through his mask. "Yes?" I squeaked.

"Be safe out there, please," he said earnestly.

I felt the heat in my chest rise to my face and began nodding my head before I even knew what I was doing. "Of—of course… I'll be careful," I said, unable to hide the shakiness in my voice.

Why is he like this…so serious while being so thoughtful…ugh. Soon… I'll get him to add the last part then….

Voker cleared his throat and knocked me out of my trance. I was giggling to myself like an absolute fool.

This is becoming more of a challenge every day.

Voker backed away from me just a little. "Sylvia…is something wrong with you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Nothing! Goodbye!" I shouted while slamming his door closed.

Calm down, Sylvia. No reason to get worked up over this. Voker was just himself. He probably didn't mean anything by it. Or did he?

What if that massive dense idiot just doesn't realize his feelings? Or am I just imagining things going my way because I want them to be that way? Maybe a bit of both? UGHHHH!

Rather than confronting the confusing mess that is our relationship currently, I just decided to leave immediately. I'm already dressed in my usual adventurer attire minus the red cloak, so I was ready to go. I slipped my mask on from my ring, and I didn't even make it out the front door before running into somebody I didn't know.

Who is this guy?

The man was as still as a statue and looked like he was in the middle of knocking on the door. He just gave me a wry smile and took a step back. "You must be Sylvia… right?"

"What if I am?" I shot back.

The man winced, and I took stock of his white and gold uniform. I'd seen the white uniforms before, which meant he was a part of the school's security team, but I had never seen a gold version of the uniform or this man before. But I could tell one thing for sure…

He is strong.

"Well, I'd hope you are Sylvia, or you would be in the wrong room, Miss. And I'm afraid that would be a problem…" The man looked over my shoulder and into the room. "Things look a little different now, huh?" he mumbled.

"What are you mumbling about? And who are you? What do you—"

He brought his hands up in defense and flashed the rather large scroll he was holding with the school's symbol on it. "Whoa there… no need to be so hostile, Miss. The name's Mason Fields, Head of Security for Forward University."

Oh…

"Anyways… would you mind giving this report to Voker for me?" he asked with a friendly smile.

"Sure…sorry…Sir…"

Mr. Fields just let out a loud chuckle and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't worry about it, kid. You are probably just playing it safe, so I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to talk to some stranger either."

You don't seem like you have a problem talking to anyone…

I placed the scroll behind my back and made it look like I was putting it into my belt, but I quickly sent it into my storage ring. "I'll make sure he sees this."

Mr. Fields started walking away, but he stopped short and pointed a finger at me. "One more thing that isn't on that report. The officers who ignored Tsarra's initial concerns were removed from their positions. Oh, and make sure you tell Voker that we searched the girl's belongings. We found that she had a massive stockpile of Berserker Caps along with a whole host of other substances. The Paines believe she was abusing the stuff somehow. How she got that much and what she was mixing it with, we don't know yet."

Berserker Caps…. Voker told me about the stalker and how she looked sick. So she was abusing the same drugs that Voker is trying to make…

"Oh, I'll tell him, alright…"

The Head of Security took a step back from me and gave me a strained smile with a wave. "Okay then… thanks again, Sylvia."

I know Voker just said he would do anything to get an edge in a fight but… what if I asked him not to take those drugs for real? What if I really asked him not to do it anymore. Would he do it? Would he listen to me? I… hope that he would.

—

"Finally, Sylvia! What took you so long?" Jen shouted enthusiastically. Then her face twisted into fear as she went to her knees. "Please forgive me! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt him! He told me to do it!" Jen pleaded.

What is she… oh, Voker did mention this to me.

Jen was wearing a simple sleeveless white dress that exposed her muscular and toned arms. Her curly brown hair was straightened and tied up into two long ponytails that rested on her broad shoulders.

"It's fine, Jen. That idiot told you to do it, so I don't care. And in the future…feel free to tell him no, okay?" I said to Jen while helping her off the ground. The relief washed over her face as she gave me a dopey smile.

"And I'm sorry, I ran into someone on my way out the door," I told the group.

Jen, Lauren, Ren, Linnetia and… Tsarra? I was expecting the first four, but I wasn't expecting her. Much like Voker, I hadn't even realized the girl was in our class till he pointed her out. And she sat right behind me…

"H—h…hi…Sylvia…" Tsarra muttered. Tsarra was wearing her school uniform for some reason. Although it was comfortable and they were tailor-made for us… wearing the same clothes day in and out became tedious after a while.

I might have been glaring at her a little too much… I wish she would stop acting so nervous all the time. Isn't she supposed to be a princess?

"Yes, yes, hi Sylvia, we are late so let's get going," Lauren said with a hint of annoyance as she ushered us forward.

Lauren was wearing relatively simple clothing for this occasion. A simple purple blouse with little frills at the front and a pair of white pants. Her hair was tied up into a bun and was hidden under a wide-brimmed hat.

Ren gave me a friendly wave, and we piled into the Maxwell's private carriage, or at least it was Lauren's carriage. As one could imagine, it was fit for a princess. The two beautiful black and white horses pulling the carriage were groomed and well kept, while the carriage itself was of the highest order.

The exterior was a bright red with gold trimming and laurels along the top and around the sides. The Gryphon symbol of Luminar was expertly painted in gold on the carriage door. Black stained glass covered the upper portions of the carriage, and once inside, we could see through it with ease.

"Awfully nice, isn't it? A little too rich for my blood…" Lin said quietly while taking a seat next to me. Lin was also dressed casually in knee-high brown shorts and a white dress shirt.

But Lin is part of the Paine family. One of the most powerful noble families in the kingdom and one of the few that managed to survive after Brax fell.

I just nodded along with her words. "I suppose so."

Lin giggled and raised an eyebrow at me. "Have you seen a more impressive carriage before somewhere?"

Well, yes… I've been inside a better one than this. I mean, the inside is nice and all but couldn't they have made the seats a little more comfortable? Grandpa and Mom always made sure the interiors of our carriages were comfortable.

"In my dreams, maybe," I lied.

I wish I could tell them…but they would just run from me.

"Ahhh! Look at this glass! How do you think they made it?!" Jen exclaimed while shoving her face against the carriage's window.

"It was probably a long process that I don't particularly care to learn about right now, Jen," Lauren said while leaning over her sister and pulling Jen off the glass. "And stop that… you are going to leave an imprint…"

Jen started pouting and puffed her cheeks up at Lauren. "I just wanted to get a closer look!"

"I don't think shoving your face into the glass will help you figure out how it's made, Jen," Ren said with a wry smile. Ren was also wearing her school uniform… which happened to be the men's uniform.

Why does she wear that all the time? Ren is a cute girl with a petite figure, so I just don't get it. Not to mention she is a princess as well…wouldn't wearing that uniform all the time give people the wrong idea about her?

"You don't know that! What if—"

I tuned out their conversation and felt Lin staring at me. Lin and I had grown surprisingly close in the short amount of time we've been together. She's easygoing. She doesn't talk too much or too little, and she's just genuinely pleasant to be around.

And she helped me beat the snot out of Voker, which she was all too happy to help me with. It just pisses me off that she was the one that got to hit him and not me.

"Lively, aren't they?" Lin commented idly.

But every once in a while… I caught Lin acting strange.

It was hard to describe… to even put into words. Sometimes she was just so laid back and carefree, and other times, she seemed hyper-observant. But, I suppose she is going to be the heiress to the Paine estate over her brother, so maybe she has to be like that.

"Yeah, they are."

Lin flashed me a bright smile. "This is nice… thank you for coming, Sylvia. I don't get to go out much anymore these days so this is a nice treat for me."

"Of course, that's what friends are for. We are friends… right?" I asked cautiously.

Lin poked me gently in the side and gave me a scolding look. "Don't ever question our friendship again, Sylvia. I take that stuff very seriously. We may have bonded over less than… savory matters, but that doesn't matter. We are all friends here." Lin looked over at Tsarra, who was hiding away in the corner next to her. "Even you, Tsarra."

Tsarra jumped at hearing her name. "Ah—ah…yes…yes. That would be nice," Tsarra gave me a glance and averted her eyes from me.

I accidentally clicked my tongue in annoyance and regretted it immediately as Lin gave me a disapproving look. "I uh…sorry…Tsarra… I didn't mean to do that. It's just—"

Tsarra looked around frantically, waving her hands in front of her face. "No! It's fine! I know…I'm just not very sociable, and people don't really like being around me, so I'm sorry and—"

Well, now I feel horrible about this. I'd rather not have my first outing with my friends explode into a blazing fireball because I'm being an ass…gah…

Lin patted Tsarra on the head like she was a lost puppy. "Relax, Tsarra. Nobody said anything about that, and I doubt Sylvia meant it that way, right Sylvia?"

"Right. It's really not like that, Tsarra," I told her.

It's more or less because I find her annoying… and that she got all emotional in front of Voker after asking for his help, and now he is bothered by it. I mean, what did she expect asking him for help like that? Voker isn't exactly the peaceful talk things out kind of guy… especially if things get violent.

Which, of course, they would if somebody was stalking you! UGH.

"What happened over there? Fighting over Voker already you two? We haven't even begun," Lauren said with a fat smirk on her face.

Then there is Lauren…sigh.

"Just get out of the damn carriage already, Princess," I said while shooing her away.

Lauren started giggling, and Ren gave her a quick shove out of the carriage. Ren was smiling ear to ear as her sister let out a yelp of surprise. "Oops…sorry Lauren."

The six of us got out of the carriage to find ourselves surrounded by Lauren and Ren's personal guards. The entourage had blocked off half the street and cleared the entire clothing store out. It seemed a bit excessive, but I don't blame them, given the circumstances. I went through something similar during a time…

Silver Wolverine Tailoring? This seems like a nice place.

Lauren guided us with an unusual amount of lightness to her step. It seems she had forgotten that Ren had just pushed her out of the carriage as she burst through the doors with an odd amount of fervor.

"Gilumune! I have returned!" Lauren said proudly.

An older-looking Human man dressed in black and silver butler attire gave Lauren a deep bow along with the rest of the staff, which mainly consisted of young children and women…odd.

"Welcome back, Your Highness. We have missed you greatly," Gilumune said with a deep gravelly voice.

Despite being in his late fifties, maybe even early sixties, Gilumune was still rather large for a Human his age. His bulky butler attire failed to mask his muscular arms or the scars across the dark skin on his neck. There were some kind of black lines snaking around his arms, and they seemed to travel to his neck. The man's head was shaved to the scalp and was covered in similar-looking scars.

Ren pushed past Lauren, and all the children immediately left their bows and went rushing toward Ren in a storm of tiny bodies. All ten or so kids crowded around her as Ren bent down and hugged each one.

"Princess! Princess!" they all shouted while Ren attempted to hug all of them.

Ren just started giggling as she worked her way through the children. "Yes, yes, it's good to see everyone."

Voker would probably like to come here. I should take him here one of these days.

"Well, this was unexpected. I thought we came here to shop…" Jen mumbled.

Lin chuckled and covered her mouth. "This is just how things go with these two."

"Have you never been here before, Jen?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No, never have been. I've gone shopping a few times with Lauren but never to this place…"

I looked down to find a little Beastmen girl pulling at my shirt. "Why are you wearing that mask, miss?"

"Because I want to," I told her while patting her on the head.

So soft… and fluffy… just look at these little wolf ears…ehehe.

"Everyone, Sylvia is making a weird—oww! Ouch! I'm sorry!"

I took one hand off the child's head and pulled Jen by the hair to shut her up. "Be quiet. I'm busy…" I hissed. The little wolf girl just nestled deeper into my hand, and my heart fluttered.

Maybe we should just adopt a Beastmen child… yeah… maybe…I'd wonder if he would like that? Wait… he was talking to Veme about Beastmen's marriage customs and stuff that one night… does he have a thing for Beastmen?!

I let out a yelp as Lin poked me in the side again. "Stop thinking about weird things. You know your ears flutter around whenever you do, right?"

"What?! They do?" I squeaked. Lin just laughed at me, which only made the heat in my chest rise.

I grabbed my ears, and the little girl ran off from me to be with Ren. I looked over to my right and found a little High Elf boy looking up into Tsarra's eyes. He was just staring at her in complete silence. And in usual Tsarra fashion, she looked like she was about to explode from within or start crying, whichever came first.

"Y—y—y…yes?" Tsarra stammered out.

The boy blinked his blue eyes a few times, then tilted his head at her. "Why do you have two different colored eyes?"

"Alelor! What are you doing, child!" a woman shouted while dragging her son away by the hair. The High Elf woman took a knee in front of Tsarra and then planted her face on the floor. "I am so sorry, Princess…please forgive him. He didn't mean anything by it!"

So she recognized Tsarra? Or is she just assuming? Then again, Tsarra is very recognizable with her red hair and two different colored eyes.

The entire shop stopped what they were doing and looked over at Tsarra. If she was having a hard time before now, she looked about ready to pass out. Tsarra was muttering incoherent words under her breath as she frantically looked around at everyone watching her.

It was Lin who broke the silence as she walked over to Tsarra and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Tsarra seemingly relaxed a little as she faced the kneeling woman. "I—it—it's okay. Please stand up and uh forget about it I don't mind at all. It's…it's natural for a child to ask questions, okay?"

Is she asking the woman a question or telling her?

"Thank you, Your Highness!" the woman said fervently.

Tsarra just nodded her head profusely while bowing to the woman as well. I wasn't sure what was going on anymore, but it was amusing. "Lauren, why are there so many children working here?"

Lauren gave me a conflicted look. "Ehhhhh…. well you see… it's a long story. Just know that these people don't have anywhere else to go, so please don't judge them too harshly, okay?"

"Seems we are all getting acquainted now. Shall we commence, Your Highness?" Gilumune suggested.

Lauren craned her neck and looked straight at Tsarra. An evil smile spread across her face, causing Tsarra to take a step back. I looked over at Linnetia who was also smiling much in the same way but at Ren. Was I missing something?

"Hey…Sylvia," Jen whispered from beside me.

"What's going on?"

"Just… keep your head down, okay? I think you should be fine, but those two won't be."

"No…please! Not again!" Ren begged.

"Oh? What do you mean, dear sister? I told you to dress appropriately for our outing today. But you ignored me. Now Tsarra and yourself shall repent," Lauren said coldly.

"I won't! You can't make me!" Ren shouted while backing away from her sister.

"But I can!" Lauren shouted. Lauren was swaying back and forth with her hands clasped in front of her. "Oh, my wonderful knight! Prepare yourself for these trials and tribulations I have set forth!"

"N—no—no, please! Linnetia just—"

"Tsarra…my sweet little friend. I'm afraid you've made a grave mistake," Lin said with a wicked smile.

What am I witnessing? Is this really how friends do things? Am I the weird one?

—

What a weird way to go about getting people to try on clothes. But since they didn't force me, it's not my problem.

"Ahhhh, you look adorable, Tsarra!" Lauren shouted with glee while clapping her hands together.

Tsarra's school uniform had been replaced with a luxurious black summer dress. The black fabric was made from manaweave straight from Tel'an'duth, while the silver lace flowers were made from monster material. The flowers embroidered the neckline set in a deep v and along her exposed sides. The dress was both elegant and functional. Even I wouldn't mind wearing it.

The only real downside to it was that it was far from modest. I said I would wear it but… maybe not out in public. Huh… I wonder…

Tsarra's face was as red as her hair currently as she began stuttering over her words. "C—C—Can I please g—go—go and change…"

"Absolutely not! You can't wear your school uniform out to eat, so this will have to do!" Lauren declared.

"B—But it's expensive, and I don't want to buy it so it will be wasted—"

"Buy it?" Lauren had a scary look on her face as she looked down her nose at Tsarra. "My friends won't be buying anything today, especially not another Princess. You have nothing to worry about, Tsarra."

Tsarra seemingly ran out of steam as she meekly nodded her head in submission and took a seat beside Jen. Lauren licked her lips and looked straight into the changing area that housed Ren.

"Ooooo beautiful sister! It's your turn!"

"I don't want to! Please…it's embarrassing!" Ren begged.

Lauren clicked her tongue and sent her hunting dog into the booth with a quick motion of her head. Linnetia didn't even hesitate to heed Lauren's call as she burst in on the princess. Ren let out a squeal and was quickly shoved out into the open.

"Oh my…" Jen muttered under her breath.

Oh my indeed. So this is what Ren should be dressing like most of the time? Maybe it's a good thing for me that she doesn't.

The two Princesses of Luminar were twins when it came to their faces and even their hair, despite the difference in style. Their bodies, on the other hand… not so much.

I imagine Lauren must have consumed all the food while still in the womb, which left poor Ren…lacking… in certain areas when compared to her sister. It didn't help Ren all that much if she spent her days wearing men's clothes all the time. It's not that she looked unappealing in her school uniform. It's just not the same.

This outfit is just different, in a good way.

"Look at my beautiful sister. Isn't she the prettiest everyone?" Lauren asked the crowd of onlookers.

Ren's little fan club exploded into applause at the sight of her. Some of the older boys were on the verge of drooling, an experience that was lacking at Tsarra's reveal. But, of course, Ren's face was as pink as her shirt.

The pink blouse really wasn't all that special; all things considered. It just happened to fit Ren's body perfectly, which helped accentuate her curves and fit body. Of course, it helped that it was within a few shades of her strawberry blonde hair as well. The white pants were also plain and went right below the knees with no noticeable designs, but just like the blouse, it fit Ren snugly.

The outfit was simple, the opposite of Tsarra's black dress. So girly that if you knew Ren, you would know you wouldn't catch her dead wearing this type of outfit.

Which made it all the better somehow.

"Mhm. I agree," Lin said from behind Ren.

"I. Am. Changing," Ren stated slowly.

"No, you aren't. We are leaving right now and going straight to our evening meal," Lauren said with a wide smile.

"But…nobody else has tried anything on?" Ren protested.

Lauren gave Ren a sad look. "We just don't have time today. Besides, we are coming back next week to get Sylvia and Jen something to wear, so that's all that matters."

"Wait, I didn't agree to that…" I said hesitantly.

"We didn't tell you? Oh well, now you know," Lin said while guiding me out of the shop.

"Wait, wait, wait! What about you, Lin! That's hardly fair! Besides, I may be busy that day. I can't just—"

"Lin won't be available next week, so she is just going to have to come back the following week!" Lauren shouted over me. "Thanks again, Gilumune!"

"Of course, Your Highness," he said with a bow. He gave the rest of us a friendly wave. "Take care now, everyone."

"Bye, Princesses!" the children rang off in unison.

Even with Ren's growing embarrassment, she at least managed to wish the kids farewell and promised that they would see each other again soon. It was at times like this that I couldn't help but watch Ren. Sometimes I got the impression that she would be a better queen than Lauren. At least a more empathetic one. I'm not sure if that would make her better or not, but…

If my life turned out normal, what kind of ruler would I have been? Would I have been like Ren? No… I'm nothing like Ren… or even Lauren. Would I have ended up like Grandpa in the end… hated by the entire world?

"Something on your mind?" Linnetia asked me, knocking me out of my own thoughts as the Royal Guards cleared a path for us and opened the door to the carriage.

"No… just thinking about the past and all that," I responded. I looked over to Lin, and she had a sad smile on her face and a far off look in her hazel eyes.

"Yeah…I get that," Lin said softly.

Where have I seen this look? It feels familiar somehow.

"Lauren, have you accepted any of those marriage proposals?" Jen asked with a wink.

Lauren let out an exaggerated groan and repeatedly bounced her head off the cushions. "I would rather jump in front of the carriage and let the horses run me over than marry half of those dim wits. I would actually prefer the horses to step back over me just in case I survived."

"It can't be that bad?" Lin asked. "I mean, I would rather have you marry someone you love but…"

Lauren waved her concerns away. "I know what I'm getting myself into, and I've long since accepted the reality of my situation. I just hate that people are even offering me these second-rate proposals…honestly, who do they think they are?"

"Why are they doing that?" Jen asked.

Lauren clicked her tongue and bit her lip. "Because these bastards still believe my fool of a brother is going to beat me just because he came out of our mother first and is a man. Every single family that is sending me these disgraceful proposals is going to be put on a list, and when I become queen, I am going to—"

Ren yanked Lauren by the ear. "That's enough… no threatening to end bloodlines, please. One of these days, somebody might actually believe you…"

Lauren rubbed her red ear and scowled at her sister. "Who said I was joking?" she hissed. Ren gave Lauren a tired look and rubbed her face.

Maybe Lauren and I have more in common than I initially thought.

"Sounds kinda sad," Jen commented. "Sacrificing all that time to be with someone you don't care about… sounds hard, especially for a Human."

Not that you will be living much longer than them, Jen.

I wonder if those with mixed blood of Humans and long lived races have a warped understanding of time? I've heard many people say Elves could never understand what it's like to live such a short life span. And I'd have to agree.

"It's fine. I don't care either way. If things get that bad, I can always just marry a second man, so it's not the end of the world. I'm already getting some good ideas…" Lauren looked right at me and tilted her head slightly. "Say… Sylvia… when are you and Voker getting married?"

Huh?!

"M—mmm—married? I uh… I don't know about that. You know it's—"

"You two have been in a relationship for a long time, right? Why wait? Or do Elves really think differently about this stuff?" Lauren questioned herself.

"A relationship? We aren't in a relationship!" I blurted out.

The entire carriage went dead quiet. It felt like everyone stopped breathing as they all watched me with hollow eyes and mouths slightly agape. I frantically scanned their faces looking for salvation. I looked to Tsarra of all people for help, and she seemed just as surprised as everyone else.

"Sylvia, you and Voker aren't together?" Tsarra asked me slowly and without stuttering.

"No! We aren't! I mean…yeah no…" I said suddenly. The carriage went silent once again.

I mean, it's not that I don't want to be in one… I… I love Voker.

I realized that a long time ago. I sort of figured it out towards the end of our time at Pruit's ranch. When I saw Voker… just being himself… I just kind of realized I did.

Then everything after that began making more sense. When he would compliment me suddenly or congratulate me, my heart fluttered. I enjoyed being around him more and more, and I listened to every word he said.

I… admittedly got jealous when he would speak to other women despite knowing he wasn't attempting anything. Or when he told me that he didn't care that I was Talgan's granddaughter… all the times he saved my life…

Then all the things we went through together. I can't even imagine what my life would have been like if I didn't find Voker, somebody who actually cares about me in this world.

I just think back to all the talks we've had, and they make me smile…him playing with Myla. Then, imagining him at that orphanage helping all those kids or anytime he gets nervous when he gawks at me by accident. Or when he says he would defeat a Dragon just to save me.

All of it… I love all of it. But that's the problem… Voker is a serious man… he really would face down any enemy for me, even a Dragon Emperor. And that frightens me the most.

What would happen if Voker sacrificed himself for me? What if he took a fatal blow down in that dungeon because I had made a stupid mistake? How could I ever look Voker's Dad in the face and tell him that his son, who has been missing for seven years, died protecting me…some random girl he met on the road. How could I look his mother or friends in the eyes and tell them that he died saving me from myself… Talgan, The Bloody Emperor's granddaughter?

He's been through so much. He's still going through so much. I know him. I know that he isn't capable of having the kind of relationship I want with him right now. If I were to put him through that right now when he is so close to home, it could just… it could end everything before it even started.

That's why I'll wait. When he gets reunited with his father, I'll do it. I'll tell him everything, just like I promised. Even if he doesn't love me yet… I'll still tell him no matter what. Of course, if he were to initiate things, I wouldn't stop him… maybe he would just say something to me first.

"This is the biggest news since the fall of Brax," Lauren said despondently. And I watched as a smile crept onto her face. "Here I was… being careful…for no reason. Wow…"

I looked at everyone's faces and shrugged to myself. I don't particularly care if every single one of these girls had a crush on Voker, as it hardly matters. Voker wouldn't stay in this city to be with Lin. He wouldn't run away into the mountains away from his family to be with Jen. And he absolutely would not sell his life away to one of these three princesses. Voker would rather die than become king of anything or anywhere. That much I know for sure.

Or would he? Eh, it doesn't matter… if any of them actually saw what Voker was really like behind the mask, they would all turn tail and run.

None of them have been through the absolute pits of despair like the ones Voker and I have climbed out of. The second they tasted his bloodlust, they would start crying and begging for him to stop, just like Tsarra did. Voker didn't mention if he did or not, but I can guarantee he released his bloodlust once he realized Varnir got hurt and Tsarra was in danger. It's just how he is.

Honestly, I'm not even sure if the old me would have fallen in love with him. No… I know I wouldn't have. I would have never given the gloomy brooding Elf the time of day, not in any life but this one. Let alone if I witnessed his bloodlust. And it would have been my loss.

Despite my growing feelings for him, even I find it challenging to grapple with the darker side of him at times. Voker can be scary, and not many people can handle him.

But I know that the reason he is scary is because he cares. All that rage, fear, and uncertainty swirling around in his heart… it's there because of what he's been through, not because he is an awful person. Voker is willing to put all those insecurities out into the open and use them if it means defending himself and those he cares about.

Just like he said… he'd do or use anything to gain the advantage. So when the time comes… I'll dedicate everything to helping him work through his feelings, even that shadow from his past. But right now… I just can't risk him breaking when we are so close to meeting his goal. I feel like he is balancing on a thin wire, and we are one bad incident away from everything crumbling apart.

And it scares me.

"Well…uh…do you care about him, Sylvia?" Jen asked, trying to fill the dreadfully long silence with anything.

I looked straight into Lauren's eyes, and she returned the stare. "I do. I love him. So do yourself a favor and forget about him. If you think you know Voker… you are dead wrong."

Wait wait wait wait…why did I say that out loud? DAMN IT! That goes against the whole not telling him till his father comes! Why!

"Is that a threat?" Lauren asked while narrowing her eyes.

"Haven't decided yet," I said evenly and with a small amount of embarrassment. "Just take it as a helpful suggestion, so you don't get burned in the future. Voker doesn't plan on staying here for much longer, and when the time comes, he won't hesitate to leave."

"You don't know that! He could change his mind at any time. How well do you think you know him if you aren't even involved with him? Are you just keeping him around for the sake of it?!" Ren blurted out.

I figured she did…maybe it wasn't such a bad idea bringing this to light. NO! Damn… this isn't about me… I can wait… Voker can't.

I doubt Jen or Linnetia actually have feelings for Voker. Jen is more or less happy that Voker doesn't point out her obvious insecurities with being a Half-Dwarf. I'm not even sure if Voker knows Linnetia exists outside of class.

Tsarra is a non-factor as well and wouldn't even squeak her feelings out if Voker stepped on her, and after recent events, anything she did have is long gone. Lauren just wants Voker for his pedigree and nothing more.

But would Voker really fall for Ren? I can't imagine it… I don't want to imagine it.

"Just ask Tsarra about him. I doubt you would feel the same way knowing what she knows. You don't know anything about him or what he's been through. You couldn't even begin to understand—"

"That's enough, Sylvia. Lauren, you don't need to antagonize her either," Lin snapped. "This conversation is over," Lin said with a voice of finality.

Lauren scoffed at me while Ren unclenched her fists and gazed out the window. Another round of awkward silence descended upon us as we found something to distract ourselves with.

Sigh…so much for a day out with friends…

---

"Voker! I'm…home?" I closed the door behind me, and upon turning around, I found Voker standing in the kitchen with his shirt off. This wasn't a usual sight typically, but right now…

I could tell he had quickly put his mask on as his hand was still near his face. I watched him swallow as a lump of something trailed down his throat, and he immediately began coughing. On the counter in front of him was half a loaf of some bread I'd never seen before.

Voker frantically tossed off his mask and went straight for the glass of milk that was beside him. He chugged half the glass within moments, leaving him with a milk mustache.

We just stood there, watching each other for some time. Then, finally, Voker wiped the bread crumbs off his face but completely missed the milk, and instead of saying something to me, he just narrowed his eyes and went for another bite of his bread.

"What…are you doing?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yauuh caan'tt have aaany," he said with his mouth full.

Has he regressed to becoming a child in only a few hours? What happened to him?

"Don't look at me like that. I'm doing nothing wrong," he said defensively. "I was just enjoying some sweet bread from a little bakery I was told about. It turns out it's a national treat in Syn'nari but well… I didn't know that. It almost tastes like the real thing…"

Ah…never mind. Just Voker being Voker.

"Hey, are you okay? You look exhausted. Did something happen?" he said while giving me a concerned look and continuing to chew his bread.

Too bad I couldn't take him seriously with his milk stache. I just started laughing at his concern which only made him worry more. This is what I look forward to the most.

"You have no idea…"