w

C469

This experience was a new leap in their relationship.

The girl now lying next to him was his childhood sweetheart, the first person he ever really close to.

Sharing such an intimate moment with such a precious person was a blessing for the two of them.

The act of passion had passed its climax and now they snuggled close. Gwen hugged his arm tightly and they looked at the ceiling together, locked in each other's embrace.

For a few moments, there was total silence, but it was broken by the feeling of liquid dropping on his arm. He looked at Gwen, only to see it was her tear that ran down from her cheek.

"What is it, Gwen?" Emery asked in concern.

She was silent for a while, as she stilled her breaths and wiped her tears.

"Emery, I… Being here with you… This is my happiest moment… I will never forget this..."

She embraced him tight before her grip loosened and the sound of her rhythmic breathes filled the air. She had fallen asleep, likely from the mix of contentment and exhaustion.

When morning came, they were both busy preparing. Apparently, she came from Camelot in a hurry and thus she didn't have time to prepare anything. After Emery opened up the [Spatial Gate] to the Lioness city harbor, Gwen asked him to wait, as she needed to purchase a few items for the long journey.

"We still have time until noon… I will accompany you."

Hearing him made Gwen smile "Really? The great wizard wishes to accompany me to buy some women's garments, now?"

"No, uh, I mean," Emery stammered and looked away in embarrassment, "I mean… Yes, I will."

Gwen held his hand, wrapped her arms around him and said.

"I have grown, Emery. I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me, okay?"

She tried so hard to hide it, but Emery could tell she probably was hiding her attachment to this place. It seemed the thought of leaving everything behind was still difficult for her and she needed a little moment for herself.

Once more, Emery grabbed her hand and asked. "Will you be alright, Gwen?"

She looked at him and, for a moment, he could see tears form at the corner of her eyes. She took a deep breath and said, each word sounding like she was strangled, yet still as cheerful as she could manage.

"Yes, I will be fine. You should try to find her, she might need you there… I will meet find you before noon."

Right before she released his hand, Emery could feel her fingers tremble. She turned around and walked away from him.

He only let her go because this was her town and there was no way she would get lost. With her ability, there wouldn't be problems and, in fact, her biggest problem here was perhaps being recognized by her people…

In addition, he had the spirit reading ability. If any trouble came for her, he would know right away.

While she was gone, he decided to take her advice to heart. He should check on Klea, he still wondered of her sudden leave. It was unlikely for her to just leave without a word to him.

He took a casual stroll towards the harbor and when he passed the entrance, he knew the biggest ship in there belonged to her.

With the help of his spirit reading, he scanned the ship and found traces of her. He walked up onto the deck and saw Klea was standing near the edge while looking down towards the sea.

Her face looked really serious and from up close, he could sense the usual cheerful person was being far too quiet, unlike her usual self. But her expression quickly changes as he saw him.

"Klea's everything set? Why didn't you wait for me yesterday? I could have helped"

Klea only gave him a wry smile in response, before asking another question.

"Where is she?... the princess I mean"

"Gwen? She needs to buy some things and will come to join soon, "

To Emery's surprise, such a simple answer was enough to once again change her mood.

"What is going on, Klea?"

"No, nothing, just… I'm a bit tired, I guess."

Emery decided to wait by exploring the ship for a little bit. From a quick glance alone, he could tell there were at least 50 people aboard, with half of them being the guards. Time passed by quickly, and before he realized it, the sun was already up high in the sky.

He walked back to the deck, but apparently, Gwen had yet to come. He stared at the harbor, almost jumping when he saw a woman approach the ship.

But he quickly calmed himself down. "No, it's not her…"

The woman came and asked for the owner of the boat. Klea quickly came and the woman gave her a piece of parchment.

She opened it up and skimmed through, there was a mixed expression on her face.

"What is it, Klea?"

Klea looks toward him in a weird manner, "I am sorry, Emery, she is not coming."

The answer hit Emery like the clap of thunder in a clear sky.

"Wait, what do you mean?"

Emery quickly used his spirit reading to check for Gwen's presence in Lioness City.

"Where is she?!" He asked, panicked.

His heart felt like it was going to hammer a hole in his chest, while his throat felt like it was crushed by rocks. Worry overtook him and he grabbed the parchment from Klea's hand.

Before he could read it, however, he felt his mind shake.

"Spirit attacks!" He identified the attack and looked around, only to see Klea staring at him.

"Forgive me, Emery."

Caught unprepared, he quickly gathered his remaining spirit force to resist, but he saw Klea's bracelets glow with soft blue light, before everything started to went dark.

The last thing he could hear was Klea giving an order to the captain.

"Set sail!"

To be continued