Though she had heard from Cyrus about the importance of sleep, Ariana found it difficult to rest well on days like this. She even tried lying on the floor, suspecting the unfamiliar soft bed as the cause, but her mind only grew clearer.

Giving up on sleep, she rose and donned her robe, exiting her room. Lannister, the knight guarding her door, stood at attention.

Lannister, who appeared to be just over twenty, had been assigned as Ariana’s personal bodyguard by Russel after the kidnapping incident. He was a cautious young man with raven-black hair and ashen eyes.

“Can’t sleep, so I’m thinking of taking a walk in the garden. No need to follow me.”

“That’s not possible.”

Unyielding, Lannister followed Ariana.

Observing the silent Lannister, Ariana thought of the people from Northrealm. Neither Cyrus, nor Louis and Noah made noise when they moved.

‘The knights of Eastrealm are just as formidable as the dark knights of Northrealm.’

Ariana wondered who would win if Lannister and Louis had a duel.

‘Is everyone doing okay?’

She hadn’t thought of them while adjusting to life in Eastrealm.

Suddenly, she wondered if Cyrus, who had a habit of appearing out of nowhere, was hiding nearby. But she soon dismissed the thought.

‘A busy man like him wouldn’t waste time in Eastrealm without a reason.’

Whether or not she would encounter Cyrus again in the next few years, or even in her lifetime, was uncertain. To her recollection, he seldom appeared at social events.

Feeling down, Ariana spoke to Lannister to lighten her mood.

“Can the knights of Eastrealm also conceal themselves?”

“Speak freely, your Highness.”

“I would, if I were a princess of Eastrealm. But I’m still Ariana Bronthe.”

“The Emperor considers you a princess, so we must too. I can’t be informal with you.”

Seeing Lannister’s stubbornness, Ariana acquiesced.

“Alright, Lannister. If you say so, then it shall be.”

“Yes, some among the White Knights can use concealment.”

“To the extent that one wouldn’t notice someone walking right past?”

“Are you referring to the concealment techniques of Northrealm?”

“Yes.”

“Those techniques are unique to Northrealm. It’s believed they draw upon some magical influence.”

“Ah, so it’s a kind of magic.”

“Think of it as a blend of magic and skill. Comparable to powerful knights generating sword energy through repetitive training.”

“I see. So, if people from Northrealm concealed themselves here, we wouldn’t notice?”

“It’s not easy to detect Northrealm’s concealment, but it’s possible.”

Lannister looked around carefully.

“There is no one hiding here.”

“I see.”

A look of concern filled Lannister’s ashen eyes.

“Is there someone from Northrealm targeting you, your Highness?”

How would Lannister react if she told him that she was sometimes watched from a distance, and that the observer was the Emperor of Northrealm?

Curious as she was, Ariana moved on with a faint smile.

“No one from Northrealm would be targeting me.”

The grounds of Chest Castle were even more expansive than those of Rosen Castle, where Emperor Sezhu lived. It took Ariana a good while to reach the central garden.

Well-trimmed shrubs formed a maze-like area. Gently brushing her fingers against the shrubbery, she made her way to the center of the garden.

Beyond an archway lay a large fountain surrounded by multiple statues. It was beautiful in the light of day, but eerie in the dark of night.

“Having trouble sleeping?”
Sitting to rest by the fountain, Ariana heard a voice between the bushes. It was Zheor.

He approached with brisk steps and said,
“If we’re to leave early tomorrow, it would be best for you to get some good rest.”

“I thought I might fall asleep more easily after a brief stroll.”

“True, it’s not like we’re going to the empire on happy terms. It makes sense you can’t sleep. Lancer, from here on, I’ll escort her.”

Lancer said nothing and looked at Ariana. His behavior surprised her internally.

It’s a given for a personal knight to follow his master’s orders, but Ariana assumed that Lancer would naturally listen to Zheor, as she was neither his master nor a princess.

However, Lancer was waiting for Ariana’s command.

When Ariana gave a slight nod, Lancer stepped back.

Zheor extended his hand in front of Ariana and said,
“He’s a loyal fellow, though somewhat old-fashioned.”

“I can walk by myself, your Highness. If you go ahead, I will follow. And I happen to like old-fashioned people.”

Rejecting his hand, Zheor shrugged his shoulders and started walking.
“I thought you wouldn’t like anything with those icy eyes of yours.”

“If it’s likable, then I’ll like it.”

“What about me? Am I likable?”

“Is there anyone in this federation who would dislike you?”

“And you’re not yet part of the federation.”

Under the beautiful indigo night sky strewn with scattered starlight, Ariana and Zheor walked together. Zheor led the way, and Ariana followed a step behind.

Ariana took in Zheor’s strong shoulders, sturdy back, and his flowing dark hair.
‘This man died for someone who wasn’t even his biological father.’