Author's Note: If you guys are keen, I am planning to create a Patreon account to allow you guys to read chapters in advance. That might just serve as a good motivation for me to write chapters more quickly.

It doesn't help that each chapter I write, it just grows longer and longer...

There is literally a chapter I wrote that is 3.6k - 3.7k words long. I kid you not.

When they finally reached land, Hana was once again overcome with relief. Cecil’s medicine had helped her immensely with her seasickness, but it did not completely prevent it. She still felt queasy and she was too fatigued to even jump onto the land and roll around it. 

All she was thankful for was that...the ship had stopped moving.

However, she did earn something out of it. She had to lean on K’xug many times, which allowed her to soak in his warm embrace that made her heart flutter. 

Of course, she would never admit that to him. 

She simply shyly lowered her head every time she was supported by him when she grew dizzy. Whereas, the man with unique eyes only rubbed his neck in embarrassment, pretending to appear indifferent. 

Meanwhile, Cecil was always someone who worked hard in everything she pursued. This entire trip across the sea for a week, she spent her time practising her dancing, her fighting skills and meditating, along with brushing up more knowledge about medicine and herbs. 

She had stayed up an entire night, unintentionally, and slept on the wooden table. Even when the ship arrived at a stop, she continued sleeping. She was mumbling incoherently in her sleep, her table a mess with a pile of opened books with scribblings. 

A handsome ash-blonde haired man stood beside Cecil, admiring her with a fond gaze. 

The door to Cecil’s room swung open, Hana and K’xug stepping in. 

“Shh.”

They heard someone shushing them, and they turned to look. 

Xue had his finger on his lips and a second later, he looked down, gently brushing the hair away from her face, his movements careful as if not wanting to wake her. 

Hana covered her mouth with her hand, nodding and K’xug remained silent as well. 

The sunlight from the windows flooded into the room, hitting Cecil in the face and she frowned in her sleep. Xue moved, leaning against the table as he used his body to shield Cecil from the glaring sun. 

He looked up once again, a questioning look in his eyes. 

“Uhm, Xue…” Hana whispered out, smiling. “We landed, we need to...leave soon.” 

“I know,” Xue nodded, waving them away. “I’ll wake her soon.” 

“But I want to talk to Cecil too.” 

“Do it later.”

“You keep stealing Cecil away these past few days!” Hana pouted.

His grey eyes lingered on Cecil, a faint smile on his lips. “Because she’s mine now.” 

Hana huffed indignantly. 

“Cecil is mine too! I haven’t talked to her in a long time because of you, Xue!” 

“How is she yours?” 

“I...I know Cecil earlier than you!” 

“That doesn’t mean she’s yours.” 

They began squabbling over Cecil. 

K’xug observed the scene with a deadpan. 

They are acting like childish siblings… 

Due to their bickering, her eyelids started to tremble and she emitted a soft groan. 

K’xug recalled how disturbing her sleeping can lead to disastrous results, such as being threatened to make their meals full of herbs. 

Bitter medicinal meals. 

Very bitter. 

He shuddered visibly, immediately gripping Hana by the shoulders.

Let’s go, let’s go.

I don’t want to wake the lioness. 

Even Hana’s cooking wouldn’t be able to save us. 

K’xug nodded to himself, turning Hana away from the door and pushing her forward. 

“Ah?! Hey, wait, K’xug! I’m still not done with--where are you taking meeee?!” 

The two of them disappeared like the wind, mostly due to K’xug that ran away like his life depended on it. 

Xue watched them leave, secretly pleased and the noise died down. 

He then realised they were making too much noise earlier, glancing down at Cecil in concern. 

The black-haired woman blinked awake sleepily, her eyes meeting his grey ones as she wore a dazed look. 

She looked utterly defenseless. 

Xue felt an arrow hitting him right in the heart.

S-so cute.

Xue turned away. 

He really wanted to hug her right there and there.

“...es…”

Xue glanced back at her, tilting his head. “Hmm?”

Cecil opened her mouth, still looking vulnerable and adorable. 

“...Ethretta.” 

“...” 

“...”

“Huh?” 

“River Root.” 

“...Cecil…?” 

“Flaming Clover.” 

“Safane.” 

“Ryme.” 

“Aagires.”

“...” 

Xue finally realised she was spouting out the names of the various herbs and flowers found in the mortal realm.

“Just how did she study--”

Cecil crumbled down onto the table without warning. 

She mumbled to herself as she closed her eyes. It seemed like she was talking about the process behind a medicine. 

His lips twitched, and his shoulders started to shake with mirth.

Why is she so cute? 

The soul fragments inside Xue were reacting the same way, even if they weren’t showing it on the outside. 

Xue could not hide his smile this time, reaching his hand forward and brushing her hair away again. After he was done, he continued observing her with a smile on his face. 

Two minutes later, Cecil awoke with a quiet gasp and she lifted her head up. This time, she did not seem as dazed and she looked at Xue, recognition flitting past her eyes a few moments later. 

“...Xue.” 

Xue rested his chin on his palm, smiling gently at her. 

“You are awake?” 

She nodded slowly. “Yes, yes--” 

Gasping once again, a flustered look was on her face as she wiped at her mouth. It was like she was checking if she had drooled in her sleep. 

Now that she viewed Xue differently, she couldn’t help but be conscious of certain actions. 

Who wouldn’t be conscious in front of their lover? 

Did I drool in my sleep? 

Did I snore?

Did he see or hear anything? 

Xue tilted his head, bewildered. “What’s wrong?” 

“Did I…drool...or snore?” Cecil questioned, mortified as she murmured to herself, ducking her head down. “Please say no.” 

She regretted being too engrossed in studying about medicine. She should have slept early instead of pulling an all-nighter. 

Xue chuckled. 

This made her look up, growing flustered again. 

“Even if you did, I’ll still like you.” 

Cecil stiffened. 

My heart, please be still. 

Ever since they had confirmed their mutual feelings, Xue really did not hold back in showering Cecil with affection. 

She did not recall Xue ever being this doting in the novel. 

Cecil exhaled shakily.

This is deadly for my heart. 

Xue shifted forward, tugging her hair behind her right ear, his fingers brushing lightly against the tip of her ear.  

He really did as he pleased, ever since Cecil had given him her permission. 

“You should rest more if you are tired.” 

“...” 

“Hmm?” Xue tilted his head, smirking as he brushed his fingers on her ears teasingly. “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

Cecil moved his hand away from her right ear, feeling it grow warm as she ducked her head down. 

“Nothing…” she whispered out, blushing. 

Really too deadly for my heart. 

Cecil had the strangest feeling, if she were to tell Xue about his deadly charms, she would only end up getting teased more.

The man really liked to tease her.

“Hey, heyyyy!” Haru hollered out, his muffled voice echoing down the corridor. “The two lovebirds in there, get out! We need to send this ship for repairs!” 

Cecil was relieved yet disappointed about the interrupted moment. 

Her heart was about to burst out of her chest, but at the same time, the moment had been interrupted. 

Xue himself was unhappy at the interruption, however, finding a place for Cecil to properly rest in was the priority now. 

He straightened himself, offering his hand to Cecil. 

“Let’s go?”

Cecil nodded, still bashful as she grabbed his hand. “Okay.” 

***

This town they finally landed on did not seem any different from all the other towns they have been to. It had the same culture and architecture, and the only drastic difference was the cheery atmosphere in the town. 

In the other towns, the atmosphere tends to be rather bleak and oppressed. The civilians here wore bright smiles on their face, adding on to the vibrant environment. 

Moreover, many of them seemed to recognise Haru and the others as they walked through the town. Some of their eyes strayed towards Xue’s group, their deferential gazes switching to curiosity. 

“Kiyae!” 

“Yo!”

“Ryo! How was the trip? Good fights?” 

“You bet!” 

“Yun, you are back! Do you mind if I ask you some questions regarding what we mentioned last time…” 

“Sure, I’ll pay you visit later.” 

“Haru, how are you?” 

“Good, thanks.” 

The greetings towards Kiyae, Yun and Ryo were friendly and informal. However, towards Haru, the attitudes of the civilians became polite. 

Cecil noticed such a detail, closing her distance between her and Yun. 

“Hey Yun,” she muttered out her question. “Why do they seem to treat you and Haru slightly differently?” 

Hana hopped closer as well, nodding. “I noticed that too!” 

“That…” Yun glanced back before looking at Haru who wore a bright grin. “Our status is different. That’s all I can say.” 

Cecil contemplated for a moment before nodding in understanding. 

Hana tilted her head in confusion. 

Cecil smiled at her, shaking her head. “We’ll ask Haru another time.” 

“Mhmm! Okay!” 

Their destination was the huge japanese-styled mansion located at the top of the hill of this town. The mansion was extravagant and the architecture was significantly different from other mansions they have seen. 

The architect had put in the utmost effort in designing and building this mansion. Moreover, it was from the continent that was renowned for its arts, it was not unusual to see buildings that had one-of-a-kind architecture like this. 

“Welcome back, young masters and young mistress!” 

A group of servants lined up at the entrance to the mansion, bowing deeply. Their voices reverberated through the air, making Haru and his comrades cringe. 

Cecil was reminded of her servants, a drop of sweat rolling down her face. 

So uncomfortable. 

Haru sighed, ruffling his hair. “I told you guys to stop that.” 

“My ears…” Ryo dug at his ears, blinking. “I almost fell asleep too…” 

“While standing?!” Hana gasped in shock. 

Ryo nodded sleepily, his eyes closing. 

So fast…

Everyone looked at Ryo dozing off. 

“I bet lord Kiba put them up to this.” Kiyae laughed breathily.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Yun shrugged. 

“They wanted to do it willingly,” a new voice entered their conversation, amusement evident in his baritone voice. “It is none of my doing this time.” 

“Lord Kiba!” 

“Lord Kiba.” 

Everyone greeted the tall man that stepped out through the sliding wooden doors, his geta sandals clacking against the large stone pebbles on the ground. He was dressed in an expensive-looking kimono, one befitting of a high-class noble. 

The man had a spiky ponytail, his hair a pine-green colour. He had a strong build, his face slightly wrinkled and he had a scar across his left eye. In addition to his scar, one could see that he was missing a left arm as well. 

His face had sharp and fierce features, however, when he donned a wide grin, the fierceness in his features mellowed down. 

“Lord Ki--” 

“Haru, kid,” the man’s smile faltered. “I told you not to address me like that.” 

Haru paused, grimacing. 

“...Uncle,” he called out reluctantly. “Uncle Kiba.” 

Kiba laughed heartily, hugging the hesitant Haru before ruffling his hair. The smile was back on his face, and his gaze shifted towards the group of four. 

“Friends of yours?” 

“Uhh…” Haru contemplated, a strange look on his face. 

He turned to Kiyae and Ryo. 

They all shrugged back at him. 

“They aided us greatly in our previous mission,” Yun adjusted his glasses, smiling faintly. “Lord Kiba.” 

“Is that so?” Kiba raised an eyebrow, gesturing to them. “They deserve to enjoy the feast too, come on in!” 

“A week across the sea, and I’m sure you haven’t eaten any good food in that week!” 

Cecil had the impression that Kiba would resemble Ephert in some way, however, he turned out to be an easy-going lord. 

Hana was not one to shy away from strangers, especially when it concerns cooking and feasts. Thus, the moment she heard the word “feast”, she perked up. 

“Oh, oh! Mr. Kiba--no, lord Kiba!” Hana skipped forward, her eyes shining in delight. “If it’s a feast, let me see the kitchen! I will help in cooking and serving the food!” 

“Lord Kiba, you should really let her in the kitchen!” Kiyae gave him a thumbs-up, winking. “Her cooking skills are top-notch.” 

Hana beamed, bouncing happily from side to side. 

“Hana’s cooking too?” Ryo snapped awake, turning to Hana. “If ya gonna cook, can you let me eat that dish you cooked at that time, what’s its name…?” 

Ryo mumbled out the description of the dish to Hana. 

Within a few words, she understood instantly. “Of course, of course! No problem!” 

Soon everyone started to name one dish after another, wanting to taste Hana’s cooking again. Cecil and K’xug was the only one that did not request for a dish, they were feeling nervous for Hana. 

“That’s...a little too much dishes.” Cecil muttered out. 

K’xug nodded, frowning. 

She’s agreeing to cook them all like nothing. 

However, it seemed like Hana was happy to receive those orders, hence, K’xug did not step in. 

...that didn't mean he felt happy though.

“Enough, enough,” Kiba waved them away. “Are you trying to work the little lady to death?” 

“It’s okay!” Hana giggled. “Cooking is fun and interesting!” 

With no other choice, Kiba allowed her into the kitchen, speechless at how this beautiful red-haired lady was so happy.. K’xug was naturally worried for Hana, hence he accompanied her. 

***

The feast officially began. All of them sat on the tatami mats, enjoying the feast. 

...and once again, Xue was glaring at the dishes on the long table. 

There were three sets of utensils given to everyone, a pair of chopsticks, fork and spoon. 

Cecil sat beside him, eyeing him curiously. 

“What’s wrong? The food isn’t to your liking?” 

Xue sighed, closing his eyes. “It’s not me.” 

Xue stretched forward with his chopsticks, and the soul fragments grew rowdy just like always. 

Kai: “No ginger!” 

Alric: “No to-tomatoes…” 

Zasiok: “No seafood.” 

Leonaut: “I want Cecil to feed us."

Sid: "No bitter food!"

Isleif: "I want bitter food."

Xue finally found a piece of dish that catered to everyone's tastes, except for Leonaut and Isleif. 

There was no helping the two of them. 

At least, he would have less complaints in his chaotic mind.

Shin: "..."

Shin: "No vegetables."

The soul fragments started teasing how Shin was such a child. 

Shin: "..."

Shin: "But I am a child."

The soul fragments were speechless. 

Whereas, Xue threw the chopsticks down on the table, no longer touching the dishes. 

This action of his startled everyone on the table, and it was only Cecil who wasn't startled. 

After all, she had witnessed this numerous times, and she fully understood his predicament. 

"Cecil, feed Xue!" Hana burst out. 

Everyone turned to her, flabbergasted. It was only Cecil who wore a different expression. 

"Once you feed him, everything will be fine!" Hana nodded vigorously. 

It was true. 

Hana was right. 

Cecil, under the gazes of everyone, had no choice but to shyly feed Xue. 

All of a sudden, the soul fragments were agreeing that they could eat everything. 

Xue: "..."

He snatched the spoon out of Cecil's hands, stuffing it into his mouth. 

It wasn't only fair that he had to suffer, he'll make them suffer too. 

The only thing he had to deal with was the constant whining and headaches. 

It was like Hana and Cecil expected. 

Cecil felt a drop of sweat rolling down her face, her smile was forced. 

It's always like this. 

They all just want to make each other suffer…

Cecil also expected Xue to start eating everything after this, just to spite the soul fragments. 

It was a never-ending cycle.

This was also what Hana always witnessed. 

***

It was a joyous feast. 

However, in front of a lord, Kiyae and Ryo controlled their alcohol intake. It was now them slowly drinking their drinks, while having small snacks. 

Haru and the others knew it was the right atmosphere to talk. 

Eventually, Haru, being the leader of the group, took the lead. His finger tracing the shape of the cup.

"Goro killed himself after we captured him."

"Hmm...that's not surprising to hear," Kiba nodded, gulping down his drink. "He chose the wrong master to follow."

"And as for what happened until this point…" Haru gradually explained the entire situation. 

The whole table was silent, except for Haru and Kiba. 

"...right, about the list…" Haru drifted off, looking at Kiyae and Yun. 

The two of them nodded at Haru, standing up and stepping out of the room. A minute later, they came back with a paper scroll. 

Cecil furrowed at those words. 

The list…

The list!

She recalled the conversation on the ship where she first met Haru's crew. They had mentioned a list before they left. 

"Before you continue on," Xue suddenly spoke up. "Are you sure you want us to listen in on this conversation?"

His question surprised everyone. 

No one expected him to speak up, or even ask such a question. 

He was always indifferent to everything, but there was one thing everyone missed out. 

Xue had been a ruler of a realm for three hundred years or so. 

Though Kiba was no ruler like Xue, he was still someone who was responsible for the well-being of his people. He was still a ruler, but just on a smaller scale. 

Xue had experienced betrayal in the worst way possible. No matter how hardened his heart is, there was no way he would wish this experience and misery upon someone else. 

He gulped down his remaining drink, his chin on his hand as he glanced at Kiba. 

"You are too trusting, too easy-going," Xue pointed out, narrowing his eyes. "Why are you letting strangers know about your plans? You clearly know nothing about us."

There was also another reason why. 

From past few hours of interaction with Kiba, Xue could see the resemblance between him and his past