"So in the end, you chose humanity’s side?"
The white-haired youth gazed at me, his voice tinged with disappointment.
*Yeah. What a shame.* I tightened my arms around Yulia, shooting him a look that clearly said *goodbye*. My earlier dizziness had made me consider leaving with this stranger I’d known less than half an hour.
"Then let me give you a farewell gift," he murmured.
White arrows shot toward us like dawn’s first light. Sensing danger, I spun around, shielding Yulia’s fragile body with my back. Yet every arrow—whether aimed at me or the soldiers—vanished into pure light just before touching skin.
Seizing the distraction, the white-haired youth tried to slip away. *Clever trick.* I retreated leisurely to the rear of the troops, still cradling Yulia.
The soldiers, halted by Yulia’s earlier command, no longer moved to attack me. Though their glares remained hostile, they silently parted like the Red Sea, clearing a path for us to the army’s center. A strange sense of accomplishment washed over me.
"Hey, Alice... isn’t it time you put me down?" Yulia’s face flushed in my arms.
"Nope. You were wounded moments ago—barely standing. Your knight carries you home."
"My injury’s gone! See?" She lifted the torn hem of her skirt, revealing a smooth, creamy belly.
"Stray Corpse Eaters might still lurk. Stay put." I’d checked—the wound had truly vanished. But holding warm, soft Yulia was too tempting.
"Aren’t *you* the one who was covered in wounds last time? Are you alright?" She shifted tactics, targeting my own exhaustion.
"Heh. I just learned that disgusting carrion-feeding skill. Eat constantly, regain magic and heal wounds. I’m perfectly fine now." I leaned closer to her face.
"Eh? That sounds terrifying! You won’t... eat me, will you?" She tilted her head toward mine.
"You look sweet. Delicious." I grinned like a greedy child at her adorable pout.
"Well... if you *really* want a taste, I’ll allow one bite." She seemed to believe me.
I pressed a light kiss to her cheek. A faint, fresh scent—like young wheat fields—filled my nose. I pulled back instantly.
"Mmm. Tasty!"
"Alice, you cheat! My turn! My turn!" Yulia squirmed in my arms, flailing limbs in protest.
"Haha. What just happened?" I stifled a laugh, ignoring her.
"Hmph!" She puffed her cheeks, sulking.
"Fine. Once we’re back at the fort and I undo my Ghoul Transformation... I’ll return the kiss." I strode past soldiers still scrambling to catch the white-haired youth, heading toward Fort Posein.
"My dear sister," his voice floated behind us, "please tell the Shepherd his final task is complete. Farewell, sister."
*Hmph. Who cares.* I silently cheered the soldiers on: *Crush that smug, effortless grin of his.*
Later, I heard the useless troops let him escape easily.
*Whatever.*
All I craved was sleep back at the fort. No all-night cultivation habits for this young lady. Dawn’s deep blue sky dusted with ashen stars made me yawn mid-stride.
Yulia stretched hugely in my arms, yawning too. "I just want to collapse into bed," I murmured, watching her sleepy face.
"Remember," she said slyly, eyes half-closed, "your prison cell still holds that strange man. No proper rest waiting for you."
"Oh right—the weirdo in the Third Detention Chamber. Dante probably still has him pinned to the wall. Guess you’ll be staying over tonight, Yulia."
"Heh heh! Time to repay that arrow of rejection! Apologize properly, little Alice!" She snuggled against me, triumphant.
"Petty, aren’t we? Sorry, Miss Yulia. Please shelter this homeless Alice." I deadpanned, watching her smug expression.
"Well... I suppose I’ll share my bed. Just this once."
*So easy to handle.* Smiling inwardly, I kept bantering with her until Fort Posein’s sealed gates loomed ahead. Neither of us could open them.
Luckily, Dante emerged alone from the other side, his face gloomy.
"Hard night, Mr. Dante?" We greeted him cautiously.
"Oh—it’s you two. Good. Good." Hearing the Corpse Eater threat was neutralized seemed the only bright spot in his night. "Alice, you’re temporarily released. Paperwork for the Royal Capital comes later."
"Things went badly for you?"
"Don’t ask. Party ruined. Corpse Eaters rampaging through the city. Chased them all night." His guard dropped; he whined like a tired child.
"Cheer up. At least you caught the Succubus and the Great Ghost Clan man."
At "Succubus," Dante’s expression darkened. "Worst news: Lem—the hunter who took you in—he ran into the escaped Succubus. She charmed him. He helped the wounded demon escape *from me*."
A thunderbolt to the chest.
Before I could demand details about Lem, Miss Aileen limped into view, battered but relieved to see us unharmed. She hugged us tightly, then meticulously checked for injuries. Satisfied, she ordered us to bed immediately. "Leave Lem to the adults," she insisted, then fixed Dante with a stern look.
Though Dante radiated "I’m done with life," he couldn’t refuse the wounded Miss Aileen. She dragged him—protesting weakly—toward the stables. Together, they rode into Sylia Forest, chasing Lem and the Succubus.
