Favna, hiding behind Alte, let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness someone familiar was here—if she’d been alone, she’d have turned tail and fled without a second thought.
Still, Abel’s gaze sent a chill down her spine.
Could this guy really be the silver-haired enthusiast Alte mentioned?
While Favna’s mind raced, Abel strode up to Alte and unceremoniously dragged her—the human shield—into a corner.
Once sure the two girls were out of earshot, he leaned in and whispered mysteriously, “Not bad, kid. Where’d you snag this silver-haired girl?”
As a seasoned silver-haired enthusiast, Abel had scoured every corner of the Fallen Empire before meeting Shia—yet never found a single one.
The only silver-haired being he’d encountered was an exceptionally irritable dragon girl.
But Favna before him now was clearly a Dragonkin, not a great dragon.
Great dragons were far too proud to be this timid and meek.
Alte simply patted Abel’s shoulder. “You’re a married man. Keep your eyes on your own plate.”
“No, I’m genuinely curious! Where on earth did you dig her up?”
Seeing Abel’s relentless probing, Alte sighed. “Probably because Favna’s a shut-in.”
He recalled how shy she’d been when they first met—practically trying to bury herself underground. Someone with that level of social anxiety rarely left home.
“Still,” Alte added firmly, “don’t even think about cheating.”
“Relax~ I’d never poach my brother’s girl!” Abel flashed a thumbs-up. Alte just shook his head.
“It’s not like that… My room was messy, so I asked Favna to tidy up.”
“Sure?” Abel nudged him with an elbow, grinning. “No feelings? C’mon—you’re *living together*. That’s basically cohabitation!”
Meanwhile, stripped of her human shield, Favna stood frozen under Shia’s gaze.
Sensing her tension, Shia smiled. “Miss Favna, you’re so adorable.”
“Uh… thank you?” Favna’s voice barely rose above a whisper, meek as a startled rabbit.
“So~” Shia’s eyes crinkled with playful curiosity. “Do you two share a bed?”
“N-no! Absolutely not!”
Her denial came sharper this time—though still born of panic.
Alte turned back toward the living room. “Favna’s shy. Don’t overwhelm her.”
“Got it.” Shia smiled faintly and settled onto the sofa, noting Alte’s protective tone.
After curbing Shia’s teasing, Alte returned to his desk. Favna’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
Abel straightened, bowed politely to Favna. “Favna, thank you for looking after my Alte.”
“Hey,” Alte grumbled, “I’m not your son.”
“I-it’s nothing…” Favna stammered. Honestly, *he* was the one doing the caring.
Once introductions were settled, Alte spoke earnestly. “Our relationship isn’t what you imagine. Favna and I are completely platonic.”
“Hmph~” Shia offered a knowing smile but said nothing.
Alte continued, “Please keep this quiet. Favna’s unmarried—living with a guy would stain her reputation. Like mud on pants: no explanation clears it.”
(Truth was, this homebody dragon was too terrified of the Dragon Knight dormitory to leave.)
“Don’t worry~” Abel thumped his chest. “If I leak a word, may lightning strike me dead!”
Alte finally exhaled.
Favna, though? She barely cared. Hardly anyone knew her outside anyway.
Evening fell. After bidding farewell to Abel and Shia, Favna collapsed onto the sofa, utterly drained.
“Socializing is so exhausting…”
“Wouldn’t a female friend be nice?” Alte offered gently.
Their chat *had* happened—but with Favna’s shyness, it felt more like an interrogation.
“Sorry,” Alte added. “Abel’s just… like that.”
“It’s fine.” The prince’s glances held no malice—just curiosity, often cut short by Shia. Overall, not too bad.
“Well,” Favna murmured, “at least rest is here. Silver lining.”
Just as she reached for a pillow to retreat to her room—Alte snagged her collar.
“Favna… forget something?”
“Uh… what?” Her voice trembled.
The captain’s tone turned deliberate.
“That little midnight escape of yours… we haven’t settled that score yet.”
“Eep!”
Watching his approaching hand, Favna froze—trapped, panicked.
*So this is it… some unspeakable punishment?!*
