"Master, at this hour, Father should be preparing to depart," Aifei said urgently, watching the sun slowly crest the horizon.

Due to Prince Aide’s heavy workload, he’d decided to leave a few hours later—giving me time to train Aifei at dawn.

"But you still need rest." I stepped gently toward her and lifted her with delicate care, cradling her as I walked.

"Master, what are you doing? Put me down!" Aifei’s face flushed crimson. No man had ever held her like this before.

"Your condition isn’t suited for exercise. I *could* heal you, but that would hinder your natural recovery. So listen to me. Still… why does your face keep turning red all day? I genuinely don’t get it." I frowned, puzzled. To me, she showed no signs of illness.

Shyness simply wasn’t a concept in my vocabulary.

"I… it’s all because of you, Master," Aifei mumbled softly.

"What was that?"

"I said nothing! Absolutely nothing! Master, put me down—my brothers and sisters in arms are already formed up! If they see this, I’ll lose all face!" She squirmed adorably in my arms.

"Don’t move."

"Yes, Master."

Aifei instantly fell silent. She dared not anger her strict Master—the consequences would be terrifying.

*Ugh… being carried by a man to meet my squad? Is my tough female knight persona crumbling?!*

*So embarrassing… I want to die.*

*Wait—could Master be declaring his claim over me? Yes! Books say males show strong possessiveness… announcing to rivals…*

*"Aifei is mine. You knights—keep your distance."*

Imagining her Master saying that, her face burned, her mind overheating.

"Ugh… annoying~~" She buried her flushed face shyly into my stomach.

*What’s wrong with her now?* I sighed inwardly. I never understood her. Maybe I really am different from humans.

"Where’s my daughter? We’re about to depart," Prince Aide murmured from his steed at the capital gate of Sradon Kingdom, glancing at his guard. Behind them stood a disciplined squadron of knights in crisp white battle uniforms—distinct from Captain Aifei’s—silver-hilted longswords at their waists, black steel gauntlets gleaming. Honored to escort the prince, every face was solemn.

"She’s morning training with that Platinum God of Heresy. Might be slightly delayed," the guard replied.

"We’re here. Sorry to keep you waiting."

I arrived, still carrying Aifei.

"Good. Fall in."

Prince Aide’s expression tightened at the sight, but he said nothing—wary of me.

*How did this happen so fast? Aifei, who never obeys men… actually lets him carry her?* he thought helplessly.

*Is that the captain? No way!*

*Whoa—Captain has a boyfriend?!*

*My goddess… wah~*

*Honestly, they kinda match.*

…

The knights’ minds buzzed, but discipline held them silent—only watchful eyes followed.

"PUT ME DOWN!! I need to organize the troops!" Overwhelmed by stares and shame, Aifei squirmed again.

"Don’t move."

"Yesss~"