It took Max five attempts to finally be able to repel the thin wooden branch. However, it was still not up to the mark for actual use, so after a long and bitter practice, they decided to explore another method of defensive magic. Max, who had been struggling for days memorizing formulas and theories, had her shoulders sag in disappointment, but Ruth was adamant. He did not want to cling to an incompatible method. He didn’t bother for a break and immediately jumped to another lecture, drawing a new magic formula on the ground.

  Max narrowed her eyes and glared at him.

  Ruth explained as he continued to write down formulas on the ground using a wooden stick. Max looked at the overly complicated drawings and her face began to contort in horror.

  Max looked at Ruth, pulling her eyes away from the complex shapes that made her dizzy when she stared at them.

  If Osyria was involved, then the obvious conclusion would be to gather reinforcements from each of the seven countries. Max looked anxiously at Ruth.

  Max’s mood clouded and she sighed just imagining the terrible journey.

  Ruth’s shoulder slumped as he lamented. Max was a little worried about the man who couldn’t even be bothered to travel to his room to sleep, and yet would be forced to go on such a long journey. Every corner of the world had monsters lurking and the journey to Livadon would certainly not go smoothly.

  Ruth responded sarcastically and quickly finished the formula.

  Seeing his confidence, Max was able to relax a bit.

  Finally finishing the magic formula, Ruth dusted his palms and straightened his back.

  Her shoulders hunched with the burden Ruth had placed on her.

  Ruth sighed and crossed his arms on his chest.

  Max’s face reflected pure anxiety, the world was more chaotic than she thought. Ruth gave her a serious look.

  Max replied helplessly as she gazed at the complicated magic formula that spanned out like a spider’s web.

  Patting her shoulders to cheer her up, Ruth began to explain step by step the principles behind the magic.

  ***

  Just as Ruth predicted, the royal family’s order for reinforcements arrived ten days later. Riftan was the one who received the imperial decree from the royal messenger. He quickly flipped through the contents and immediately summoned the knights to discuss it. Max nervously paced in the room, anxiously awaiting Riftan’s return: she needed to know what was the final decision in their response to the order.

  He made it clear that he had no intention of leaving Anatol unattended and would order another knight in his place, but depending on what was written in the royal order there was a possibility for him to change his mind. King Ruben could have made it impossible for him to refuse the order.

  She clasped her hands, praying. The thought of him leaving her for so long gnawed at her and seemed to burn her nerves. It felt like an eternity before the bedroom door finally opened. Max turned her head to the sound of the door and Riftan entered, looking exhausted. She immediately went to him like a blow of wind.

  He grabbed her by the houlders, surprise evident on his face at her sudden outburst, but she grabbed his forearms and advanced nervously.

  A faint smile danced on his lips. Riftan gently removed Max’s grip, released the sword tied to his waist and placed it against the bedside. She ran after him and continued hurling questions in his direction.

  Riftan collapsed into a chair and massaged his stiff neck.

  Max gave him a sympathetic look as she remembered how those two knights acted like each other’s mortal enemies. If they had been fighting, then their screams would have been thunderous.

  There was a hint of mockery in Riftan’s tone at the words ‘prominent family’, but he just clicked his tongue lightly and continued.

  Max nodded as he remembered how meek Hebaron always seemed.

  Riftan frowned slightly at her suggestion.

  He smiled bitterly.

  Max evaluated his expression carefully and acknowledged that he was reluctant to part with his men. She understood him. The bond between them was forged through blood and fire, no one could happily send his knights, who have followed him loyally through life and death, to war. She nodded vigorously, determined to inform the chef to use the best ingredients, expensive spices and the highest quality aged wine for dinner tomorrow.

  With a slight smile, he removed his thick leather boots and untied his tunic-tight waistband. Max took his boots and carefully placed them against the wall and ordered Rudis to prepare a bath.

  Meanwhile, Riftan stood in front of the open window and allowed the refreshing night breeze to cool his body. He gazed at his land, covered in the night’s darkness. Max opened the trunk and pulled out a new set of nightwear and paused to look at Riftan’s figure.

  His wide back seemed stiffer than usual, and there was a darkness to his sharp features. Her heart sank painfully knowing he was tired and annoyed by all the burdens piling up on his shoulders. Duty to the king, duty as lord, duty as commander of the knights…… so many responsibilities. Even a man made of steel would be beaten at that point.

  Max hesitated, but then slowly approached him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Riftan turned slightly and looked at her with a soft smile.

  Her face turned red as she pretended to brush dust off his tunic. A light laugh escaped Riftan’s lips. He wrapped her tightly around his strong arms and planted a kiss on her head.

  Max buried her head against his broad chest, feeling relieved that the somber atmosphere clouding him had disappeared. She felt sorry for the knights but was overwhelmed by the joy of knowing that Riftan would not be leaving for such a dangerous place.

  Note –

  : HOW CUTEEEE omg such a nice couple they’ve become! My heart is satisfied <3