"So... are we going at different tis?" Kael asked, crossing his arms as he analyzed the situation.
"Not exactly different tis, but separate carriages," Eva corrected, giving him a calm look. "You can't be going around associating the Heir of the Witches with an Ainsworth Swordswoman. So, let's keep this away from the public eye."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Why all the secrecy? What's so problematic about it?"
Adalric intervened, casually leaning against the table. "It's about avoiding unnecessary rumors. If people start seeing you two together too often, they'll soon spread stories that humans and witches are in a deeper alliance than they really are. And, well... you know how the public loves to create tales."
Kael nodded, understanding the logic, but a lingering doubt still bothered him. "But Irelia isn't royalty, right?"
"No, she isn't," Eva confird with a slight sigh. "The issue is that the Emperor is already heavily associated with our family, and we support him. If you were seen too close to Irelia, they might interpret it as a sign that the witches are influencing the crown even more." She paused before adding, "And considering you're almost of age to start looking for a wife, it wouldn't take long for rumors to speculate a possible marriage. That would create complications for both your grandmother and the Emperor."
Kael furrowed his brow. "So, if I were seen with Irelia, it would cause a stir... but being with you is fine?"
Eva laughed, lightly tapping her chest with pride. "Of course! I'm a rcenary, no family, no noble ties. No one cares much about what I do." She smiled slyly. "Besides, do you think it was a coincidence that I helped that little princess that ti? I've got free rein to do whatever I want, hahaha!"
Kael watched her for a mont and, without hiding his thought, concluded:
'Crazy.'
"Well, I'd start packing if I were you," Adalric comnted, crossing his arms.
Kael, however, just gave a calm look and pulled a ring from his pocket, holding it up between his fingers.
"It's already ready, Master."
Adalric blinked a few tis before letting out a sigh, rubbing his face. "Sotis I forget you're the son of that insane— sweet witch of the inf— chaos. Yes, chaos."
Eva suppressed a laugh as she eyed the ring. "Hah... an Spatial Ring. Grade S artifact. Who would've thought Elion would give her own son sothing so difficult to create?"
She sighed, and in an instant, her expression shifted into an exaggerated, theatrical imitation.
"I can already picture the scene... her sitting at the table, that scary smile on her face, carving the ring with magic while whispering: 'My precious son... yes... for my precious son...'"
Eva dramatized the line, hugging herself as if she were Elion in the midst of an obsession, her voice filled with exaggerated devotion.
Kael and Adalric stared at her for a mont before the master let out a low laugh. "You know... considering we're talking about Elion, I wouldn't doubt that's exactly how it happened."
Kael sighed, putting the ring back into his pocket.
"Exaggerations aside... she really has a peculiar way of showing affection."
Eva flashed a playful smile. "Peculiar? That's a delicate way of saying 'completely obsessed'."
Adalric shook his head. "Well, at least you're well-prepared. But next ti, give a heads-up before pulling out an artifact like that, kid. My heart can't handle it anymore."
"Sure, Old Man," Kael said with a smile.
[One day later]
Kael sat comfortably in the carriage seat, his gaze drifting over a book he held in his hands. Not that he was really interested in the reading—it was just a pretext to occupy his mind while the vehicle rolled along the dirt road, creaking softly.
Beside him, Eva maintained an unusually long silence. She simply watched him, arms crossed, her eyes fixed on him as if she were contemplating sothing.
Kael sighed. "You want to say sothing. We're alone. Speak."
Eva exhaled slowly before responding, her voice carrying an unusual weight.
"Be careful."
Kael didn't take his eyes off the book. "I know. Don't worry."
"I'm serious."
"And I'm answering seriously." His tone had a firr, more authoritative edge, as if he wanted to end the conversation there.
Eva pressed her lips together, clearly dissatisfied.
Kael slowly closed the book and set it on his lap. "Stay alert with that man... Luthor, right?"
She raised an eyebrow. "How did you—"
Kael gave a slight smile, crossing his fingers over the book.
"I was trained by the Witch Queen. I know when soone dies near ." He paused, watching her reaction before continuing. "And I put a small spell on him as soon as he left..."
Eva blinked, surprised, before letting out a short, humorless laugh.
"Hah. You really are Elion's son."
Kael just smiled to the side, not denying it. Silence settled between them, comfortable but not lasting. A question arose in his mind, sothing he couldn't just ignore.
"Are you following because you really want to... or because my mother asked?" he asked, still not looking at Eva.
She remained silent for a few monts, but when Kael finally turned his gaze to her, he saw a smile playing at her lips.
"Oh? Are you doubting ? How cute," she teased, leaning slightly toward him.
Kael let out a short, humorless laugh. "It's not doubt. It's just a matter of knowing whether I can trust you. Depending on your answer, of course." He turned to face her, a playful glint in his eyes.
Eva laughed quietly before responding. "I knew you were coming, but my contract was to escort the Elf Princess while she was still a child. I'm basically breaking my agreent to be here."
Kael nodded thoughtfully. "I understand... so it's fine."
"Huh? What kind of response is that?" Eva furrowed her brow, curious.
"I've already gotten my answers."
"And the conclusion?"
Kael smiled, turning his face toward the carriage window. "Wait a few more years to find out."
Eva raised an eyebrow. "Hah? And why's that?"
Kael closed his eyes for a mont, as if reflecting, before casually saying, as if comnting on the weather:
"Maybe in four years, I'll claim you for myself. I need a woman like you in my life."
The silence lasted a fraction of a second.
[You have captured Eva Sparda's Soul]
[Absorbing... Very high level... Recalculating...]
[You have received—]
"Kyaaaa!! How cute! Was that a proposal?!"
Before Kael could react, Eva practically jumped on him, enveloping him in a crushing hug. His face was buried in the ample valley of her chest as she squeezed him tightly.
"E-Eva...!" His voice ca out muffled, trying to break free, but she just laughed loudly, rocking him from side to side.
"I knew you liked , but I didn't think you'd be so direct! My, my... so I'll have to wait four years, huh? That sounds like a challenge~"
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