Julian’s gaze shifted as he noticed Rose among the crowd. His heart fluttered slightly at the sight of her, and he flashed a confident smile.
“Ah, Rose, I didn’t see you there,” he said, his tone warm and playful.
Rose’s eyes widened with curiosity as Julian spoke. “Your grace, that was truly brilliant,” she said, clearly impressed by his display of skill.
Julian chuckled, shrugging it off with a casual air. “Oh, it was nothing,” he replied, though a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
Rose unable to contain her curiosity, pressed further. “But how did you do it? That move… it was unexpected.”
Julian’s grin widened as he leaned in slightly. “It’s quite simple, really. I infused the right amount of mana into the wooden spear, just enough to make it explode after a brief delay.”
Rose smiled softly at Julian’s words, “You truly are a genius, your grace,” she replied.
“Forget about it, Rose. How have you been?” He asked. “I haven’t seen you since we left for the war from the royal palace. How is everything?”
Rose blushed clearly touched by his concern. “I’ve been good, your grace,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “Finishing up the duties here, as we’re finally about to get the chance to go back home.”
She looked up at him with a smile. The idea of returning home seemed to bring her comfort.
Julian smiled at her cheerful nature, and asked, “Who is present in your family, Rose?”
He hadn’t had much of a chance to ask about her personal life before and was genuinely curious to know more about her and her background.
Rose spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice, “Father and a younger brother, Your Grace.”
Julian could hear the sorrow behind her words, and it stirred something in him.
“Go and tell them how we have won the war,” Julian said, his tone soft but reassuring. “They will be happy to know that you’re safe and that everything is finally over. They will be proud of you, Rose.”
Her eyes brightened a little at his words, and he saw a glimmer of cheerfulness return to her face. She gave him a grateful smile and said, “Thank you, my lord.”
Julian watched her for a moment as he felt a strange warmth in his chest at the sight of her relief. It was a rare thing for him to feel this way, but something about Rose made him want to protect her and make her happy.
Julian leaned in slightly and with a smile, asked. “How about I accompany you, Rose?”
Rose hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected offer. She hadn’t anticipated such a gesture, especially from someone as important as Julian.
“My lord, there’s really no need,” she replied. “It’s just a couple of hours away. You have more important matters to attend to.”
But Julian shook his head. “It’s no trouble at all,” he insisted. “Besides, I’d like to see where you come from. It would be a nice change of pace. What do you say?”
Rose looked into his eyes, the warmth in them making her heart race slightly. She couldn’t help but feel touched by his genuine interest. After a brief moment of consideration, she nodded. “If you insist, my lord,” she said softly.
Julian’s grin grew wider. He was pleased by her response. “Then it’s settled,” he said. “When will we move?”
“Tomorrow morning, my lord,” Rose replied, her voice steady, though she still seemed a bit shy under Julian’s gaze.
“I’ll be ready. We’ll leave at first light.” Julian said.
Rose smiled softly, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. “Thank you, my lord,” she said, her eyes meeting his briefly before she looked away, suddenly aware of how close they were standing.
Julian gave her a soft smile and said, “Well, see you, Rose.”
“Good day to you, your grace,” Rose replied as she bowed her head,
Julian then approached Raphael, who was still recovering from his loss and said, “Be ready. We will leave with Rose tomorrow morning.”
Raphael chuckled as he wiped the dust off his clothes. “Sure, Your Grace or should I say ‘love boy’?” he teased.
Julian raised his spear. “You better watch your mouth, Raphael,” he said, but his tone was light and playful.
Raphael turned around and began running “Better catch me first, Your Grace.”
Julian laughed to himself as he left the training ground. He made his way to the gardens. The area was surrounded by beautiful flowers, their petals dancing in the gentle breeze. He took a deep breath and enjoyed the serenity of the moment while he continued to walk through the gardens.
As he walked through the gardens, he noticed two figures standing by the fountain as they watered the plants. The warm light of the late afternoon made their already glowing skin even brighter and more beautiful.
The two figures were Regina and Gregoria. They engaged in a light-hearted conversation as they tended to the flowers. They both wore noble gowns that hugged their figures.
Julian couldn’t help but stare at their curvaceous hips and a subtle display of their cleavage as they bent and tended to the flowers.
Julian approached Regina and Gregoria with a bright smile on his face. As he approached, a sudden wave of tension hit Regina. She tried to steady herself, putting on a composed expression, but inside, her mind and heart was racing.
“It’s such a nice weather, isn’t it?” Julian said, trying to keep the conversation light.
Gregoria smiled, “It sure is, Julian.” She looked at him warmly, but her attention then shifted back to Regina, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact.
Regina kept her gaze lowered as her heart raced. She wanted to speak, but the words felt trapped inside her, unable to break free. The sense of confusion and conflict over the offer he had made made it difficult to act normal.
Gregoria raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension. “Are you fine, Regina?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Regina laughed awkwardly, trying to mask her discomfort. “Yes, mother, I am fine,” she replied quickly.
Gregoria didn’t miss the awkwardness in Regina’s voice, and her gaze lingered on her daughter-in-law, clearly wondering if something was amiss.
Julian with a mischievous grin, teased, “Maybe mother has a fever,” and he reached out, gently cupping Regina’s cheek in his hand. “You feel warm,” he added.
Regina froze as her heart skipped a beat at his touch.
