Chapter 152: The Road Back To The Amayan Empire Part 1
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"Hold them back!"
Clang!
"Da**! Their armor is impenetrable! We're getting pushed back!"
"Don't fall back! If you fall back at this rate, we won't be able to make it out alive!"
Crown Prince Lail twirled his spear and charged into the horde of beasts. Sparking with dark lightning, the spear pierced through the armor of the Razor Lions.
Roar!
Enraged, the magical beasts' eyes turned red, and with an ear-numbing roar, dashed at the tiny figure of the Crown Prince.
Puchi!
Another stream of blood flowed as two of the armored beasts crashed to the ground. The beasts were vast in numbers, spreading almost as far as the eye could see. Their glistening blood-gold pelts glowed a red-gold hue that blinded the returning sailors.
But Crown Prince Lail wasn't hindered by the refracting light. His steps remained firm and light as he flew across the beast horde with ease.
After almost half a day, most of the Razor Lions were either cleared or retreated.
Thump!
Crown Prince Lail flung his spear, throwing the limb body of the beast into the pile of beast corpses.
"Brother Lail, thank you for your help. If it wasn't for your help, our Sailors Union would've been wiped out." A tall thin man with Amayan blond hair and blue eyes stepped out of a crowd of grey armored guards and bowed to the Crown Prince with clasped fists.
"Bother Wei, don't mention it. But I don't understand. Why are the Southern Wild Marshes teeming with magical beasts? This sort of incident never happened before." He frowned.
"It seems you don't know, Brother Lail." Head Sailor Wei Bin looked at the young man in interest.
They had met a few days ago and had been traveling together since then.
The situation in the Amayan Empire had become hectic lately, but the kid, though powerful, had no clue of it.
And true to his guess, on hearing his words, the black-robed kid shot him a confused glance.
"Brother Wei, what is that I don't know?"
"Little Brother, I can see that you're extraordinary. If you join the recruiting army, you'll be able to make a name for yourself. In these chaotic times, what a person lacks most is a sense of security."
"Recruiting Army?" Crown Prince Lail was stumped.
It seemed many changes had occurred in the Amayan Empire during his absence. Before today, he'd never heard of any recruitment for the army. All the soldiers of the Amayan Army were made up of warriors that began their training from age 5.
But now, they were recruiting unskilled soldiers to the Amayan Army?
Unaware of the impact his words had on his companion, Wei Bin laughingly stroked his beard.
"Yes. With the sudden surge of magical beasts, the pay for soldiers is bound to be good."
"Brother Wei, when did the magical beasts begin to make an appearance?"
"Aye, three months ago, when the Dark Moon ascended, the wild beasts in the region began to act out of the norm. At first, everyone thought that they were frightened off by the sudden appearance of the Dark Moon. But later, it was found out that they were mutating! They transformed from ordinary wild beasts to deadly magical beasts in the blink of a few nights."
"That...how is that possible?"
"That's the very question every human who's witnessed the scene is wondering."
"Is that why the Empire is recruiting soldiers?" But no matter how many soldiers were recruited, if they were untrained and inexperienced, then weren't they only going to be piles of corpses?
Crown Prince Lail couldn't understand what his Royal Uncle was thinking to take such a decision.
"It is. That's why I advise you to join the recruitment. Who knows, with your talent, maybe you'll make a name for yourself."
"Thank you for the advice, Brother Wei. I'll make a move first." The Crown Prince clasped his fists to the older man.
"No problem. It's only thanks to you that we were able to overcome this obstacle. Besides, sooner or later, you'd have come to learn all this." Wei Bin dismissively waved his hand.
"But if you're planning on heading to the Empire, I suggest you find shelter for the day. The gates are now closed by sundown to guard against the magical beasts."
"I understand." With a grateful nod, Crown Prince Lail turned and walked away.
"Brother Wei, is it a good idea to let him go?" At this moment, the meek servant standing by Wei Bin's side raised his head and glared fiercely in Crown Prince Lail's direction.
"Even if we decide to silence him, do you think any of you have what it takes to bring him down?" The amiable and friendly expression vanished from the sailor's face. In it's was a cold face with dark and malicious eyes.
"Besides, it's only one person. Even though he's talented, he's not Crown Prince Lail. What can he do to hinder our plans?" Wei Bin clasped his hands behind his back and confidently turned, heading towards his supposed group of sailors.
"Yes, as always, you're right." The servant lowered his head and deferentially followed behind the Head Sailor.
Crown Prince Lail walked to his tent with a confused expression on his face. The situation in the Amayan Empire alarmed him as he'd never encountered one like it before.
"Wild Beasts mutating under the influence of the Dark Moon to Magical Beasts?"
Such a theory was out of his understanding...
If matters continued in this direction, then pretty soon, the entire Amayan Empire would be overrun with mutated Wild Beasts.
Crown Prince Lail had only entered his tent when a delicate and soft voice entered his ears.
"Lail, you're back."
His brows immediately furrowed and an uncomfortable feeling settled in his heart. Crown Prince Lail didn't even notice his hand had instinctively reached for his spear as if he was guarding against a menace.
He turned his head, his actions stiff and rigid, as he faced the female.
"Why are you back just now? I've been waiting so long to eat together. Come, the soup is going cold." The female moved towards him and made to grab his arm. But the Crown Prince stepped back and looked at her veiled face.
This should be his Crown Princess Consort, Princess Qamari, his one and only wife.
But Crown Prince Lail felt as alienated from her as if she were a stranger.
"Didn't I tell you not to enter my tent without my permission?" Even to his own ears, his voice sounded harsh and cold.
But the Crown Prince couldn't find it within himself to feel bad or, sorry, for that matter.
"Lail, what's wrong? I know you don't feel comfortable with my presence. But we're husband and wife. Surely, I can enter your tent to prepare your meal, right?" The female's voice sounded hurt, but she didn't budge or evade his cold glare.
She directly faced it with a firm and determined stance.
"Heh...did I ask you to prepare my meal?"
"Does a wife needs to be told to prepare her husband's meals?"
At this, the man's face hardened and he seriously looked into her eyes as if trying to find something. But a second later, his face closed off, returning to the original impassive and stoic mask.
"In the future, there's no need to trouble yourself with such chore. You can leave."
"Lail, wait! We need to talk." Seeing him turn to leave, the woman lost her composure and rushed forth to grab his sleeve.
But before she even touched a corner of his robe, the man evaded her hand and stepped to the side. Then he looked at her with a frosty gaze that, for a brief moment, flickered with confusion and hesitation.
He wanted to rebuke her for her rude manners, but then remembered she was his legally wedded wife. Let alone touching a corner of his robe, she could even touch his entire person and he wouldn't be able to say a word.
"I'll make myself clear. Don't ever try to touch me again. Otherwise, I might accidentally crush your hand." He grimly said.
The woman looked at him in shock, her purple eyes widening as if she couldn't believe he would even say that to her.
And truly? Even Crown Prince Lail couldn't believe he'd said that.
"You...Did you just tell me not to touch you?"
"I hope you don't have hearing problems." Another widening of her eyes and, this time, a hint of tears appeared within the violet depths.
The sight made the Crown Prince stiffen. But instead of apologizing, he coldly snorted and turned on his heels. The flap of rough clothe resounded and his figure disappeared.
Soon, the tent was enveloped in a suffocating silence that made the atmosphere buzz with hints of flame elemental energy.
"Are you okay?" In this tense atmosphere, the tranquil voice of another female resounded. Then from the other side of the tent, a yellow-robed female with a white sash tied around her waist appeared.
The female glided to the side of the purple-red clad female and worriedly placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Aarya Quime..."
"Don't address me with that name anymore!" The female instantly wiped her head around and darkly hissed with fierce eyes.
"I know, slip of tongue. But with time, I'll get better." The other carelessly dismissed the rebuke.
"Not with time, Marui Osklain. Now! Fix this address now and never use it again. Otherwise, instead of rising up the tree, we'll be smashed underfoot. Understand?"
"Yes, I'll fix it. But this Crown Prince seems to be extremely cold. Even though Princess Qamari was his wife, she might not have won his affection. Heh...If you ask me, I think they only got married because both are cold individuals who were betrayed by their betrothals."
"Maybe..." Aarya Quime replied listlessly and walked back to the table she'd set her prepared meals.
She didn't want to focus on what she'd perceived from the man.
Although not certain, whenever he looked into her eyes, she felt as if he was searching for something in their depths.
But what?
"Hey, you don't need to be dejected. You have the status and title of the Crown Princess Consort. Whether he likes you or not, as long as you don't divorce him, he'll be stuck with you. Sooner or later, he'll have to accept you."
Her hand paused.
That's right! She was now his Crown Princess Consort.
Whether he liked her or not, he'd be forced to eventually accept her because she's his legally wedded wife.
And besides, she had confidence in herself. With her graceful manners, elegant and gentle demeanor, she'd definitely win his heart!
When that happens, no one would be able to snatch him from her.
Not even the real Princess Qamari!
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Crown Prince Lail slammed his fist against the thick trunk of the ancient tree. His knuckles were red and bruised, with faint hints of blood dripping from the cuts.
But as if he couldn't feel the pain, he continuously punched the tree until a giant gap appeared in the center. Hanging by a thin skin, the tree precariously swung back and forth, on the verge of collapse.
"Huuuuu!"
"The heavens! What is wrong with me!?"
After a long period of venting, the man despondently leaned against the ruined tree and slid to the ground. Pulling up a leg, he rested his arm on his knee and gazed at the rosy horizon.
The day was about to end, the red-orange rays of the setting sun washing the gloomy Southern Wild Marshes in a flood of gorgeous flames. A tranquil peace that would calm any individual's mind settled over the region.
But the Crown Prince didn't feel any of the serene and peaceful beauty.
His heart was still as restless and anxious as the day before he left the Amayan Empire, his eyes vacant as his lonely shadow stuck to him for company.
"Why...why do I always behave like that with her...?" It wasn't the first time and this was what tormented him.
The wife he vowed to himself to love, treasure, and protect from every storm and tribulations stood before him and he spoke so rudely to her...
It wasn't anyone else, but he himself that spoke so rudely and hurtfully to her...
He didn't want to, he didn't mean to, but the moment she appeared before him, he only wanted her gone.
As if his mind and heart had a language of their own, words that he'd never say to his dear wife flowed out of his mouth.
This was why he didn't want her to appear before him. He was afraid to hurt her more than he'd already done.
Afraid to shatter her heart until nothing remained.
Because as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, he knew in the deepest recesses of his heart that he felt nothing for her.
"But why...?"
His dear wife, the only one whom he considered a family...
Why didn't he feel anything for her anymore?
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"Hold them back!"
Clang!
"Da**! Their armor is impenetrable! We're getting pushed back!"
"Don't fall back! If you fall back at this rate, we won't be able to make it out alive!"
Crown Prince Lail twirled his spear and charged into the horde of beasts. Sparking with dark lightning, the spear pierced through the armor of the Razor Lions.
Roar!
Enraged, the magical beasts' eyes turned red, and with an ear-numbing roar, dashed at the tiny figure of the Crown Prince.
Puchi!
Another stream of blood flowed as two of the armored beasts crashed to the ground. The beasts were vast in numbers, spreading almost as far as the eye could see. Their glistening blood-gold pelts glowed a red-gold hue that blinded the returning sailors.
But Crown Prince Lail wasn't hindered by the refracting light. His steps remained firm and light as he flew across the beast horde with ease.
After almost half a day, most of the Razor Lions were either cleared or retreated.
Thump!
Crown Prince Lail flung his spear, throwing the limb body of the beast into the pile of beast corpses.
"Brother Lail, thank you for your help. If it wasn't for your help, our Sailors Union would've been wiped out." A tall thin man with Amayan blond hair and blue eyes stepped out of a crowd of grey armored guards and bowed to the Crown Prince with clasped fists.
"Bother Wei, don't mention it. But I don't understand. Why are the Southern Wild Marshes teeming with magical beasts? This sort of incident never happened before." He frowned.
"It seems you don't know, Brother Lail." Head Sailor Wei Bin looked at the young man in interest.
They had met a few days ago and had been traveling together since then.
The situation in the Amayan Empire had become hectic lately, but the kid, though powerful, had no clue of it.
And true to his guess, on hearing his words, the black-robed kid shot him a confused glance.
"Brother Wei, what is that I don't know?"
"Little Brother, I can see that you're extraordinary. If you join the recruiting army, you'll be able to make a name for yourself. In these chaotic times, what a person lacks most is a sense of security."
"Recruiting Army?" Crown Prince Lail was stumped.
It seemed many changes had occurred in the Amayan Empire during his absence. Before today, he'd never heard of any recruitment for the army. All the soldiers of the Amayan Army were made up of warriors that began their training from age 5.
But now, they were recruiting unskilled soldiers to the Amayan Army?
Unaware of the impact his words had on his companion, Wei Bin laughingly stroked his beard.
"Yes. With the sudden surge of magical beasts, the pay for soldiers is bound to be good."
"Brother Wei, when did the magical beasts begin to make an appearance?"
"Aye, three months ago, when the Dark Moon ascended, the wild beasts in the region began to act out of the norm. At first, everyone thought that they were frightened off by the sudden appearance of the Dark Moon. But later, it was found out that they were mutating! They transformed from ordinary wild beasts to deadly magical beasts in the blink of a few nights."
"That...how is that possible?"
"That's the very question every human who's witnessed the scene is wondering."
"Is that why the Empire is recruiting soldiers?" But no matter how many soldiers were recruited, if they were untrained and inexperienced, then weren't they only going to be piles of corpses?
Crown Prince Lail couldn't understand what his Royal Uncle was thinking to take such a decision.
"It is. That's why I advise you to join the recruitment. Who knows, with your talent, maybe you'll make a name for yourself."
"Thank you for the advice, Brother Wei. I'll make a move first." The Crown Prince clasped his fists to the older man.
"No problem. It's only thanks to you that we were able to overcome this obstacle. Besides, sooner or later, you'd have come to learn all this." Wei Bin dismissively waved his hand.
"But if you're planning on heading to the Empire, I suggest you find shelter for the day. The gates are now closed by sundown to guard against the magical beasts."
"I understand." With a grateful nod, Crown Prince Lail turned and walked away.
"Brother Wei, is it a good idea to let him go?" At this moment, the meek servant standing by Wei Bin's side raised his head and glared fiercely in Crown Prince Lail's direction.
"Even if we decide to silence him, do you think any of you have what it takes to bring him down?" The amiable and friendly expression vanished from the sailor's face. In it's was a cold face with dark and malicious eyes.
"Besides, it's only one person. Even though he's talented, he's not Crown Prince Lail. What can he do to hinder our plans?" Wei Bin clasped his hands behind his back and confidently turned, heading towards his supposed group of sailors.
"Yes, as always, you're right." The servant lowered his head and deferentially followed behind the Head Sailor.
Crown Prince Lail walked to his tent with a confused expression on his face. The situation in the Amayan Empire alarmed him as he'd never encountered one like it before.
"Wild Beasts mutating under the influence of the Dark Moon to Magical Beasts?"
Such a theory was out of his understanding...
If matters continued in this direction, then pretty soon, the entire Amayan Empire would be overrun with mutated Wild Beasts.
Crown Prince Lail had only entered his tent when a delicate and soft voice entered his ears.
"Lail, you're back."
His brows immediately furrowed and an uncomfortable feeling settled in his heart. Crown Prince Lail didn't even notice his hand had instinctively reached for his spear as if he was guarding against a menace.
He turned his head, his actions stiff and rigid, as he faced the female.
"Why are you back just now? I've been waiting so long to eat together. Come, the soup is going cold." The female moved towards him and made to grab his arm. But the Crown Prince stepped back and looked at her veiled face.
This should be his Crown Princess Consort, Princess Qamari, his one and only wife.
But Crown Prince Lail felt as alienated from her as if she were a stranger.
"Didn't I tell you not to enter my tent without my permission?" Even to his own ears, his voice sounded harsh and cold.
But the Crown Prince couldn't find it within himself to feel bad or, sorry, for that matter.
"Lail, what's wrong? I know you don't feel comfortable with my presence. But we're husband and wife. Surely, I can enter your tent to prepare your meal, right?" The female's voice sounded hurt, but she didn't budge or evade his cold glare.
She directly faced it with a firm and determined stance.
"Heh...did I ask you to prepare my meal?"
"Does a wife needs to be told to prepare her husband's meals?"
At this, the man's face hardened and he seriously looked into her eyes as if trying to find something. But a second later, his face closed off, returning to the original impassive and stoic mask.
"In the future, there's no need to trouble yourself with such chore. You can leave."
"Lail, wait! We need to talk." Seeing him turn to leave, the woman lost her composure and rushed forth to grab his sleeve.
But before she even touched a corner of his robe, the man evaded her hand and stepped to the side. Then he looked at her with a frosty gaze that, for a brief moment, flickered with confusion and hesitation.
He wanted to rebuke her for her rude manners, but then remembered she was his legally wedded wife. Let alone touching a corner of his robe, she could even touch his entire person and he wouldn't be able to say a word.
"I'll make myself clear. Don't ever try to touch me again. Otherwise, I might accidentally crush your hand." He grimly said.
The woman looked at him in shock, her purple eyes widening as if she couldn't believe he would even say that to her.
And truly? Even Crown Prince Lail couldn't believe he'd said that.
"You...Did you just tell me not to touch you?"
"I hope you don't have hearing problems." Another widening of her eyes and, this time, a hint of tears appeared within the violet depths.
The sight made the Crown Prince stiffen. But instead of apologizing, he coldly snorted and turned on his heels. The flap of rough clothe resounded and his figure disappeared.
Soon, the tent was enveloped in a suffocating silence that made the atmosphere buzz with hints of flame elemental energy.
"Are you okay?" In this tense atmosphere, the tranquil voice of another female resounded. Then from the other side of the tent, a yellow-robed female with a white sash tied around her waist appeared.
The female glided to the side of the purple-red clad female and worriedly placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Aarya Quime..."
"Don't address me with that name anymore!" The female instantly wiped her head around and darkly hissed with fierce eyes.
"I know, slip of tongue. But with time, I'll get better." The other carelessly dismissed the rebuke.
"Not with time, Marui Osklain. Now! Fix this address now and never use it again. Otherwise, instead of rising up the tree, we'll be smashed underfoot. Understand?"
"Yes, I'll fix it. But this Crown Prince seems to be extremely cold. Even though Princess Qamari was his wife, she might not have won his affection. Heh...If you ask me, I think they only got married because both are cold individuals who were betrayed by their betrothals."
"Maybe..." Aarya Quime replied listlessly and walked back to the table she'd set her prepared meals.
She didn't want to focus on what she'd perceived from the man.
Although not certain, whenever he looked into her eyes, she felt as if he was searching for something in their depths.
But what?
"Hey, you don't need to be dejected. You have the status and title of the Crown Princess Consort. Whether he likes you or not, as long as you don't divorce him, he'll be stuck with you. Sooner or later, he'll have to accept you."
Her hand paused.
That's right! She was now his Crown Princess Consort.
Whether he liked her or not, he'd be forced to eventually accept her because she's his legally wedded wife.
And besides, she had confidence in herself. With her graceful manners, elegant and gentle demeanor, she'd definitely win his heart!
When that happens, no one would be able to snatch him from her.
Not even the real Princess Qamari!
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Crown Prince Lail slammed his fist against the thick trunk of the ancient tree. His knuckles were red and bruised, with faint hints of blood dripping from the cuts.
But as if he couldn't feel the pain, he continuously punched the tree until a giant gap appeared in the center. Hanging by a thin skin, the tree precariously swung back and forth, on the verge of collapse.
"Huuuuu!"
"The heavens! What is wrong with me!?"
After a long period of venting, the man despondently leaned against the ruined tree and slid to the ground. Pulling up a leg, he rested his arm on his knee and gazed at the rosy horizon.
The day was about to end, the red-orange rays of the setting sun washing the gloomy Southern Wild Marshes in a flood of gorgeous flames. A tranquil peace that would calm any individual's mind settled over the region.
But the Crown Prince didn't feel any of the serene and peaceful beauty.
His heart was still as restless and anxious as the day before he left the Amayan Empire, his eyes vacant as his lonely shadow stuck to him for company.
"Why...why do I always behave like that with her...?" It wasn't the first time and this was what tormented him.
The wife he vowed to himself to love, treasure, and protect from every storm and tribulations stood before him and he spoke so rudely to her...
It wasn't anyone else, but he himself that spoke so rudely and hurtfully to her...
He didn't want to, he didn't mean to, but the moment she appeared before him, he only wanted her gone.
As if his mind and heart had a language of their own, words that he'd never say to his dear wife flowed out of his mouth.
This was why he didn't want her to appear before him. He was afraid to hurt her more than he'd already done.
Afraid to shatter her heart until nothing remained.
Because as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, he knew in the deepest recesses of his heart that he felt nothing for her.
"But why...?"
His dear wife, the only one whom he considered a family...
Why didn't he feel anything for her anymore?
"Hold them back!"Clang!"Da**! Their armor is impenetrable! We're getting pushed back!""Don't fall back! If you fall back at this rate, we won't be able to make it out alive!"Crown Prince Lail twirled his spear and charged into the horde of beasts. Sparking with dark lightning, the spear pierced through the armor of the Razor Lions. Roar!Enraged, the magical beasts' eyes turned red, and with an ear-numbing roar, dashed at the tiny figure of the Crown Prince.Puchi!Another stream of blood flowed as two of the armored beasts crashed to the ground. The beasts were vast in numbers, spreading almost as far as the eye could see. Their glistening blood-gold pelts glowed a red-gold hue that blinded the returning sailors.But Crown Prince Lail wasn't hindered by the refracting light. His steps remained firm and light as he flew across the beast horde with ease.After almost half a day, most of the Razor Lions were either cleared or retreated.Thump!Crown Prince Lail flung his spear, throwing the limb body of the beast into the pile of beast corpses."Brother Lail, thank you for your help. If it wasn't for your help, our Sailors Union would've been wiped out." A tall thin man with Amayan blond hair and blue eyes stepped out of a crowd of grey armored guards and bowed to the Crown Prince with clasped fists."Bother Wei, don't mention it. But I don't understand. Why are the Southern Wild Marshes teeming with magical beasts? This sort of incident never happened before." He frowned."It seems you don't know, Brother Lail." Head Sailor Wei Bin looked at the young man in interest.They had met a few days ago and had been traveling together since then.The situation in the Amayan Empire had become hectic lately, but the kid, though powerful, had no clue of it.And true to his guess, on hearing his words, the black-robed kid shot him a confused glance."Brother Wei, what is that I don't know?""Little Brother, I can see that you're extraordinary. If you join the recruiting army, you'll be able to make a name for yourself. In these chaotic times, what a person lacks most is a sense of security.""Recruiting Army?" Crown Prince Lail was stumped.It seemed many changes had occurred in the Amayan Empire during his absence. Before today, he'd never heard of any recruitment for the army. All the soldiers of the Amayan Army were made up of warriors that began their training from age 5.But now, they were recruiting unskilled soldiers to the Amayan Army?Unaware of the impact his words had on his companion, Wei Bin laughingly stroked his beard."Yes. With the sudden surge of magical beasts, the pay for soldiers is bound to be good." "Brother Wei, when did the magical beasts begin to make an appearance?""Aye, three months ago, when the Dark Moon ascended, the wild beasts in the region began to act out of the norm. At first, everyone thought that they were frightened off by the sudden appearance of the Dark Moon. But later, it was found out that they were mutating! They transformed from ordinary wild beasts to deadly magical beasts in the blink of a few nights.""That...how is that possible?""That's the very question every human who's witnessed the scene is wondering.""Is that why the Empire is recruiting soldiers?" But no matter how many soldiers were recruited, if they were untrained and inexperienced, then weren't they only going to be piles of corpses?Crown Prince Lail couldn't understand what his Royal Uncle was thinking to take such a decision."It is. That's why I advise you to join the recruitment. Who knows, with your talent, maybe you'll make a name for yourself.""Thank you for the advice, Brother Wei. I'll make a move first." The Crown Prince clasped his fists to the older man."No problem. It's only thanks to you that we were able to overcome this obstacle. Besides, sooner or later, you'd have come to learn all this." Wei Bin dismissively waved his hand."But if you're planning on heading to the Empire, I suggest you find shelter for the day. The gates are now closed by sundown to guard against the magical beasts.""I understand." With a grateful nod, Crown Prince Lail turned and walked away."Brother Wei, is it a good idea to let him go?" At this moment, the meek servant standing by Wei Bin's side raised his head and glared fiercely in Crown Prince Lail's direction."Even if we decide to silence him, do you think any of you have what it takes to bring him down?" The amiable and friendly expression vanished from the sailor's face. In it's was a cold face with dark and malicious eyes."Besides, it's only one person. Even though he's talented, he's not Crown Prince Lail. What can he do to hinder our plans?" Wei Bin clasped his hands behind his back and confidently turned, heading towards his supposed group of sailors."Yes, as always, you're right." The servant lowered his head and deferentially followed behind the Head Sailor.Crown Prince Lail walked to his tent with a confused expression on his face. The situation in the Amayan Empire alarmed him as he'd never encountered one like it before."Wild Beasts mutating under the influence of the Dark Moon to Magical Beasts?"Such a theory was out of his understanding...If matters continued in this direction, then pretty soon, the entire Amayan Empire would be overrun with mutated Wild Beasts.Crown Prince Lail had only entered his tent when a delicate and soft voice entered his ears."Lail, you're back."His brows immediately furrowed and an uncomfortable feeling settled in his heart. Crown Prince Lail didn't even notice his hand had instinctively reached for his spear as if he was guarding against a menace. He turned his head, his actions stiff and rigid, as he faced the female."Why are you back just now? I've been waiting so long to eat together. Come, the soup is going cold." The female moved towards him and made to grab his arm. But the Crown Prince stepped back and looked at her veiled face.This should be his Crown Princess Consort, Princess Qamari, his one and only wife.But Crown Prince Lail felt as alienated from her as if she were a stranger."Didn't I tell you not to enter my tent without my permission?" Even to his own ears, his voice sounded harsh and cold.But the Crown Prince couldn't find it within himself to feel bad or, sorry, for that matter."Lail, what's wrong? I know you don't feel comfortable with my presence. But we're husband and wife. Surely, I can enter your tent to prepare your meal, right?" The female's voice sounded hurt, but she didn't budge or evade his cold glare.She directly faced it with a firm and determined stance."Heh...did I ask you to prepare my meal?""Does a wife needs to be told to prepare her husband's meals?"At this, the man's face hardened and he seriously looked into her eyes as if trying to find something. But a second later, his face closed off, returning to the original impassive and stoic mask."In the future, there's no need to trouble yourself with such chore. You can leave.""Lail, wait! We need to talk." Seeing him turn to leave, the woman lost her composure and rushed forth to grab his sleeve.But before she even touched a corner of his robe, the man evaded her hand and stepped to the side. Then he looked at her with a frosty gaze that, for a brief moment, flickered with confusion and hesitation.He wanted to rebuke her for her rude manners, but then remembered she was his legally wedded wife. Let alone touching a corner of his robe, she could even touch his entire person and he wouldn't be able to say a word."I'll make myself clear. Don't ever try to touch me again. Otherwise, I might accidentally crush your hand." He grimly said.The woman looked at him in shock, her purple eyes widening as if she couldn't believe he would even say that to her.And truly? Even Crown Prince Lail couldn't believe he'd said that."You...Did you just tell me not to touch you?""I hope you don't have hearing problems." Another widening of her eyes and, this time, a hint of tears appeared within the violet depths.The sight made the Crown Prince stiffen. But instead of apologizing, he coldly snorted and turned on his heels. The flap of rough clothe resounded and his figure disappeared.Soon, the tent was enveloped in a suffocating silence that made the atmosphere buzz with hints of flame elemental energy."Are you okay?" In this tense atmosphere, the tranquil voice of another female resounded. Then from the other side of the tent, a yellow-robed female with a white sash tied around her waist appeared.The female glided to the side of the purple-red clad female and worriedly placed a hand on her shoulder."Aarya Quime...""Don't address me with that name anymore!" The female instantly wiped her head around and darkly hissed with fierce eyes."I know, slip of tongue. But with time, I'll get better." The other carelessly dismissed the rebuke."Not with time, Marui Osklain. Now! Fix this address now and never use it again. Otherwise, instead of rising up the tree, we'll be smashed underfoot. Understand?""Yes, I'll fix it. But this Crown Prince seems to be extremely cold. Even though Princess Qamari was his wife, she might not have won his affection. Heh...If you ask me, I think they only got married because both are cold individuals who were betrayed by their betrothals.""Maybe..." Aarya Quime replied listlessly and walked back to the table she'd set her prepared meals. She didn't want to focus on what she'd perceived from the man.Although not certain, whenever he looked into her eyes, she felt as if he was searching for something in their depths.But what?"Hey, you don't need to be dejected. You have the status and title of the Crown Princess Consort. Whether he likes you or not, as long as you don't divorce him, he'll be stuck with you. Sooner or later, he'll have to accept you."Her hand paused.That's right! She was now his Crown Princess Consort.Whether he liked her or not, he'd be forced to eventually accept her because she's his legally wedded wife.And besides, she had confidence in herself. With her graceful manners, elegant and gentle demeanor, she'd definitely win his heart!When that happens, no one would be able to snatch him from her.Not even the real Princess Qamari!Bang!Bang!Bang!Crown Prince Lail slammed his fist against the thick trunk of the ancient tree. His knuckles were red and bruised, with faint hints of blood dripping from the cuts.But as if he couldn't feel the pain, he continuously punched the tree until a giant gap appeared in the center. Hanging by a thin skin, the tree precariously swung back and forth, on the verge of collapse. "Huuuuu!""The heavens! What is wrong with me!?"After a long period of venting, the man despondently leaned against the ruined tree and slid to the ground. Pulling up a leg, he rested his arm on his knee and gazed at the rosy horizon.The day was about to end, the red-orange rays of the setting sun washing the gloomy Southern Wild Marshes in a flood of gorgeous flames. A tranquil peace that would calm any individual's mind settled over the region.But the Crown Prince didn't feel any of the serene and peaceful beauty.His heart was still as restless and anxious as the day before he left the Amayan Empire, his eyes vacant as his lonely shadow stuck to him for company."Why...why do I always behave like that with her...?" It wasn't the first time and this was what tormented him.The wife he vowed to himself to love, treasure, and protect from every storm and tribulations stood before him and he spoke so rudely to her...It wasn't anyone else, but he himself that spoke so rudely and hurtfully to her...He didn't want to, he didn't mean to, but the moment she appeared before him, he only wanted her gone.As if his mind and heart had a language of their own, words that he'd never say to his dear wife flowed out of his mouth.This was why he didn't want her to appear before him. He was afraid to hurt her more than he'd already done.Afraid to shatter her heart until nothing remained.Because as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, he knew in the deepest recesses of his heart that he felt nothing for her."But why...?"His dear wife, the only one whom he considered a family...Why didn't he feel anything for her anymore?
