Book 12.1: Chapter 6


    The Gdriel Tribe annually went on a trip that could be considered a short vacation. The short vacation was the period of the year where the members of the tribe were most rxed. This time, they were headed to a ce in the centre of the forest with beautiful scenery.


    The location had a freshwn that was rare toe by in the forest. A small creek went around the small timber vi. Not too far behind the building was a small beautiful waterfall. There were no dangerous animals in the forest nearby. There was no shortage ofwn space. There was an abundance of berries and mushrooms in the forest, and it wasnt dark in the forest. The ce was a ce in dreams for elves. However, the enormous two-floor vi here was the Gdriel Tribes property.


    Thend around it also belonged to the tribe despite the vi usually being inhabited. The areas around were also out of bounds. A pair of elven soldiers was specifically assigned to guard the ce. Cleaners were also organised to clean the interior of the building.


    The vi was only used once per year for a few days. Vyvyan brought Troy along thest few years. Time spent with Troy there was her happiest days, for there was nobody and no work. She could be with her son from morning to night when they slept. She cooked for her son, watched him cheerfully run about on thewn. Shed y in theke outside with Troy if he didnt want to bath in the small tub. Then, shed ce little Troy on her chest, wrap her arms around him and stargaze as they gradually fell asleep. To Vyvyan, vacations were a happy thing, but being able to spend time alone with Troy was even more blissful.


    Your Highness!


    It was another year and another holiday for Her Highness. The horse carriage departed from the pce. The elves in the Imperial Capital crowded onto the sides of the street. They cherished the opportunity to see their Queen. Vyvyan pulled open the window of the carriage and waved at her citizens with a smile. The elves instantly rejoiced. There werent many opportunities to see Vyvyan, and she was gorgeous enough to drive every man crazy.


    The elves considered the noble, pure and gentle Queen Vyvyan to be god. Being able to see her wave at them was basically the most exciting feeling in the world. They missed her from the first day she was absent.


    The carriage left the Imperial Capital and headed toward the forest. Although arge group of Imperial Guards escorted the carriage on both sides, they couldnt enter the Gdriel Tribes forest without permission. In other words, there was only Vyvyan and Troy in the vicinity of the vi and also Lucia, who eximed with surprise, when she saw the scene outside from inside the carriage.


    Due to her height, Lucia sat in Troysp. Troy sat by the window, which allowed Lucia to look outside. Those who were closer would be able to see Queen Vyvyan had a vein on her head that looked as if it was going to pop was despite the fact that she was wearing a smile. Vyvyans urge to kill was genuine.


    Lucia looked outside and eximed in a voice of surprise: Wow!! There are so many people!! I never knew there were so many people in the Imperial Capital. It sure is a spectacr scene. This is the first time Ive seen Dad dressed that way, too. I never knew he coulde with Her Highness. I didnt know Dad was so amazing.


    Vyvyan pursed her lips: Youre father is my most trusted imperial guard officer, so he can stay with me.


    Lucia looked back at Vyvyan with a hint of eagerness. She asked, Can I be like that, too?


    If you can be an imperial guard, then yes. Nevertheless, the Imperial Guards are usually only men. I dont think females can handle their training regime, so I suggest giving up on your dream of bing an imperial guard.


    Vyvyan touched Lucias hand while wearing aforting, yet ridiculing, smile. Her finger twitched, as her urge to crush the girls little head was genuine.


    Lucia raised her head. She looked at Troy with a hint of disappointment. Her gaze fuelled Vyvyans urge to crush her head. Vyvyan never expected Lucia to not give up and stick to her son as if she was his shadow instead.


    Unfortunately, Lucia was out of chances, for as long as Vyvyan was still alive, shed never let her get close to Troy!


    Ostensibly recalling something, Troy eximed, Theres still the Shadow Squad. Do you remember the camp we saw that day? That camp is the Shadow Squads camp. That camp is inside the pce. Lucia, you can join the Shadow Squad if you want!


    Vyvyan cussed to herself: The Shadow Squads training is even stricter than the imperial guards!


    Vyvyan then hastily said to the two, The Shadow Squad is a squad in charge of protecting us from the shadows. Their requirements are a lot tougher than the imperial guards. Lucia, its a very tough lifestyle. Youve never seen the Shadow Squad outside, right? That is the result of their training.


    Lucia hesitated for a moment before asking, Your Highness, if I be a member of the Shadow Squad, will I be able to live in the Imperial Pce? Will I be able to be by Troys side?


    Mm Yes. If you be a member of the Shadow Squad, I will make you Troys bodyguard. That way, the two of you can always be together.


    Vyvyan made a joke. She knew Lucia didnt fit the bill when she looked at Lucias soft and delicate skin. The Shadow Squad wasnt looking for those sorts of young girls. Lucia never trained physically before, so it was impossible for her to bear with such harsh training, hence why Vyvyan said that feeling confident. She was of the belief that Lucia couldnt make it even if she was given the chance. Thus, the only one who could protect Troy in the end was herself.


    ========


    Yearster


    Shadow Squad Soldier Lucia Ecthe, reporting in to Your Highness! I shall assume the duty of protecting Prince Troy Gdriel as his bodyguard starting from today!


    Vyvyan looked nkly at the young girl in the Shadow Squads uniform and cape. Lucia was down on one knee in front of her. A few years had passed. To her surprise, the young girl with pure-white skin and a weak physical constitution had donned the uniform of the Shadow Squad. She never imagined a young girl could go from an ordinary girl into a soldier within just a few years.


    Lucia looked up Vyvyan and smiled. Technically, her smile was dedicated to the young man, who stood behind Vyvyan, wearing a smile. The two of them would probably have hugged each other if there was nobody around. Vyvyan smiled hesitantly. In a solemn tone, she said, All right. In that case, Lucia Echte, you shall be responsible for security in the Imperial Pce at night henceforth. You are to keep Troy Gdriel safe during the day.


    I certainly will.


    What made the young girl, who couldnt do anything, turn into such a resolute soldier in a few years time? wondered Vyvyan, lost for words when she looked at Lucia.


    Vyvyan suddenly felt that the young girl wasnt trying to snatch Troy from her but genuinely truly loved Troy enough to be willing to give up anything for him just as herself She was the same as Elizabeth back then However, that was after the journey.


    Going back to that vacation. Lucia was still young and delicate. She immersed herself deep in thought in the imperial familys carriage