Book 12.1: Chapter 9


    Dad, I want to join the Shadow Squad.


    Pfft! Echte spat out a mouthful of wine and violently coughed. He looked at Lucia, who had juste home from a vacation, and wiped his mouth. He panted as he said, Whats wrong? Why do you want to join the Shadow Squad all of a sudden? Dad is an imperial guard, not a member of the Shadow Squad. Also, the Shadow Squad is a secretive intel group. Not even I know them well


    I must join the Shadow Squad. Dad, please help me. It doesnt matter how tiring or tough it is. I can handle anything thrown my way. I want to join the Shadow Squad.


    The current Lucia was clearly more sincere and serious than the Lucia who wanted to be a maid. She looked as if it was the one and only thing she wanted to do in life. It wasnt a childs wilful request, but an elfs most serious decision. As a result, Echte had to get serious in spite of the fact that his daughter was still only a kid. He replied in a serious tone: Lucia, I want to know why you want to join the Shadow Squad. des arent the best choice for a girl.


    Lucia took in a deep breath before answering: I want to be by His Highness side. Her Highness said I could be his bodyguard as long as I can make it into the Shadow Squad. Therefore, I must be a member of the Shadow Squad in order to stay at His Highnesss side. I want to protect him. I must protect him! I want to be by His Highness side for eternity!! Forever!


    The green eyes that Lucia looked at her father with were the eyes from the past he was familiar with and missed. It was as if the current Lucia was a mirror. When he looked at her, he saw his past self. Admittedly, he wasnt as determined as her and didnt have so much on his mind. His romance with her mother was calm as the elvenke water, but his Lucia fell in love with her childhood friend; however, you could say her love had already ended. Every father would be touched by his daughter sincere expression, though.


    Echte looked at the cup of wine in front of him. What would happen if Vyvyan found out about it but didnt agree? There would be no if, as there was no doubt shed refuse. The Gdriel Tribe viewed mana and bloodlines with great importance. His Lucia was but an ordinary elf. What right would she have to marry the Prince?


    Ill help you train. Ive checked out the Shadow Squads with Her Highness before. In saying that, Lucia, you have to bear in mind that their training is even tougher than ours. If you want to be a member of the Shadow Squad, you must pay the price.


    Thats fine. Im prepared.


    Lucia didnt care about the price she might have to pay. Sometimes, an elf will have something theyre willing to give up everything for. For Lucia, staying by Troys side was what she wanted. If she wanted something, her life was disposable. That was how significant the young boy was to her.


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    Mom, is this love?


    Vyvyan looked at Troy, who leaning in her arms, with a smile: Love? Ah, are you talking about the Prince and Princess in the story? Yes, thats love. Love is when you dont abandon each other when things get bad and usually remember each other.


    Troy looked at the side of Vyvyans pretty face and curiously asked, Mom, were you and Dad the same way, too?


    Vyvyan scrubbed Troys little head and kissed his forehead. With a smile, she replied, Uhm, Id say so. But Mommy and Daddy werent together for long, so we didnt have that many blissful moments. With that said, I guess we went through a lot of tough things together when we were outside. Son, your eyes are very simr to your fathers. Youll probably be very simr to your father when you grow up.


    Troy grabbed hold of Vyvyans long blonde hair. He looked into Vyvyans blue eyes and, with a tinge of disappointment, remarked, Not like Mom


    Vyvyan paused. She then stroked his little head with a smile. She exined, Its because youre a boy, Son. If you were like mommy, then you wouldnt be like a boy, right?


    Ah


    Troy looked at the roof, slightly disappointed. Vyvyan looked at the side of her sons face and stroked it. She asked, Whats wrong, Son? Didnt you dislike listening to these sorts of stories? Why do you like them now? Do you have somebody you like?


    Vyvyan was actually fearless, because she didnt see anything different in her Sons mind. Troy looked at her then nodded, but then shook his head, Mom, I, myself, dont know if this is love. I just know that I want to be with Lucia. When we were in the forest and she was almost kidnapped, I suddenly found myself so scared. I never felt so afraid before. I was afraid Id lose her. I was afraid Id lose Lucia. I want to be with her forever


    Troy was so invested in his own thoughts that didnt see Vyvyans grim look. Of course, he couldnt see his own face, either. His expression instantly became considerably gentle and blissful, as if he was the most blissful person in the world.


    Vyvyan felt the entire world had copsed. She went through so many painstaking efforts to build her son a world with only her, leaving her son in the Imperial Pce, so why did he suddenly like another woman? His thinking was the exact same as her brothers. That was what her brother thought of Elizabeth back then.


    Vyvyan took in a breath of air. She was so stunned that she was lost for words. She idly looked at Troy. Troy looked back at her: Mom, I dont quite get it. I honestly dont get it. Is this love? If this is love, I want to tell Lucia, but I dont know if shell ept me or not.


    How can she not?!! You two are so happy when youre together, shell definitely say yes, if you confess! But you cant! You cant do this! Didnt you say you only liked Mommy?! Didnt you say you only wanted to live with Mommy?! was what Vyvyan thought.


    Son What about Mommy, then?


    Vyvyans voice began to shake. She forced herself to resist the pain she felt, as well as her overwhelming urge to kill. If it was a full-moon night, she wouldnt be able to control herself. Shed definitely massacre Lucias entire family. She might even kill their neighbours.


    Mom, I I want to have you by my side, too Forever So so I dont know I dont know if this is love or not Mom I I have no idea Whats wrong with me?


    Troys facial expression strangled her heart. He was moved to tears. He was scared and nervous. It was as though he had so much more on his shoulders. Her gentleness for her son surpassed her jealousy. She tightly hugged Troy, and he hugged his mom back tightly as he softly sobbed.


    Its all right, my son. Its all right. Mommy will be by your side. Mommy will forever be by your side Forever This is love, Son. You dont need to be scared. You will definitely have this love. This is love, my son. Dont be scared. You love Mommy; Mommy understands


    What about Lucia, then?


    That you will probably gradually understand