Pigs surprise faded instantly, quickly replaced by feelings of humiliation and irritation.

Count Shibre was an equal to any of the Twelve Families now. Who in their right mind would dare to interrupt his approach on Charles?

Charless eyes widened with understanding. Why are you

Who are you to behave this rudely?

Rude? The handsome man tilted his head curiously.

Isnt it obvious youre ruining the mood? We were talking before you barged in.

Ahh. The man nodded and laughed loudly.

Hes laughing!? Pigs face reddened.

Are you sure Im interrupting something here? I dont think I am.

Haah. Pigs face twisted. Is that so?

Did the lady take your hand? It doesnt seem like it.

WhatYou!

The man returned Pigs murderous gaze with a brillaint smile before turning his attention towards Charles.

Did I guess correctly, Princess Charles?

I mean I Charles, suddenly ashamed, tried to avoid meeting his eyes. Im

Young Lady Charles! Think about the future of your family! Pig cried like a fat blob of oil. If you refuse me now, Ill make certain nothing will go according to your plans.

Charles bit her lip. She wanted to avoid harming her family, even if it didnt hurt her personally.

But Her jaw took on a determined set. I dont want to appear weak. I always thought this way, but this man makes me feel so much stronger.

She turned and looked Pig straight in the eye.

As I said before, my answer is no.

Are you seriousOh, come on! Princess Charles, you will be sorry.

Oh, how the world has changed such that a Counts son can threaten the daughter of a duke, the other man mocked.

How dare you speak like that to me? Do you want to suffer? Pig reached up and grabbed the mans collar. How dare you act like a bastard in front of the great Shibres? Whats your name?

Pigs sudden actions drew the attention of the other aristocratic children, who cast curious glances their way. Pig was known for flaunting his noble blood, and occasionally liked to put on a show.

The other man stared down at Pig, who continued to clutch his collar, and slowly opened his mouth.

Baron Joshua Sanders.

Their surroundings immediately erupted into noise.

Joshua Sanders? That Joshua Sanders?

Oh, I know! That kid?

I heard he was good-looking, but I didnt think hed be this good-looking. And this is the first time hes shown himself in the social world.

The youngest officially titled!

Pig heard none of this; he was caught up on a single word.

Baron? Thats your title? He cast a dismissive glance at Joshua. Youre just some low-class motherfucker, yet you dare offend me?

Joshua expressionlessly peered down at the squealing Pig and slowly peeled Pigs hand off of his neck.

Its not just Baron Joshua flung his hand away, filling the room with a sickening crack.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! Pig howled, clutching his disjointed wrist.

Its official Baron. Joshua leaned in towards Pig, close enough for their noses to touch. That makes me superior to you, a Counts son. I have an official titledoes that make sense to your big fat head?

Go away, you crazy

Im completely sane, you know. Joshua reached out again.

HeyHey, stop!

Stop.

Joshua looked over to his side.

Dont bloody your hands because of me.

But its not because of the Young Lady. Joshua shrugged and clenched his outstretched hands.

Ugh! Pigs eyes rolled back into his head.

Joshua slowly rose to his feet, examining Pigs limp body with a twinkle in his eye.

What are you doing? Joshua found himself surrounded by knights in light armor. The 1 stamped on their chest pieces marked them as knights of the 1st Battalion.

What are you doing all of a sudden, captain? A middle-aged knight, the most senior-looking, walked up to Joshua. Besides the captain and the unit commander, this neatly groomed man, Baron Hughes, was the strongest knight in the 1st Battalion. Though they were both barons, Joshua was slightly outranked by Hughes.

You dont know?

Thats why Im here. Baron Hughes met Joshuas gaze. This is excessive. Remember, the captain is here to guard this location.

Joshua looked away. Thats not the case.

Hah. Baron Hughes was surprised by Joshuas uncharacteristically meek behavior and just watched him go, drawing everyones attention as he went.

Charles stared at his back with a solemn expression and soon followed.

Charles found Joshua on the patio. Under the bitter moonlight he exuded an even more intriguing aura than he had in the raucous banquet hall. Her gaze flicked over the gleaming black earring on his right ear before she spoke up.

You havent changed. Self-centered jerk.

People dont like to change. Joshua smiled, but didnt look away from the moon.

Charless gaze wandered over the walls silently for a few moments, before she joined Joshua in staring into the sky.

I know you went overboard on purpose.

What makes you think that? he asked, his gaze still fixed on the rising moon.

Because the Joshua von Agnus that I know would never lose his cool. I realize now that your rash actions were trying to protect someone your mother.

Joshua laughed. You have a very subjective opinion of me. Why?

Its just Charless ruby eyes twinkled in the moonlight. ...a womans intuition? She grinned and turned to face Joshua. Now those lads back there will change their behavior because of your example.

Whatever the method, Im glad I could help.

Charless brilliant crimson eyes finally drew Joshuas gaze down. In the silence of the tranquil night, interrupted only by the sounds of insects, their eyes met.

Something inside Charles burst into tears.

You still dont understand? Did you ever stop to think about it?

Does he understand what it means for a noblewoman to gift someone their family crest?

I

You can go in now Id like to be alone right now.

Charles clapped her mouth shut, leaving her words unsaid.

It was a thrilling ride. Though brief, Charles was happy to think of this meeting as a passing romance.

But why? The reason her heart, normally as steady as a rock, was in such turmoil

Im annoyed. Charles chewed her lip.

Please excuse me. She abruptly spun around and strode towards the dance hall.

Joshua watched her go with an odd expression.

Come out now, he said to air.

...Are you going to come out? Joshua narrowed his eyes and an invisible energy leeched off of his body, forcing a silhouette to staggerbut it quickly recovered and rushed Joshua without a moments hesitation. Joshua slapped the blade away, lighting up the night with a shower of sparks.

You! Who are you? How did you know about the Jinsal Energy?

Joshuas mouth stretched into a wide grin when he heard the assailants voice.

Im curious as to how you know Jinsals secret. Only a few Dark Elves know.

The robed figures blue eyes went wide with shock.