Seraphine and Lionel Kisaragi were leaving the peaceful boarding house in Mizurelle. They were walking near a small, clear canal when they heard a bright, cheerful voice call out.
"Seraphine! Wow, you actually got away! I'm impressed, Princess!"
Seraphine gasped and spun around. Her eyes widened with joy. Standing on a bridge, looking totally relaxed and handsome, was Kael Arisugawa. He had a bright, flirty smile on his face, looking happy and carefree—exactly like he did back at the palace.
Seraphine ran toward him, forgetting her usual careless nature. "Kael! Oh my goodness! How did you find me?"
Kael just chuckled, a warm sound that felt instantly like home to Seraphine. He had always been her greatest comfort. As she reached him, he gently took her hands.
He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You leave a trail like a happy, clumsy puppy, Princess. And besides," his thumb softly brushed the back of her hand, "I miss you. Who else is going to complain when I tease them?" He held her hands for a moment longer than necessary, his gaze warm and direct, melting away all her fatigue.
"You're terrible," Seraphine whispered, but she was smiling genuinely, feeling safe and happier than she had in days.
Lionel watched the entire reunion from a distance. His fierce face immediately darkened. The happy look on Seraphine's soft face, the way she ran to Kael, and the fact that Kael was touching her hands—it all sent a sudden spike of jealousy through him.
Who is this handsome guy touching her? Lionel didn't recognize Kael. He only saw a handsome rival who looked far too comfortable with his companion.
"Hey! Get away from her, you flirty weirdo!" Lionel shouted, rushing forward to separate them. He was protective in a possessive way, and the sudden intrusion of a new male lead made him furious.
Kael turned, his playful smile never leaving his face. He recognized Lionel immediately from the palace reports. "Oh, the grumpy bodyguard? Don't worry, I'm Seraphine's childhood friend. The one who truly cares about her."
"I care about her!" Lionel yelled back, his cheeks burning red. "She's my traveling partner!"
The Truth of the Chase
Kael laughed softly. "Sure. She's my princess. I'm joining the group."
Before Lionel could start a full argument, Seraphine stepped between them. "Kael, meet Lionel. Lionel, meet Kael. And Kael, I'm glad you're here. We need help reading maps."
Kael readily agreed to join them. Seraphine was thrilled to have her best friend. Lionel, however, spent the rest of the day complaining about the "sudden, unnecessary crowd" and muttering about having to share Seraphine's attention.
He was officially jealous.
Later that afternoon, as Seraphine was distracted by a small shop, Lionel pulled Kael aside.
"Listen, Kael," Lionel hissed, his face red from anger and embarrassment. "She's careless and forgets things. Don't let her walk too close to the canals. And don't you dare flirt with her when I'm watching!"
Kael just smiled, fully aware that Lionel was trying to be fierce while secretly confessing his attachment. "Sure thing, Lionel. I promise I'll only tease you when you're watching."