The group—Seraphine, Kael Arisugawa, Lionel Kisaragi, and Yuzael Valestrian—left the river and began the long climb up Mt. Arashveil. The path was rocky, steep, and entirely unsuitable for a princess.
Clumsiness on the Ascent
It took about five steps for Seraphine's natural careless nature to cause trouble.
The path twisted around a huge boulder. Seraphine, looking back to ask Kael a question, missed a large, loose stone.
WHOA!!!
She slipped, scrabbling for balance. This time, all three boys reacted instantly, creating a fast, funny rescue attempt.
Lionel grabbed her arm first, his grip firm and possessive. "Are you trying to fall all the way down? Watch your step, idiot!" he yelled, his fierce face full of genuine worry.
Kael was right there, pulling her close to his side. "Be careful, Princess! Hold onto me." He was warm and familiar, offering his whole arm as a guide.
Yuzael, walking slightly behind, didn't shout. He simply moved a few nearby stones out of her path with his boot, his cold aura radiating efficiency. "Seraphine needs to walk in the center," he stated, his voice nonchalant but clearly a command.
Seraphine, caught between them, just blinked. "Thank you, everyone. I'm fine, really." She was embarrassed by her "stupid-act adorable" clumsiness.
The climb continued, forcing them into tight spots. The tension among the three handsome men was higher than the mountain itself. They were constantly looking for excuses to be close to Seraphine.
At a very narrow, muddy point, Lionel reached out. "Grab my hand, Seraphine. I'll pull you over," he said, trying to sound grumpy, but his unbelievably soft heart was visible in his worried eyes. Seraphine reached for his hand.
But before she could grasp it, Kael smoothly stepped in front of Lionel. He took Seraphine's hand first, his touch warm and electric.
"No, Princess, take mine," Kael said, his signature flirty smile back. He didn't just help her; he pulled her gently, turning the rescue into a playful moment. "My hands are much softer than his rough paws." He squeezed her hand just once before releasing it.
Lionel glowered. Jealousy was burning in his fierce eyes. He hated Kael's easy charm.
Suddenly, Yuzael spoke up from the back, his voice cool and superior. "That is inefficient. Seraphine, use your staff for balance. Relying on others is careless."
But as he said the harsh, cold line, he threw a small, clean towel over the muddy section of the path she was about to step on. He insulted her, then protected her, a perfect demonstration of his cold but slowly melts nature.
The rest of the climb was a silent, intense competition. When Seraphine stopped to drink, all three men offered her their water bottles at the exact same moment. Seraphine, completely oblivious to the silent battle, took water from all three, thinking they were just being nice.