Astraea_Calypso - Profile

"H-He isn't cold," Maxi replied sullenly.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"Put it on."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"Are you suggesting we use the tunnel?" Breston said, snorting. "Just look at the size and length of it. Do you think the monsters guarding the entrance would welcome us with open arms when our army tramps through it in one long procession? They will block the entrance the moment they detect intruders." His lips curled into an infuriating smirk as he added, "Of course, that doesn't mean we can't try. Which unit will take on this dangerous task?"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"I will have to be content with that, then," Riftan mumbled, mulling it over.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

As soon as the booming voice cried out from the front, audible sighs of relief rippled through the ranks. Maxi had no idea how long they had been marching through the violent wind. Her legs were nearly numb from the cold when she dismounted. Soon after, the ever-present Ulyseon rushed to her side.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Goddammit.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"That may be true… but I also have no reason to run from it like a frightened child!"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Riftan frowned when he recognized the stubborn look on her face.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"If you intend to go to the Pamela Plateau," said the knight, giving her a stern look, "you should at least know how to defend yourself. I will train you in self-defense until the day of your departure."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"Then, please change into something more comfortable and meet me back here."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Roy lay splayed before the fireplace. When Maxi pulled the blanket up to her chin, he seemed to take it as a signal to leap onto the bed and snuggle up to her beneath the covers. Smiling, she pulled the cat into a firm embrace. She lay curled for a while when the memory of using Riftan's arm as a pillow rose out of nowhere. She silently gazed at the cold, empty space next to her.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"Not at all, my lady!" Ulyseon exclaimed. "Should you wish, we would gladly spend the night conversing with you."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Maxi stared at Edon in surprise. "R-Rosetta had a child?"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"My lady, the man no longer has that kind of power," Ursuline said, firmly shaking his head. "The duke's influence comes from the wealth generated by the duchy's fertile lands, and all of Sir Riftan's efforts have been leveled at chipping away at it. He's financially ruined the duke's vassals by stealing their peasants and craftsmen and curtailed their influence by strengthening the alliance among the southern nobles. Anatol's burgeoning trade also played a part, as estates no longer had to rely on the east for food. The duke's reach is certainly not what it used to be."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"I have, my lady," Ulyseon chimed in, scratching the back of his head. "I thought it best to inform him of your return straight away."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"I cannot comment on that," Calto replied, his tone indifferent. "Nothing has been confirmed."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"E-Everyone, stop!"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Ursuline's aristocratic features grew cold. Glaring at Calto, he said stiffly, "And what would you do, exactly?"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Calto paused as if to assess the knights' reaction before adding, "If that is your plan, I will not stand for it."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

When Maxi glared at Ulyseon for his betrayal, the young knight frantically shook his hands, looking aggrieved. "I said no such thing! I merely told him I was concerned for—"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim