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Book 12: Chapter 81
Volume 12 Chapter 81 : The Apple of the Eye
"It's just I'd like to get to know the princess. Of course, I have no ulterior motives. It's just that since that day I saw the princess, my mind has been restless, and her image lingers in my mind."
As he spoke, the other imperial guards' eyes lit up.
The Spirit Princess! She was the apple of the Spirit King's eye. There had been no shortage of rumors about her in Mantillu, all praising her beauty and charm. However, the princess usually stayed secluded in the palace, and information about her was scarce. Few had the privilege of seeing her.
On that day, the Spirit Princess happened to come out for a stroll, allowing the imperial guards in training to have a rare chance to witness her beauty. Since that meeting, the black-haired spirit, along with the other guards, had been deeply infatuated with her.
Moreover, winning the princess's heart meant potentially becoming the next Spirit King. Who wouldn't be moved?
"Well, this," the Spirit King pondered for a moment. "Shaki is growing up. It's not healthy for her to stay cooped up in her room and the garden all day. She needs some friends. As long as you succeed in your mission, I'll allow you to befriend her. However, everything must be in accordance with her wishes. If she wants to meet you, youll be allowed to."
"Naturally," the black-haired spirit nodded eagerly. The other guards, who had just been slightly irritated with him, now wore delighted expressions. If it were only them, they would never dare to make such a request to the king.
"In that case, we'll take our leave." Watching the imperial guards rush out one after another, the Spirit King shook his head, "Young people nowadays"
"Your Majesty, I didn't expect you to agree," Philip remarked. In his memory, the Spirit King was extremely protective of the princess and did not allow any male spirits near the area where she resided, for fear of them disturbing her.
"If you want them to give their all, you have to offer some benefits. Besides, Shaki is no longer a child. She can't stay locked up in her room and garden all the time. It's time to consider her marriage. Let's hope we can smoothly weather this disaster."
"We definitely can, Your Majesty. We definitely can," Philip assured.
"When we find the location of the demonic creatures, I intend to lead the troops myself. I will do my utmost to protect this country and show those traitors what they're up against."
"If that's your decision, Your Majesty, I won't say more. I will always respect your decisions."
"Philip" The Spirit King looked at Philip, and Philip met his gaze. Sometimes, eye contact conveyed more than words.
"If"
"No ifs,' Your Majesty. I will accompany you in battle."
"Very well I anticipated that you would say that. Go prepare, and while you're at it, investigate who in the palace has had the most contact with known traitors. I'll go visit Shaki."
Deep within the palace
A place filled with various flowers and plants, the air was permeated with a unique fragrance, a mixture of different floral scents. It felt like a paradise, where one could forget all their troubles and simply become immersed in the small piece of nature.
The Spirit King walked along the cobblestone path, gazing at the carefully cultivated flowers and plants on either side. A kind smile graced his face.
In a corner of the garden, a young girl knelt beside a nearly withered flower.
Her hair was dreamy, slightly transparent with a hint of red, cascading down like a glowing waterfall, draping over her shoulders. She was dressed in a delicate, sheer gown. Busy, she was using various methods to try reviving the wilting flower leaves before her.
The Spirit King silently watched the girl's figure, refraining from speaking, not wanting to disrupt the moment that brought him a sense of peace.
The girl sensed something and, inadvertently, turned her head. Her eyes, clear as a tranquil pond, reflected the image of the Spirit King.
"Father," The girl's face broke into a delightful smile, the upward curve appearing as if it had been meticulously calculated to be perfect, exuding a comforting aura.
With her bangs neatly arranged and fine eyebrows, the girl's skin glistened like crystal, dazzling in the sunlight. Paired with her hair's dreamy hues, she appeared like a character from a fairy tale, so perfect that it was almost unbelievable she was real.
"Shaki."
"Why does Father have the time to visit me today?"
"Well, I was just strolling around and ended up here by chance."
"Hmm? Father must have something on his mind." The girl stood up, gracefully approaching the Spirit King. Her witty eyes stared at him.
Facing those eyes that seemed to speak for its own, the Spirit King could not conceal anything: "Indeed, I do. And it's a major concern. Child, you are so keen, just like your mother Cough cough" The Spirit King recalled the past and coughed a few times, "Shaki, what have you been up to today?"
The girl's expression remained unchanged despite the Spirit King's slip of the tongue. She replied with a soft smile, "Just the usual. Growing some flowers, nothing special. Father, what's really weighing on your heart?"
"Sigh, it's a long story, over twenty years ago" If he could, the Spirit King would not share too much of those matters with the girl. However, the situation was special that day. To prepare her mentally, he told her about the prophecy of the Great Spirit Elder and the recent events.
"Ah!" Upon hearing that, the girl covered her mouth lightly, her eyes wide with surprise, shining like two gemstones, "How terrifying! Father, are you going to war because of this?"
"Yes, I have no choice."
The girl's hair, which had been faintly glowing with a translucent sheen, transitioned from red to a darker shade of red. "Why did something like this happen? Those traitors have gone too far! They actually betrayed their own kin. We're all spirits, we're all the same! But, Father, if you catch them, could you please not punish them too severely? Maybe they acted foolishly out of fear."
"Heh, you just said they've gone too far, and now you're asking me not to punish them too severely. This contradictory statement is just like" Your mother. The rest of the sentence was swallowed back by the Spirit King. He had no right to bring up her mother in front of Shaki.
Shaki tilted her head in puzzlement, not understanding why the Spirit King suddenly stopped. She saw the Spirit King place a large hand on her head, moving her dreamy-colored hair to the side, "Well then, I'll be on my way. I promise you, Shaki, I'll provide you with a peaceful life, just like before."
A pleased flush spread across the girl's cheeks. The color of her hair returned to its original translucent red, "Yes, Father's safety is the crucial factor for my peaceful life. Father, I respect your decision. Please be careful when you're out."
"Of course, I'll be back soon." The Spirit King turned and walked away briskly.
It was not until the Spirit King's figure disappeared at the end of the path that the girl shifted her gaze. She looked up at the sky, closed her eyes, and clasped her hands in front of her chest. "Oh Great Dragon God above, may all the spirits in Spirit Country be safe and overcome this crisis."
After her prayers, she opened her eyes, turned around, and walked back to the withered flower. Just as she took a few steps, her feet slipped from beneath her, and she fell onto the soft grass.
"Ouch That hurts."
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