Chapter 3

Frozen in her place, not even blinking, Everly stood there stiffly. Only when the bug proceeded closer, did she move, and it would have been better if she hadn't.

Everly originally was a commoner, she came from Saka town, located between Sitia Empire and Mojin kingdom. Before Jennings brought her, Everly lived with her master in a simple house.

sometimes her master would send her to run few errands at the forest nearby. The reason why a 10 years old child managed to survive in a forest known to be full of fierce beasts all by herself, without anyone protecting her, was because she was the one those beasts feared.

Everlys' physical build might seem normal, but actually, it has long since surpassed the human nature, every single muscle in her body is supported by Mana. That gave her tens times better physical abilities.

But most importantly, she was a capable beast hunter despit her age.

With the opposite hand, Everly directed a fist toward her shoulder. However her fist landed on the tree behind her, causing it to crack in half.

since the lower half was rooted in the ground, it stayed in still, but the upper half fell on another tree. Now that the bug fleed to God knows where, Everly relaxed slightly, but soon stiffened again after seeing that the other falling tree was about to smash Finath.

At this situation, there are lots of possible solutions. Everly could have pushed Finath away, or stopping the tree from hitting the ground heavily, or maybe using that sword hanging on her waist to slice the truck into pieces.

She could have done anything else.

But no, she went all the way and kicked it. The flying truck was hit too hard, that it reversed its direction and shot faster, higher, with more destructive power.

******

A little while before.

The never-ending knocks on the door woke Jennings from his peaceful slumber. why are they annoying him, when It was still early for his daily routine to begin?

Jennings: "Come in ".

A blonde neat tall man immediately walked in, he bent towards Jennings and said solemnly: "my apologies for disturbing your majestys' rest".

Jennings waved his hand, as a gesture to tell him to raise his head. Then he said rising his torso: " what is it Carson?".

Carson was Jennings personal assistant, he worked under Jennings even before be climbed the throne. As a trustworthy individual, Jennings entrusted him to support the crown prince in managing the Empire's affairs when he, the Emperor, was at the sublime tour ceremony.

Carson wore a serious expression as he said:" an ambassador from the Alphonsus mansion is requesting to meet your majesty, he says it's an emergency".

Jennings said with a little surprise: "Alphonsus? What could have happened?!".

Carson hesitated at first, and after a pause, he said with troubled voice:" Earl Mcmillan Alphonsus, passed away a few hours ago".

The astonished expression covered Jennings's face, and after moments of silent, he regain his calm to say with a deep sigh:" may he rest in peace, tell the ambassador that I will arrive soon".

Carson bowed again before stepping out of the room and closing the door silently.

Jennings took a quick-wash-up before leaving his quarters, escorted by Carson, in a simple outfit.

As he passed by the courtyards' corridor, Jennings heard laud screams followed by crashing sounds came from the back of the garden. Jennings knotted his brows as he recognized one of the voices:" Everly?!".

Jennings glanced at Carson from the corner of his eyes, then followed to where the screams came from. By the time he reached there, many maids and the guards had already been there. The scene was quite the mess, but the troubled expression on the servants faces was much messier.

Everyone were gathered around a small person sitting on the ground.

Amany (maid):" it's fine honey, we will plant others ".

Rachel (maid):" yes, also no one got hurt ".

Rachel reached to the sobbing Everly and embraced her while patting her head.

Everly:" but....*sob, but he is bleeding". She pointed towards one of the guards, who seems to have injured his head and the blood dripping from his forehead.

He immediately responded, waving his hands ,Edward (imperial gourd) said energetically:" no, no, no. I am not hurt at all. This.... this is not blood, this is wine. Yeah, I was drinking and accidentally splashed it on my head".

Everly peeked at him with teary eyes:" *sniffle, really?".

Edward quickly nodded his head: "yes, yes".

"Evey"

A warm voice came from behind, an elegant and majestic aura covered the atmosphere. All the servants immediately stood in a line bowing towards Jennings.

Once Everly noticed Jennings she buried her head in Rachels' embrace, her face reddened from embarrassment. She had just came to the imperial palace, and already making troubles from the first day.

Jennings waved his hands, and the servants stood straight. He approached her and sat on the grass next to Rachel. Carson cried instantly:" your majesty!!!".

For an emperor to sit on the dirty ground is absolutely unacceptable. However Jennings raised his palm to cut off Carson saying: "It's fine".

He formed a pleasant smile and said gently:" Evey, dear, what's wrong?".

Everly glanced at him with guilty eyes, and said in a Distressing voice:" I am sorry".

Jennings kept his soft tone: "hmmm, for what?".

without looking at his direction nor hiding her face anymore. Everly stared at the ground and started shedding tears.

Everly:" I always cause troubles and make things difficult for you. One day you will come to see me useless and annoying, then you will leave me. and I don't know what I should do then".

Hearing that, Jennings stood and held her to sit on his arms, while the other hand slowly patted her back. Everly wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to stop her tears.

Jennings said with a hidden guilt:" that won't happen, how can I ever leave you? little Evey is already such a nice girl, you help me alot, I can't ask for more".

Everly tightened her grip around him, slowly calming down. Jennings shifted his gaze toward the injured guard, he nodded fairly saying:" also since this mister was 'drinking' alcohol, he should go see the imperial physician, you know, to sober up ".

He then turned back and walked away with Everly on his arm and Carson following behind him. They headed to the throne hall, where the ambassador was waiting for his arrival.