Chapter 420: [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [8] Bryelle

Chapter 420: [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [8] Bryelle



"Milady Bryelle!"

Voices echoed as a group of elven knights appeared, their expressions extremely relieved. They rushed toward the young elven girl seated on a stone bench, cradling a small bear plush in her arms.

These were the same elves who had been frantically chasing her mere hours ago, their anxiety now melting into profound relief as they saw her safe and unharmed.

"We have been searching everywhere for you!" One of the knights exclaimed.

"Thank the gods you're alright."

Another knight stepped forward, his tone gentler but laced with reproach. "Milady, please don't wander off alone like that again. Do you realize what could have happened if we hadn't found you?"

Bryelle glanced up at them, her expression nonchalant, and simply shrugged her shoulders. "I wanted to go there, but you wouldn't let me."

The knights exchanged uneasy glances, their disciplined faces betraying their bewilderment at their lady's petulance. They understood her frustration-she was rarely allowed beyond the palace walls, her every move carefully monitored. It was no wonder she longed for freedom, yet their duty was to protect her, even if it meant confining her within the gilded cage of her royal status.

"It's because it's dangerous, Milady," One knight tried to explain, his voice faltering under her indifferent gaze. "We have strict orders to ensure your safety..."

Bryelle's lips pressed into a thin line, her sulky demeanor unchanged. "I know," she murmured, her tone resigned as she allowed herself to be gently led away by the knights.

"By the way, where is that despicable man who kidnapped you?!"

"H-He left...now let's head back," Bryelle said in a hurry.

With a silent signal, the elven knights removed the plain cloaks they had donned to blend into the city, revealing the emblem of the Teraquin Royal Guard emblazoned on their armor. Their presence now unmistakable, they guided Bryelle towards a waiting carriage, its ornate design a stark contrast to the simple life she often yearned for. As the door closed behind her, the carriage set off, carrying her back to the grand Teraquin Royal Palace.

Upon arrival, the palace's familiar opulence greeted her-marble floors gleamed under the light of crystal chandeliers, and towering arches framed the corridors that led to her chambers. Other guards met them, and as they gently transferred Bryelle into a new wheelchair, a procession of maids lined up to greet her. Their expressions were carefully neutral, though Bryelle could see the faint furrow of their brows, hear the hushed whispers that trailed behind her. She knew their thoughts, could feel the weight of their judgment, but she had long grown accustomed to their silent scrutiny. Ignoring their curious glances, she focused on the plush bear resting on her lap as her maid pushed her towards her royal chambers.

"Leave me," Bryelle said softly as they reached the doors to her room.

At first, she had been terrified, genuinely scared when she realized Amael was human. The fear was almost instinctive, born from a deep-seated trauma that had made her wary of any physical contact with humans. But there had been something about him-something in the way he spoke, in the honesty of his words and the gentleness of his touch-that had calmed her. Slowly, the fear had ebbed away, replaced by a sense of safety that was unfamiliar to her.

No...it felt really familiar.

"Father..."

She had felt this safe around a man only around her father.

She had been shocked by her own reaction, by how quickly she had come to trust him, even allowing him to carry her without flinching. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, a level of comfort she never thought she could have with a human. Any other person might have made her faint from fear, and yet, with Amael, it had been different... even if she had fainted upon realizing what he was.

Guilt tugged at her heart as she remembered her actions. She had wanted so desperately to experience the world beyond the palace, to enjoy life as others did, that she had let Amael misunderstand her situation. She could have called for her people earlier, but she had chosen not to, wanting to spend just a little more time with him, to savor the simple joy of being in

his company.

"I hope he doesn't hate me..." she murmured, her voice filled with uncertainty as her gaze darkened. "But I will probably never see him again..."

The thought was a painful one. He was the first boy she had ever grown close to, the first she

had ever truly enjoyed being with. In the short time they had spent together, he had given her a glimpse of what life could be like-free, unburdened by the expectations of her royal

lineage.

-THUD!

Suddenly, the door to Bryelle's room swung open with a force that sent a rush of air through the chamber. Startled, Bryelle's hand instinctively flew to her neck, swiftly tucking the pendant beneath her collar. Her heart raced as she turned her gaze toward the doorway,

already knowing who would be standing there.

Long, mint-green hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, and her eyes gleamed with a piercing golden hue that seemed to see straight through anything they looked upon.

"Elder sister..."