After their return home, Athanasia found herself sitting in bed, engrossed in a book. Zaphyr lay beside her, sleeping peacefully. The tranquility was interrupted by a sudden intrusion as the door swung open, revealing Choi Han, who appeared visibly tense and sweating.
Choi Han's urgent voice filled the room, "We found four magic bombs. They were all placed around the plaza."
Cale glanced at Athanasia momentarily, taking in her focused demeanor as she read. Then, he turned his attention to Choi Han, his voice composed and authoritative, "Give me the map."
As Cale and Choi Han delved into a discussion about the plan, Athanasia watched them
As Athanasia continued reading, her thoughts wandered, "I also want to help, but what can I do? I can't even provide information like i want ,it cant let me. and I cant remember all the information in the novel i only have is my human brain,
unlike Cale's record ability. Plus, this body is so frail—I could easily pass out if I overuse my ancient power." A sigh escaped her lips, carrying a hint of frustration.
Unbeknownst to Athanasia, Cale had been observing her quietly.
He suddenly addressed On and Hong, his tone , "Get to work." The two creatures obediently left through the window, their presence fading into the night.
Cale then took a seat at the table, his gaze briefly resting on Athanasia. With a calm demeanor, he turned to Choi Han, giving him permission to leave. Choi Han nodded and exited the room.
Cale's gaze shifted back to Athanasia, and he noticed her trying to avoid his stare.
Athanasia's inner monologue reflected her awareness of his observation,
"Cale noticed my behavior earlier, didn't he? Well, he's sharp... I forgot about that."
Cale rose from his seat and approached Athanasia. Tenderly, he reached for her hand, and a silence settled between them. Athanasia eventually broke the stillness, her voice soft but determined, "Can I help with the plan in the capital?"
Cale's gaze lingered on her, his expression contemplative. After a moment, he responded with a mix of reassurance and a smile, "You don't have to worry about that. We have Choi Han, Rosalyn, and especially a dragon." His words were meant to alleviate her concerns.
However, Athanasia's reply was equally soft, tinged with an underlying desire, "But I want to help." Her words held a touch of vulnerability.
Cale's sigh carried a weight of understanding, his past experiences shaping his response. In a low voice, he revealed a glimpse of his emotions, "Athanasia, it's dangerous. You know that. I know you're capable, but still…"
A somber memory from his past surfaced, and he continued, his voice heavy with emotion,
"I don't want to lose you." Athanasia's heart swelled, and she reached out to gently touch Cale's hair, a gesture of comfort.
He carried on, a mix of tenderness and practicality in his words, "Choi Han and the others will take care of it. Don't worry."
Athanasia met his gaze, her heart softening as she recognized the depth of his concern. "Yeah… you're right," she finally conceded, her voice filled with a mixture of acceptance and gratitude.
For a while, they sat in silence, the atmosphere more comfortable and reassuring than earlier. Their unspoken connection and mutual understanding held them together.
Suddenly, a knock at the door disrupted their solitude. Cale's stoic demeanor remained intact as he granted entry, his voice firm, "Come in."
Hans entered the room, his respectful presence breaking the tension. "Young Master Cale, the guests you saved are looking for you," he reported.
A thought passed through Athanasia's mind, "Probably Lock."
Cale nodded, his response composed, "Tell him I will come."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Hans left the room, leaving Cale and Athanasia alone once again.
Cale's gaze returned to Athanasia, seeking a connection before he departed. She offered a simple nod
A silence hung in the air for a moment after Athanasia's patted Zaphyr on his side. Her mind wandered as she pondered her plans, "Oh, right. Maybe I should buy Basen and Lily a gift, since I have some free time."
Zaphyr stirred awake, his voice groggy as he yawned, "What?..."
A soft chuckle escaped Athanasia, "So cute when you yawn."
She voiced her idea to Zaphyr, asking if he wanted to come along to buy gifts for Basen and Lily. Zaphyr's response was enthusiastic, wagging his tail as he nodded, "Yes, I want to come!"
Athanasia giggled at his excitement, "Wait, let me change first."
Zaphyr patiently waited on the bed as Athanasia took a moment to change her appearance.
After a brief period, Athanasia emerged, her look now altered. Just as she was ready, the door swung open, revealing Cale. His gaze landed on Athanasia, now wearing a hood and sporting a different hair color and eye.
Confusion crossed Cale's face as he questioned her, "Why do you look like that?"
A smile curved Athanasia's lips as she met Cale's gaze, "I'm going out for a moment to buy gifts for Basen and Lily. Zaphyr used his magic to change my appearance so I won't attract attention."
Cale seemed slightly disapproving, his concern evident as he began to voice his objection, "N-"
But before Cale could finish his sentence, Zaphyr materialized on Athanasia's shoulder, his tone firm and protective, "Don't worry, human. This ninetails will protect Athanasia. Anyone who dares to harm her will vanish from this world."
Athanasia's thoughts, "Vicious..."
Cale sighed, his own thoughts echoing with a sense of resignation, "I was going to suggest that she come with me and Lock, but it seems she has her own plans."
Cale nodded, stepping toward a cabinet. He retrieved a bag of money and handed it to Athanasia.
She looked at it for a moment, gratitude evident in her eyes as she thanked him.
A sense of reassurance accompanied Athanasia's words, "Don't worry, I'll be back before dawn."
Cale simply nodded, watching as Athanasia left the room through the terrace. Like their previous encounter
they employed the same method to ensure Athanasia wouldn't be followed by knights or maids
As Athanasia and Zaphyr suddenly teleported to the city, the bustling scene of various vendors greeted them.
Athanasia's eyes widened in delight, "Oh wow, so many foods!"
Zaphyr's voice echoed in Athanasia's mind from his invisible perch on her shoulder, "Athanasia, that looks delicious."
Following Zaphyr's gaze, Athanasia spotted a vendor selling barbecue. Zaphyr pointed excitedly, and Athanasia agreed, "Let's go, I also want to try it."
Approaching the vendor with a smile, Athanasia ordered, "Miss, can I have two of these?" She pointed at the barbecue skewers.
The lady at the stall smiled warmly, replying, "Of course." She handed over the two skewers to Athanasia, who paid her with a smile.
As Athanasia and Zaphyr searched for a place to sit, they finally found a less crowded spot. Zaphyr dispelled his invisibility and eagerly began eating the barbecue. Athanasia joined in, humming with pleasure as she savored the flavors.
In between bites, Athanasia's thoughts drifted, "It's been so long since I've experienced this again…" Her smile carried a mix of nostalgia and contentment.
Eventually, both Athanasia and Zaphyr finished their meal. They continued their adventure, this time searching for a bookstore. After some time, they discovered one, its door opening to reveal an elderly lady—the store's owner.
Greeting the old lady with a smile, Athanasia browsed the shelves, searching for a book that Basen might enjoy. After meticulous consideration, she made her choice and approached the counter to make her purchase.
Once the transaction was complete, Athanasia continued her quest, this time looking for a gift for Lily. As she perused the options for juwerly her gaze settled on a beautiful dagger displayed in a shop.
Athanasia's smile grew, convinced that Lily would appreciate such a unique gift.
She approached the shop, completed her purchase, and her thoughts turned to Cale. "What should I give to Cale when I get back? Maybe some sweets? He has a sweet tooth, and On, Hong, and the dragon also enjoy sweet foods."
After some more searching, Athanasia found a bakery and entered, greeted by an elderly couple who seemed to run the establishment. Athanasia's heart warmed at the sight of them and their shared smiles.
With her choices made,
Athanasia left the bakery, her heart light but her realization heavy. It was nearly nighttime, and she hadn't noticed the time passing. Concern crept into her thoughts, "Cale is probably going to be mad and worried. I did say I'd be back at dawn…"
Sighing, she called Zaphyr to her shoulder and shared her plan, "Let's go, Zaphyr. It's getting late."
Zaphyr nodded, his understanding evident. They found a spot where they would be visible to others and Zaphyr cast a teleportation spell.
In an instant, they were back in Cale's room. Athanasia's gaze met Cale as he sat waiting.
Athanasia's attempt to avoid Cale's gaze didn't go unnoticed. She offered an apology, "Um... I overdid it, I guess. I didn't notice the time, sorry..."
Cale sighed, his expression a mix of concern and exasperation. He thought, "What a stubborn girl."
As Athanasia handed him the box from the bakery, Cale opened it and smiled, his gratitude evident. Athanasia slipped away to the bathroom to take a shower, and the maids assisted her in changing into fresh clothes.
Meanwhile, Cale savored the treat she had brought. Unbeknownst to her, he appreciated the gesture. He spoke softly to the empty room, "Thank you."
(theres 2 box athanasia bought so on,hong and raon can enjoy it later)
After her shower, Athanasia rejoined Cale. he explained, "The gift you just bought for Lily and Basen will be taken care of by Hans."
A gentle smile crossed Athanasia face as she nodded in acknowledgment. Athanasia made her way to the bed, where Zaphyr was already asleep. With a tired sigh, she collapsed onto the soft surface, her body yearning for rest. In a matter of minutes, she drifted off into slumber.
Cale, still awake and seated nearby, observed Athanasia. He could see the signs of her fatigue and she must be tired..
Once he finished eating, he moved to her side. Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before settling in for the night.