"Are you implying that one of them might be led to the same tragic fate as me because of this?"Lucian repeated her words in his mind over and over. He thought that he had heard wrong, but when he saw Amaryah's unwavering gaze at him, he figured that he must have not."No, Amaryah," he replied with a hoarse voice. "In any case, the Yarons are timid and would quarrel with the nobles verbally at most. It would make the little nobles feel high and mighty, but you challenged everyone back then into a duel and pummeled them to the ground."Behind Amaryah, the very still and quiet Gana flinched upon hearing his Lord Lucian's words, making him notice her figure. Afterwards, Lucian nodded at her."Go clean the lady's room so she can rest," he ordered.Amaryah followed Gana's back with her gaze. Lucian thought that Amaryah was suspicious of the maidservant possibly telling someone about what she heard. He said again, "That young servant is loyal and tight-l

After having a closer look, everyone finally saw the stranger's face properly. He looked no more than twenty, probably about their little kids' ages. His features were plain, something common that was easily forgettable, and his complexion, which was shades darker than theirs, turned pale and wan. Being surrounded by a number of elites and nobles was certainly not a great experience — at least, presently, it was not."My name is Apple! I'm an apprentice merchant traveling with my master! We are currently trading some goods at the village near here!" he explained in one breath, making him pant a little after he finished speaking.The nobles looked at each other while the Yarons, who were tensed only seconds ago, gradually sensed that he was not someone dangerous and were naturally relieved. Lucian and Amaryah also met each other's eyes.Apple seemed to feel that most of them were still suspicious of him, so he continued to speak his thoughts."I have

"What?" Lucian uttered in shock before he could stop himself. He turned his head to watch Amaryah who didn't look surprised in the slightest."Isn't this a rib?" Lucian then brought back his gaze to Martin.Martin nodded his head and glanced at Apple who had pursed his lips, eyes reddening a little. He was looking down, a bit dazed from a memory he would rather forget."It was a monster. It attacked us, and if it wasn't for the horses that had panicked before it could lunge at us, it could have probably hit my heart." Martin sighed shakily.Lucian looked at him with unbelieving eyes.Martin smiled at him and continued, "I know it must be difficult to believe because I am alive and in good health in front of you right now, but this is true. Apple and I had escaped while it was devouring our horses, but it still tailed us."He inhaled deeply before looking away as he recalled the terrifying events, then he tightly shut his eyes for a few seconds before looking straight at Amaryah."This