Crotia Empire. Known as the Empire of the South Lithnia Continent. They are almost as huge as Clovis Empire, but their Military force is much lower than the latter.
In a Mansion located at one of the Cities in Crotia Empire, a man is seen sitting at one of the Gardens benches. He is talking to a man kneeling before him.
"Explain to me what happened." His voice is cold and distant.
"Master, someone had dispelled all the magic traps you've given to me. I didn't even feel any mana or magic being used. I really don't know what happen."
The man stood up, trying to think of any possibilities. "He had safely return from that forest. He doesn't have any wounds and is completely healthy. The poison in his body might also have been gone. "
The young man looked at him with a surprised expression. "But how? That was the Thousand Blood Poison. No one can heal him. "
"Someone can heal him. But that someone has been long gone. And no one knows where he is." He said. Being one of the 12 Great Mages in the Continent, he also does know about the previous Ruler of that forest or the Legendary Witch of the Forest of No Return.
Actually, he is not a Witch, but an Arch Sage. He was called a witch due to his physical features that looks like a woman. But even if that person had gone a long time, no one can still infiltrate or take control of that place.
According to some of the rumors, someone is leading the forest. But nobody knew who that person is. As the Forest is home for powerful beings, even if they are the Great Mages, no one will dare to anger those beings.
"Then who – "
"Did you say that he is with a young woman?" He asked remembering his earlier reports.
"Yes Master."
"Investigate her. I want to know everything about her."
The young man gave him a confused look.
"Master, are you thinking that she must be a Mage? But if she really is, I can't trace any mana around her. "
"That's why investigate her. She suddenly popped out in the scene after the Archduke returned. Even if she is not a mage, she might know how that man survived or anything related to that."
"As you wish Master."
"Ask help from the others." The others he meant are the other disciples. And it also means that he can have much more resources.
The Young Man nodded and vanished in the thin air.
The Great Mage fell into a deep thought. Did someone powerful really helped the Archduke? If it is, then who is it? No one in this continent could help him treat that poison. Then, is that someone from outside? No. That possibility is too low. He was in the Forest of No Return and came back safely. Did one of the beings helped him?
Morning came. Their change of clothes where delivered by the servants. So, after changing and eating their breakfasts, all of them decided to drove back straight to the Company.
Ezekiel sat on the Driver seat, while Rin sat on the Passenger seat. Michael and Lawrence went in on their cars. While Carl and his men drove the other cars.
On the road, it was Carl's vehicle on the front, next is Ezekiel's car, then it's the Duos car and behind them is another car with the Knights. They travelled back to the company and when they arrived, they catch all the attentions.
Carl and his men stepped out from their car, then he opened Ezekiel's car door. The Elegant and Handsome man step out and all of his Knights bow at him. Michael and Lawrence also stepped out is currently waiting for them. Ezekiel walked to the other side of the car and gently opened the door. Rin smiled at him before stepping out from the car.
The crowd gasped upon seeing the Gentlemanly attitude of the Archduke. The four of them went inside the company while Carl and his men drove back to their headquarters. This will create another sensation of gossips across the Capital.
Later that Night, at the Imperial Palace dining room, a family of Seven is eating their dinner. The Empress who is sitting near the Emperor put down her knife and fork then she looked at her Eldest Son. "Hunter, why don't you invite Ezekiel on a dinner next time? He hasn't been visiting the Palace these days."
"Mother, he is busy. He just came back a month ago." Hunter answered.
"I know he's busy. He always is ever since. Invite him this coming weekend. There are some things that I need to asked him." She said with finality in her words. The Emperor who is behind her was just observing his family.
"Mother, is it about the rumors surrounding him?" Tyler, the blabber mouth spoke. The others turn their gaze on him.
"Yes. As his elder, I should talk to him about this matter. Having a girl with an unknown background by his side is not beneficial to him. If he is only playing, then good. But if he's not, then I should interfere."
Hunter's face frowned and didn't even cover his disappointment.
"Mother, you already know his temper. Once he decided on something, no one can ever change his mind."
The Emperor who is stayed silent earlier put down his fork.
"Dear, I agree with your son. Do not interfere with your nephew's private life."
"Ah. I am just concerned about him. He has no longer any parents to guide him and who knows who that girl is. We have Jezelle here that is more appropriate to be by his side."
"Mother, first and foremost Ezekiel is not interested in Jezelle. Second, yes, we all don't know about that girl that's why we should be careful with our words. Third, Ezekiel is overly protective of her. If you will try to do anything to that Girl, I'm afraid he will not let you off. And lastly, please don't give Jezelle any false hope. Or else, my sister will be the one getting hurt."
He said then put down his fork and knife.
"I'm full. I will go ahead first. "He excused himself then leave the dining room.
The Emperor sighed.
Tyler and the Second Princess pursed their lips.
The Empress face turned sour.
"I'm also full." The Second Prince also left the dining table.
While Jezelle silently cursed her Elder Brother. Why is he always so hard on her?! He never has been so kind to her ever since they were children!
The Empress held her hand then smiled at her. "Don't worry. I will do everything I can to help you with the Archduke. At the end of the day, he will be yours."
Tyler, who heard their conversation also frowned. Even if he loves his sister, he can't also agree to what they are planning.
"Mother, the Archduke is not a thing. And sister, please forget about him. Just like what Elder Brother had said earlier, it will be for your own good." He said.
"Tyler! How can you say that to your Sister?! "
"But Mother, I am just telling the truth! "He answered back then he looked at his father. "Father, please don't let mother interfere with cousin. You know his capability. And I agree with elder brother. The Archduke is in love with that girl. We will only invite trouble if our Imperial Family will do so."
The dining area's atmosphere turned sour and heavy.
Days after that, Rin's study came to an end. She really has memorized almost everything in the books and all study materials, just as she said to them from the very beginning. So, they decided to have dinner outside.
They went to the Premiere Mall's exclusive Restaurant. It is where Rin went when she came to the capital.
As they are waiting for the meals to be served, Ezekiel placed a document to her front.
She looked at him and asked, "What is this?"
"Read it first. "Ezekiel answered.
She opened the document and read it. "Mid Entrance Exam Application. Please be informed that the name below has passed all the Requirements for the Mid Entrance Examination. The Examination is scheduled on October 3, 20xx." She continued to read the document then her eyes stopped on the Surname part. "Forrest? Who came out with my surname? "She asked.
Ezekiel cleared his throat and smile awkwardly. "It was me. Since that suits you best. Don't you like it?"
Rin smiled at him widely. "Nope. I like it. Since I am from the Forest, this Surname rather fits me well. Thank you, Your Grace."
Ah. They are at it again. Michael murmured.
"You don't need to thank me. It's my honor helping the Ruler of the Forest."
Is this place cursed? Why does the food is taking so long to be served? Ah. I should have not come with them. Michael cried silently.
"The next page is about yourself. If there something you wish to change, just let me know. We need to set your background. Once you passed the exam and starts attending university, there will be a lot of people who will approach you. You should ready yourself. Okay? "
"Em! Don't worry. I can handle those people. "She said with full of confidence.
Ezekiel smiled at her but he can't help but be worried. Being the first person who will going to pass the Impossible Mid Entrance Exam will shoot her directly to spotlight. Nobles and commoners alike will be curious about her and they will start to investigate her background.
Seeing the worry in his eyes, Rin held his right hand. "I know what you are worried about. But just like I said, you don't have to worry. Who do you think I am?" Her last sentence where imitated from him when they were tailed by the mercenaries.
"Em. I believe you. But still, you should tell me when someone dares to bother or make trouble for you. Okay?"
How sweet. They aren't even a couple yet. How much more if they were to become one? Will we totally die from their sweetness? Oh, I should ready my poor heart, my poor eyes and my poor ears. Ah. I don't even what to think about it. Michael sighed.
Just as Rin nodded, the food was served to them.
"Oh right, Little Lady, His Grace' step sister is also studying at Imperial University." Michael open up a topic.
Rin who only heard little about Zhi's step sister lift her face.
"Really? She's almost the same age as me, right?" She asked.
"Yes. But please beware of her attitude. She has the same temper with her mother."
"Oh. Okay. I'll keep that in mind. Anyways, I have nothing to do with her since she's not blood related to Zhi." She said casually.
"Yes. She's not. Both she and her Mother are just trying to ride on the Archduke's coat tail."
"But Zhi has a blood related Younger brother, right?"
Zhi put down his knife and drank his wine. "Em. He is only 12 years old and currently staying with that woman." Zhi answered.
After an Hour, they finally decided to leave. Just as Lawrence opened the door, they bumped into a group of men who are most likely also leaving.
"Your Highness. "Lawrence and Michael blurted in surprise.
"Oh, if it isn't the Duo. Where is your boss?" Hue asked him and exactly, Ezekiel walked behind the two with a girl beside him.
Oh sh*t. "Boss! Retreat!" Michael blabbered.
Ezekiel stopped and lift his face. There he saw the Crown Prince, together with his aides. And before he could react, Rin poke out her head from his side. "Hey Mister Michael, what is going on?" Rin asked innocently and everyone's eyes, fell on her.
Rin tilted her head and also looked at the unfamiliar faces. One is a blond hair guy who has a gorgeous face, behind him are two men, black haired and brown-haired handsome guys.
"Is she… The rumored Little Lady? "Travis broke the silence.
Hue tried to get close to her but he was stopped by Hunter. Hunter took a step while his eyes are fixed on Rin. Why is it that she looks familiar? "Have we met before?" Hunter suddenly asked.
Ezekiel frowned. He immediately grabbed Rin's waist and pushed her close to him. His aura turns cold and dark. The temperature dropped on several degrees.
Hue and Travis gaped in shocked. Seeing the cold statue do that is really an eye opener! The rumors are true!!!
Oh. Jealousy activated.
"Your Highness, good evening. What do you mean by that?
The Little Lady just recently came to the Capital." Michael said trying to ease the tensed atmosphere.
"Oh. I'm sorry." Hunter said who suddenly realized his actions.
"Ezekiel, aren't you going to introduce us to her?"
Oh. Is he the Prince of this Empire? Rin asked herself.
Ezekiel who slightly cool down looked at the girl beside him.
"Rin, this is His Highness, the Crown Prince of this Empire, Prince Hunter Daryl Clovis. Your Highness, she is Eyrhin Forrest."
"Hey! Why is it only the Prince? You have also to introduce us! Aren't we your friends?" Hue complained.
"Yes. Yes. If you will not, then we will personally introduce ourselves to the Pretty Lady." Travis said in a playful tone.
Ezekiel shot a deadly glare to the two.
Rin can't help herself but to lightly laugh. Her chuckles are cute and always nice to hear. Seeing her expression is just like an arrow that shots through their hearts.
Ah, she really is cute and pretty. Now we understand the Archduke. They sighed.
Ezekiel frowned again. "The other two are Marquis Hue Eliazar Ludwig and Duke Travis Laclaire."
She slighly bend her upper body then smiled. "Good evening Crown Prince, Duke and Marquis. I am Eyrhin Forrest. It is an honor to meet such distinguished people at this hour. "She said politely.
"Nice to finally meet you Lady Eyrhin." Said the Crown Prince.
"Alas! We finally meet the famous Lady of the Archduke." Hue remarked.
Rin, who heard his remarked gave them a confused look.
"Famous Lady of the Archduke?"
"Don't mind what he said. "Ezekiel said.
"Are you also heading out?" The Crown Prince asked.
Ezekiel nodded and they all decided to ride the elevator together. Rin is in the middle of the Archduke and the Crown Prince. On their front is Michael, Lawrence, Hue and Travis.
"Mother asked me to invite you in the Palace." Hunter said and from time to time, he is throwing a glance to the girl beside him.
"I am busy. "Ezekiel answered.
"I know. I told her that. If there comes a time that she will bother you, just ignore her. "
"Em." Ezekiel nodded.
Rin, who is just silently listening suddenly felt a magical impact. She frowned and immediately contact Lily, the Leader of the Dryads and currently overseeing the forest. "Lily, report."
"Your Majesty, someone tried to trespass on our land. But don't worry, we have captured him and I already sent him to the Centaurs. "
"Okay. Let me know the details later. Okay? "
"Understood, Your Majesty. "Then the connection cut off.
"Rin, are you okay? "Ezekiel call her out when she didn't move and her face is frowning.
When she came back to her senses, she saw them getting out of the Elevator. "Oh! I'm sorry." She immediately apologize and came out.
"We are going now. I hope that you would bring Lady Eyrhin next time on any social gatherings." The Crown Prince said.
"Oh! It will be Hunting Game Next weekend! You should attend and bring the Little Lady! " Hue said before finally leaving.
Rin looked at him then asked, "What is Hunting Game?"
"Hunting Game is held every twice a year. The participants may hunt all the animals in the Capital's Hunting Ground. The one who hunt more will be rewarded handsomely or they can request anything from the Hosting Family. This time, it will be the Travis family who will host the game." Michael explained.
"Since it's Travis, I think it'll be okay if you will attend. Maybe only 10 to 30 families are participating. Unlike if the Imperial Family will host. Almost all the nobles in the Capital can attend." He added.
"Oh… But… "Then she looked at Ezekiel.
"Only after you passed the Exam." He answered.