Clive lay on his back in the soft sheets of his bed, m wrapping around him in a comforting embrace. He was now in Tipha and Arianna's place, which was quite dusty as ARianna mentioned. Even so, it had a calm elegance to it—a blend of elven charm and homely comfort. Soft moonlight filtered through the large window beside the bed, casting a pale glow across the floor. The window itself was framed by long, flowing curtains of deep green, gently swaying in the evening breeze that seeped in through the cracked window.
Next to the window, a few potted plants rested on a wooden ledge, their leaves glowing faintly under the moonlight. Across the room, intricate elven carvings adorned the walls, delicate patterns of vines and leaves. The craftsmanship was impeccable, each carving seeming to shimmer slightly in the dim light.
Clive shifted under the covers, trying to make himself comfortable, but Lima's presence beside him made that difficult. She was clinging to him tightly, her arms wrapped around his torso, pushing him closer to her chest. Even though her warmth could make anyone fall asleep, her snoring was noticeable. Every now and then, she'd shift in her sleep, nuzzling closer, her breath brushing against his neck.
Clive stared up at the ceiling, where more elven carvings ran across the beams, his mind too restless to sleep. The only thing he could think about was the events with his brother, Prince Marcus. He had a hard time deciding if jumping out to defend Arianna was the right thing to do. Yes, he got Marcus's filthy hands off of her, but now he knows about his whereabouts. There's no doubt that his family would send a search party for him. A horrible image of Marcus and Arianna being together flashed into his mind, but he quickly shook it off in disgust.
With a sigh, he closed his eyes again…until he heard a knock on the door.
"Seventh Prince?" said Tipha softly from the other side, "Can I come in?"
"Miss Tipha?" Clive asked, eyeing the door. "Y-yes, you have my permission." Tipha slowly entered the room, making sure to not make too much sound. She wore a delicate black nightgown, the fabric almost transparent and clinging lightly to her skin. The material shimmered faintly as she moved. Her cleavage was clearly visible, highlighting the gentle curve of her breasts accentuated by the thin straps that rested on her shoulders. Beneath the nightgown, her panties were just as revealing, the dark fabric hugging her hips and leaving little to the imagination. The nightgown flowed down her body with an elegant grace, the hem brushing against her thigh. Clive couldn't help but stare.
"I see Lima is fast asleep." Tipha smiled, "It seems Nava was right about Beastkin being heavy sleepers."
"Beastkin?" asked Clive, fighting for more blankets from a squirming Lima.
"Yes." Tipha continued. "This 'Lima' you found in the labyrinth appears to be of the 'Beastkin' race. They typically live in forests and have high magical aptitude. When in contact with Royal magic, they evolve."
"I see." Clive said, eyeing Lima beside him.
"They also die quickly whenever they are not in contact with natural mana. So, it appears you've saved this little beastkin. There's barely any natural mana in the labyrinth." Tipha giggled, "No wonder she gets along with you so well."'
Clive felt reassured hearing this. At least his actions were worthwhile for something. He then turned to Tipha again with a puzzled look. "What else happened with Nava, Miss Tipha?" he asked, "When you left…you seemed sad."
Tipha looked away, crossing her arms under her breasts. "It doesn't concern you seventh prince." she muttered, "It's one of my…personal matters."
Hearing this, Clive sat up, leaning against the bed frame. "Miss Tipha," he said sternly. "It does concern me." These words grabbed Tipha's attention, who gave Clive a side eye. "You are my bodyguard. If my bodyguard is not feeling well, then how will I be protected to the best of your ability?"
"That is true but—"
"—no buts! Besides, you have done so much for me over the past few days. Let me help you for once, Miss Tipha. I'm a prince, after all."
"I'm not sure if you're able to do much." Tipha sighed. She simply couldn't reject Clive's assertiveness. "Every Elven warrior here must go through a ritual to evolve into a race called 'Greater Elves'" she said, walking towards the window. "'Greater Elves' have increased physical strength, a greater mana reserve, and access to more dangerous spells that their body can survive. It's similar to Lima's evolution."
"That sounds great, Miss Tipha!" Clive replied. "Why don't you want to do it?"
"Yes, but this ritual requires one with royal blood. An elf and a royal must…you're too young to know" Tipha continued, "I know Chief Nava won't let me leave if I do not do it. He is sly enough to make that happen. The connection between their mana will be the catalyst for evolution."
Clive froze hearing this. "Royal?" he trembled, "Is Prince Marcus going to help you with the ritual?"
"That is what Chief Nava plans for me." Tipha scoffed, "To think he knew when I would return to schedule this."
"Miss Tipha!" Clive almost yelled, "Please, you mustn't do it with him!"
"Why is that?"
"My Brother…you cannot trust him." Clive said, looking downwards. "Every day, he has made my life a nightmare. He would constantly tease me and pin me for every mistake that has happened. That's why I left…" Clive trembled, almost crying. "Miss Tipha…the reason I'm going to the Jules ruins is to acquire an ancient Magical Artifact. Using that power, I can take my kingdom and…fix it!"
"Seventh Prince, should you be telling me this?"
"I trust you Miss Tipha." Clive continued. "I trust you over anyone else in my life right now. So please, do not partake in this ritual with Marcus."
"It's not that easy." Tipha sighed, "How do you plan to—"
"Use me instead!" Clive said firmly, "You said you needed a royal right? Let me do the ritual with you!"
"Seventh Prince…you're too young for it."
"It doesn't matter!" Clive then hopped out of bed and stood in front of Tipha. "If my royal magic was able to evolve Lima, I can help you too! You would be content with using me for the ritual if you were to do it, right?"
Seeing the little prince's triumphant expression was funny to Tipha. She found it quite cute, but knew that he was right. Clive was perfect for her. "Is that so?" she said, giggling, "Very well then, tomorrow morning, meet me in the private quarters in the Great Village Hall."
Clive smiled, hearing this. "O-Ok!" He said, climbing back into bed. "Good night, Miss Tipha."
Tipha smiled at Clive as she walked towards the door. "Good night, Seventh Prince." As she left, Clive closed her eyes. If he was doing the ritual with her, he wouldn't have to worry about his family butting in. Also, a stronger bodyguard means he's even more safe. As he drifted off to sleep, Clive tried to figure out how he was able to activate the Oshoen emblem on his wrist, just like how he did with Lima.