"Good?"
Kevin was stunned for a moment, then noticed Cu Chulainn's mischievous grin and immediately rolled his eyes. "What are you thinking now?"
"Hmmm…" Cu Chulainn tilted his head in mock confusion. "Didn't you stay back to get her? Why didn't she—wait, no—this shouldn't be the case!"
Kevin sighed loudly. "Do you seriously think I could just stroll up and say, 'Master, let's hit the bed,' and she'd agree? If only it were that easy!"
"You're telling me it didn't happen?" Cu Chulainn frowned, genuinely puzzled. "With how she looks at you? And how she waited for you for a month in the cold? I mean... what else is there to say?"
Kevin shook his head in frustration. "No, Cu Chulainn. She doesn't see me that way. To her, I'm not a man. I'm just a little brother—or worse—a son she's raised!"
Cu Chulainn paused, considering Kevin's words. After all, Scathach had been with Kevin for five years when he was just a child. Even if it was a clone at first, her consciousness had always been present. She had seen Kevin grow up from a frail ten-year-old to the sixteen-year-old standing beside him now.
"Hmm…" Cu Chulainn scratched his chin, finally nodding in agreement. "Yeah, that makes sense. She probably does see you like that. She's been more like a mother to you than anything else."
"Don't remind me," Kevin groaned.
After a brief moment of awkward silence, Cu Chulainn patted Kevin on the shoulder. "Well, don't worry too much. You're a good-looking guy, and there are plenty of women in the world. You don't have to hang yourself on one tree."
"Get lost!" Kevin slapped Cu Chulainn's hand away. "I'm not giving up! No matter what, I'm still closer to her than anyone else. One day, when I'm stronger than her, I'll go back and win her over—by force, if necessary!"
Kevin's declaration was both bold and exasperated.
"Well, you've got guts, I'll give you that." Cu Chulainn chuckled, his admiration laced with disbelief. "But yeah, in the Shadow Kingdom, the rules are simple: if your fist is bigger, you get your way. Good luck!"
As Cu Chulainn began daydreaming about his own beloved, Princess Emer, his face softened into a dreamy smile. This only served to irritate Kevin further.
Kevin glared at him, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Why are you looking so smug? Do you want me to wipe that grin off your face?"
"What? You want to fight?" Cu Chulainn grinned back, rolling up his sleeves. "Come on, let's go! Who's afraid of who?"
"Kevin! Cu Chulainn! Finally, I caught up to you!"
The two turned to see Ferdia running toward them, carrying a hefty pack on his back.
"Ferdia?" Kevin asked, surprised. "You're leaving today too?"
"I wasn't planning to, but after yesterday, there's no point in staying," Ferdia replied, glancing meaningfully at Cu Chulainn.
Cu Chulainn scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Ah, sorry about that, Senior Brother. I did end up taking the magic spear..."
Ferdia waved it off. "No hard feelings. You beat me fair and square. Besides, I've realized I prefer swords over spears anyway."
With that, the three set off together, following the bird's guidance. They passed through the magic mirror and emerged onto sunlit ground for the first time in years.
After some heartfelt goodbyes, Ferdia eventually went his own way, while Kevin and Cu Chulainn continued toward the small forest where two magnificent white horses awaited them.
These were no ordinary horses—they were divine steeds gifted by Luger. Graceful and tireless, they could travel a thousand miles in a single day.
Kingdom of Ulster, inside the castle.
In the grand hall, King Conchieber sat on his throne, discussing military matters with his younger brother, Connor, the first warrior of the Red Branch Knights.
"Your Majesty," Connor began, his expression grim, "the Queen of Connaught is becoming more aggressive. Her forces have crossed our borders multiple times, provoking our warriors.
Several of our knights have fallen, but we've dealt with the intruders decisively."
King Conchieber frowned. "She still hasn't given up? Where is Dal and the sacred bull?"
"Both are safely guarded by the Red Branch Knights," Connor assured him. "But if this continues to escalate, it could lead to war."
"Then so be it," Conchieber said sharply. "Let her try. We Altes people are not afraid of war. Bring Dal and the bull to the castle. Send a message to Queen Maeve—if she wants the bull, she'll have to offer something of equal value."
Before Connor could reply, the king's trusted druid, Kesba, entered the hall with an excited expression.
"Your Majesty," Kesba said, bowing. "I bring good news—Cu Chulainn and Kevin have returned from their training in the Shadow Kingdom! They'll reach the city gates in three hours."
Connor immediately stood, grabbing his sword. "I'll meet them myself!"
King Conchieber, overjoyed, clapped his hands. "Wonderful! Prepare a grand banquet to welcome them home!"
When Kevin and Cu Chulainn arrived at the city gates, Connor was waiting for them with open arms.
"Welcome back!" Connor exclaimed, pulling them both into a warm embrace. "It's been far too long."
"It's good to see you too, Connor," Kevin said with a grin.
As the three entered the city, the streets erupted with cheers. Nobles, knights, and commoners alike gathered to catch a glimpse of the returning heroes.
The young boys looked up to them with awe, while the girls shyly cast admiring glances their way.
Bruel, one of the Red Branch Knights, led a small procession to greet them. With great fanfare, Kevin and Cu Chulainn were escorted to the castle, where King Conchieber awaited them with open arms.
….
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Connaught...
News of the banquet quickly reached Queen Maeve.
"Oh?" Maeve said, a sly smile spreading across her face. "The Son of Light and the Man of Miracles have returned from the Shadow Kingdom? How interesting..."
Her pink hair swayed as she stood, excitement gleaming in her eyes.
"Prepare the carriage," she ordered her servant. "Bring gifts and summon the strongest guards.
Wherever there are exceptional men, I must see for myself if they live up to their reputation!"
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