Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 53

Mila clung tightly to Aiken as they descended rapidly, her eyes shut in anticipation of impact. When she finally opened them, she was shocked to find that they hadn't hit the ground or water but were instead soaring through the sky on the back of a Wind Dragon. The rush of air around them was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Surprised?" Aiken asked, his tone slightly amused as he expertly guided the dragon through the clouds, with Mila seated just behind him. Was it quick thinking?

"I didn't think you would have one!" Mila exclaimed, her voice filled with awe as she took in the vast expanse of the sky around them. The dragon's powerful wings beat rhythmically, propelling them forward with incredible speed.

"Never underestimate the little things!" Aiken replied with a grin just as the dragon swerved sharply to the side, narrowly avoiding an attack from behind. The sudden maneuver made Mila grip the dragon's back even tighter, her heart racing.

Glancing over her shoulder, Mila spotted the Mana Hunters pursuing them, their intent clear. "Tsk, they won't give up," Aiken muttered, his expression serious as he focused on evading their attacks.

Mila knew they couldn't just rely on Aiken's skill alone; she had to help. 'Vivian, lend me a hand,' she thought, reaching out to her companion within. She knew it wasn't safe to reveal Vivian just yet, especially with the Mana Hunters so intent on tracking them down.

"Don't breathe in anything!" Mila warned as the dragon twisted and turned, dodging another incoming attack. She knew the Mana Hunters might try to use poison or other means to weaken them.

Aiken wasn't sure what Mila meant until he noticed the Mana Hunters behind them starting to fall, one by one. Realizing that she had used a plant beast's sleeping powder, he quickly warned his dragon to avoid inhaling it. The clever tactic allowed them to lose their pursuers, who were now no longer a threat.

When they finally landed on the balcony of the Maedda palace, Mila quickly dismounted and prepared to leave in search of her comrades. However, before she could take a step, Aiken called out to her.

"Wait!" His voice carried a note of concern. He knew how dangerous it was for her to be out in the open while the Mana Hunters were targeting her. "You can't go out there when they're after you. I'll send someone trustworthy to fetch your comrades and bring them here. It's too dangerous for you to go alone, especially with them tracking your mana."

Mila hesitated, not wanting to leave the task to just anyone. "Who are you sending?" she asked, needing to be sure that Aiken's choice was reliable.

Aiken called out, "Vere," and a man stepped forward, dressed in formal attire and exuding a calm authority.

"Did you wish to send me there?" Vere asked, his tone respectful but with a hint of curiosity as he assessed the situation.

"Yes," Aiken confirmed. "Bring her comrades here. It's safer for everyone if you handle it rather than her going out alone."

With that settled, Aiken directed the palace maids to take Mila to a guest room. Once inside, Mila dismissed the servants, preferring to be alone. She carefully removed her clothes and mask, setting them on a table before preparing for a bath.

Net, who had stuck close by, curled up near a warm lamp, drifting into sleep. After bathing, Mila wrapped herself in a simple robe and began drying her hair with a towel.

"It's been a long time," a familiar voice broke the silence. Mila turned to see ZH casually sipping tea, seated by the side in her room. His presence, unexpected but somehow comforting, made her pause.

-edit-

"Kyyyaaaaa!!!!"

Mila, now fully dressed, sat across from ZH, who remained infuriatingly calm despite the situation. Her eyes narrowed in anger, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Don't be so upset," ZH said casually as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.