「Will You Be My Valentine?」

「Enchanting Evening」

- I am currently in Arcadia to visit my beloved friend. She's no one else but the Duchess of Arcadia, Zephyrine Luisella Valduciel. I actually took Julian with me this time and left Portia in Nevivon. Unfortunately, Valentina, Zephyrine's sworn friend and Arcadia's caretaker, told me Zephyrine isn't here. She's probably travelling somewhere else since after all, that bloody man, Lucio, cannot stay at one place due to his insatiable thirst for adventures that burdened Zephyrine. Honestly, I feel bad for her.

"Althea!!"

I looked behind me only to meet a familiar figure, frantically running towards me. I gave him a glare which made him realize that he actually just said something that irritated me.

"I mean, Cess."

I sighed with the sight of his face. There indeed is trouble wherever he goes but it couldn't be worse than that of Lucio's. I should be thankful that I am not Zephyrine.

"What is it this time, Dr. Devorak? You got yourself into another trouble again?"

I rolled my eyes as he ignored my questioning and hid behind my back.

"Miss Valduciel is an acquaintance of yours, isn't she? Tell them!"

-

"Tell who-"

When I looked behind me, I could see Zephyrine's army coming towards us.

"Intruder!! Catch the intruder!"

"Get back here in an instant!"

Their marching immediately stopped when I spread my arms, covering Julian.

"That's the intruder! Catch him, immediately!"

The man pointed to Julian, who is behind me. Just before they could lay a single finger on us, I lifted my hand to the air, forming a barrier that prevented them from coming any further.

"Don't let your guard down, everyone! What we're facing is a magician, a sorceress!"

I let out a chuckle afterwards and then headed closer to the barrier, Julian having to trail behind me.

"You must be Mister Arthur, right?"

The man gasped in disbelief, staring at me without saying anything.

"Well?"

-

"I- I am! How did you know my name? Are you perhaps a traveller whose destination is Arcadia?"

I crossed my arms, isn't it obvious? That's exactly why we're in Arcadia. Goodness, I never thought Zephyrine's people were this ridiculous.

"We are, sir. We came from Nevivon and this beautiful lady right here is Althea Dimitriou, a powerful sorceress whose power is equal to both Zephyrine and Asra Alnazar."

Julian spoke, leaving all of the guards speechless for a little while.

"How dare you speak of the Duchess' name-"

I raised a finger which instantly withdrew the magical barrier and walked even closer to Arthur.

"Mister Arthur, it is I, Althea Dimitriou of the South. Do you not recognize me?"

I introduced myself, tucking my hair behind my ear, staring at his eyes deeply.

"Those eyes... Oh."

Arthur immediately puts his head down alongside the guards and armies, showing courtesy to both Julian and I.

"We deeply apologize for our actions, milady."

I rolled my eyes again. Honestly, I do not like to be referred to as such. I no longer want anything to do regarding the past.