Why this expression for someone I've never met before?
Xiya covered his face, trying to calm his restless heart.
The fellow squad members, including Tiya, cast worried glances in unison.
"It's... it's nothing." After a long while, Xiya lifted his head again, his face back to normal. "You guys go ahead, I still have something to deal with and need to stay for a while."
He decided to stay and see.
To see what kind of person the man who incited such extreme feelings in him really was.
Knowing Xiya's strong nature, Tiya silently stayed behind after the others had left.
She couldn't comfort him with loving gestures, so she just quietly stayed by his side in her own clumsy way.
The moment the Jump Transition Matrix activated, a familiar pull washed over him, making Lynn think of his sensations every time he went to the Pantheon.
Fortunately, he was well accustomed to it, so the resultant dizziness and nausea were still within his tolerance range.
Moments later, the intense white light faded.
He was the first to step out of the Jump Transition Matrix, and the scene before him shocked him greatly.
Beneath the platform, hundreds of soldiers, seeing someone emerge from the Jump Transition Matrix, knelt down in unison as if welcoming some high-ranking dignitary to Glostin.
Yet this scene overwhelmed Lynn.
"Dear... dear subjects, rise?"
He blurted out subconsciously.
Hearing this, seeming to sense something was amiss, Colonel Hayden, the leader, instinctively looked up, only to meet a pair of sea-blue eyes.
He was somewhat startled: "Who are you? Where are the Third Prince and the others?"
Typically, the one who steps out of the matrix first is usually the most esteemed person.
So he naturally assumed that the first person out was Ivyst.
However, things didn't seem to be as expected.
"Oh, them? They're in the back..."
Lynn suddenly realized, then pointed behind him, and the rest of the people followed through the Jump Transition Matrix.
But before he could finish speaking, he saw a young man in the crowd, looking pale and exhausted, bend over.
He vomited profusely.
"Damn it, Glaya, don't puke on me!"
Lynn disgustedly stepped to the side.
"Help... save me... I'm dying..."
Glaya weakly leaned on Lynn's shoulder.
Watching the situation unfold on the platform, all the soldiers present looked at each other, unsure whether to get up or continue kneeling.
Lead Hillena subtly furrowed her brows.
But she said nothing, just quietly watching the chaotic scene unfold.
Finally, as the crowd from the matrix slowly parted, a slender woman with black hair came forward.
She wasn't wearing a mask and exposed her pale face, partially covered by a black Curse Mark, serenely scanning the crowd.
"It's all right then."
She, as if ignoring everything around her, disregarded Hillena's gaze and the kneeling salute of hundreds of soldiers.
Having done all this, Ivyst finally waved Lynn over.
Lynn walked over somewhat reluctantly.
As their eyes met, Ivyst's crimson eyes revealed a fragile expression, terribly poignant.
As if she were saying, "The master, in her eagerness to have you return to the Imperial Capital, overused her freshly recovered strength and now finds herself utterly helpless. You must take full responsibility and hold her tight in front of everyone."
The next second, her acting skills exploded, and she turned pale, clutching her heart and collapsing to the side.
This was a scenario she deliberately sought to guide.
Not only to declare her dominion over him to the entire Imperial Capital upon her return but also to mark Lynn indelibly.
She wanted to let everyone know that this young man was intimately connected to her.
If you think about bullying him, you better consider whether you're worthy enough!
A triumphant glint flashed in Ivyst's eyes.
She had thought everything would proceed as she expected and she would fall into the familiar warmth under everyone's watchful eyes.
Unexpectedly, Aphia, seemingly having anticipated this, pushed a brand-new wheelchair from nowhere and helped Ivyst sit down.
Realizing what had happened, Ivyst's expression turned ice-cold after a brief surprise.
Aphia wouldn't dare spoil her plan.
There was only one possibility.
With that thought, Ivyst glared at Lynn standing beside her with an annoyed look.
I had already destroyed all the wheelchairs preemptively, where did you find this one?!
She conveyed her inquiry through her gaze.
Lynn's eyes flickered guiltily, then he similarly communicated with his eyes: The safety of Her Highness comes first, so the subordinate naturally fills any gaps.
However, this answer did not satisfy Ivyst.
Her relentless gaze continued: You think putting on that facade would stop me from guessing it was that despicable woman's doing?
Lynn inhaled sharply, his back breaking out in a cold sweat.
A woman's intuition is indeed terrifying.