Xiao Ran slowly raised his hand and took hold of Euphemia's wrist, moving her hand away from his mask. The lenses of the mask blocked their direct line of sight. Euphemia could not see Xiao Ran's eyes, but Xiao Ran could see the dazed look in hers.
"No." Xiao Ran finally spoke the two words softly. After a brief silence, he added, "My eyes would frighten you. They are not eyes a human should have."
With that, Xiao Ran stood up and continued, "Your Highness, it is time to go downstairs and meet the ministers."
Euphemia blankly withdrew her hand. After a pause, she nodded awkwardly and looked away. "Is that so? Would they be eyes that make people afraid?"
"At least, that would be the case for most people," Xiao Ran said calmly. "Because of my genes, these eyes would make people see me as a monster rather than a human. So, Your Highness, I hope you will allow me to maintain this insistence."
"I understand." Euphemia stood up and gave Xiao Ran a gentle smile. "But I would not mind, because you are my knight. You stand here to protect me, so I would never be afraid of your eyes. No matter what they look like, I would not be afraid. I will wait until you are ready to let me see the real you."
Xiao Ran looked at Euphemia without speaking, merely nodding silently. But the meaning of that gesture was not necessarily what Euphemia believed it to be.
"Let's go, Mr. Knight." Euphemia was clearly somewhat happy when she saw Xiao Ran nod. After wiping the corners of her eyes and straightening her dress, she held her head high and walked toward the closed doors of the room. Xiao Ran moved ahead of her and reached