Cui Ciyou looked down at Sylphy, who was gripping his hand tightly.
Sylphy tilted her little face up, gazing at him without blinking through clear red eyes that seemed freshly washed.
The fear in her eyes had long since vanished.
In its place was admiration and dependence, so full they nearly overflowed.
Cui Ciyou shrugged at her. "Come on, I'll take you home."
"Next time something like this happens, you need to fight back yourself!"
Sylphy nodded vigorously, a brilliant smile blooming on her little face like the first sunlight after rain.
Paul had witnessed the entire exchange from the sidelines.
At first, he had wanted to smooth things over, only to be surprised when Cui Ciyou invoked his status as a noble.
Then, as he watched Mrs. Aite flee in panic, a complicated expression crossed Paul's face.
He stepped forward and gave Cui Ciyou a somewhat awkward smile.
"Ahem... Ciyou, my friend, that was... really something."
"That woman Aite..."
"Ah, she's usually quite a handful."
"But it looks like she won't dare come looking for trouble again."
After briefly saying goodbye to Paul and Zenith, Cui Ciyou took Sylphy's little hand again and continued toward her home.
Nobles... knights... just like the heroes and champions in stories.
And the knights and princesses in fairy tales.
I'm not a princess, but the knight still saved me!
This time, Sylphy's steps were noticeably lighter, and her little hand held a trace of warmth.
She no longer kept her head lowered as before, but occasionally looked up to steal a glance at Cui Ciyou.
Her eyes sparkled, as though she were looking at a hero who could do anything.
Holding Sylphy's little hand, Cui Ciyou passed through several quieter lanes.
They arrived before a small wooden house that stood rather forlornly at