Chapter 104

Cyrus, carrying Rice Cake, approached Prince Kashu. Seeing his stiff expression as he glanced at the fluffy creatures, she couldn't help but reach out and stroke the large head of the Coalball that had leaned towards her, saying softly, "They won't hurt anyone, please don't worry."

The beast, almost as tall as a man, was so close that a chilling sense of oppression washed over him. Kashu could clearly see the fine downy hairs in its ears trembling slightly in the cold wind, its outstretched whiskers, and its clear, indifferent pupils...

Kashu licked his dry lips; he was still worried.

He couldn't help but fantasize about these large, ferocious beasts suddenly pouncing on him, biting his arms, waist, or even his head...

God the Creator God! Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine and makes my limbs feel weak.

Prince Kashu couldn't help but glance at the Desinia lord standing before him, a subtle sense of contrast creeping into his heart.

--They are close in age.

But the other party was already the master of a vast territory, not only respected but also possessing absolute rule; the Black-and-White Cavalry, renowned even throughout the empire; large, docile beasts surrounding him; Thorn Merchant Guild, capable of generating countless riches...

Prince Kashu watched as the other's long, slender, white fingers slowly traced the golden lion's mane, while the seemingly dangerous beast affectionately turned its head and rubbed against his palm...

The surrounding cavalry were silent and orderly, their imposing presence astounding...

Kashu withdrew his gaze, a pang of sadness rising in his heart. He said, "Honorable Lord of Desinia, given the presence of your beasts... your beloved pets, it seems inappropriate for them to stay with other distinguished guests..."

"The Sheri Hall is quite large, divided into east and west sides. Most of the distinguished guests have been arranged to stay in the west side, so Lord Desinia would be better off staying alone in the east side..."

What do you think?

Cyrus nodded; he had no objection.

Just as Prince Kashu was about to lead the Lord of Desinia into the Sheri Hall, two people suddenly emerged from inside. One had silver hair and gray eyes, and the other had blond hair and green eyes. They were Orville and Archibald, who had arrived earlier.

The appearance of the two caused a slight commotion among the crowd around the Sheri Hall.

Cyrus subconsciously looked around, her caramel-colored eyes sweeping casually across the scene before her gaze suddenly fixed on a petite figure wearing a white fur cloak...

Huh?!

He focused intently, wanting to take a closer look, but the petite figure was suddenly blocked by someone nearby, and at that moment, he heard Archibald's voice.

"I also live on the east side; I'll have someone move my things there later."

Upon hearing this, Cyrus turned her head and smiled at Archie.

Prince Kashu hesitated, "This... Your Highness Cavendish, wouldn't you like to reconsider...?"

Although Archibald Cavendish did not inherit the throne of the Anas Kingdom, he was made a prince by Queen Laurie.

The title of Prince is separate from titles such as Duke and Marquis. It is only granted to members of the royal family and is an honorary title, usually held by a prince. His status is second only to the King.

"No need," Archibald said.

Before Prince Kashu could even nod, Orville also said he wanted to live in the east.

Cyrus smiled at Orville again.

Prince Kashu roughly understood—the fact that the Desinia Territory, the Achiyoli Territory, and the Anas Kingdom could form an alliance meant that the relationship between the three was indeed extraordinary.

He nodded. "Very well, I will then have all the Grand Duke's and Prince's belongings moved to the east side of the Sheri Hall. Now, please, Lord Desinia, follow me inside..."

As a prince, Kashu's manners were impeccable; he turned his body to the side and extended his hand.

Shazoi led the group of furry creatures, Yuditwalk, and others into the Sheri Hall, while the Black and White Cavalry were led to other places by other officials in charge of reception.

As Cyrus and the others disappeared from sight, the crowd of onlookers outside the Sheri Hall gradually dispersed.

Shamir's cheeks were flushed; she... she seemed to have just made eye contact with the Lord of Desinia!

The butler whispered, "Shamir, we should go back."

"Okay, okay..." Shamir nodded and murmured, looking in the direction of the entrance to the Sheri Hall.

After a while.

Once there was no one else around, she turned and left with her butler and maid Merry.

The Sheri Hall is magnificent and its building area is indeed very large. On the east and west sides alone, there are two luxuriously decorated halls and a beautiful courtyard lawn.

Although it was winter, the green grass had already turned yellow.

On his first night at the Sheri Hall, Cyrus received an invitation from His Holiness the Pope to a gathering at the Saint Church.

Furthermore, the people who personally came to the guild hall to invite him were none other than Cardinal Malediz and Archbishop Paul, whom they had not seen for a long time.

Cyrus: "Alright, I'll bring Black Sugar along. His Holiness the Pope hasn't seen what Black Sugar looks like as an adult yet."

The black panther happened to be standing next to Cyrus at that moment, its long tail slightly hooked at the end, occasionally sweeping towards the lord's ankle, its golden eyes lazily offering two glances as if bestowing a favor.

Paul: "Of course, please."

Cyrus then boarded the Holy See's carriage with only Black Sugar and Judas.

Holy See Saint Church was located in the center of the imperial capital, not far from the Sheri Hall; the carriage arrived shortly after the journey.

Although it was already evening, people were still coming and going outside the Saint Church, with clergy members everywhere and an old man standing at the entrance.

With his hands behind his back, wearing a red and white cardinal's robe, he would cause passing clergy to stop and bow respectfully.

As Paul approached, he also placed his right hand on his left breast and bowed in greeting.

Malediz saw him, his face darkened. "Dempus, what are you doing here?!"

Dempus smiled and said, "I understand you had a hard time picking people up."

"Perhaps I shall lead Lord Desinia to His Holiness the Pope's residence."

As he spoke, he smiled at Cyrus, who was looking over curiously. Compared to Malediz's rigid and serious face, his expression was very kind.

Malediz had never been very friendly to Dempus, who was also a cardinal.

He could easily see that Dempus was simply very curious about the Lord of Desinia, which was why he had offered to personally take him to see the Pope.

"No trouble at all," Malediz with a stiff smile.

"It's no trouble at all, Howard, you're too kind," Dempus said.

Cyrus looked around and felt that the atmosphere had reached a stalemate.

He hesitated, wondering if he should speak up too. If he didn't go in soon, would he have to stand outside the Saint Church until the middle of the night?

Paul, clearly familiar with the tension between the two cardinals, calmly followed procedure and advised, "My lords, why don't we escort the Lord of Desinia to His Holiness the Pope together?"

"If we delay any longer... His Majesty might send a golden-armored knight..."

If something is offered to you, take it while you can.

Dempus laughed, "Then let's go together, Howard."

Malediz: Hmph.

Paul breathed a sigh of relief almost imperceptibly.

Led by two cardinals, Cyrus walked through the courtyard of Belanka was full of blooming flowers.

Because it was the Pope's private residence, some people were not allowed to enter, so Paul and Judas stayed outside to wait.

They passed through a corridor guarded by knights in golden armor and came to a door. Dempus knocked softly.

"Your Majesty, the Lord of Desinia has arrived."

Segalot deep, magnetic voice came from inside the room. "Come in."

Dempus slowly opened the door. He didn't go in first, but turned his body to let Cyrus, who was behind him, be in front of him—for a moment, Segalot and Cyrus's eyes met.

Segalot curled the corners of his lips into a smile.

Cyrus's eyebrows curved into a smile.

He gently Black Sugar's round ears and smiled, "Your Majesty, it's been a long time."

Dempus and Malediz left after a short while, leaving only Segalot, Cyrus, and a beautiful adult black panther in the room.

They sat on chairs near the window, with a delicate little round table in the middle. The silvery moonlight streamed through the window and spilled onto the fragrant flower tea and pastries, as if they were coated with a beautiful layer of icing.

After circling around, Black Sugar jumped onto the wide windowsill, lazily lying on its crossed front paws, its long tail dangling from the windowsill and swaying leisurely.

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Segalot poured Cyrus a cup of floral tea, his gaze involuntarily falling on the Thorn Rose ruby ornament he wore on his chest and left index finger.

That was a gift he gave me a few years ago.

The fact that it is still worn by Cyrus is pleasing to the eye.

Segalot recalled the scene of seeing Cyrus in front of the Sheri Hall while sitting in the carriage earlier that day, and his golden eyes slowly fell on Shazoi's face again, deep and focused.

Cyrus felt slightly uncomfortable being stared at by His Holiness the Pope; even the tips of his ears felt a little hot. He finally shifted his body, reached out and touched his face, and asked in confusion, "Is there something on my face?"

It makes people feel quite embarrassed.

Segalot said, "It's just that thinking back to when we first met, and looking at things now, I feel a bit sentimental."

The boy grew so fast. In just over a year, he not only grew taller, but his facial features also became more refined, and he no longer had the slightly round and cute look he used to have.

His Holiness the Pope couldn't help but sigh, his golden eyes slightly narrowed, as if he were recalling something.

He gestured with his hand at the edge of the chair to indicate the height. "I first saw you at the church in Kaies. You were only this tall then, with round cheeks and small, soft hands..."

There's also a meat pit.

Cyrus pursed her lips. "Your Majesty hasn't changed much."

Aside from the fact that his imposing presence had become even stronger.

"Is that so? I feel like I've changed," Segalot said with a smirk.

Cyrus looked at him in confusion, but didn't notice any changes in his appearance. He was still as handsome as ever, with his slightly wavy black hair cascading down his back, giving him a somewhat lazy look.

Perhaps because it was nighttime, His Holiness the Pope was only wearing a casual black robe, the collar open to his collarbone. His skin was so pale that it had a cool hue, and it was tinged with a few red from the cold air seeping in from the window...

Looking at it... it's actually making my heart race.

Cyrus pursed her lips and looked away uncomfortably, just as Her Holiness the Pope suddenly spoke.

"Little Zuoyi, sleep here tonight," Segalot said.