Chapter 130: Back on Earth
Now, I’ve seen many things in my life—talking tree, sentient mist, Claude’s very punchable calm face—but nothing prepared me for this particular parade of absurdity: Etienne in a flowy royal blue gown, frayed at the edges like someone had dragged him across a garden hedge. I almost wanted to applaud.
"You look...stunning," I managed, mouth wide open like I was auditioning for a fly-catching contest.
The poor guy’s face turned pink so fast it could’ve been mistaken for an allergy flare-up. He yanked his cloak over his head in a desperate attempt to hide, but unfortunately for him, he had the height of a well-fed deer and the cloak of a small curtain. It did nothing.
Meanwhile, Terrius, who squeezed himself beside me to peek at the beauty, was in fact staring intently at someone else. He was stunned, mouth slightly agape. His usually icy, stoic face cracked, and admiration flashed in his normally inexpressive eyes.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was simply amazed at how gorgeous Noir was. But that look on his face gave it away—the feelings he was trying to hide and suppress. Following his gaze, mine landed on Noir.
Noir, whose presence now changed befitting that of a prince, was wearing a dress that could stop time. It was deep violet, fitted at the waist, and flowing like liquid night. His posture was perfect, his gaze lowered and blank, and the delicate pearl clasps on his sleeves glinted like tiny stars.
He looked like someone who could destroy a kingdom with a glance—and then host an afterparty.
But why does he look like the world crumbled at his feet?
Noir, unfazed, turned slightly toward Eugene. "I didn’t expect to be sent here. Is this where you intend to hide me?"
His tone was dull, almost lacking vitality. My brows furrowed. Noir was acting strange. It makes sense that he was acting like a princess in front of these knights, but he gave off this grieving vibe...
Duke Eugene, still keeping a protective hand lightly on Noir’s back, answered without flinching. "For now, this is the safest place. No one dares enter the mountain known as the monsters’ lair."