Chapter 165 - 164: Too Fast

Sylfia blinked as she looked closer at the small being now perched on her shoulder. Its wings shimmered faintly with a purplish hue, and instead of the bright glow she’d seen earlier, this one had a soft, dark shine—like moonlight reflected on ink.

Axelius came closer and crouched beside her bed. "She’s not a normal sprite," he said. "She’s a dark pixie. They only live deep in the forest’s core."

Sylfia glanced at him, still weak. "Dark pixie?"

Axelius nodded. "As long as she stays near you, you’ll be able to breathe normally here. The miasma won’t hurt you anymore. Think of her as your living filter."

Sylfia looked back at the tiny pixie. The creature smiled shyly, eyes glowing faintly violet. "Thank you," Sylfia said softly.

The dark pixie smiled brighter, gave a tiny bow, and then fluttered up—landing gently on Sylfia’s head as if it were the most comfortable place in the world.

Axelius chuckled a little at the sight. "Guess she likes you."

He stood up and crossed his arms. "Are you okay now? Would you like me to get your food?"

Sylfia took a deep breath and pushed herself up. "No, thank you. I can move."

Axelius smiled and nodded. "Then this way. After eating, I’ll show you around."

They walked out of the room together. The air outside was cool, and faint light filtered through the towering trees.

Sylfia followed Axelius, her eyes slowly widening as they stepped into an open space revealing tall walls covered in vines, glowing lanterns, and even a wide courtyard paved with white stones.

A palace stood in the middle of the monster forest.

Sylfia stopped walking, her eyes filled with confusion. "How... how is there a palace here?" she asked softly.

Axelius turned to her with a proud, playful grin. "Welcome to the my Domain," he said. "My home and now your safest place in this cursed forest."

Sylfia quietly finished her food, the clinking of silverware the only sound in the room. Every now and then, she could feel Axelius’ eyes on her. He sat across the table, chin resting on his hand, watching her with that same calm smile.

She tried to ignore him, but the longer it went on, the harder it became to focus on eating.Why is he staring like that?she thought, taking another bite and pretending not to notice.

When she finally finished, she placed her fork down and exhaled softly. "I’m done."

Axelius immediately stood up, his usual grin returning. "Good. Then... shall we?" he said, stepping forward and slightly bowing, offering his elbow like a gentleman.

Sylfia blinked at him, frowning. "You’re weird," she said flatly, ignoring his arm and standing up on her own.

Axelius straightened, a faint smirk on his lips. "Suit yourself."

As they started walking, Owen, who had been lying lazily near the window, raised his head and watched the scene. The snake sighed, lifted his tail, and smacked himself lightly on the face.

Axelius noticed and turned his head with a questioning look. "What?"

Owen slithered after them and muttered, "Idiot..."

Axelius chuckled quietly but didn’t reply.

They walked through the palace halls walls made of smooth black stone with faint blue veins glowing softly. The sound of flowing water echoed faintly somewhere deeper inside, giving the place a calm but strange atmosphere.

Axelius gestured to the wide hallway ahead. "This is the main hall. The palace was built by the orcs and spirits I tamed. Strong walls, unbreakable even by siege weapons."

Sylfia looked around, amazed despite herself.

Then they went to the training ground, where orcs, goblins, and other monsters were practicing with loud shouts and heavy movements. Sylfia watched them curiously while Axelius stood beside her, his arms crossed.

Owen suddenly appeared beside Axelius, holding a small white flower in his tail. He waved it in front of him until Axelius finally noticed. "What’s that for?" Axelius asked.

Owen just gave him a teasing look, pushing the flower closer. Axelius scratched his neck, looking awkward, then took the flower. "Alright, fine..." He turned to Sylfia and called out, "Sylfia."

Sylfia looked at him, puzzled. "What is it?"

Axelius held out the flower toward her. "Here."

Sylfia blinked, staring at the strange-looking flower. Its petals shimmered faintly, unlike any she had ever seen. It looked unusual, but still beautiful. She hesitated for a second before taking it. "Thank you... but why are you acting like this?"

Axelius tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Sylfia raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp. "You’re acting weird. Is it because I’m a princess that you’re trying to—"

"Whoa, whoa! Stop what you’re saying," Axelius cut her off quickly, raising his hands. "That’s not my intention at all."

Sylfia frowned, looking annoyed, and walked away without saying another word. Axelius sighed deeply and decided to let her go.

Then Owen crawled up to his shoulder and smacked him lightly on the head with his tail.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Axelius hissed.

"You didn’t have to shout at her," Owen replied, his tone calm but sharp.

"I didn’t shout!" Axelius defended himself, but then noticed that the orcs and other monsters had stopped their training and were staring at them. He looked around, realizing his voice had indeed been loud. "Okay, fine, maybe I did... but I can’t help it! It’s your fault, things are going too fast!"

Owen crossed his tiny arms. "Hmm, well, yeah, for her it is. She might think you’re playing around since you only know how to bully her."

"See? Too fast...wait, I didn’t bully her!" Axelius said quickly, clearly flustered.

Owen gave him a pitying look. "If not for what happened last night, you wouldn’t have realized what you feel, huh?"

Axelius frowned and looked away. "Do I really like her?" he muttered under his breath.

Owen sighed and shook his head. "You better do something about it. Make up for all the years you kept annoying her or else."

Axelius turned his head, narrowing his eyes. "Tsk. Or else what?"

Owen grinned. "Or else I’ll take her."

Before Axelius could reply, Owen slithered down his arm and left.

"Tsk, what can a snake even do anyway?" Axelius muttered, crossing his arms and frowning toward the direction Owen had slithered off.

Axelius clicked his tongue once more before walking away, muttering to himself, "Like he can really take her..."