The youngster looked at Liu Yueâs radiant hand and gulped. Liu Yue didnât mind skin contact. She shifted over closer to him to allow him to hold her hand and teach her how to use the dining utensil. The youngster shifted over next to her. He could smell her faint scent again. Her scent was different to her elder sisters. She had the fragrant scent of the forest on her, but there was also a tinge of the scent wild fruits. It was as though she ran around in the forest to her heartâs content. Maybe that was really what happened, though.
The youngster recalled the time he was supposed to be hiding on the tree, but she discovered him. He almost passed out. However, he could clearly see the young girlâs pretty face despite her not slowing down and being shocked. Thinking back on Liu Yueâs defenceless sleeping face would also make him blush.
The youngster could still remember the starry night and smell of the sea when he sat at the ice-cold door and floor on the ship. It was windy enough at night to make him shiver a little, but those times became a happy memory for him, and her warmth passed through the door to him. When they got to shore, she was always with her sisters. Therefore, he never saw her long red fur or touch her tail. It had been a long time since he was alone with her.
âExcuse me, then, Princess.â
The youngster carefully took hold of Liu Yueâs soft, delicate and smooth hand. The fur on the back of her hand wasnât that obvious to the eye. Liu Yue watched him carefully clasp her hand. Usually, she wouldnât mind it at all. Howbeit, she felt a little shy this time. It was the first time she allowed a male to come close to her and hold her hand. Her male classmates considered her a proud beauty.
âWhy have I allowed a man to hold my hand now?â wondered Liu Yue.
The youngster felt his heart race faster. He honestly felt a little embarrassed and even a little ashamed. Holding Liu Yueâs hand to teach her how to use the utensil was supposed to be simple. Miss Ying taught Nona and the others the same way. He taught others before, but, for some reason, he felt so awkward. He had no idea what to say or do.
âShouldnât you be teaching me how to use it?â
âAh, right⌠I am sorry, Miss Liu Yue. It is just that your hand is pretty, and I have never held another girlâs hand before⌠So I spaced out. I am very sorry about that.â
A bodyguard must answer their masterâs question, which was why he responded in spite of the shameless nature of his answer. Liu Yueâs face instantly turned red, but she didnât react rudely or retract her hand. Instead, she calmly said, âThank you for your praise, but we should continue.â
âAh, mm, sorry. First, please place them between these two fingers, and use your spare finger to fix them in placeâŚâ
Vera, who was sitting next to Liu Yue, suddenly felt a cold breeze coming from below. She caught sight of Liu Yueâs tail mimicking a windmill. There was a reason Liu Yue twirled her tail, though. Vera looked at the youngster teaching Liu Yue how to use the utensil in addition to Liu Yue, who was clumsily trying to pick up food. She didnât know why Liu Yue struggled. Vera didnât notice what just happened, but she began to imitate Liu Yue and use it similarly to pry bars.
Vera hopelessly sighed. She didnât think anything would happen between the youngster and her sister. As a proud fox of the Moon Fox Tribe, she wouldnât fall for a mere human. She knew Liu Yueâs momâs self-esteem very well. Her dad was probably the only male who fulfilled the qualities they desired in a man.
Vera didnât think the youngster could capture the hearts of any of her sisters. So accordingly, she wasnât worried about him. He sported decent looks, but the four girls already had somebody they liked, and their feelings were strong. Vera wouldnât like a child. From her perspective, the youngster still hadnât grown up.
âYes, yes, thatâs it. Donât rush. Donât rush. Donât be too hasty on your first try, or itâll drop. Yes, yes, be careful. Thatâs right. Donât let go. Donât let your hand shake, either. Thatâs it. Easy?â
The youngster intently observed Liu Yueâs hand as she picked up a slice of meat to put in her bowl for the first time. She only had to move it dozens of centimetres, yet Liu Yue perceived as if it was a conquest in a faraway land. The slice of meat nearly slipped out during the journey to her bowl. Fortunately, it arrived in one piece. Liu Yue let out a breath of relief and cheered. It was proof of her graduation.
âWow, this is really troublesome to use. Sister Ying, can you feed me?â
After multiple attempts, only to drop her food onto the table, Nona eventually gave up. She set the utensil down on the table and clung to Yingâs arm. Ying gently sighed and placed her food down. Vera watched Ying pick up Nonaâs utensils again through the corner of her eyes. She resisted the urge to laugh.
âYing couldnât possibly feed you as Mom does. Sheâs either going to teach you again or do it herselfâŚâ Vera thought to herself.
âExcuse me, then, Princess Nona. Here, open up.â
âAh⌠Thank you Sister Ying, youâre the best!!â
âHey!! What are you doing, Vera?! Thatâs disgusting!!â
Daisy, who was sitting opposite Vera, complained. Vera began to cough intensely. Worried, Liu Yue got to her feet and patted Vera on her back. Vera never expected Ying to go along with Nona.
âYing, whoâs always serious and without any expression is feeding Nona now? Sheâs also emitting such a tender glow. What exactly happenedâŚ? Is she still the Miss Ying who could slice a dragon open with one slash that I know?!â wondered Vera.
âVera, are you all right? Vera?!!!!â
A few men sitting at another table watching the group gave each other a small nod. One of them quietly instructed, âShe has to be the one. Sheâs the real one. The one up on the balcony last time mustâve been a replacement because thereâs no way she wouldnât have gone into hiding. Look, her guards are with her. That woman feeding the girl looks incredibly violent, while that girl has a sword on her. That magic one with a tail is probably also strong. Only the true ruler would be so heavily guarded when outside. She must be the actual Vera weâre targeting. Make sure to get your target right when itâs time!â