"…Farewell," Dante muttered, his voice flat, dead, utterly defeated.
Pah-!!!
The sudden sound of leather splitting air cracked through the chamber. The knight's whip lashed across Dante's back, cutting into flesh with a single strike.
"AGHHHH!" Dante screamed, his body arching from the pain. A crimson welt tore open instantly, blood staining his shirt. The whip carried the force of the knight's trained arm, far harsher than any human lash.
The knight's face darkened. Gone was the laughter from a second ago, replaced by thunderous rage. "Is that how a lowly servant addresses two nobles?! I thought you knew your manners, but it seems you still have much to learn!"
Dante shook violently, tears spilling down his face. The agony was one thing, but the humiliation cut deeper.
Forcing himself, he turned toward Bruce and Sophie. His entire body bowed low, pressing his forehead to the ground again, trembling.
"Farewell… relative Bruce… and Sophie Ackerman…" His words broke halfway, pain twisting his tongue.
It was wrong, of course. Bruce and Sophie weren't married. But whether the knight noticed or not, he didn't correct it. Perhaps he ignored it. Perhaps he simply enjoyed watching Dante grovel.
Beside Bruce, Sophie's expression didn't change much. That soft, elegant smile still played on her lips, though her eyes glimmered like sharpened steel. She said nothing, but her hand brushed lightly against Bruce's arm, a silent show of support, subtle, steady, unwavering.
Bruce didn't need to look at her. Just the touch was enough.
The Holy Knight turned to Bruce, extending his hand. His grip was firm, his tone respectful.
"What do you think of this slave's performance and manners?"
Bruce clasped the knight's hand, his nod deliberate. It was a pitiful sight, a grown man sobbing and groveling like a child, but Bruce was satisfied nonetheless.
"A bit of shame to see," Bruce said evenly, "but… yes. I'm satisfied."
"Good." The knight smiled, clearly pleased. "I'm sure he'll fare well in the Emperor's palace."
Bruce's reply came smoothly, the words flowing without hesitation. Sophie had already briefed him on what to say, guiding him in the nuances of this world's customs. Even with his lack of memory, he acted naturally. Family ties were important here, and even when kin betrayed blood, appearances still mattered. He had to at least act as if he got a bit of care for his relative despite the atrocities he committed.
"Indeed," Bruce answered.
The guard nodded again, a smile tugging at his lips. Then, glancing between them, he added with a wink, "What a good-looking couple you two are… Treat her well, or I might just take her from you."
Sophie flushed, heat rushing to her cheeks. She quickly turned her gaze aside, hiding her expression. The knight, oblivious, had no idea he was teasing Sophie Reign, the daughter of Bane Reign himself. If he had, he would have chosen his words far more carefully.
With that, the knight tugged Dante away in chains.
Bruce gave a small smile at the parting tease, but beside him, Sophie was still blushing furiously. Her fingers rubbed lightly against his hand, her touch gentle, almost shy.
"I can't believe him…" she muttered, half embarrassed, half amused. "First he calls us a couple, and then Dante, calling us Bruce and Sophie Ackerman…" Her lips curled into a teasing smile.
Bruce chuckled, a rare and genuine sound. "Hahaha! That part was hilarious."
Sophie stopped walking for a heartbeat, staring at him. The sight of his laughter, warm, unguarded, so different from his usual calm exterior, made her heart tremble.
She smiled, lips parting softly as a thought bloomed inside her. 'How I wish we could get married this instant…'
Her chest felt tight, her heart beating so fast it was almost painful. And then, unable to resist, she leaned in.
Her plump lips brushed against his cheek, leaving the faintest rosy mark on his jaw.
....
Outside the Order of Knights' base, Bruce and Sophie walked side by side, their shadows stretching across the cobbled street.
Sophie stole a quick glance at him, then quickly looked away, her cheeks warming. She cleared her throat softly, trying to break the silence.
"You know, Bruce… we've been dating for a while, but you've never actually taken me on a date," she said, half-teasing, half-serious. "The Adventurer's Guild is pouring a lot into this year's test. If you take part, you'll earn more than enough for anything we'd need. I can wait until then, really… I know things are hard with your family right now. A date at a time like this wouldn't be right anyway."
Her tone was light, but the way she fiddled with her sleeve betrayed her nerves.
Bruce arched a brow at her. "Are you insulting me, Sophie?"
Her eyes widened. "W–what? No! I didn't mean it like that—"
"Haha!" Bruce cut her off with a laugh. "You act so cute when I tease you."
Sophie's face turned a deeper shade of red. She nudged his arm with her elbow, pouting.
"Oh, Bruce… don't tease me like that." Her lips curved into a shy smile. "You bad boy. You're getting more mischievous with every passing moment."
Bruce grinned, leaning slightly toward her. "So I'm the mischievous one, huh? I'm not the one who tricked her boyfriend just to sneak a kiss on his cheek."
Her blush deepened instantly. She had no counter for that. He had caught her fair and square. Sophie bit her lip, and for once, she was the one left speechless.
Bruce chuckled, enjoying the rare sight of her defeated in their little game. Just like that, he had won their playful sparring match of words.
His laughter faded, and he glanced at her with a more serious look. "Sophie…"
She tilted her head, curious. "Hmm?"
"Is there any place or market nearby where I can get mutant beasts?"