Chapter 8: Oh Deer, Things Just Got Weird

"Lydia." Ephraim’s voice was quieter than usual. "Can you hear me? Are you hurt?"

The young woman in his arms stirred. Her silvery-blue hair was slightly messy, with faint traces of dried blood around her nose and lips.

"Ephraim?"

She blinked at the unfamiliar surroundings as she woke.

Ephraim gently helped Lydia sit up. Once she was steady, he carefully wiped the dried blood from her nose and lips with a silk handkerchief.

"You’re hurt." His voice remained calm as he cleaned the remaining blood from her lips. "And you still thought it was a good idea to throw yourself into danger."

Lydia frowned weakly. "You were the one trying to kill everyone."

"I was not in my right mind."

"Exactly." Lydia nodded faintly. "I’ll add that to another compensation charge. You better not be complaining."

Ephraim gave her a faint smile. "Why would I complain? After everything that happened today, watching you worry about compensation is strangely entertaining."

"Yeah, whatever."

He slipped an arm around her back and gently helped Lydia to her feet.

After checking on her for the fifth time, much to Lydia’s growing annoyance and protests that she was perfectly fine, Ephraim finally released her and let her stand on her own.

"This forest felt nice and peaceful." Lydia hummed as they explored the serene forest.

The last thing she remembered was pouring everything she had to guide Ephraim as the darkness inside his Spiritual Domain tried to swallow them both.

Now, they were walking through a peaceful forest beneath a clear blue sky. Warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting gentle patches of light across the grass.

"I’ve never felt this peaceful in my Spiritual Domain before." Ephraim scanned the giant meadow in front of them. "How did an F-Rank Guide like you do this?"

"I wish I knew the answer. Your Spiritual Domain sure has terrible mood swings. One second, it was trying to swallow us both. Now it’s peaceful enough for a picnic."

Ephraim gave Lydia a flat look but decided not to bother arguing with her as they continued forward.

After a while, Ephraim suddenly stopped as his crimson eyes were fixed on something deeper within the forest. Lydia almost bumped into him.

He swore he could hear a faint sound. It was almost like the soft chiming of a bell.

You don’t have to fight alone anymore.

Ephraim knew that voice way too well.

"Did you say something, Lydia?"

"No. I didn’t say anything."

The voice was unmistakably familiar. It was Lydia’s. But the young woman beside him clearly had no idea what he mentioned about.

The voice still lingered in his mind, gentle and warm, reaching straight into the deepest part of his spirit.

"How strange."

"What?"

Ephraim shifted in front of Lydia without another word, his golden lion ears twitching toward the trees.

"Something is coming.

Lydia tensed behind him, waiting for whatever was approaching. Soft rustling came from the trees, but instead of a monster, a white deer popped out!

Soft bleats echo the whole forest as the white deer prancing lightly. Her hooves didn’t even touch the ground. It was as if she was flowing with every step. Its pure white coat shimmered beneath the sunlight.

Two elegant ivory-colored antlers rose from her head. The striking difference between her pure white coat and large blue eyes made it look ethereal.

"What is that?"

The white deer floated in front of Lydia and nuzzled against her palm like an affectionate pet.

"Wait. Don’t tell me... She’s my Spirit Animal?!"

Curious about its antlers, Ephraim reached out and rubbed one. Slowly, then aggressively after he felt its silkiness. The deer snorted and immediately jabbed Ephraim with its antler.

"Ouch! She’s a feisty one. I’m 100% sure this must be your Spirit Animal."

"What do you mean? And don’t hurt my little baby!"

With a quick tug, Lydia pulled the deer against her and wrapped both arms around its soft fur, shielding it from Ephraim’s wandering hand.

The white deer bleated happily in her embrace before its body dissolved into silvery-white light. The warm light flowed into Lydia’s chest, leaving a gentle warmth behind.

I’m with you now.

"Did you hear that, Ephra—"

The words never finished as the forest around Lydia and Ephraim began dissolving. When they opened their eyes again, the forest was gone, replaced by the familiar grounds of Belfort University.

"Huh? We’re back."

Several damaged security spheres quickly hovered around them, their emergency lights blinking weakly.

Ephraim’s golden lion ears and tail were already gone, leaving him in his normal human form again.

"Your Highness, please remain where you are for safety measures."

Professors and students hurried toward them, but stopped several meters away from Ephraim.

The fear from earlier had not completely disappeared. Everyone still remembered the Crown Prince losing control of his Resonance and almost attacking the students.

Even though Ephraim seemed perfectly fine now, nobody wanted to take unnecessary chances.

"I understand." Ephraim gave a small nod.

"Lady Valendorf, are you injured?"

"I’m tired, but I’m fine."

A professor approached Lydia, drawing the attention of the students nearby.

"Did you guide the Crown Prince?"

"Aparrently."

Loud murmurs filled the whole campus ground as students grew more curious.

"Did the Crown Prince really come back to his senses?"

"Stop saying such nonsense. An F-Rank Guide like Lady Valendorf couldn’t possibly guide an S-Rank Sentinel like him."

"He must have gotten lucky."

Lydia heard every word but didn’t bother responding.

Before she could think any further, several people in dark Imperial uniforms entered the campus. The Golden lion insignia on their uniforms immediately drew everyone’s attention.

"Your Highness, Lady Valendorf. Under Imperial Authority protocol, we need to conduct a post-Rift safety examination."

The Imperial Authority was responsible for Sentinel and Guide regulations, Dimensional Rift safety, and investigations into dangerous Resonance incidents.

Since the Crown Prince had nearly lost control of his Resonance during the Rift, their arrival was something to be expected.

The official raised a sleek silver device and swept it over Ephraim. A transparent display appeared above it, filled with blue readings.

[Resonance Stress: 6%]

"Resonance level is stable, and there’s no trace of miasma or corruption remaining," the official confirmed. "His Spirit Animal is also showing no abnormal reaction."

The device shifted toward Lydia, projecting another set of readings.

"Your Guide power is weak, as expected for an F-Rank Guide. However, there’s no sign of miasma or corruption in your body."

Lydia nodded. "So we’re fine?"

"Yes. Both of you are safe."

A quiet murmur passed through the crowd.

"You are cleared to leave," the official announced. "However, the Imperial Authority will investigate the Dimensional Rift incident further."

Lydia nodded. "That sounds like a lot of paperwork."

"Official reports are mandatory under Article 58 of the Sentinel and Guide Act. Such matters are not to be treated lightly, Lady Valendorf. As a Guide involved in a Dimensional Rift incident, you should understand the importance of fulfilling this responsibility."

Arguing with Ephraim was out of the question once he slipped back into his Crown Prince persona and addressed her so formally.

Yep. There he was. Mr. Fake Charming Prince. I was sure he’d get extra wrinkles sooner or later from that stiff smile.

He’s lucky to have a presentable face and body. Otherwise, who would put up with him with all of that awful personality?

A polite smile graced Ephraim’s lips when he caught her rolling her eyes on him.

But Lydia was too tired to care or put a facade in front of him, anyway. Especially when she was drained from pouring her mental power to guide him.

"Thank you for your concern. Lady Valendorf and I are both safe, but she has been through enough for today. I will accompany her back to her dorm so she can rest."

His attention shifted to the Imperial Authority officials.

"As for the investigation, I will provide any further information required tomorrow morning. Until then, you may proceed with the necessary preparations. Everyone, you may return to your duties now."

His firm tone made it clear that the matter was settled.

With the crowd still watching, Ephraim settled a hand against Lydia’s back and guided her away from the gathered students and professors.

Lydia didn’t bother to argue. She was too exhausted to deal with another crowd, and having Ephraim clear a path for her was convenient enough.

They had barely left the campus grounds when Ephraim sensed something.

"What is it, Ephraim?"

A faint presence brushed against Ephraim’s heightened Sentinel senses.

His crimson eyes shifted toward a nearby rooftop. A dark figure stood there, watching them from the shadows.

The moment their eyes met, the mysterious man turned and leaped across the gap between buildings.

By the time Ephraim reached the edge of the campus path, the rooftop was already empty.

Someone had been watching him and Lydia.

But who?