The sound of my boots against the dusty ground was the only thing I could hear as I walked away from the arena, chewing my bubble gum, the faint tang of strawberry lingering on my tongue.

    Behind me, the echoes of the crowd''s murmurs faded as I made my way to clear my thoughts.

    Just as I was about to turn a corner, a sharp, commanding voice rang out, cutting through the air like a blade.

    "Stop right there," a woman''s voice called out.

    I turned around, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity. A tall, regal woman approached, her flowing gown catching the sunlight, making her look almost ethereal. Behind her stood two guards wearing shimmering silver armor, their hands resting on their swords.

    The Queen standing in front of me with a cool expression. She fixed her piercing gaze on me.

    I stood still, one hand casually in my jacket''s pocket as I blew a bubble and popped it, tilting my head.

    "Your Majesty," I said, bowing my head slightly, but keeping my posture loose.

    She took a step closer, her guards copying her every move.

    "I have a question for you, Cutiepie," she began, her tone sharp yet composed. "Was cutting off Braun''s arm really necessary? Surely you understand that such actions are against the rules of this tournament. Interfering in a duel, is punishable. So tell me—what made you think it was your place?"

    Her words carried weight, but I didn''t flinch. Meeting her eyes, I shrugged.

    "The battle was officially over. Braun lost, fair and square. But instead of accepting that, he decided to go rogue and tried to kill Seraphine. If I hadn''t stepped in, she''d be dead. And rules or not, I''m not going to stand by while my friend''s life is on the line. So no, I don''t think I broke any rules."

    The Queen studied me for a moment, her sharp eyes unwavering. Her guards tensed slightly, but she lifted a hand, signaling them to stand down.@@@@

    "You''re bold," she finally said, her voice softer but still laced with authority. "And reckless."

    I didn''t say anything, simply holding her gaze.

    She sighed, a faint exhale of breath that seemed to carry the weight of a decision.

    "But," she continued, "you''re right. What Braun did was unacceptable. He dishonored himself and this tournament. If you hadn''t stepped in, I would have executed him on the spot. So in a way, you saved me the trouble."

    A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved her lips. "Thank you for that."

    I slightly noded and said. "Umm..yeah...No problem..I guess..."

    "C-Cutiepie..." a soft voice interrupted.

    I turned my gaze to Seraphine, her eyelids fluttering open. Her silver eyes met mine.

    The medics exchanged glances, uneasy. "Sir, you need to leave. It''s hard on her body if she engages in conversation right now."

    I didn''t move. Instead, I spoke calmly but firmly. "You all can go. I''ll heal her myself."

    The medics blinked at me, stunned. "Heal her? You''re not even part of the medical unit. How do you plan to—"

    "Go..." Seraphine said, her voice faint. "You all...go...." Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire

    The medics hesitated, confused between protocol and the patient''s wish.

    "It''ll be okay," I said, my tone even. "Just five minutes. Then you can come in."

    After a moment of hesitation, they nodded reluctantly and left the room, casting wary glances back at me as they closed the door behind them.

    I pulled up a chair beside Seraphine''s bed, leaning forward slightly. She looked at me, her lips curving into a weak smile.

    "Cutiepie..." she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Yeah," I replied softly. "I''m here, Seraphine.."

    I reached out and gently took her hand in mine. Her fingers felt fragile, almost weightless, as though even holding them normally might hurt her.

    "How are you feeling?" I asked.

    Her lips curving into a faint smile.

    "Nothing... except pain," she said.

    I couldn''t help but smile back, though it felt bittersweet. "Stupid question," I muttered, shaking my head at myself.

    "So... what are you here for?" she asked, her voice curious yet tired.

    "To heal you, obviously," I replied, my tone serious, my gaze meeting hers.