Max couldn't help but feel let down by her passive attitude and retorted, "What are you saying? If we…" he trailed off, for the lady was staring at him with teary eyes. His hesitation was worsened by the recollections of the night she had fallen asleep with the sleeping incense and had confessed, "I was so scared from the thought that something might have happened to you…"

Was she worried about him at this instant as well? Like any time they were faced with conflicts, Max decided to let her win again. "We will go back, then," he sighed. Jubelian showed a soft smile in response.

"Where do you think you're going? Do you think I will let you?" Mikhail provoked from afar. Max gritted his teeth as he watched the man's crazed expression. He then smirked, realizing he could take care of the b*stard once and for all. He could tell Mikhail possessed some swordsmanship skills, but it was nothing that Max couldn't deal with. Deciding to behead the man, Max moved his hand once again to draw his sword. However, Jubelian grabbed his hand tightly.

"Stop the nonsense, Mikhail. I will not tolerate your loathsome acts any longer," the lady cautioned.

***

I honestly didn't know where the courage to say such a thing sprung out from. But one thing was clear—I didn't want Max to be harmed because of me. No matter how strong he was, he couldn't fight against all of the marquis' knights.

As expected, Mikhail doubted my words from far away. "'Tolerate?' Jubelian, are you putting trust in that commoner of yours to act high and mighty toward me?"

Although I was indescribably frightened just moments ago, I strangely did not feel terrified anymore. Perhaps it was because Max was near me. Telling myself everything would be okay since I was not alone, I glared at Mikhail.

"Do you think that man alone can stand against my family's knights?" he jeered.

"And you believe that your knights will be able to triumph against mine?" I shot back.

Mikhail froze in place at my goading and turned his attention to Max. "You, have you not come alone?"

"Of course I—" Max began to answer proudly, to which I—fortunately—stopped him prematurely by pinching his hand. His face crumpled, and he stared at me in annoyance. How could he have no common sense?!

"Of course he has not come alone! Think logically, would you have done such a thing?" I quickly intercepted, to which Mikhail's amethyst eyes lost their frenzy as if he had come back to his senses. Now that I had his attention, I would be able to make him apologize for what he had done.

"I would go alone," Max suddenly muttered under his breath. I scowled at him. From the moment he had appeared, he had done nothing to help me.

In any case, I was afraid that Mikhail had heard the soft murmur, so I noted in haste, "It is true that I have caused a ruckus in this place today, so I will be grateful if you would let us go in peace." I couldn't lie—I was afraid of what he would say next, but I kept my head high as I waited for his answer.

"Get out of here," Mikhail snarled through his teeth.

'Thank the heavens.' Letting out a sigh of relief, I released Max's hand that I had been clutching onto. Max lifted me into his arms and scowled at Mikhail.

"If you dare to do such a thing like this again… I will behead you," he threatened.

Was he not afraid of anything? Worried that an assassin might be sent to Max's residence, I glared at Mikhail menacingly. Perhaps he was intimidated, for he remained standing in one place and did not follow us. His eyes, however, did not leave mine until I turned away.