Sympathy Side Character

Chapter 8

The birds and butterflies flying around, the perfect weather, the sounds of chirping. 'What a perfect time for strolls...'

Etelle find it very frustrating. She don't know whether it's a blessing or what that they thought she's in heat. Nevertheless, she kept on clinging in Miko, not letting go of the opportunity to hold Miko's yummy biceps.

"I still don't understand why he clings on Miko." Zion murmured silently as he watch the two from afar.

When they reached the outside of the gate of the Dukedom, he glance at Etelle. Etelle is wearing a choker the doctor gave him, in case they lose him. He's wearing a loose plain white shirt and black shorts. Thankfully, they managed to make Etelle wear black knee-high boots.

They were greeted by a coachman and a big carriage with a black rose on it.

"Greetings, your grace." The coachman and the knights greeted him.

"Is it ready?" Zion asked, secretly taking glance at Etelle.

The coachman nod his head uttering a yes before opening the carriage's door.

Etelle frowned. The sight in front of her is luxurious. When she first ride the Duke's carriage at the time she was rescued, she didn't had any chance to take a look nor enjoy the inside of it. Buy now, she can clearly see the golds and diamonds attached as decorations.

'If I sell this, I'll probably be able to feed myself for decades!'

It's not a good idea though, after all it have an emblem of Dukedom Zachary.

Then she noticed a basket placed on one of the seats, it's full of strawberries, chocolates and even vanilla flavoured candies.

Miko noticed that Etelle's eyes are shining, focused on the candies that the Duke prepared. He tried to take the kid off from hugging his body but failed. He soon gave up and decided to get inside the carriage, and sit near the basket just so the kid could reach it even when he's clinging on him.

Zion's face twitched in annoyance. He's the one who prepared the carriage— well not realy because he told his butler to prepare it— but still!

That ungrateful strawberry haired kid doesn't even utter a thank you— not like he can— or acknowledge his efforts!

He tsked and got inside as well, intently watching the kid chump on the candies while clinging on his personal knight.

The carriage soon moved. The journey was filled with silence.

"Etelle." a deep manly voice called out.

Etelle didn't even budge.

"Etelle." again.

This time, Etelle's humanoid but a little pointed ears twitched.

"Etelle." without any hint of annoyance, the cold voice called once again.

This time, Etelle raised her head, meeting Zion's blue eyes. To her surprise, when she raised her head and responded to his call, his pinkish lips formed a small but satisfied smile.

"That's right. You're Etelle." he raised his hands and caress her head. "Good boy."

'... Does he think I'm a dog?'

Pissed by the Duke's treatment, Etelle showed her short but sharp canines, that shocked the Duke and took back his hand, afraid of being bitten.

Miko saw it and snickered, earning a glare from the Duke.

Then suddenly, the silent kid let go of Miko, as if he never clung on him. That shocked the two but before they could even react, Etelle stood up and hurriedly ran out, almost breaking the door open.

"Wait— Etelle!" Zion tried to reach out on her.

Etelle jump out of the carriage, causing the horse to neigh and abruptly stop.

Miko and Zion went out worriedly as soon as the carriage stopped.

What met them is a noisy crowd. They are focused on the side of the road.

Miko saw an nither carriage beside the crowd.

Zion went through the crowd, he have a guts that Etelle is there. He's worried that he might get in trouble.

When he finally broke through, he agape at the sight.

Etelle is hugging an injured blonde haired girl. She's almost the same age as Zion. But that is not what surprised him. It's because, that girl is familiar— no, not just familiar! There's no way no one in the empire would not know her!

"Your Royal Highness, Princess Crista?"

The crying girl turned her head to Zion. Then she tighten her hug to Etelle.

"You got it wrong! Before you accuse him, I'll say it! This cute kid saved me!" then she started wailing like an infant.

But, what is she saying? Etelle saved her? Then his eyes met Etelle's who are looking at him with pure confusion.

Zion sighed and massaged his aching forehead. "Can you please tell me what happened?"

The Princess Crista's knight helped her stand up. She did stood up though, but she still not letting go of Etelle.

This reminds Zion of how Etelle was clinging on Miko just a moment ago. Seems like,the situation got reversed.

"This kid saved me. I was about to get hit by that carriage." she pointed at the carriage that Miko saw, beside it is a man kneeling, apprehended by two knights who are wearing Royal uniforms. "Then he appeared like a knight in shining armor! He's so cute when he run to me! The surroundings was slow motion and then bam! He hugged me like a prince charming! Hihi."

Zion is bewildered. He don't understand what is happening but he don't understand the Princess' explanations either.

"First, let's get the Princess to the Palace to get treated. We shall talk this in private, away from the crowd."

He took a chain on his pocked and attached it on Etelle's choker gently.

The Princess saw it. "What— hey! You meanie! Cutie is not a dog! Why are you leashing him!?"

Zion didn't even look at her. "This is recommended by a doctor and Your Highness, his name is Etelle not cutie."

The Princess' eyes glint in happiness. She once again stare at Etelle with admiration. "Ohhh! So your name is Etelle!? Oh my! You're name is as cute as you!" then she hug me once again.

Etelle stared at her blankly.

As much as Zion don't want to use the leash on the poor kid, he can't afford to lose him again. He's glad that Etelle is safe but... It's quite annoying how the Princess is clinging him.