Kael opened his mouth to reply, wanting to say that she, too insulted him in front of her teammates back then. They were also strangers to him, but the words caught in his throat as he remembered that Shiera is still a 17-year-old girl who only knows fighting against monsters, traveling in the wilderness. Moreover, she is the next Queen, and that pride will not let her be insulted by anyone.
He looked at her for a few more seconds and finally broke the silence, letting out a sigh. His voice turned softer as he said. "I didn't mean to embarrass you. I was just trying to lighten the mood. I didn't realize it would hurt you like that. I'm sorry."
Shiera looked away, crossing her arms. "Well, as long as you understand that."
He gave a faint smile and was about to say something, but then something clicked in his mind, and he couldn't help but ask. "Umm… by the way, I have something to tell you, you know, just in case, the issue will get blown up again."
"What is it?"
