“Your Highness, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you?”
Rosetta carefully held Roman’s small hand, supporting it as she spoke gently.
She patted his flat little belly, and Roman nodded a bit awkwardly.
Rosetta rested her chin on her hand and, after some hesitation, said, “Today’s ceremony starts at ten o’clock. It’s only seven now. Let me take you for a walk around the Holy City.”
“Ah?”
Roman was a little startled.
“Is that… really okay?”
Clutching the hem of his skirt behind him, Roman squeezed his thighs together shyly.
“Uh.”
Rosetta had just wanted an excuse to take Roman to her Knight Order’s base to fill his stomach.
After all, that was her territory, and naturally the safest place where no commotion would arise.
“It’s alright. I know a place where I guarantee you won’t be frightened.”
Holding Roman’s small hand, Rosetta spoke sincerely.
It had to be said, Rosetta naturally possessed a trustworthy aura.
Maybe it was her innate righteousness and upright attitude.
Plus, since she had saved him from the witch’s bed, Roman couldn’t help but trust her, even though they’d only met twice.
“Then I’ll trouble you.”
Roman smiled modestly.
That one smile made the calm in Rosetta’s heart ripple again.
Holding Roman’s small hand to protect him looked like a delightful task, but for Rosetta, every second felt like torment.
Imagine if someone by your side could stir your heart with just a faint smile.
For others, it might be thrilling, but for her, such a person was nothing but torment.
It was like a dedicated ascetic who had endured for years suddenly encountering a bewitching little fox—constantly faced with temptations and challenges to the spirit, even if the other party was unaware.
“Please forgive me.”
Rosetta took a deep breath and, under Roman’s surprised gaze, bent down, wrapped an arm around the back of his knees, and lifted him into her embrace.
“Wh-What are you…?”
Roman looked at her, puzzled, seeing how she followed proper etiquette and avoided unnecessary contact.
The next second, Rosetta kicked off the ground, her slender figure suddenly bursting with strength as she soared into the sky with Roman.
“Wow…”
Roman exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
At first, he shrank into Rosetta’s embrace out of fear, but as a sense of safety returned, he found the scenery before him breathtakingly beautiful.
Saint City Osiris was known as the King of Ten Thousand Cities for a reason.
The Papal Palace was already at the city’s highest point.
Now, with Rosetta taking him into the sky, he could gaze over the entire Holy City, taking it all in at a glance.
Prosperity.
That was the first thought that came to him.
Besides that, he noticed that the city’s overall layout was extremely elegant—not just the Papal Palace being the center of attention, but a natural upward spiral, with abundant greenery.
It wasn’t the bustling metropolis he’d imagined, but instead, it held a romantic aura that blended with nature.
Enjoying the beauty of the Holy City from above was an indulgence in itself.
When Rosetta finally landed with Roman in her arms, he realized they had reached their destination.
“Are you comfortable?”
After setting Roman down, Rosetta asked with concern.
“I’m fine.”
Roman looked around, his eyes full of wonder.
This place resembled a castle, though not as grand as the Papal Palace.
Rosetta had landed with him atop a wall, and as he looked down, his gaze was filled with curiosity.
Below was a training ground, crowded with rows of women, each gripping a lance and performing synchronized movements.
As he watched, Roman’s delicate cheeks gradually turned red.
No wonder—the women below all seemed used to daily life here, each stripped down to a single chest-wrapping vest and matching fitted shorts.
“Cough, cough.”
Rosetta coughed awkwardly, covering her mouth. She stepped forward and gently pulled Roman away, not letting him look any longer.
“This is the residence of the Saint Key Knight Order. They’re all my… um, Knights.”
By the end, Rosetta was thoroughly embarrassed.
These half-naked women below always behaved more wildly in the absence of men, almost exercising in the nude.
In her opinion, this was improper. Even when training, she wore her daily light armor, persisting in her ascetic routines.
It was not only for physical strength but also for inner discipline. Much of Rosetta’s strength came from this.
Of course, expecting these proud girls to follow her example was a bit much.
Next, Rosetta led Roman to her office.
Clean, tidy, spotless.
Roman ran his fingers across Rosetta’s desk, silently impressed.
It made him think of Luo Xiya’s office. Compared to Rosetta, Luo Xiya was far more indulgent.
There wasn’t even a sofa in the whole room, not to mention all the chairs were hard wood.
Seeing this, Rosetta hurriedly fetched a soft cushion and placed it on Roman’s chair.
What a joke. She could be strict with herself, but there was no way she’d let His Highness suffer.
Only after sitting did Roman understand Rosetta’s intentions.
This was her domain, and eating here was naturally the safest.
The Holy Throne’s orders were also that no one was to learn Roman’s identity before the ceremony.
“There’s a dedicated kitchen here. I’ll go get you some breakfast.”
Rosetta spoke softly from the side.
“Thank you.”
Roman smiled politely at her.
Watching Rosetta’s slightly flustered figure, Roman placed his hands neatly on his knees, sitting upright.
His curiosity was piqued by something on the desk.
Was that… a newspaper?
Roman picked it up eagerly and began to read.
Then—his gaze froze.
Because the first thing he saw in the center of the paper was that face.
A young Count, an invincible Sword Dancer, the most dazzling new star on the Continent…
A series of somewhat exaggerated titles proclaimed her status.
Roman reached out, gently touching Luo Xiya’s confident features.
The photographer had chosen a perfect angle, capturing her innate, overwhelming pride.
She was exactly as he remembered—blade-sharp, yet beautifully radiant.
“Luo Xiya-neesan, we’ll meet again soon.”
Roman pressed his finger to his lips, then gently touched Luo Xiya’s face in the paper.
As Roman sank into sweet memories and nostalgia, a voice suddenly came from the doorway, followed by the sound of the door swinging open.
“Captain! Today’s morning training is compl—”
The energetic voice abruptly cut off when it saw Roman.