After observing the vial from various positions, Elaine failed to discern the uniqueness of its content from other viscous liquids. Suddenly, she noticed light rays bouncing off the container when slanting at a certain angle. She narrowed her eyes and inspected it closer, discovering tiny, meticulous silver character etchings on the transparent surface. Upon studying each glimmering word, Elaine realized it was a usage instruction.

  "Keep it close at all times," she read. The item appeared to serve a similar purpose to a protection talisman or relic. The association called to mind the previous night's ordeal and the maroon-colored bird. She removed a feather from under her pillow and placed it beside the vial, wondering if it also possessed properties to ward off the malicious beings. Despite its mysterious, sudden appearance, the bird rescued her from the sadistic beings' torture. The avian creatures had repeatedly saved her from perilous predicaments, yet seeking nothing in compensation.

  Elaine should be suspicious of their origin and intent. Instead, she felt a peculiar familiarity. But was it of crucial importance who controlled them? For her, only survival mattered. She lacked the leisure to discover every secret or decipher every puzzle crossing her path. Elaine decided she would happily accept the help in blissful ignorance rather than peeking behind the curtain.

  The sun soon dipped beneath the horizon as the sable veil embraced the twilight skies. The pale, double moons rose to their shared throne, casting silvery lights over the darkened world.

  Clara returned to her duty, assisting Cecil in guarding outside the chamber. Laying on her bed, Elaine held the crimson vial close to her chest, hoping for an uneventful night. It had been two days since her last undisturbed repose, and the exhaustion had drained the majority of her vitality. Her gaze drifted momentarily before finally succumbing to the beckoning slumber.

  When she again awoke, it was the following morning. Elaine rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the bright sun's rays seeping through the window. Glancing around, she was astonished yet overjoyed that she had slept through the night without disruption. It really works. Her hands tightly clutched the vial like a family heirloom. Perhaps with the protection, the troublesome creatures' relentless harassment would cease once and for all. Elaine regretted not seeking Elias' assistance sooner and sparing herself from the psychological suffering. However, she was uncertain about his disposition then and feared it would distort the original story. Even at the present moment, Elaine still pondered whether she had made the correct choice.

  Something caught in her peripheral vision, prompting Elaine to shift her gaze. She discovered a familiar object hanging outside—a feather similar to the one under her pillow. Elaine opened the window to fetch the item while speculating about its owner. Did the maroon-colored bird return last night? Did it leave one of its feathers behind to protect her from the creatures? The longer she contemplated, the more curious she became of the winged creature's origin.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "Milady, should I prepare your breakfast?" Mariam's voice reminded Elaine that the young maid was also in the room.

  Elaine pushed back her simmering curiosity and lifted her head. "No, let us join the others." She placed the second feather under her pillow.

  "As you wish, milady."

  When Elaine and her servants arrived at the dining areas, she immediately searched for the pair of striking amethyst eyes. He is not here. After a few seconds of scouring, her gaze lowered in disappointment. Whether it was out of obligation or other reasons, the male protagonist had assisted Elaine, and she felt compelled to express her gratitude.

  The blond-haired young man leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Milady, mayhap Sir d'Amboise is on the main deck."

  Elaine's eyes brightened, and she turned to look at him. "Thank you, Sir Ascania." Ignoring how Cecil knew what she sought, she glided down the hall and ascended the stairs. Her guard's advice proved correct. Upon reaching the main deck, Elaine finally located the person she had been searching for.

  Elias' poised figure stood with Clara beside the ship's railings, staring at the vast, cloudless skies. His eyes focused on an unknown distance while the young girl's gaze trailed after him. Absorbed in their own world, the two appeared detached from everyone else, untouched by the stirring of their surroundings.

  Elaine had accidentally encountered the same scene before. Though her reason each time was legitimate, she always felt awkward about disrupting the two. The black-haired young man's form shifted subtly as Elaine drew near. His tranquil gaze, unfathomable as the deep sea, descended with deliberate grace to meet hers. "Your mood has lightened, Lady Estella," he commented.

  "Yes, I had a restful night."

  "That is welcome news." The male protagonist nodded.

  Behind him, the raven-haired young girl bowed. However, before the girl could withdraw, Elaine raised a hand to stop her. "You can stay. I will leave here shortly." She then addressed Elias, "I wish to express my gratitude, milord. Once you decide on your request, I shall with pleasure reciprocate your generosity."

  Within reason, Elaine added the stipulation in her head.

  "It is my honor to assist you, milady," he replied.

  "If you would allow me one more question regarding item number six."

  "Of course." Elias glanced at Clara.

  The young girl immediately understood her commander's intent and took a few steps backward.

  Satisfied with his subordinate's distance, the black-haired young man snapped his fingers and erected the sound barrier, enveloping himself and Elaine. "Please voice your inquiry, Lady Estella."

  "Your blood," she began, articulating her thoughts into words. "Can it ward off the monsters in the Insidious Forest?" She wanted to know if the abominable fiends kidnapped her again, could she use the crimson vial to protect herself?

  Elias momentarily considered her question before answering, "The amount you possess is inadequate against the portal creatures' physical bodies."

  "I see." Though Elaine somewhat expected his response, she still felt despondent upon hearing it. She must find alternative methods to guarantee her safety. "Thank you, Sir d'Amboise."

  After completing her objective, Elaine took her leave and returned to her quarters. Since then, Clara continued to join Cecil in guarding Elaine's chamber every night. And each morning, she would find a feather hanging outside her window. The remaining times flowed in peaceful respite. Before long, after nine days had passed, the vessel finally docked in a small coastal kingdom on the edge of the Léonas Empire.