The Medallion

"I'm relieved to hear that, Chief Bryant," Rocky said with a smile.

While they were talking, a graceful and plump figure came in. She had a cold expression on her face, but as soon as she saw Rocky, her face brightened with happiness though it was only for a moment.

"It's nice to see you, Miss Shirley." Rocky recognized her immediately. It was Shirley who just came in.

"What are you doing here?" Although Shirley was happy to see Rocky, she hid it well and spoke to him in the same arrogant voice she often used.

"I'm here to talk with Chief Bryant," Rocky replied, not minding the cold treatment from her, as he was already used to it.

"Oh, I see," she answered, suddenly hesitant, as she looked from Rocky to Bryant. Finally, she felt that she had disturbed them, so she nodded at them politely and turned away. "I'm sorry I disturbed your conversation then. I'll go out first."

But before she could leave, Bryant stopped her. "Wait. We are done here, actually. And it's the first time that Prince Crimson has come to our Sky Army Group, so why don't you show him around for me?" he suggested.

Shirley hesitantly faced them, a look of unwillingness on her face. Unfortunately, she couldn't say no to Chief Bryant, so she just looked at Rocky, expecting him to turn the offer down.

However, Rocky had no reason to turn down Bryant's offer. It would be impolite to reject his kindness after all. So, he stood up and bowed a little toward Bryant before he walked to Shirley. "Thank you, Chief Bryant. I will be happy to see your Sky Army Group. Thank you, Miss Shirley, for your time."

Shirley snorted slightly and didn't deign to reply to Rocky. Then, she walked out without waiting for Rocky, who hurried after her after nodding at Bryant one last time.

strolled around the base camp of the Sky Army Group. It looked like an impregnable fort, and it was bigger

most of the tour, except when she had to tell Rocky about the places they went to, and even then, she kept them as brief

felt that Rocky wasn't looking at her. Finally, Rocky was fed up and asked her bluntly, "Do you have something to say

you talking about? I have nothing to say to you!" Shirley contradicted. She lied because she was flustered and didn't know what to say to Rocky. She had a lot of questions for him, but didn't know where to start. This was the first time that they were alone since Rocky refused her in person. Although they saw each other several times a day when she stayed in Crimson City, they didn't talk at all, and Shirley had deliberately kept her distance from him. Besides, there were always other women around him, and they all seemed to enjoy being around him, so

recognition everywhere he went. Even though she was also proud of him, Shirley could not accept such a big change. What troubled her even more was that during her stay in Crimson City, she became more and more attracted to him, and she couldn't take her eyes away from him as long as he was

on me?" Rocky suddenly stopped

could not even admit it to herself. Instead of answering, she avoided his eyes and hastened her steps, as she tried to get away from

take one more step, Rocky grabbed her hand and pulled her abruptly. He forced her to look at him, and he lowered his head closer to hers so that he could peer into her eyes. Panic and shame dilated

you just said. I won't believe you if you can't say it to my face," said Rocky lowly, and his husky voice and warm breath tickled her ears. On the other hand, he was frowning sternly. His worries seemed

from him again. She bit her lips in embarrassment, and soon, it was almost as red as her face.

Chief Bryant told me a different story." Rocky probed deeper as he studied her face intently.

my grandfather say to you?"

all the women around me. If you want to become one of them, I can't stop you. Honestly, I don' know how to deal with relationships, and I never intended to cause such a situation, though I hope I can figure it out one day. I owe them all as much. But for all the people close to me, I will cherish and protect anyone of them. That is my only promise," Rocky frankly answered. He knew that the relationship between the girls and him was too complicated to sort out, and he was also reluctant to include Shirley, as it could become even more complicated. Fortunately, they were kind to each other like real sisters and

them. Isis had a child with him; Sabina had supported him for so long; Lucilla had given up everything for him, and

tendency, Rocky hoped that he could nip it in the bud because he didn't want to see her fall deeper and deeper

she had been silent for a while, lost in her