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.

of the Sky Army Group. It looked like an impregnable fort, and it was bigger and more majestic than

when she had to tell Rocky about the places they went to, and even then, she kept them as brief as possible. However, despite her silence, she kept stealing glances at Rocky all

looking at her. Finally, Rocky was fed up and

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 it wasn't like he would miss

won 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 around.

crush on me?" Rocky suddenly

and thundered inside her chest. He hit the nail right on its head, although she 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 him as

and he lowered his head closer to hers so that he could peer into her eyes. Panic and shame dilated her pupils, and her face was a bright crimson, so she didn't want to look at him. But once their eyes met, she could not look

want you to look me in the eyes and repeat what 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

don't want to! You can believe me or not. I don't care!" Shirley exclaimed, struggling to look away from him again. She bit her lips in embarrassment, and

different story." Rocky probed

did my grandfather say to you?" Shirley asked, feeling

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

be happy because he valued every one of them. Isis had a child with him; Sabina had supported him for so long; Lucilla had given up everything for him, and he always felt guilty

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

after she had been