Amon remained standing in his position, looking in the direction where she had gone.

His hand slowly rose, touching the place where he had felt her soft lips.

His fingers brushed gently against his own lips.

With a quiet, thoughtful expression, he muttered, "I guess you don’t always need to say ’I love you’ to convey your feelings. There are other ways as well."

He wasn’t saying this just because she had kissed him. He said it because both Amon and Scarlett had been hiding their feelings for each other over the days in their own ways. Through their actions, through their expressions, through their concern. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Not once had Amon told her that he loved her, nor had she. But they both knew how they felt about each other.

A soft smile appeared on his face as he let out a small laugh. "Hehe~"

Now, he was completely sure about his feelings.

’Next time when I meet her... I will tell her I love you~ Amon thought,’ already imagining their next meeting.

While he was lost in those thoughts, a crisp feminine voice came from behind him.

With a teasing smile, the voice said, "My~ my~ such open romance. Showing off love to everyone. And that too between a human and a vampire. So bold! You really are something, young man."

Amon was pulled out of his thoughts. Slightly startled, he turned back to see who was speaking.

His eyes widened a little upon seeing a breathtaking beauty standing there.

A woman around six feet tall stood before him.

She wore a white shirt with a dark brown jacket over it, paired with black trousers and leather boots.

Her waist-length orange hair was tied into a single thick braid.

Her light blue eyes, like the clear sky, observed him with amusement.

Her skin was smooth and fair, and her physique was athletic and mature. Her chest was prominent even beneath the jacket, not overly large but perfectly proportioned. But on bigger side.

Not like Adelia or Scarlett.

Her hips were wide, and the tight trousers showed off her muscular, thick thighs.

A wide smile rested on her face as she looked at Amon.

For some reason, Amon felt a strange sense of familiarity from her.

Beside her stood a woman in a maid outfit. Her shoulder-length black hair flowed loosely, and her expression was calm and indifferent.

And on the other side, there was a familiar face.

Amon blinked. "Roland?"

Roland gave a light grin and said, "So you actually did it. You made her your woman. Congratulations, man. It must be sad to part away from her."

Amon’s cheeks turned slightly pink as he awkwardly coughed.

With a shy expression, he replied, "I mean... well, it kind of happened. And thanks. Also, yes, it’s kind of sad to be separated from her."

The orange-haired woman suddenly stepped closer, her expression soft and amused, as if watching a cute, pitiful child who was sad about something. Which made her feel bad yet she couldn’t help but think they are cute.

With a playful tone, she said, "Aww~ look at you, cutie."

She placed her palm on Amon’s head and gently stroked his hair like that on kid.

Amon didn’t pull away, but with a curious expression, he asked, "Ma’am, who might you be? Do I know you?"

He genuinely had no idea who she was.

The woman stopped patting him and stepped back.

She suddenly put on a hurt expression and said dramatically, "You... how could you forget me? Don’t you remember the night we spent together?"

Amon’s eyes widened in shock. "What the—!?"

Nearby, Roland was equally stunned as he stepped forward. "W-wait! What? What am I hearing? Is that true?"

The maid finally sighed softly and stepped in to clear the misunderstanding.

With a calm voice, she said, "My lady, please don’t tease him. Just be straightforward."

"Hahahaha!" The woman burst into laughter. "Okay, Sophie, I’ll stop joking."

Only after hearing that it was a joke did Amon relax.

Roland also shaked his head at the weird joke.

Letting out a sigh, Amon muttered, "Oh... I thought I lost my virginity without remembering anything."

The woman stared at him in disbelief. "Wha–what? Boy, you can’t say such things or words so easily!" she scolded while shaking her head.

Then she folded her arms and looked at him with a slight smile. "Anyways, it seems you really don’t remember me."

Amon shook his head honestly. "Yes, I don’t."

With a slightly excited tone, she said, "Boy, it’s me! The person because of whom you were able to join Arcadia Academy."

Amon froze for a moment.Then realization struck him.

His eyes widened. The memory surfaced, the drunk woman he had helped, the one who gave him the golden ticket.

With disbelief, he said, "Then... are you Duchess Elizabeth? Duchess of Astron?"

She grinned proudly. "Yep! That’s me!"

Amon’s jaw dropped for a second before his face lit up with a wide smile.

"Oh, Duchess Elizabeth! I cannot believe it’s you!"

He immediately bowed respectfully.

With sincere gratitude, he said, "I was able to join the academy and become stronger only because of you."

She crossed her arms confidently. "I know."

"The reason why I am here today is all because of you," Amon continued earnestly.

She nodded proudly. "Yes, that’s tru– wait? You mean it’s because of me that you got stuck on that island?"

Amon quickly waved his hands. "No! No! I mean I am strong now, stronger than ever. All because of you. Thank you."

She relaxed and smiled. "It’s alright."

Then Amon turned to Roland.

"So you were talking with her about building a new village for those who want to live together?"

Roland nodded. "Yes, I was. And Lady Ashbourne has agreed to it. She’s going to give us land in her territory and even help build the village."

Amon’s eyes lit up with admiration. "Wow! You are so kind and great, Duchess."

She lifted her chin proudly. "Of course I am!"

Roland then turned serious. "I will go now. I need to inform the others. Also, Lady Ashbourne wants to talk to you about something."

He bowed respectfully to Elizabeth before walking away toward the others.

Elizabeth then turned back to Amon with a pleasant smile.

"Alright, I wanted to have a long chat with you, Amon. Care to join me for tea or coffee?"

Amon nodded politely with a small smile. "Of course. It would be my honor."

She beamed. "Such a good boy! Let’s go. Follow me."

She turned around and began walking toward the main building at the port.

The maid, Sophie, followed silently beside her.

Amon glanced at her back thoughtfully.

’Let’s see what this is about... I can also ask her why she gave me that golden ticket, he thought.’

Then he quietly followed them.