Watching Ian step into the house, Sylvia sensed that something was amiss with his expression. Was it fear or nervousness? Not knowing the reason why he had come to her place, she could only shut the door and walk back inside along with him. Perhaps wanting to know who was at the door, Asher stepped out of his playroom. “Sister, is Uncle— Big brother Ian!” His eyes shone brightly when he saw the unexpected figure, and he immediately ran forward, hugging Ian. “Asher.” Ian rubbed the little fella on the head. “Did you come to visit me, big brother Ian? Come, let me show you my precious toy collection. Sister bought them for me.” Asher was eager to show the other party his precious toy collection and kept pulling at the latter's hand. “Ah. Maybe not now. I have something to discuss with your sister first.” “Oh.” The young boy felt disappointed at the reply; however, his eyes soon brightened up. “Then… What about when you finish talking to my big sister? Would you still come and take a look at my collection?” “Of course, I promise.” Ian rubbed Asher on the head one last time before watching him enter the playroom in excitement. Lifting his head, he turned to Sylvia, who was standing at the side. “I… Can we go somewhere quieter?” “Okay.” Sylvia nodded and led him outside the garden. The summer plants were already in bloom, displaying a beautiful array of colors. Various colorful butterflies could be seen fluttering across the flowers, making the scenery look even more beautiful. Sylvia stopped in front of the garden bench and sat down.“I think it's quieter here. So, what do you want to talk to me about?” In Sylvia's consciousness, Susu also watched with interest, wanting to know what Ian had to say. “I…” Ian's fingers kept fidgeting as he seemed nervous to utter what was on his mind. He was actually afraid, as he didn't know how he might sound to Sylvia if he confessed his feelings to her. Most especially now that his mother had already found out about his visit to the wilds. It would be impossible for the two of them to meet in the wilds again. The next time they could have a physical interaction would be at the interschool competition, but by then, he would have gone to the capital, enrolling at his new school. Hence, he decided to sneak out of the palace and use this last chance to confess his feelings to Sylvia. “I… I…” “Hmm.” Sylvia's brow rose in confusion. It was the first time she had ever seen Ian act so disorderly. “If you feel nervous about saying it, then you don't have to force yourself.” “No.” Ian hurriedly shook his head. How could he let go of the opportunity he had snatched? He took a deep breath before starting to speak. “I don't know when it all began. Perhaps it was when I saw you at the dining hall of the interschool competition. Or the first time I saw you fighting on the arena stage.” “You are strong and courageous and would dare to venture into the wilds despite your young age. I really admire your bravery, Sylvia.” “Thank you.” “I…” Ian paused for a moment and finally decided to get the job done today. “I like—” “Do you hear that sound?” Sylvia suddenly cut in. “What sound?” Ian, who had just gotten the courage to confess his feelings, was instantly confused. “Oh, I guess I must have heard it wrong.” Just as she finished saying her words, a loud bang suddenly sounded, followed by Asher's cries. Sylvia immediately sprang up from her seat and rushed back inside. Ian also ran after her. When Sylvia arrived at the scene, she was met with the living room door lying broken on the floor. At the side was Asher, who stood in fear with tears on his face. Several hefty men, armed with cold weapons, march into the living room with a terrifying aura. “Eek, eek, eek.” Lis bared his teeth fiercely at the incoming intruder. However, a single glance from one of the men instantly turned him into a meek fox. “Woo-woo.” What a scary glance. “Sister.” Asher noticed Sylvia's arrival and immediately ran to her side. Only by his sister's side could he feel safe. “Eek, eek.” 'Poop scooper, where's that stupid wolf? Hurry and summon him out, or else we are all going to die. Mommy, these people are so scary.' Sylvia's gaze turned cold as she looked at the men. “Who the hell are you to barge into my house?” A sharp wind blade appeared on her palm, ready to be launched at any moment.The men noticed Sylvia's action but didn't look bothered by the wind blade on her palm. Instead, their gaze shifted to the person who was standing beside her. “Your Highness, we are here to bring you to the palace.” “I…” Ian didn't know what to say at this moment. Looking at the destruction on the floor and then at Sylvia, who stood coldly at the side, he didn't know what had gone wrong. He did expect his mother to react strongly once she found out about his departure, but he had never thought of it in this way. “I didn't—” He wanted to explain himself to Sylvia, but the latter cut in coldly. “You should leave with your men, your highness. This little place of mine is too small to contain your mighty self.” Looking at her cold eyes, Ian knew that there was no way to salvage this moment. She was truly angry. “Your Highness.” The leader of the guards called again. “I will compensate you for the damage. I'm so sorry.” Ian said in an apologetic tone before leaving with the guards. On the way out, the leader of the guards suddenly stopped and looked back at Sylvia. “Ms. Austen, will you please follow along with us? The queen would like to discuss with you.” “What if I don't want to?” The leader was silent for a moment before eventually saying, “Then I will have to resort to using force.” His eyes shifted towards Asher as he added, “I'm sure you don't want to see the little kid in tears once again.”Sylvia lowered her head and saw Asher, who was trembling in fear beside her. “Fine.” She finally agreed to go along with the guard. “Give me some minutes to change out of my dress first.” “Okay. I will be waiting for you outside.” The guard turned around, wanting to leave, but he soon paused. “As for the broken door, it's my fault for not teaching my men properly. I will compensate you for the damage. Just don't blame it on the prince.” He had already seen that the relationship between Ian and Sylvia was a close one. “Then, I will take my leave.” The moment the guard left, Susu's voice sounded in Sylvia's head. [Host, luckily, you didn't get into a fight with him. I just checked his profile now. He's one of the top royal secret guards. Although from the outside, he looks like a normal guard. However, the power he possesses is immense. From what I checked, he's at the SSS rank level.] SSS rank? Sylvia was instantly gratified that she didn't act rashly. But that didn't lessen her anger towards the men. “Asher.” She squatted down to the kid's height. “Everything is alright. Don't cry, okay? Wherever there are bad guys, Sister will be there to protect you.” “Okay.” The little boy nodded with eyes full of tears.