The Hunter and the Prey part 2

" How was school, my child?" Sylvius asked Eve while having dinner.

The dinner etiquette in the Tang family isn't that strict as they converse about how one's day was.

Naturally, that questioning is solely for Eve, as the father and son didn't truly give a damn about each other's day.

Of course, when it comes to crucial matters, they discuss them in the study.

For example, the two exchanged glances signifying the need to chew over how to handle the Lu brat. They have witnessed how he, once again, like persistent dung that refused to be flushed, came harassing Evangeline until she got home. If they may add, those annoying pair of honey-coated eyes were pretty much testing their lower limits.

Coveting their precious treasure right before their eyes? Touching her here and there with his nasty pig hooves? Vulgarly calling their baby angel's sweet name relentlessly?

HUH!

That brat clearly is tired of living!

Surely, in the eyes of two overly protective men, every movement of anyone desiring their treasure is a definite eyesore that tickles their evil bones.

And the Lu brat that they found annoying from the very first day truly did live up to their expectation.

The worse part is they could simply watch it unfold before their very eyes!

If this goes on, they fear the damn boy will certainly steal their princess!

Since then, Sylvius and Lionel had combined into a solid front.

They may be at odds with each other most of the time but, when facing the heinous pig about to gnaw their precious golden cabbage, they merged into a single-minded team.

A team against unruly pigs, wolves, and bastards, all the like.

Eve had already asked them to stop tripping Sarien but, that was a long time ago. They both chose to have selective amnesia regarding that subject.

Besides, if Evangeline didn't get news of their "harmless" actions, it does not pose a problem, right?

Hence, when facing the teens, they pretentiously behave as harmless, easy-going elders who don't mind such revolutionary male-female friendship.

" Well, Dad, it was fun today," Eve recalled Halesia's experience a while back and replied in an elated mood.

" That's good. That's good." The beaming Sylvius ached to ask concerning the stinky brat Lu but couldn't bring himself to start.

He wanted to ask, "Child, do you like him?"

That abominable word, he couldn't utter, making him choke even if it's only in thought.

" Just remember that if someone is pestering you, don't hesitate to say, okay?" He continued.

" Okay." Since it's not dessert yet, Eve doesn't mind chatting with her caring, golden thighs.

" Yeah, darling angel. If someone nasty clings to you all the time, then we could fix him away. For example, a certain annoying brat, not specifically the Lu scoundrel, but if he is, we will teach him, you know, for some disciplining. " Lionel pitched in. His tone is tepid as if talking about the weather. Inwardly, however, he added, "It would be best if we could fix him good."

" I don't think there's someone like that. " Eve responded after trying to recollect something. Naturally, not taking into consideration the mention of Sarien's name.

Her life has been revolving around school and home. If there is a harasser, more or less, it would be from the academy.

But, she considers her classmates all good, not bothering her at all.

She catches them peeping at her from time to time, but they retract their gazes as if they saw something horrible once their eyes met. But that's cool. She doesn't mind, for it doesn't offend her in any way.

How could Eve realize that her class fellow believes her existence is too great, making them endure their inner fangirl's heart. They wanted to approach her but, they were shy. Not to mention, two knights guard her, not giving them a chance to near her.

They find it heartbreaking, really.

The only person who could approach her, excluding, Sarien, is his best bud, Ulfius.

A peculiar person who left an impression on Eve.

She finds him amusing.

When they first met, she heard him address her "lily of my heart" with a matching weird twinkle in his eyes.

Then, Sarien knocked his head, reminding him to correct his words. Then he spouted, "goddess of my heart".

In any case, Eve mused that Ulfius is an interesting person.

" Evangeline?" Grappa Lionel called when she didn't respond.

" No. I'm good." She reassured.

" Really? Don't be afraid to say, okay, princess. Maybe you just overlooked a certain person, like, I don't know, a certain Lu, maybe." Grappa Lionel tried glazing over his words again, trying to convince his granddaughter. No doubt that if Eve nods her head, they'd "lecture" him real good.

" No Grappa, Sarien is okay." She pronounced with an earnest face, attempting to be more credible.

Honestly, Eve doesn't comprehend their animosity towards Sarien.

He has not done anything detrimental to her, so why are they against him?

Well, even if she asks, the two will surely follow with a non-sequitur.

" Okay. Okay. I'm just saying, alright?" He continued his dandy tone while enjoying his meal. Nonetheless, the food had lost its flavor and tasted like wax in his mouth.

He exchanged glances with the seemingly unaffected Sylvius and saw each other thoughts.

[ Damn that conniving brat!]

[ You win this round, Lu brat.]

How they find the laws of civilization hateful.

Still, despite thinking so, they will respect Eve's decision and not trip the lad...too harshly.

Who made them spoil their only child/granddaughter?

Desserts came, and Eve finally let herself submerged in its goody taste.

She didn't forget her person, Judas, standing behind her.

Notwithstanding respecting his choice not to dine with them during meals due to work principles, she won't let him say no when it comes to desserts.

Like always, she passed him a plate of dessert, this time a strawberry cake, not taking a no for an answer.

Judas is afraid she'll get upset if he turns her offer down, so he acquiesced without resistance.

He declined the first time long ago and saw her looked hurt, and asked;

" But they're so good. Why?" The incomprehension in her eyes made him submit just to appease her.

Truly, he appreciates the sentiments but doesn't comprehend why she does so.

It seems ever since he became her person, she never fails to give him sundries of snacks.

He recalls the cotton candy she gave him that day, and from then on, he had received various sweets.

Since she liked sweets a lot, he is considering learning how to make them. He thinks it is a good idea.

Eve naturally does so because she considers Judas as her person. Being her person means he is an extension of herself. He deserves everything good.

In the end, Judas could only savor the sweets, turning a blind eye to the two masters who stared at him with envy in their eyes.

Sylvius and Lionel are genuinely envious of the fella named Judas.

And in truth, they don't quite grasp their relationship.

They learned from the man himself that Evangeline saved him. It goes without saying that his loyalty is based on that life-saving grace. Such a scenario is very familiar. However, one chose to pursue shamelessly, the other, watch over earnestly. Compared to the former, they appreciate the latter more, of course.

At first, they had been very defensive against Judas, peeling their eyes open to any wolfish attack.

Nevertheless, he showed that he never stepped out of the line.

They have witnessed how he turned from a wild "knight" to a sensible butler. They don't mind him solely serving Evangeline because it gives them peace of mind that an additional person watches over her.

Of course, the heaviest factor for their trust is his vow.

Judas promised that he only wanted to protect Evangeline. That he doesn't dare nor have the courage to feel something else besides respect and loyalty.

He even mentioned that he cherished her like that of a sibling.

Observing his performance for a length of time finally convinced them, at least 50%. Now, they close one eye and open another when it comes to their interactions.

Sylvius even had a notion of adopting him as Eve's brother. That way, he can finally seal his fate of never laying hands on her.

Eve didn't know his intentions, nor did Sylvius or Judas spoke of the matter.

After refusing his offer, Sylvius didn't ask more.

But, how could Judas not observe Sylvius' hidden anxiety?

That is why Judas vowed that if the day comes that he fails his promise, he'll interrupt his legs himself, never be able to stand up for all his life.

To be honest, Sylvius was quite moved by his determination.

In fact, he planned on fixing Judas himself if it transpires. However, he looked at him differently when Judas volunteered to do it himself.

In addition, Sylvius couldn't actually move him if Eve wills it.

She comes first, above all.

Still, they could heave a sigh of relief, relaxing their guard to the wolf she domesticated.

The four finished their dessert in a peculiar manner.

And when they thought dinner would pass just like the previous nights, they heard Eve ask inadvertently;

" So, Dad, when is the wedding?"

The sound of a person choking filled the dining room.