The Prince, the Bride, and a Colossal Misunderstanding

Skin crawling, he flailed frantically in protest.

Surprisingly, the beauty let him go without much resistance.

Well, at least they were a reasonable creep… but still! That didn't make it any better!

Without wasting a second, Rocco bolted straight for Laxus, clinging onto him like his life depended on it.

Laxus, without hesitation, scooped him up into his arms with ease.

Rocco huffed, both relieved and… strangely conflicted.

After all, Laxus had been avoiding him all this time…

…but that was an issue for later.

Because right now—

Right now, Rocco had bigger concerns.

His brain whirred.

He replayed the beauty's words over and over again in his head.

Bride.

Devour.

DEVOUR?!

Suddenly, everything clicked.

With his eyes wide open, Rocco gasped.

"…Hah!"

Laxus flinched.

"H-Huh?! What is it, Rocco?! Why do you look like you've just uncovered the secrets of the universe?!"