Chapter110

Hajin stepped out first, landing on the ground, and turned around to help Juna down before Didi followed them. 
"Your Highness!" a sharp, frantic voice echoed across the courtyard before Hajin could even take a full look around. 
A young woman wearing a traditional royal maid uniform came running down the steps of the palace entrance, completely ignoring the knights guarding the perimeter. 
"Your Highness, are you safe?" the maid asked, stopping right in front of Didi and frantically checking her arms and shoulders. "What happened? You did not return yesterday, and Sir Gazel's detachment never sent a messenger. The entire palace has been in a panic!"
"I am fine, Elina," she said, letting the maid fuss over her for exactly two seconds before gently swatting her hands away. 
The maid finally stopped checking her, her chest heaving as she let out a long breath of relief. Then her eyes shifted, landing on Hajin and Juna standing awkwardly a few steps away. 
She looked at Hajin's cheap clothes, then at Juna's wolf ears, her nose crinkling in obvious disgust. 
"And who are they?" the maid asked. Her voice dropped all of its frantic worry, replacing it with pure disdain. "Did they cause the delay?"
Didi didn't say a single word. She just reached out, pinched the maid's right cheek tight between her fingers, and pulled hard. 
"Ow, ow, Your Highness-" the maid whined, leaning into the pull while trying to gently pry Didi's fingers off without actually pushing her away. 
"Be kind to my saviors, Elina," she said, her tone light but carrying a clear edge underneath. "If it were not for him, I would not be standing here right now."
The maid's eyes widened, turning toward Hajin again while Didi finally let go of her cheek. The nasty look completely vanished, replaced by an expression of pure shock. 
"H-him?" she asked, rubbing her red cheek. 
"Yes, him," Didi said, stepping past her. "Now stop wasting time. Where is my father?"