As the carriage glided away from the towering castle, Mikaela turned to Alfraed with concern etched on her delicate features. "My beloved," she asked softly, her voice tinged with worry, "are you still hurt anywhere?" The memory of the fierce battle against the platinum ranker flashed in her mind. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his right arm, seeking reassurance that he was truly unscathed after such an intense demonstration of prowess.
"Mika, I'm fine," Alfraed replied, his tone reassuring but with a hint of fatigue. "You don't need to worry about my condition."
"Are you certain? You just faced a demonstration that might have sent even gold rankers reeling," she pressed, her eyes searching his for any sign of lingering pain or discomfort. The intensity of the battle still haunted her thoughts, and she longed to hear him affirm that he was truly alright.
