Chapter 961: Their First Meeting

Salem and Una quickly turned to the woman crouching beside them. They recognized her as the last performer. She smiled, but Salem and Una, unaccustomed to strangers, reacted differently. Salem, barely concealing his emotions since childhood, remained visibly affected, while Una hid behind her brother.

Salem, acting as a protective older brother, politely thanked Besse. She placed a pink cake on a plate and gave it to him. He thanked her again.

"Is there anything else you'd like? I can get it for you both," Besse offered, smiling. She'd noticed the children earlier, finding them charming. She felt an unexpected warmth toward them, a surprising reaction, considering her usual dislike of children. Their magical quality compelled her to approach them.

"No, thank you," Salem replied, thanking her again.

Besse patted his head. The gesture, initially innocent, produced an unexpected impact. She pursed her lips, gazing at the boy's large eyes. Their gazes locked.

A surge of complex emotions flooded Besse's mind, a tangled web she couldn't decipher.

"Besse!" Doyle called from behind, his voice tinged with concern. "Where did you disappear to?"

He was used to her sudden disappearances, moments of solitude where she sought lost memories.

"I saw these children and brought them some pastries," she explained.

Doyle glanced at the children impassively. Besse watched him, wondering if others would react strangely. She suspected she was overthinking.

"Should I take you back to your parents?" Besse asked, assuming Manuel and Susan were their parents.

"We don't have a mom…" Una began, but Salem quickly covered her mouth.

Salem politely replied, "Thank you, we can go back ourselves."

Besse smiled and nodded, watching them leave. A pang of sadness resonated as she felt sympathy for the responsible young boy.

"Besse," Doyle called, "do you know those kids?" He'd noticed her unusual reaction.

"I met them on my first day. They're so cute," Besse replied casually.

"We should have one! Or two, or three…" Doyle began planning their family seriously.

Besse was silent. Her eyes flickered as two men approached.

Doyle recognized Commander Oscar Wells and his Chief of Staff, Theodore Wold. Oscar, however, seemed unsurprised by their earlier interaction.

"Commander Oscar," Doyle initiated, extending a hand.

"Nice to meet you, Doyle," Oscar replied, shaking his hand.

"Honored you're attending Karami's launch," Doyle continued, his demeanor shifting to a more formal one.

"We're honored Karami chose the Capital," Oscar responded. His gaze drifted to Besse. Up close, her features disappointed him, but as their eyes met, his heart skipped a beat. The familiar feeling lingered.

Theodore interrupted, touching Oscar's shoulder. Oscar, realizing he was staring, apologized, claiming Besse looked familiar.

Doyle chuckled cautiously. "This is her first time in Northfield. You must be mistaken."

"I suppose you're right," Oscar conceded.

Doyle, taking Besse's hand, redirected the conversation to business. Oscar mentioned discussing import-export trade privately.

Doyle refused directly, stating he wasn't Jolencami's heir and lacked authority. This was true.

"I won't trouble you further," Oscar replied politely.

Doyle released Besse's hand, instead embracing her waist. "Commander, enjoy. I'll take Besse."

Besse didn't object. Oscar, watching their embrace, nodded slightly.

"Prince Doyle," Oscar stopped him.

"Is there anything else?" Doyle asked.

"Since you're in Northfield," Oscar said, smiling, "I'd like to offer some hospitality."