Wasn't the Guide Supposed to Be Frail?

A smiling, scheming, sickly Guide gong x an unruly, strongest Sentinel shou

Tentacles x black panther

Lan Mufeng, the Empire's flower and the White Tower's chief Guide.

Although he was called the chief Guide, he was currently only a low-level, Grade D Guide.

Rumor had it that this noble Guide had to pause for breath three times just to walk. He was pale and frail, bedridden all year round, and liable to die at any moment.

The Empire and the Federation were locked in constant conflict. After a major defeat, the Empire sent its flower off to marry for political reasons. Lan Mufeng's betrothed was the Federation's terrifying War God, feared even by children, and its strongest Sentinel, Lu Chao.

When Lu Chao first saw Lan Mufeng, the other man was wrapped in a huge, fluffy cloak, showing only his pale, pretty face. Even his fingertips seemed weak.

A pretty ornament, but at least he was beautiful.

At first, Lu Chao didn't like his Guide. The man was far too fragile. A little wind gave him a fever, and a bit of cold food upset his stomach. Yet he was so beautiful that Lu Chao would lose himself staring and couldn't bear to see him suffer.

After all, it was only natural to take extra care of someone so delicate and pretty.

Later, when those pale, slender fingers tilted his chin up and he could only tremble as he looked up at his smiling Guide, Lu Chao realized just how wrong he had been.

The unruly Sentinel stifled a groan as the tentacles toyed with his ears and tail. Grabbing the man's slender, pale wrist, he rasped, "Mm... Stop, stop!"

Lan Mufeng smiled. "You're being naughty."

Lu Chao had only been injured in battle, but his voice had gone hoarse.

Damn it! What happened to the sickly Guide?

Lan Mufeng had once been humanity's protector, the strongest Guide. But after he fell into the mud, everyone avoided him, hoping to drain the last of his worth.

Only this Sentinel from the Federation was different. He picked Lan Mufeng up from the mud and carefully brushed off the dust.

Theme: Life is always worth loving.