The Regretful Alpha 12.1

"Buddy! Buddy! Buddy! Don't run too far!"

Buddy barked and continued to run, as if deliberately ignoring young Vione's commands. He darted into the bushes, startling Vione for a moment

 "Buddy," Vione murmured with an amused look on her face. She approached Buddy with her hands raised as if to catch him. "Looks like it's time for you to return to the gazebo. Your playtime is over."

Buddy barked again, then bounded happily. He seemed to understand that Vione was only joking. They chased each other until a scene caught Vione's attention.

The young Usher and Graham were walking in the outer corridor of the palace. They seemed to be engaged in conversation, and Vione watched them from a distance, a faint smile creeping across her face.

"See that handsome man, Buddy?" Vione asked as she crouched down and reached out to hug Buddy. "Not the old one, the young one. Uh, he's the one who called you Buddy."

Buddy might not understand human language, inc