A/N: For you guys to recall
Agni, Espen, and Elvio (boy who looks like a girl) - the triplets
Eva and Ava (super skinny twin sister) - the twins.
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A week.
It has been a whole week since the banquet. The children and I have been training. So far, my body is perfectly fit and I have assimilated Reen's combat knowledge to mine. I really wonder what is her father and especially her mother are like? To be able to produce such profound and practical martial art technique? Besides that, the kids are doing fine on their own. I have Ava gain some weight since she's really skinny to bone. While Agni and Espen have their fundamentals solidify. They aren't much yet comparing to my friends back then, but with this they can protect themselves. Eva and Elvio, I had them study language and arithmetic while also nourishing them of course. It would be great if I can go out later to buy some medical herbs that can be put in water and let them soak in it. I heard it from Rory that there's such thing here in Aether Empire when I am thinking of ways where I can have them nourished.
"My lady, please just rest. We can do the sweeping here." Rory said to me. I just smiled at him before continuing to sweep the fallen leaves that has accumulated over time. Currently I'm sweeping at the yard near library where I seen Erden when he visited here last week. I been hanging around here for some time before proceeding to teach the kid wondering if he'll visit but it doesn't seem like it. I wanted to ask him what embroidery design would he like on the string bag.
I clap my hands to dust of the sand in my hands as I looked at the clean yard. This place is really peaceful. Like real peaceful. So peaceful that I'm bored. Don't get me wrong, I like peacefulness and I get to sleep and read without any nuisance, but it's just so peaceful. Like, I am on a selection process right? Why is there no test yet? Is Shen Courtyard that far for me to not receive any news or for me to me forgotten here?
"Nah. Whatever. I'll just deal what ever comes when it comes. For now I'll take a bath and head out to the market." I said to myself then head to my room to prepare.
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"My lady, that---that outfit are you perhaps going out--like that?" Rory said as I get to the front place and saw the clothes I am wearing. The other kids that are outside went in when they heard Rory's voice bewildered.
"Our Ladyship, are you going out?!"
I nodded and opened the folding fan I'm holding. Actually, we tried to get out the palace and go to the market. But just as we're about to go out, I thought to myself that going out in carriage that came from the palace with servants around me would gather unnecessary attention. AND I DON'T WANT THAT! Especially after that incident with the Emperor. The Palace may ---or worst they didn't care to have suppressed the news regarding me walking with the Emperor as to not damage the Emperor's reputation, but I won't take chances.
"My lady, please let me accompany you. I--" I climbed on the beautiful brown horse that I had Rory buy three days ago together with this outfit that I have which are for guys. That's right, I am cross dressing. The fact that it's easier to cross dress in ancient times is really surprising. Well, the fact that most clothes being wore in this place are commonly baggy or involves a lot of clothes. That's why with a bit of binding my chest then tying my hair up and wearing this top hat. I look like a pubescent boy! Who somewhat looks like trying to act like an adult. Kind of comical, but it'll work as my disguise!
"Rory, please look after our place, okay? It's still early in the afternoon. I'll be back before the sun set. Plus if you're worrying about me, I'll be fine. I'm just buying some herbs then that's all!" I said and smiled to them. They look at me as if they doubting what I'll really do.
This guys. It's not like I'm that reckless. So far, I think I been pretty low-key with how I live, maybe besides the banquet, but anything aside that are pretty low-key. I can even say carefree because that's been my motto this past few weeks.
"What if someone arrived? What will I say?" He asked worrying. I paused and think for a moment. Well, I wouldn't be really gone for a long time so it should be all good. Plus, asides from the my three friends and also Alexandria who is pretty far away from my place, no one would visit me. If they're talking about Erden, well.. I'm pretty sure Erden would just quietly read. I already told them about this beforehand so it should be fine. So aside those five people, I'm not really expecting any visitors.
"Well. No one would come here to visit. If there are some people that came over and looked for me, tell them I went to the market with a guard accompanying me, okay?" I said then tapped the horse lightly for it to walk away. I also did trained riding the horse this past few days and I can say I pretty much got the hang of it.
I can hear Rory's worried voice shouting a bit, but once I gotten a bit far I hit the reins and the horse started to get faster. I freely ride the horse as I looked at the gate to go outside.
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"Hue. Don't show yourself to her nor make it obvious you're observing her. Just silently observe her from afar."
That's what my Lord said before he leaves, but then again. How am I to do that?
"I am from Shen Courtyard. I am Lady Reenste's servant ordered to make a purchase outside." She said to the guards and showed the paper form granted by supposedly a servants' master to be allowed to go out.
The guardsmen looked at the form and then looked at her again or I supposed a "he" right now with her disguise as a boy. Obviously, the guardsmen have his doubts, although they are guards, they are still trained by the military to safe guard the Palace. So this is where I'll come in. Although I am bending some rules in My Lord's order, this is just to help out My Lords' friend.
I led my horse forward and the other guardsmen looked at me. I flashed my medallion provided by my Lord and I just smiled at him as I gesture to keep quiet and pointed at 'boy' in front of me. The other guardsmen then whispered to the guard talking to the 'boy'. They looked at me before nodding and then stamping the paper for approval to go out.
"Thank you!" The boy said and flashed a smile which stunned the two guards. This lady sure have her charm still even disguising as a boy.
His horse then moved and they go out. I followed then decided to call out to him.
(It may get a bit confusing at some point since Hue keep switching on how he refers Reenste here, but do keep in mind when he's talking to himself Hue is referring to Reenste as she/her, but if Hue's speaking out, he'll refer Reenste as "he" since Reenste is in disguise.)
"Brother! The little brother who's wearing a green robe!" I called out to him. I get why the Lord made me go out to guard her. Plus I know my Lord said to "observe" her, but come on! It's obvious that my Lord fancy this Lady. Well it's not really obvious maybe subtle but knowing our Lord, he might have a slight interest on this young lady.
"Uh.. Yes?" He then turned to look at me. I moved forward to the side of her horse and greeted him with a smile.
" I overheard you're on your way to the market for some task assigned by your Lady. May I ask where you'll be heading?" I asked and smiled. He looked at me.
"Ah yeah that's right. My lady tasked me to buy some medical herbs at the market which is...." He then suddenly paused as it dawned to him.
"I thinking you're quite new in the area? Are you perhaps one of the new servants' that came from outside the capital? If that's so, I'll freely show you around the place as a fellow brother in the Palace!" I said to him and smiled. He looked at me shocked then her eyes started shining as her problem have been solve. He then smiled.
"Thank you! You're really nice, brother!" He said and smiled.
Geez. If I wasn't aware you're capable of depending yourself, I might have thought you're really defenseless. Turns out she's a lady who sure is just a carefree one.