"Thank you" Aph chimed at the servant who was helping her settle in.
"No worries Aph, we're sisters from today onwards." giggled the servant, as her smile broadened at the thought of that.
Aph drowned in the sweet smile of her new friend, but more like - her new sister. Now that she looks at it, they actually have a lot of similarities. They're about the same age, share similar interests and facial features. Although, Aph has wavy dirty blond hair, she has long straight ebony hair; their eye colour only slightly different in shade. But their almond shaped face mirrored each other's.
It seemed unrealistic that Aph just arrived at the 8th Prince's chamber, and bonded so well with his personal servant. It's almost like they're long lost relatives, and they just clicked like that. But seriously, it's only Day 2 in the imperial palace, and the new bond makes Aph feel as though its been weeks and months since she has settled in.
Aph placed all her belongings in a small cupboard her new friend had directed to. It was next to another cupboard similar in a spruce wood crafted design. Aph guessed that it might be Phoenix's personal cupboard.
Aph gazed at Phoenix, "I feel like I would never have been able to settle in this smoothly without your help. Thank you." said Aph, as she bowed a little to sincerely thank Phoenix for being so helpful.
Phoenix gasped slightly at the sudden formality, "It's no problem at all," she raised Aph by the arms to lift her up from such a formal gesture, "Just remember this room will be your's and mine, but," she continued to inform Aph, but now in more of a whisper, even though there wasn't anyone next to them or anyone other than her and Phoenix in this patio, "you'll be in the room next door during the night." Her eyes shifted to the wall in reference to the room next door - the 8th Prince's chamber.
Ending that conversation briefly Phoenix showed Aph around the 8th Prince's patio, while explaining certain things about the 8th Prince. Especially all the important little details, about his habits and schedules. The tour began with Phoenix directing the new comer to the 8th Prince's main chamber; where she addressed all the placement of clothing and accessories. As well as the bath chamber, and all the different oil scents and flower petals that the 8th Prince liked to use.
Phoenix seemed neutral and experienced in explaining all these little details, but Aph seemed a little embarrassed from being introduced all the things about the Prince. Phoenix didn't go into too much depth about 'things' within the bed and bath chambers during the process of serving the Prince, but Aph was more than educated enough to know about those specific details when assisting.
Aph took mental notes on every little thing, she can remember things easily as memorising things is her specialty. She remembered all the details distinctively to make up for her absence as a Heart Servant yesterday. This was because she felt unwell yesterday, mainly from being so nervous, so the 8th Prince told her she didn't need to learn all the things within the limited time they had yesterday evening; and that it's not too late to start today. The slightly embarrassing thing is that she didn't sleep with him last night, but slept on a futon in Phoenix's chamber or the chamber which they now sort of shared. As for the safety of the Prince, thankfully Shay guarded outside his chamber all night, so Aph was glad he continued to have protection, even though it was now techniquely her responsibility.
After the most important part of the tour, Aph was guided into other areas of the patio. The kitchen, the lavatory and other places.
"As you can see here, this is the main living room," Aph nodded while looking around the room. This was the room she had entered when the 8th Prince's personal guard - Shay; took her to the 8th Prince's patio. Aph didn't want to be like some poor country girl, and show her emotions of being bewildered by how enormous the living room was. But even then, it truly was humongous.
The living room must have taken at least half of the area of the 8th Prince's patio, it's so wide to the point that it can fit ten futon beds across, and five futon vertical. Well... that's a slight exaggeration.
The main living room consisted of a round, marble table placed right in the centre; and in the middle of it was a yunomi tea set, which seemed a bit traditional compared to the fancier interior of the patio. The table itself wasn't anything tradition like a chabudai, it surprisingly was a waist height table, surrounded by corresponding marble stools.
Looking around the room there are some candle stands, shelves of books and scrolls of artwork handing against the wall.
"And here," Phoenix began directing Aph to the study room that was behind the fancy wooden door, that had swirls and different patterning all over the door. Phoenix and Aph emerged into a simple study room with a table, everything on that table was neatly placed. There were calligraphy brushes hanging on a brush stand, stacks of paper on the table, as well as small bottles of black ink. "This here is the study room, however the 8th Prince never comes in here since he's always out there. Early as morning birds on the fields, training the royal guards."
"I see," nodded Aph as she gazed at the two tall bookshelves behind the desk, it was stacked with rows and rows of books.
"He never reads those," exclaimed Phoenix as she signaled Aph that it was time to show her more of the place.
Aph still intrigued by the cleanliness of the study, misstepped as she was getting out of the room. She gasped a little as she slid on the polished blank floorboards. It took her by surprise but she remained standing.
"Careful!" shouted Phoenix with slight concern, "Don't hurt yourself!"
Aph giggled slightly as she regained her balance, "I'm fine. Sorry to have startled you. The floor is just a bit slippery."
"The floor. Yeah, sorry about that, I polish it everyday, so it's usually quite slippery. Don't worry though, you'll get used to it."
Phoenix closed the study room door, and held Aph's hand as she lead her to the back door. "Finally the last thing. This I bet you'll definitely love!"
Aph chuckled at the sudden suggestion. Phoenix picked up the pace a little, almost as if the slippery floor was nothing, just a normal floor board surface she glided across with ease.
They reached the back door of the patio, it pushed open to reveal a field of grass. Aph appeared a bit dumbstruck, Phoenix giggled slightly at Aph's reaction which she had long expected.
"It's a training field." Aph gasped, it bought back memories of the Heart Servant Academy, and her favourite part of it - combat training.
On the left were rows of targets and archery equipment, whereas, on the right were sets of different fighting equipment ranging from daggers, blades, swords, spears, shields and many more that were all neatly displayed against their own weaponry racks. All the equipment are exactly the same as what Aph had used before at the Heart Servant Academy. But what excited Aph the most was the elevated platform in the middle of everything - a battle arena.
"I see you've already started to take an interest in this place," a deep commanding voice echoed in the distance.
"8th Prince!" gushed Phoenix as she bowed deeply.
Aph looked towards her right, and saw the 8th Prince who stood across from her on the engawa. His long wavy brown hair was tied back into a high pony tail, it swung from side of side as he came to a halt. Although a few strands hung loose, but the way his hair is tied back shows the refined details of his long face and nice jawline. He was equipped with a sword on his side, and leather armour suitable for the extreme climates in Mitcha. Aph continued to stare at his muscular body that looked exceptionally nice in battle garment. The tunic's sleeves outstretched by the width of his muscular arms.
He looked at Aph straight in the eyes with a cute little grin on his face, as he noticed that Aph was taking her sweet time at admiring him. Immediately after his direct gaze she quickly bowed, her face unconsciously beginning to heat up.