When the snow began to melt and springtime came, I had my first outing. Although the Duke was busy again, Luca was more than happy to escort me to town. When I woke up that morning, Celine, along with a few others, came to my room insisting that I allow them to dress me. When I said that I'll just wear what I usually do, Celine responded angrily. "My Lady. You surely aren't going to town wearing sleepwear, correct?" Seeing how she had a point, I conceded. The excited women brought out a rack of dresses that I've never seen before. 'When did they get those?'
When they finally finished playing with me, I headed to the dining hall to eat. At the table the ever-grinning, pretty boy sat. "Are you excited?! I bet you're excited!"
Feeling a bit generous, I do a bit of pretending and try to act my age by saying, "Mmm! I'm very excited. Thank you for taking me, Luca!"
Once I finish, we head out. When I step out of the door, the atmosphere around me changes. Since becoming Lucy, I've only been outside for a handful of times. All of which ended up with me being escorted back inside a few minutes later. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when the weather turned that I was allowed to walk around in the courtyard of the estate. Feeling the cool breeze on my face mixed with the warmth from the rays of the sun, I can't help but to break into a smile.
After taking everything in, I climb into the pine green carriage marked with our family's silver winged-crest. As I sit down, Luca and our knight guard, Tier Rooke, look at me with puzzled eyes. When I ask what was wrong, all they say was 'nothing'.
With the nearest town only being fifteen minutes away by carriage, it didn't take long for me to see signs of life outside the mansion. I gaze through the window as the forest of pine trees change into flat land. The transition made me begin to actually feel the excitement that I pretended to show Luca earlier.
"Lucy, since this is your first time outside in some time, you have to promise me to never leave my side."
Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, I nod fervently.
"If you feel tired, you have to tell me."
"Okay."
"If you want to go somewhere, you have to tell me."
"I will."
"If some weird person tries to talk to you, wait for me to determine whether they are okay to talk to."
"Pfft... O-okay." At his lecturing, I tried my best not to laugh.
"Finally, if anything happens, leave it to me or Sir Tier."
"Yes, Luca."
Once the lecture was over, I returned to the window. We passed through the gates of the town and I saw people scurrying about, doing daily chores, heading to places I don't know about. The homes are quaint with clematis-blue trimmings and pointed rooftops; they were all snuggled close together in rows. There lives were what they considered normal, but I found fascinating.
In my old life, I'd sometimes go to town in disguise. I enjoyed seeing the citizens having conversations about real life. I liked how they would talk about the things I found intriguing in a common way. I liked how things didn't feel fabricated outside. They worked with what they had and worked hard to keep it that way.
Maybe that is another reason why I began exposing corrupt nobles.. because I didn't want those who only lived to live to be affected by the selfishness of the greedy, self-righteous bastards on the other side of the wall.
"My Lady, we've arrived."
The carriage stopped in front of a tunnel to what I assumed to be to the shopping district. I lift myself up and step out onto the cobblestone ground. Feeling light on my feet, I quickly begin to walk when my arm is yanked backward.
With a smiling face that was not smiling, Luca inquires, "Did you already forget the rules?"
Embarrassed, I deny, "No."
Still holding my hand, he responds with, "Good."
Passed the short tunnel was a long street of shops and restaurants. With big eyes, I look at everything. My hand is attached to Luca's, so unintentionally, I pull him right and left. While looking through every window and pointing all the things I found interesting, I'm not really aware of what I look like, but I assume it is fine since I'm still 'just a kid.'
When we go about one-tenth down, I smell the aroma something sweet. Feeling nauseated by the scent, I let go of Luca's hand and cover my mouth and nose. Immediately, I start gagging.
Sweetly, Luca takes out a handkerchief and hands it to me, all while patting my back. "Breathe through your mouth. We'll pass by this quickly."
Holding the handkerchief to my face I nod and take hold of his hand once again. We pass the patisserie and I pinch the cloth on my nose for the possibility of there being another one.
A little more cautiously, the two of us ,and Sir Tier, continue onward. We passed by a whole bunch of interesting shops such as an invention shop, or a store that sells instruments but since wasting money was one of my biggest pet-peeves, I suppress my urges to buy any unnecessary items.
We finally reach the bookstore and are greeted by a young, bi-spectacle, teenage girl holding a heavy-looking stack of books. "Welco- Oh M-my lord! Welcome in!" Putting the books down onto the counter beside her she bows her head and then enthusiastically asks, "What brings you-" Seeing me behind Luca she gasps, "Is that.. No way."
Nodding his head, Luca teasingly responds, "It is." Pulling me a bit forward, Luca introduces me. "This is my little sister, Lucille Argyris. As she has gotten better recently, we decided to have an outing."
The girl does her best to curtsy, then awkwardly states, "My Lady! Happy I am to you meet! you I thank coming for my shop to! Myka my name is."
After deciphering her words in my head I greet her back. "It is nice to meet you, too, Miss Myka." Unconsciously, I squeeze Luca's hand to stop myself from breaking out into a fit of laughter. He squeezes my hand back, indicating he's holding it in as well.
"Anything were looking for my lady there you was? (Was there anything you were looking for, My Lady?)"
The two of us squeeze each other even harder. My voice trembles as I respond, "N-not r-really.."
A bit disappointed with my answer, the girl nods her head. "See I. If questions or assistance you require any, then know me let do please. (I see. Then please do let me know if you require any assistance or have any questions.)
"Y-yes, you tha... Thank you."
When she leaves, Luca and I look at each other. Teasingly, he says, "See, sis? You may not see this, but your beauty is enough to have people tongue tied."