Artemis was brought by Ian to a private lounging room just the west of the dormitory. It was specifically made for business meetings and the like since it was a common occurrence in the academy if ever students were scouted. And they were here now to talk about some things regarding the incident at Rushian Forest.
The lounging room was befitting of its prestigious owner, with a large room that courted several velvet couches and one table full of pastries and newly brewed tea. Windows that reached the ceiling had sunlight enter the room giving off a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Artemis sat down in one of the couches with a sigh, feeling the cushion give way underneath as if comforting her.
She watched as Ian sat with great posture and poise and the way his face effortlessly glowed with attractiveness. She was speechless. Ian turned to look at her for a seemingly in thought. Technically speaking, this was the first time they officially face each other to have a chat. All their brief meeting in parties and balls could never be counted as Ian had always been surrounded by the crowd, even making it impossible for Artemis to easily approach him. While their engagement had been approved, the news had never been officially announced until the incident; which forced the royal family to divert the attention of the public.
Artemis quietly observed him with hands crossed against her chest. If her perception about his personality and character was right, he was expecting the typical Artemis to try and break the silence and complain about what she saw back then. Even if this was the first time they have met in six years, her obsession for him had not faded but rather grew stronger as time passed.
But [Ian sensed that she was not about to break the silence and he shifted uncomfortably. He was not used to such silence from her at all. Countless thoughts ran inside his head and he coughed.
"You're… not going to ask about what really happened there?"
Artemis raised an eyebrow in amusement, "Why? Did something else happen aside from rescuing Lady Isidien? I believe in His Highness' conduct after all."
"Considering what I've known about you so far… I thought you'd be a little upset," Ian felt somewhat embarrassed saying this. Rather than the word upset, he was more likely thinking of a more accurate word which was jealousy. And Artemis also had this in mind. She let out a sigh of breath and cursed the previous attitude of this body. Because of her obsessive tendencies, she was now known as the pitiful maiden hopelessly in one-sided love. Even the person in question appeared to know about it too. How shameful.
"Your Highness, we are both tangled in the ties of engagement. No matter the situation, I will whole-heartedly trust that every action of yours will never harm me." Such perfunctory words, but it was all she could think of at the moment. As he heard her remarks, Ian stared at her for a few seconds before narrowing his eyes.
"I can't help but notice that Lady Francia seems really different from what I know."
"Ah. Perhaps the recent events have really burdened my mindset a little bit. I apologize if His Highness is a little disturbed."
Hearing her words of recent events, it was like Ian was doused in a bucket of cold ice, and his somewhat relaxed face suddenly tensed up. His posture appeared even more stiff and rigid as memories flashed through his mind. A variety of emotions welled up inside him when he thought of how someone had suffered because of his carelessness.
"Lady Francia, that day at the Rushian Forest… I'm ashamed to say that I've caused you such heavy wounds and burdens…" His face was pale from guilt and with his expressionless face which rarely showed emotion try to desperately convey his apologies, Artemis found the situation quite comical. All this time she lived as Artemis; her initial impression of Ian was someone cold-hearted with blue blood running in his veins. He was someone who would not hesitate to harm someone if it meant arriving victorious. And someone who did not have a single drop of compassion in his blood.
The refreshing image that was right in front of her eyes made her inexplicably relaxed. Surprisingly, he was a person that had concerns too. With a subtle smile tugging on her lips and narrowed eyes, "Please do not dwell on such small matters, Your Highness. It is my duty as your fiancée to ensure your healthy and living well. There were no such burdens on my part."
She would be lying if she said she had never been strongly affected by the incident. It was an eye-opener to someone who had grown up in the 20th century, to be forced to compromise in urgent situations and experiencing harsh pain unimaginable. However, Artemis was not one to dwell on things for too long. She had to learn that things will suddenly happen without reason and it was up to her whether it affects her positively or negatively. She wanted to use whatever comes her way to her benefits, to use that as a learning lesson.
Ian was still not satisfied with her answer and his brows furrowed in displeasure with his lips pressed into a tight line. While Artemis may be considered one of the strongest among their generation, memories of that time flashed on his mind and he remembered just how fear flashed before her eyes and the way she futilely tried to block the claws with her bare arms. Because of the blurry memories from that time, Ian did not have the time to think just how easily Artemis could kill that measly wolf with her magic alone yet she still suffered.
"I'm still not satisfied with Lady Francia's reasons. To compensate what happened that day, is there anything you'd like-" At the last moment, Ian suddenly stopped and it was as if he had eaten vinegar. His lips twitched and regret flashed through his eyes.
Artemis can't help but take in a deep breath to try and control the laughter welling inside her. She knew just why he had such a funny expression. Artemis was deeply obsessed with him and now that he was the one taking the initiative to ask whatever she wanted, wasn't this the perfect example of digging one's grave? She could imagine all indecent thoughts running inside his head now. She chuckled and raised an eyebrow, "Anything I'd like, Your Highness?"
Looking at her expression which was surely glowing in joy, Ian instantly regretted what he said. But before he could even utter words of regret, she caught him to the chase, "I was just jesting, Your Highness. You don't need to court such a sour face."
Ian was speechless and averted his gaze in embarrassment. Seeing this, Artemis pursed her lips. She knew that Ian did not like the feeling of being in favor of others so she just casually threw out a sentence.
"Well, if you'd really insist, can you lend me your notes this past week? I want to review it," They were both the same age and both second years in the academy so he was the most convenient one to ask.
"My notes? I can send Gan to retrieve it right now."
"Okay, then that's all I ask for."
Ian looked at her with skeptical eyes, "Really…?"
"…really."
"I apologize, but I can't help but think that Lady Francia has really changed so much."
Artemis turned to look at him, "In your eyes, Your Highness, is it a bad change?"
"…no. I personally like your change. You seem really mature and calm now, it is a positive change."
"I see."
Their futile conversations came to an end and a wave of silence washed over that even Artemis can't help but to take a sip of her tea in order to calm her nerves. She pursed her lips when she suddenly thought of something. She turned to look at the person in front of her with narrowed eyes. She remembered that scene when Ian admitted he was a wielder of dark energy. She did not know if it was a memory of this body or just a pointless dream. If he truly was, then that must mean that he no longer has the blessings of the heavens since both opposing elements can't reside in one body.
Artemis was curious and wanted to ask him. But she doubts he would answer truthfully. Being a dark element wielder meant being ousted by everyone, especially since he was of royal figure. If she really wanted to, there were several ways that she knew of that was written in the book.
"Your Highness, I just thought of one more request I'd like you to do. I'm sorry if I'm being too outrageous with my request."
Ian stiffened at her words and looked at her with wary eyes, "No, it's alright. As long as it's within my capabilities, I'll surely grant it."
"My father's birthday is coming up in two months and I'd like to personally embroider a handkerchief for him whenever he goes out. If it's possible, it would be great if His Highness can personally bless the embroidery."
Ian was a blessed child even before he was born. An oracle was said to be dedicated to him that the second prince's body of the San Servon royal family would be filled with heavenly spirit. It meant being blessed by the gods above. To prove this, a blessed mark was marked on his back. From the moment Ian was born, a lot of people had already wanted to butter him up since anything blessed by him would surely be a fortune. Blessing an item was nothing to Ian and if he really had the blessing, he would surely agree without any complaints. It was just a handkerchief after all.