Gwendolyn was currently lost. Like, nothing looks familiar and she felt like panicking, lost.
The time and meeting between her and her fiance had finally been decided upon. So, her family sent her to the capital of the Kura kingdom, Linor, as soon as possible.
It wasn't like they did that because they didn't like her or anything, it was actually for her benefit. To give her time to explore the place she'd soon be ruling, and give a reason for her to like it even if she doesn't like who'll she be marrying.
On the third day of being in the Kura kingdom, Gwendolyn had decided to visit the market place.
She had wandered around looking and admiring all the things they were selling. From pork kebabs to ornate lanterns, there was a huge variety of what was being sold.
She accidentally lost track of which path she was on, and now was utterly confused about where she was. The map in her hands was providing no help, and she felt like crying.
It was all just so much!
The realization of why she was here, in the Kura kingdom instead of at home, was finally breaking through the numb, distant feeling she had previously.
Gwendolyn was getting married! To a guy she had never met and has only heard of through sparse rumors! Oh golly, why did she think those was a good idea again?!
Oh right, because otherwise the Kura kingdom could turn her people to slaves, and make Mariku crash and burn.
It was all just-
"Um, hello? Are you okay?" A confused voice asked behind her.
Gwendolyn turned around, face the absolute look of desperation, confusion, and 'pleasehelpme'.
The blonde male who had called out to her winced at the tears gathering in her eyes.
He tried once again to ask, more gently this time, if she was okay.
Gwendolyn shook her head, one of her tears falling down as she sniffled. "N-no. I-I'm lost an-and-"
The young woman let out a sob.
The blonde man looked awkwardly at her, face panicked as his eyes darted around.
"U-um it's okay?" He tried to reassure, but it ended up as a question instead.
The black-haired girl let out another sob. Her body shuddered as she tried to control her emotions.
The blonde man kept silently panicking until his face lit up with an idea. "A-ah, what if we go to a cafe? Would a cup of hot chocolate make you feel better?"
The soon-to-be-queen stopped and considered his offer. "I-I think so" She offered weakly.
The man grinned, happy his idea worked, then dragged her away to a cafe down the street.
Once they were seating, Gwendolyn hit herself on the face. Her male companion looked at her weirdly, "Are you okay...?" Then he also hit himself in the face after he asked.
"Duh, of course your not okay! That's why we're here!"
The black-haired female found herself giggling at his comment. "A-ah no. I just realized h-how dumb it was to follow a r-random man..." Her giggling breaking up some of the words.
His eyes widened in realization. "You're right! How could you have followed a random man?! What if I was taking you to a shady ally and then tied you up and kidnapped you?!"
"Ah, s-sorry Random M-man-" Gwendolyn had to pause as she laughed.
"You sure recovered fast from crying..."
"Again, sorry."
"No no" He waved his arms "It's okay."
She smiled at him as she introduced herself, "I'm Gwendolyn, nice to meet you, Random Man."
He playfully glared at her, "My name isn't Random Man! It's..."
He paused for a second before continuing, "Luke"
Gwendolyn rose an eyebrow, "I don't know if I should trust that... That was a pretty suspicious pause right there..."
"No no, you can trust me! I just had a moment!"
"Ah", Gwendolyn nodded in understanding. She too had those random periods she forget something really obvious.
"Hello, welcome to Cafe Ritsu! What would you like today?" A waitress had finally approached them.
"Can we have the..."