"Miss Sora, can I have a word?" Lesker asked after approaching her. She was walking with the other maidens, chatting away with them. All of them looked at each other and started whispering amost each other.
'Why'd he ask her out like that?'
'I don't know. He's never done that before'
'Could it be her relentless pursuit has come to fruition?'
'If that's so, it'll be such a shame. He is the village Beau after all'
Lesker cleared his throat because of how awkward it was and how Sora was stalling.
"Sure. I'll be back soon ladies"
Together, the walked away from the maidens. They happily resumed their chatting, discussing various possibilities of the meeting between Sora and Lesker.
Meanwhile the two stopped a little distance from them. Lesker summoned all of his courage to talk to a confused Sora.
"I'm leaving the village. I'm sorry I cannot accompany you to the festival neither can I return those feelings you have for me. I don't mean to break your heart. I'm sorry"
"I know"
"....What?"
"I know you're leaving. I'm surprised you came to tell me and didn't leave without a word. I know how I seem to all of you. Ambitious and headstrong. I knew someone like you could never reciprocate my feelings. You don't have to be sorry. Nothing is your fault"
"....Sora...."
"I wish you luck on your future ambitions. May the gods protect you and may the cosmos guide your way. I'm truly glad I fell for someone as kind as you Lesker" Sora said with the brightest smile he had ever seen. He could see the unshed tears at the corner of her eyes.
She walked back to the maidens with her back straight. Lesker felt a throb in his chest but this time, it was completely unrelated to the spell that plagued him. It was genuine heartache.
He went back home dispirited. He never knew Sora was so earnest. It was true he had judged her like everybody else. He felt lile a horrible person. He wasn't as kind as she perceived him to be. Like Quella said, Sora was just a young maiden in love.
"Why do you look like that? Did something happen to you?" Ilan enquired, seeing him look so down.
"I went to talk to Sora. It went in a suprising direction"
"Well, you're unscathed so she didn't attack you. What crazy thing did that girl do to you?"
"Ilan...don't you think Sora is just a little girl?"
"Pardon? That little demoness?"
"Talking to her today, I realised she's just a little girl carrying a lot of responsibilities and expectations on her frail shoulders..." Ilan snorted when he said frail. Lesker continued regardless.
"She fell for me because I look kind and comforting, not because I'm the village Beau. I feel terrible for the way we have viewed her and treated her. Sora, in reality, is a wonderful and earnest little girl with a lot of burdens"
".....Even so, she is incredibly rude. Why so cheeky if she's suffering? Why can't she simply ask for help?"
"She's a proud soul. She won't readily as for help. As for being rude and cheeky, that's her way of being defiant. To be honest, she's only like that with you and I think it's incredibly cute. I know somewhere out there, there is someone just right for her. I wish her all the love she deserves"
"Damn Lesker! Way to make me feel like an ass"
"In that case, that applies to both of us, no?"
"Hah! You're right"
"Also, I must remind you, no swearing in front of Yuli"
"He's a boy. All boys must swear someday"
"I mean it Ilan. It's the first time I've had someone come under me. I don't want to mess this up"
"Pfft! Good luck brother"
"Thank you"
And so, the two continued to pack up for their departure in two days.
Sora, after crying her heart out, went to see her teacher.
"Sister Quella, I can't believe you're going too"
"Yes. I'm returning home. Don't worry. You can come visit me in the capital"
"Really?" Sora said, her eyes brightening up.
"Really. If you train and work hard, getting accepted into an academy in the capital would be a cinch for you. If you can do that, then you can come visit me in my family house"
"Alright Sister Quella, I'll work hard"
"That's the spirit"