Flummoxed, I only stare at the lavish establishment, eyes as wide as saucers.
"Is this… a bank?" I asked, still dumbfounded.
"Yes! But I'm not an accountant apprentice. I'll tell you when we get there," Felicity replied before sauntering to the entrance.
Seeing her retreating figure, I have no choice but to tail her.
Though it's not really my first time seeing a bank, I still can't help but be surprised at how sumptuous the exterior of the building looks. It even intimidated me for a second.
As soon as I step a foot inside, an enormous hall with exquisite alabaster wall interiors and multiple chandeliers with scintillating gemstones greet me.
Gulping, I try my best to keep my jaw from dropping as I make my way through the crowd.
Scanning around, I notice that most of the customers are merchants while some look close to nobility.
"We're here, Lillian."
Too absorbed in my observation, I didn't notice we just entered another room. This time, I can no longer keep myself from gaping.
A treasure paradise full of lavish accessories, enclosed within polished glass cases, comes into view. Ranging from opulent necklaces to dainty earrings, the place is such a luxurious sight to behold. The staff and apprentices here appear spruce and well-dressed as well, living up to how grand this workplace is.
"I work at this jewelry shop as a merchant apprentice. The bank's owner also manages this store," Felicity explained, enlightening me.
I completely forgot that I'm here to search for an apprenticeship, not to go sightseeing.
Although this looks wonderful and all, I think I have to deny her on this one. They may seem like simply accommodating the purchasers, but I bet that one of the qualifications to apply is some kind of vast knowledge on gems and alike.
I haven't even touched a real diamond in my entire life, much less memorizing its history. I just can't imagine myself working here as well, especially with how frisky and rowdy I could get, though I don't want to admit it.
When I'm about to open my mouth, someone suddenly calls Felicity from behind me.
For a moment, I heard a husky voice along with the tapping sounds of approaching footsteps.
Turning around, I then jolt in surprise upon laying eyes on a very familiar face. He also halted on his tracks as soon as he saw me, recognition crossing his face.
"Huh? Lillian?"
"S-Sol?"
I never thought I'd see him here, and this soon to boot.
Stupefied, I just gawk at him and take a while to let the situation sink in. Though I did ask for destiny to let us meet again, I didn't think it would be this sudden.
Then again, that's just how fate truly works in the first place, and I genuinely believe that it is indeed the red strings that tie us together and lead us to this very moment.
"You two know each other?" Felicity chimed in, baffled.
"Yes, we met weeks ago, though I didn't really expect we'd find each other here… Anyway, how are you doing, Lillian?" Sol questioned, a friendly grin gracing his stunning features.
He's as gentle as always.
Seeing his smile again makes me think that my previous hardships aren't for nothing after all. What's more, I also get to see him in such a glamorous apparel.
Judging by his present attire, it seems like he's working at the bank since he wears the same uniform as the accountant apprentices I saw earlier. It's made up of a black duffle coat with silver buttons and lacings, a golden aguillete in the middle of his collar serving as a clasp, white pants, and a pair of white gloves.
Sol looks really appealing and charismatic in it.
"Hello…? Earth to Lillian…"
Shoot. I almost drool.
"O-Oh, right. Felicity is helping me find an apprenticeship."
"You haven't found one?"
After processing my own words, I feel like digging a hole and burying myself alive. I recall how Sol took the time to encourage me back then, only to find out that I haven't landed on an apprenticeship.
He might think I didn't take him seriously, or worse, he might see me as an incompetent woman.
Then, desperate to change subjects, I just ask how Felicity knew him to which he just answered that they're fellow apprentices at this establishment.
"And we know each other's families," Felicity cut in all of the sudden, much to my surprise.
For some reason, that came out a bit too abruptly. Her lips then turn into this ear-splitting grin that makes me want to mirror it despite my confusion.
It might just be my imagination, after all.
"Anyway, have you made a decision, Lillian?"
"Oh, yes. Thank you for taking me here, Felicity, but I don't think I can work here."
It's uncomfortable to explain myself in front of the person who advised me about this. Fortunately, Felicity just proceeds to invite me to the town square.
I also honestly think that going there will stop giving me mini heart attacks for once. The place sounds ordinary and humble, unlike the bank and its jewelry store.
"May I join you, ladies? I'm on break as well," Sol asked out of nowhere, startling me.
"Of course!" Felicity beamed.
I can only give a nod at this point, and with that, the three of us head for the town square.
True to my words earlier, this part of Ellicht is more of my taste.
The town square looks festive with its colorful flags sticking out from the light posts and poles while a few is hanging from above. A myriad of stalls and booths sport various kinds of goods. The hustles and bustles of the street give a lively ambience.
What's more, everybody's differing miens and bearings display an amusing diversity – a riveting amalgamation of numerous cultures.
As I am reveling in such a festal sight, Felicity suddenly taps my shoulder.
"Lillian, what's that on your head?" she asked, pointing to my cap.
"Oh, this is my original creation. It's a type of hat that really looks different from the others. I usually wear it in crowded places like this."
"I see… Your hair and eyes do stand out. Honestly, I'm a bit fixated on them when I first saw you at the restaurant."
"Restaurant?"
At this, Sol suddenly looks bewildered.
I hesitated to explain it to him since I feel a bit ashamed by my current situation.
However, Felicity already beats me to it and starts telling him about our first meeting, starting from when I save her from a thief. At first, I don't see any issue with her standing as my spokesperson right now, but after recalling how Madeline called me a tomboy after that incident, I suddenly feel flustered and embarrassed.
I don't want Sol to come up with the same idea.
It's rude to stop someone from talking, especially if they're doing no harm, so I just brace myself and wait for his reaction.
But then, he only chuckles and smiles after hearing Felicity's rambling.