Upon her introduction, Arawa also removed her helm. What beheld the duo's sight was beauty that rivaled even the likes of their friends; Rinca, Viola and even the elven queen.
Her complexion was tanned, radiant befitting her title as Sunrise. It complimented her deep black eyes that appeared more enchanting upon revealing her face.
Silence imbued the carriage as Naell was truly taken aback from her beauty. That also made Arawa awkward as she didn't know what to do.
Luckily, Owly's pecking awakened Naell who immediately responded, "It's…an honor to meet the Sunrise of the Republic."
She only smiled but hints of embarrassment remained slightly on her face. She then replied, "Please, just call me Arawa young master."
Naell also immediately apologized as he didn't meant to make things more awkward. Owly could only sigh with his friends' blunder.
"I'll do as you say, Lady Arawa, please do also just call me by my name."
Arawa only nodded. Only few knew why exactly she disliked being called Sunrise. Naell and Owly were actually two of those who heard of that rumor.
Yet it seems even with their prior knowledge, Naell had forgotten about it, or simply didn't care to remember it as he never thought he would meet her.
Arawa Morning was better known as First Strike—also known as the fastest martial artist, a title that used to belong to the Tenth Swordsman, Duke Mard, father of Rinca Arigare.
Because of that, many had challenged her in the past, hoping to disprove her prowess, yet that only contributed to her named title being bestowed upon her.
In many of her battles and duels across countless records and witnesses, she would simply defeat her challengers and foes upon her opening strike.
.
.
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After what seemed to be a long (in reality short) travel, they finally arrived at their destination. Upon the opening of the carriage, Owly immediately flew away to escape the grueling silence thanks to Naell.
Naell could only lament silently at his friend's betrayal. He then gestured for Arawa to leave first; a courteous act he thought to do for the word "ladies first" was inscribed in his mind.
Yet when Arawa responded with a confused face, Naell froze and continued to do so even when she began calling him. By then he was busy contemplating his mistake.
His thoughts ran back to all the times when he was inside the carriage with the protagonist party. Often Andrew, Note and even the laid back Rizaul would go out first and assist Viola, Namiku and Rinca.
And so he tried to fix his mistake yet the lady knight already left the carriage. Little did he know, Arawa was confused for an entirely different reason.
Sighing to himself, Naell also left the carriage, and immediately, he gazed upon the estate before him. A mansion built around a courtyard and sealed off entirely from the street.
That unlike the sandy or white cement outside, the place was filled with greenery washed with a faint tint of yellow, making one think you weren't in the continent of Summer.
Although the variety of flowers were simple, none would think heavily about it as many plants would indeed not grow in the desert.
Naell and Owly did find the aesthetic of the place to be relaxing. As for the house, it was neither too large nor small but one could definitely see that the person living inside was important, if not influential to some extent.
The wall was a cream-colored stucco with red clay tiles for its roof. The structure had three or more floors based from its appearance. Overall, the look it gave was a classical villa.
If it was built in Beryldot, one would likely believe it was built for the baron's family. Hence Naell and Owly were guaranteed that they were soon to meet some nobility.
And true to their expectations, none other greeted them but the prince of the Republic himself, Enitma Summer.
Red hair and golden brown eyes, these were the celestials' gift to the bloodline of Summer that made them recognizable from any distance.
"I'm pleased that you're here, young master Naell. Were your travels well?"
"Ah, yes they were, Prince."
Naell mindlessly said, distracted by how regal the prince's appearance was in the Republic of Summer. Owly too HOOTed, also impressed his strikingly royal visage.
Enitma donned loose clothes with a deep maroon tint paired with a golden vest. His puffy pants were decorated with yellow ornaments and light cascading jewels on either side. The long flowy fabric dressing his upper torso gave him most of the coverage necessary without being too heated in their pervasive climate.
The prince was youthful and handsomely tanned. He was barely older than Princess Utua and had a friendly smile. Despite this, hints of loneliness were on his very being as he walked with a withdrawn air to him.
It reminded Naell of how public figures acted when their every move was being watched by strangers on earth.
'He's more of a celebrity than a prince.' Naell thought with no intention of saying such a thought out loud.
Enitma then said, "...That's wonderful to hear. Needless to say, it's really no good speaking outside. Let's walk."
Arawa, with a respectful nod followed behind them, similar to how the sun itself shone on their backs.