Eve watched the scenery up ahead while gnawing on some fruit. She was on the seat located on one of the indoor balconies overlooking the luxurious banquet below. She has no interest in plastering an unending smirk while greeting strangers one after the other. Hence, she asked Sylvius' consent to be excused from such an arduous task. He let her go since he doesn't want to exhaust his daughter. Not to mention, it will be uncomfortable for her as she is still injured. He let Bastian lead her to a peaceful area where she can still appreciate the party.
( Where is she now?) Eve questioned the furball.
( Kitchen, host. She's doing some errands.)
[ When will the phenomenal encounter happen?] She was getting agitated with excitement.
She booked this hotel because Halfsie informed her that the hero and heavenly being met in the venue. Not wanting to miss out on the drama, she decided to take the whole set and occupy the best seat in the house.
According to the furball, Halesia, the virgin Mary incarnate, helped her good friend and took up her spot on being a waitress on this particular day. Not knowing that it was just a nasty prank from her "bestie," she wholeheartedly took up the job. The script naturally followed the cliché story of having fortune after a disaster event. In the end, the heroine had an accident and ended up aggravating Sarien's injury leading to a heart-warming one-sided love story.
Her gaze went back to her dad, Sylvius. He is currently engaged in conversation with some people who reek of aristocratic air. He is stern and serious as always. Nonetheless, if you observe closely, he has this energetic aura on him that says he was in a good mood.
In truth, Sylvius is indeed over-joyed at the moment. He was pleasantly surprised that his daughter came up with the idea. It was his first time experiencing such an event that he became ecstatic. He even sent a picture of the party to a certain someone to rub it on his face. Sylvius knew his dad should be envious as hell after receiving his taunt. Serves him right, he inwardly snorted.
***
"Eve."
A mumble came out of Sarien's throat. Calling her name has become an instinct and thus murmured automatically after finding her. The soft-spoken call, however, was drowned within the chattering noise. When he took another step forward, he was fascinated by the enchanting picture that he lost track of time. He stood still dumbly like a rock appreciating her beauty. He walked towards her, yet she didn't glance at him. The lady's concentration remained glued on the affair below that she didn't notice his presence.
Sarien can't help but admire her appearance.
She now looks different from her lazy image he was used to. Wearing a sophisticated long black dress that hid her injury, she is like an unruly princess taking a break from a lifeless party. He couldn't help but chuckle when he spotted her holding a champagne glass containing milk while her other hand holds a strawberry dipped in chocolate. Whenever he meets her, she is either eating or napping. She always seems so carefree and only has strong reactions when it came to food. Sarien finds it adorable. He reckons that he is indeed biased in his perception of her, but he doesn't mind either way.
Now he only wanted to etch the exquisite scenery into his memory.
"Eve." The pleasant voice finally captured Eve's attention.
She scanned the young man wearing a well-tailored suit. He is dashing as ever.
[ Hero material, alright.] She mused.
"Sarien." Eve flashed a captivating smile.
[That's great. The drama is about to start.]
"Why are you all alone in here?" Sarien caught up with her in a few strides. He half-kneeled in front of her wheelchair and asked in concern.
"This is the best place to enjoy the show." Eve answered truthfully.
[ Show?] He glanced at the gathering below and wondered what show she was referring to.
"Do you need anything? I'll bring it after greeting Uncle Syl." His voice was warm, and his gaze tender.
Eve examined her own mini version of the dinner table and responded.
"No need. Do your thing first. I'll be here waiting."
[ Waiting for you to meet my sister. ]
The expectation is too much that she can't hide the sparkle in her eyes. Her fiendish grin also left a peculiar charm.
Sarien was flabbergasted by the alluring view in front of him.
Eve's waist-length hair is upturned into a bun decorated with flower-shaped jewels. A blue diamond accentuated her swan-like neck, and for the first time, he saw her with make-up on. Her luscious lips painted like cherries, not knowing if it's from a lip tint or the berries she ate. There is also black fine detail that highlighted her beautiful blue orbs. If her image is akin to a charming, innocent angel on normal days, she currently gives an impression of a seductive fairy with a pure aura. Such contradicting image can truly captivate souls.
"Sarien, is something wrong?" Eve returned the dipped berry on the table and gently patted the lad's cheek. She wanted to make sure he is functioning perfectly for the grand performance later. However, when her fingers touched his skin, she was amused by the pleasant tactile feeling. Surprisingly, a boy's cheek could actually be so soft. She unceremoniously sampled a pinch on Sarien's baffled face. For a moment, she left everything behind and concentrated on her pinching activity until she detected a wet mark on his cheek. Realizing it's probably due to the strawberry remnant from her fingers, she seamlessly took a napkin by the table and cleaned the crime scene. Sarien was thunderstruck and couldn't respond to the series of actions Eve pulled off. He could only gawk at her closed-up countenance focused on messing around with her naughty paws.
Eve finally mounted the evidence on the table. She glanced back on the youth and saw how scarlet his whole image have become. Did she rub too hard or pinched too much? Maybe both? She almost felt guilty. What will she do if her sister doesn't have the hots for a handsome tomato?
When she reached out to him again, Sarien stood up, displaying his perfect side profile to her.
"I'll come back in a minute." He left those words and walked briskly towards the gathering downstairs.
( Is he furious I almost wiped his face off?) Eve consulted the system guide.
Halfsie, who was rolling to and fro from too much excitement, resumed its calm and answered in all seriousness.
( No host. You did a good job fixing his image before he meets the heroine.)
[ Maybe I need to apologize later.] She resolved that she must not offend her snack provider then proceeded to eat.
***
"Don't cry. That's how a captain normally is when it's hectic."
A young man can be seen consoling a waitress. He came to retrieve what he had forgotten and was on his way back when he witnessed her being berated. He overheard that she is a newbie and had committed a couple of mishaps while performing her tasks. Just now, she accidentally tripped, and a platter of desserts she was holding fell. As a result, the captain lashed out. Though he understood the circumstance, he couldn't just stand by while she walked out, seeming as if about to fall apart. Those reddish eyes that threaten to shed tears made her appear pitiful that it simply tugged his heartstrings.
"I really didn't mean to. It's my first time doing this." The girl desperately wiped the tears flowing from her limpid orbs. She doesn't want to cry, but she can't control the overwhelming emotions. She wanted to reason out that she had never done service work before but thrived on doing her best. Still, the series of scolding made her unable to voice out her inner thoughts.
She thought back if her performance tonight might affect her friend's record. It's the first time she had asked a favor, and she wanted to fulfill her. The blunder tonight, however, might affect their friendship. Thinking of such a result made her whimper heavily.
"It's alright." The young man offered his hankie and watched her resume rubbing her tears after saying thank you.
"Just take a break. I'll inform cap that you are not feeling well." He added because he observed that she is not fit to continue her duty tonight. It is inappropriate; hence, he decided to cover for her instead. He's unoccupied anyway and might as well lend a hand.
The waitress struggled to stop sobbing, for she realized that it's rude to bawl her frustrations to a stranger. Nonetheless, he was sympathetic enough to help her.
She decided to resume her task but knew she needed a break for now. Knowing what a mess she is after crying, she wanted time to fix herself.
"Thank you." She raised her head to meet the kind soul.
"You're welcome." He responded with a faint grin.
"I am Halesia, by the way. What is your name?" His attractiveness flustered her that she nimbly bowed her head.
"Just call me Ryle." He rubbed his hair and shifted his gaze away. Halesia's swollen eyes and red nose made her resemble a rabbit. Ryle finds her extremely cute.
"Ryle, Thank you."
"Umm."
He glanced at the beaming girl in front of him and uttered.
"I will cover for your remaining hours so you can go home instead."
"I appreciate the offer but I want to finish my job." Halesia peeked over, fiddled her fingers, and spoke again.
"But, may I ask you to help me for a while? I just needed a break to fix myself is all."
Halesia lowered her eyes and clenched her small fists. She felt embarrassed to request a new acquaintance. Even so, she can only implore him. She doesn't want to ruin this moment further.
"Alright." He can't help but appreciate her determination and professionalism.
"Thank you!" A brilliant smile bloomed on her tear-streaked face.
"Then I'll be off for a while." She turned around and walked hurriedly. After a few steps, she halted and glanced back.
"Your handkerchief." Halesia was about to return the item but was disrupted by his response.
"Return it later." He waved as he watched her stride away after giving her gratitude.
***
( Host, the heavenly being is coming.) The childish voice disrupted Eve's concentration of savoring her meal.
( Oh? Where? )
( At your 2 o'clock, any moment now. )
She shifted her gaze and waited for her sister's arrival. Not wanting to miss out on the details, she retrieved an opera glasses from the system space using the link between her and Halfsie.
Not surprisingly, she found Sarien near the vicinity.
[It's all coming together.] She almost rubbed her hands together in anticipation.
Also, she didn't forget to draw a serving of freshly-cooked popcorn from the system space. Fortunately, no one witnessed her materializing things out of thin air. If ever someone did, she'll be accused of practicing dark magic. Well, she had long swept the fact of the preserved freshness of goodies and unhindered access to the system space under the tab of Wonders of Universe- Black Magic.
She popped kernels after kernels in her mouth as she peeled her eyes over the upcoming play.
[ Come on. Fate, do your thing.]
As if answering her solemn wish, a figure emerged from the corridor.
A petite, fair-skinned young lady in a simple waitress outfit finally came out. Her black hair is tied in a simple bun, which showcased her palm-sized face and endearing features. Big limpid eyes, which are still puffy, can stimulate anyone's pity. It is unusually reddish, together with her nose and cheek. It can be assumed that she had just cried her eyes out.
At the moment, her bewildered gaze wanders throughout the hall as if unexpectedly arriving in a different world. She fidgets here and there, looking gingerly for something or somewhere. She resembles a pathetic little herbivore lost in a sea of predators, oozing an aura that screams protection from such a cruel world. Such a piteous appearance of an adorable creature can move one's heart. A simple glance is all it needs to be distressed of her plight and save her from her misery.
[ A genuine breathing white lotus.]
Eve's blue orbs flickered dangerously as a devilish smirk unconsciously formed on her lips.
"Sister."
"I finally found you."