A gust of wind blew the outdoor umbrella causing it to momentarily tilt over. Eve, who was reclining underneath, lifted her hand to block the sunlight.
It is supposed to be wintertime, but in Sarthaal, a tropical country, they only have summer and wet seasons. Either way, the ber months had rendered the wind cool enough to provide a perfect combination with the warm sun. In short, it's a great day every day.
She lay on the recliner enjoying the outdoor landscapes while sipping a mango shake and gnawing on some pastries. It's how she spends most of the time whenever she got stuffy inside while watching El busy himself. First, she excuses herself for a quick change in the environment then returns to re-appreciate his view. That's how she wastes her day most of the time.
[ Boring.]
Eve covered her mouth as she yawned.
It's been a while since an exciting play occurred in the castle. The last time someone got caught and punished was two weeks ago. Though she never gets tired of watching El's beauty, she also craves some thrilling entertainment. After all, the cruel spectacle that had transpired during her stay had completely activated her evil cells.
" Miss Tang, how about we go to the maze garden instead?" A servant standing nearby proposed. She noticed the weary expression on the young lady's face and thereby suggested.
" Hmm."
Eve gazed at her, tapped the armrests, and contemplated.
" Miss?" She raised her head and asked once again.
[ Is it time already?]
Eve scanned the blond beauty wearing a maid's outfit and knowingly grinned.
The face is not that bad. Overall, she is neat looking and decent somehow. She also gives off an "innocent" vibe. It is mainly due to her delicate appearance and gentle demeanor. In addition, she smiles coyly at all times as if afraid someone might not discern how harmless she is. Still, this lady has a fascinating side no one could have ever thought of. Except for her, of course.
A lovely chuckle responded.
" Ada, let's go to the maze garden."
Getting a positive reply, Ada beamed.
" Yes, Miss. I'll just get an umbrella. Please wait for a while."
" Alright."
The simper plastered on both their faces became more saccharine, apparently pleased with the situation.
The two strolled towards the maze located on the east side of the estate. It wasn't that vast, and the hedge is only over two and a half meters tall. In the center is a grand fountain surrounded by blooming flowers. It is said to be one of the best scenery for its enchanting view.
" Miss Tang, please watch your steps."
Ada trotted beside Eve, walking only a step behind while propping up the parasol.
" Thank you, Ada. You're the most thoughtful one." She responded with a gentle smile.
" You're welcome, Miss Tang."
Both of them chuckles so lovingly, interacting as if one is a newly wedded daughter-in-law and the other, an amiable mother-in-law. They continued exchanging pleasantries now and then, showing their gentlest side.
Upon reaching the fountain, Ada once again suggested another area to Eve.
" Miss, do you know there's a place called Woodrealm located beyond the maze garden? They said it's quite the picture, especially during sunset. "
" Oh, there's such a thing?"
" Yes, Miss. It's actually a hidden scenery. Only a handful of the servants knew its existence."
Eve cupped her chin while sitting on the fountain basin. They are now in the center of the garden resting.
The landscape truly lived up to its name. It is indeed remarkable; nevertheless, she is more engrossed in other things.
Seeing the girl unfazed, Ada chatted more of its beauty in hopes of enticing her.
" They said that a splendid pavilion was constructed by the first Master for the Madam centuries ago. They would sneak to the woods and hide away from everyone to have their own world for two. It was, however, speculated that they actually do it just because they find it entertaining to see every servant become frantic due to their absence. In the end, it was their little prank that created that small place within the woods, but up until now, it is intact. "
Still and all, Eve remains indifferent.
" Miss, that place, they call it Ruins now, but actually it is not. It's because the pavilion still remains even if no one maintained it."
" Why would no one maintain that place if it's a part of this land's history?"
" Well, Miss, it's because of a myth."
" What kind of myth?"
Ada is satisfied that the unsuspecting lass has finally shown interest.
" A myth that the spirits living there won't be pleased if intruders disrupt their sacred place. That grove is originally a part of an ancient forest. They preserved that small piece of land because they believed it is a holy place. They said the forest spirits still live within the old trees and sometimes have fun once in a while, taking fireflies as their form. Nobody has seen them in flight, but some claim that they almost fill the heart of Woodrealm when they do. They also stated that it's a magical sight to see. That's why there's a saying that if you make a wish when you're surrounded by the fireflies, your wish will come true."
Ada observed the lackadaisical girl, who was only showing a gentle smile while listening to her.
In truth, Eve is currently consulting with the system guide.
( Is that legend true?)
( Host, there really is a legend about the fireflies, but I cannot ascertain if the wish-granting part is real.)
( Why don't you know? Even if you're a depraved evil spirit, you're still a spirit, no?)
( Host, have you forgotten that I know almost everything?) The childish voice whispered so softly it can only reach its nose. Fortunately, the volume isn't an issue when communicating.
A momentary silence engulfed the two.
( Oh.)
[ What's with that tone? That almost hurt.] Halfsie struggled to squeeze a drop of tear. The host's grunt of disappointment stabbed its pride. It was a little sad with its incomplete database, sadder because it lacked tear glands to enjoy the comfort of shedding tears, and saddest because it discovered that it didn't know how to classify itself. Is a system guide considered a ghost? A spirit? An alien technology? In the end, it can only voodoo and hoodoo the main system in its mind.
A burning gaze pulled Eve's scattered mind.
She glanced at Ada, who still had that gentle appearance. If not for the fist she unconsciously clenched or that annoyance she can't hide in her eyes, she would have deceived her into thinking she really means no harm.
" Interesting." Eve can only chuckle at her attempt to fool her.
" Miss, actually, I know the way. How about we go and see it?"
" I thought you'd never ask."
She stood up and dusted her knee-length blue chiffon dress.
[ Finally, going down to business.]
A devilish smirk bloomed on her face.
***
* Be back in a while. Don't miss me too much. - Your mate
Xaphael almost crumpled the piece of abomination he found on his desk. However, he found the texture a bit familiar. He turned it over finally validated his conjecture.
A charming lady smiling so beautifully is printed on it.
The point is, she is wearing his shirt.
Only wearing his shirt.
Though she wore it neatly and no rated 18 part is revealed, it was more than enough to stimulate one's imagination. The exposed clavicle and her outstretched neck were blinding. Even that charming smirk and especially that mischievous azure eyes can make hearts beat faster.
Xaphael felt his lifespan shortening.
[ That crazy girl is getting good at this.] He sighed, wondering how long he has to endure her increasingly terrifying antics.
[ Should I notify the Cross' that I'll send her over?]
He didn't continue contemplating that matter because, according to their agreement, she is free to stay or leave provided she behave within his set limits.
His set limits.
Black lines popped out his forehead as he reminisces the different things she pulled.
[ It seems I was too lenient.]
He didn't even notice how nonrestrictive he had been towards her.
A sigh escaped from his throat.
He glanced at the small portrait in his hand, thinking how to deal with it.
If he leaves it inside the desk drawer, the rats might steal it and be given odd ideas. It may even entice them to start with her. That will bring about a shit ton of trouble in turn.
To hide it in the safe would be too much. How would he explain it in the future if one finds it? It would be awkward.
If he burns it, she might get upset when she discovers it. Then she'll retaliate against him. Thinking of her peculiar ways, he shuddered.
Better be safe than sorry.
In the end, he can only hide the hot potato in his wallet, where no one can see. He can also readily pull it up like a talisman against Eve's retaliation as proof that he didn't throw it away.
[ Where did she go anyway?]
He strode towards the window and scanned the patio below. Eve normally lazes around in that area, which he could perfectly see from his office. Nonetheless, he didn't see her.
Xaphael glanced towards the maze garden. It was quite the distance from his location, but he can clearly spot a moving red parasol treading between the hedge walls.
[ Is it her?] He hesitated because he knew damn well how slothful that seemingly obedient girl is. How could she endure walking for a long time when she even refuses to get out of bed even if the sky splits. If he didn't lure her with his permission to accompany him in the office, it was for sure she'll continue rolling in bed.
Wait. Why did he do that in the first place? Now his once in lifetime goodwill ignited her obsessive bones that she always sticks to him whenever she can. It's a good thing she still had a shred of principle not to stalk him all the way to the bathroom.
If Eve heard his unjustified criticism, she'd bite his abs for sure.
What refuses to leave her bed even if the sky splits? That was only the second day of her stay, alright.
She was kidnapped, jetlagged, and certainly slothful, but she has to rest, and rest means at least three days straight of seriously doing nothing, ok.
It's her golden rule in cultivating her exhausted soul.
A knock summoned him to return back to reality.
" Come in."
" Master, a report came. " Balin carried a tray containing a sealed letter to Xaphael, who was standing by the window.
He took the letter, threw a quick glance somewhere, and finally sat behind his desk.
Moments later, a low biting chuckle filled the study.
" Master, what is your command?"
He leaned on his chair and folded his legs.
" No hurry. I still had to determine when is the best time to send them off."
He grinned, but his orbs burned with malice.
" Yes, Master."
Balin can only offer flowers for the pitiful souls who are about to meet the creator.