The earth is drenched by the rain when they last lay their sight on each other. Noelle finds herself in the warm embrace of Kian's body. Noelle realized that the separation from Kian is unbearable. However, she does not want to shed a single tear because this separation will end soon. Noelle wants Kian to go with an open heart and worry less about her well being.
Noelle is able to live without a man for twenty five years in her life so she pulls herself together. "I must not be weak because of love. Love should make me stronger instead.", she thought to herself.
"Noelle, take good care of yourself. Remember to get good sleep.", Kian kisses Noelle's forehead before going into the car.
"Miss Noelle, I will take care of Kian during the trip.", Stanley bowed down before getting into the same car as Kian.
Noelle worried that Kian was unable to speak the language in Germany thus she assigned Stanley to be the guide and translator. Stanley originally came from Germany before working with her family for twenty years. From the description that was mentioned by Kian, Stanley has suggested that it might be Rothenburg which is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Stanley has a warm and sociable personality thus he truly could not wait to meet the man that managed to capture their lady heart. However, in contrast to his personality, Stanley's face is known to be terrifying for twenty four hours. Stanley only smiles occasionally thus if someone meets him for the first time, they will stay away from him. However, the servants in the house have known him for so long thus they are not bothered by Stanley's facial expression.
"I am glad that I finally can spend more time with you. My name is Stanley and I will be your guide for the trip.", Stanley introduces himself while holding out his handshake with Kian.
"You can call me Kian. Thank you for willing to be my companion for this journey despite your hectic schedule. I apologize for troubling you.", Kian shook his hand and smiled warmly.
"How did you meet our lady Noelle?", Stanley has been curious about Noelle and Kian. In fact, the whole household has been dying to know the fateful story. However due to respect, no one has raised any question nor dare to start any rumor.
"She found me unconscious and has been taking a good care of me since I could not remember who I really am.", Kian tried to explain in the shortest way possible.
"I apologize for probing further. She found you without any identification on you?", Stanley asked.
"She could not find anything on me that time. Before she can investigate further, Noelle already caught up with all the sudden events in her life. Lo and behold, now we are in Switzerland since her father caught her in Genting Highlands.", Kian explained further while looking down and fidgeting with his fingers. He knows that his background sounds too suspicious which has been bothering him every single day. Kian hopes that this trip will reveal his background. Grandpa has mentioned that no one with his description was in the missing people list in Malaysia and INTERPOL. Just like what Noelle says, it seems that he just appeared by Noelle's side out of nowhere.
Seeing Kian's face seems troubled, Stanly holds back his question. He does not want Kian to get agitated and they will not be able to enjoy the trip. Kian is a man with a few words, so the five hours journey is mostly filled with silence.
As they entered the Germany border, Kian sensed something familiar deep in his heart. Something is calling him to get closer. The sense of belonging. Kian could not stop looking outside of the window. Everything has changed compared to the bits of memories that came back a few days ago.
"Kian, lets go to the townsquare today. There will be a festival for Yuletide, I want to see the performance. There will be a group of people singing and we can buy food from the street stalls.", her eyes get rounder when she requests something. Kian knows that rejecting her will make his day miserable. Since she will follow him around until he says yes.
"Alright. However, I will need to finish cutting the wood for today. Otherwise we would not have enough firewood to be put inside the house.", Kian continues to do his chores. He does not feel comfortable staying put in the house that has saved him from the street. The little girl sat on the wood pile patiently.
She was the only child in her family which has made her life so lonely without a kid around her age to play with. Papa and Mama have been strict to not let her out unless under their supervision. She does miss her old hometown where she has lots of friends. However, one day they had to pack in the middle of the night and fled to the current town.
Now they have to live in a smaller house and without servants to help around the house. Mama has been doing all the house chores while tutoring her. Last year on Yuletide, she found a boy staring into their house before fainting. Ever since that, Kian has been her playmate. They moved to a different town not long after. Kian begged Papa not to send him home to his aunt's house. Kian offered himself to work around the house. Mama helps to persuade Papa which has made Papa eventually agree to let Kian be with them. However, to get away from any issue rises in case Kian's aunt wants him back thus they move out from the town.
"Kian… How long more?", she whines since it has been an hour ever since she persuaded Kian to go to the festival.
"After this I will be done soon. You can go back inside and get ready first. I will shower then we can head to the town square within 30 minutes.", Kian said softly before putting down the last log to chop.
"Yay!!", the little girl ran to the house.
"Kian… How do I look?"
The little girl twirls around with her blue dress and her eyes sparkled as she waits for compliments from Kian.
"You look pretty as usual." Kian says nonchalantly.
"Hehe.. I know that I am the cutest right?". She elbowed Kian while a smirk formed on her face. Kian put on a plain face even though his ears turn red which gives himself out for blushing.
"Come on. Don't dilly dally. Otherwise you will miss the performance." Kian grabbed her hand and walked out of the door. The townsfolk have decorated the town for the festival. There were evergreen decorated with star-like ornaments. The doors are decorated with wreaths. It was so beautiful.
Both of them almost look like a huge ball of yarn since Mama put on thick clothing so that they won't get cold for the night.
They reach in time for the performance. The group of ladies and young children sang beautifully in harmony. Both of them follow the town folks dancing around the bonfire. Kian sang how grateful he is for the year. He has found a new family and is living in a warm house for this year.
"Kian, let's go to the stall and try the steamed potato.". She grabbed his hands and led Kian to the stall.
"That will be one cent". The man took the money and wrapped the potato so that it will be easier to eat on the go.
"Kian, it is hot. My hands hurt.", her eyes get teary as she never held a hot potato in her hands before. Kian took the potato from her hand and blew it slowly so that it will be warm and does not hurt to hold. Kian helps to peel the potato and hand it over.
"You are the best Kian. I think I want to marry you when I grow up.", she took the potato and continued to eat like nothing happened.
Kian was surprised by her remarks because he does not think that he deserved a happy life. Kian's heart still flutters by that wish. Kian wishes they lived in the time where there was no segregation between classes. Kian knew that the family was from a noble family but they were on the run.
They might live like other normal people but they do not have similarity with them from lower class. Kian knows that one day, Papa and Mama would want the girl to marry someone with the same level as them. Kian is content with the current setting. He will protect the girl with all his life because she is the reason why he is still breathing today. He would not have a second thought to throw himself in front of a sword if she needed him to be. His life no longer belongs to him.