"Miss Noelle will be the one that can understand what you are going through. She has lost both of her parents in a blink of an eye. She did not even have the chance to see their body for the last time." Stanley adds further after he sees that Kian is still not saying anything.
Kian nods his head because deep inside he knows that Noelle will always be there for him. All the things that Stanley has said were right. He should not doubt Noelle's sincerity. He should be helping Noelle since she needs his support more than ever. Moping around would not be much help to Noelle instead it will give her more things to worry about.
Kian realized that Noelle had never pressured him but let him take his own pace. Since his injury has been healed, Kian thinks that he should focus back on his training at the academy with Conrad. He bet that Noelle is getting much better in protecting herself than him.
The scene where Noelle was thrown by Conrad filled his mind. Not once did Noelle cry despite being in pain. She just bears the pain so that no one will think lowly of her. However, when it comes to Kian, she will easily cry over losing him. Kian is happy that he has found someone that cares about him. He misses everything about Noelle. Her scent and how she tastes still feel fresh in his mind. Kian want to see her erotic expression once more. He also loves how Noelle can play so many expressions, always dragging him everywhere to try something new that she finds.
"Alright then. Let's have something to eat. Enjoy our time while we are here, who knows the foods will help to bring back your memories." Stanley tries to cheer Kian up so he gets up and waves his hand so that Kian will follow. Seeing the hopeful looks on Stanley's face, Kian get up and brush the dirt off his pants.
Germany is famous for their Christmas market so Stanley brought Kian to the city center. The place is lively as it is crowded with people and Christmas carols are sung from every corner. From the street lights to the small shops are decorated with fairy lights. There are multiple evergreen in various sizes decorated with Christmas and Yule ornaments.
Kian wished that Noelle was here. Looking at how many decorations with Gothic style in her house, Kian knows that Noelle will be delighted to see the glamorous look of Neo-Gothic Old Town Hall. Kian remembers that Noelle's rabbit cage is inspired by one of the castles in Germany.
"Come try this hot wine called Glühwein." Stanley came with two metal mugs on his hands. He explains that this beverage is a must to try at least one time in your life whenever you visit the Christmas market.
Kian's brows furrow when the drink passes his throat. The alcohol rush faster than it normally is probably because it is served warm. He can feel that his face gets hotter which is great in the cold weather. Stanley laughed at Kian for he shows multiple expressions whenever he sees interesting things that people sell in the market.
"Schneeball! Schneeball!" The man from one stall has been shouting to sell his pastry which is the main attraction in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Like it's name, the pastry looks like a snowball. The short crust pastry is fried then decorated with white confectioner's sugar which gives the snow look to it.
Kian is amazed by the look of the pastry as there are multiple versions of it which gives the stall multicolor look that exude Christmas vibe. Seeing how interested Kian is with the pastry, Stanley heads over and buys two of it and passes it to Kian. Stanley feels like he is bringing a little kid around and since everything is covered by Noelle's family so Stanley is open to spending a little extra. Who knows Kian will be married into the family soon so it does not hurt for Stanley to be in Kian's good book.
"Kian, you can grab a few souvenirs for Miss Noelle. I bet she will be over the moon when she sees it later on." Stanley then gave Kian an envelope of cash for him to buy something.
"Sir, come buy the Prune People. You can buy it for your loved one as it symbolizes "Good Luck". We are selling it for a good price." The store keeper waved at Kian to attract his attention. Kian remembers that Noelle will need a lot of luck for her upcoming banquet.
"Give me that one." Kian points at the cute Prune People that have a dress on it. The store keeper smiles and thanks Kian for his patronage while wrapping it.
Noelle's building still has not been decorated yet for Christmas so Kian purchased some handmade German ornaments like hand-painted baubles. He saw gorgeous wooden carved angels and proceeded to purchase some. He could not wait to spend time with Noelle while decorating the place.
Kian saw huge heart shaped hanging like ornaments in one store. He bought one as he thought that it would be a great decoration for a Christmas tree. It is a gingerbread but it looks like it is more suitable to be a decoration instead of being eaten. At least that is what Stanley explains to him when he asks about Lebkuchen hearts.
He wants to buy more however he feels bad for spending lots of money which is not his to begin with. He will be sure to bring Noelle out for Christmas later on if her grandpa allows her to go out.
Both of Kian's hands are full of shopping bags, and this has made Stanley chuckle because Kian looks like he is about to bring the whole Christmas market back to Switzerland. He instructed the driver to take all the shopping bags and load them to the trunk.
"Kian, let's have dinner there." Stanley points at a restaurant with a 14th century stone-built inn. Stanley ordered medieval type food which the restaurant was famous for. Both of them are having stew that contains beef, lamb and chicken. It is served with peas and bread. Kian feels like he wants to burst into laughter because such normal food from his era is being popularized. Nonetheless he enjoys the food and Stanley feels accomplished since he managed to make Kian happier.
"Get some sleep and remember to get up early so that we can depart to Switzerland the soonest we can. Miss Noelle will need you soon because the banquet will be in two days." Stanley says to Kian before heading to his room right across the hall.
"Goodnight and thank you for everything today. I have so much fun exploring the town and it is thanks to your great guide. You should be the tour guide." Kian wants to tease Stanley since he has been the one doing the teasing the whole day.
Kian wished that he had a father figure like Stanley. His life will be a colourful one since Stanley seems like someone that loves to travel and willing to try any exquisite dishes without caring whether it will be bad or not.
That night, Kian took out all the items that he had bought from the Christmas market and lay it out across the floor. He wants to wrap it up for Noelle as early Christmas presents. Kian is grateful for Stanley's unique taste because he has bought a lot of peculiar gift wrapping design. It does not take him long before the room turns into Santa Claus factory. He only needs elves around to complete it.
However, despite Stanley advising him to sleep early, Kian finds himself unable to sleep. He opens the window and sits by the windowsill. He was unable to wrap his mind on how he managed to be transferred to modern time. He is unable to recall what happened before he arrived in Noelle's room.
Plus how come he can reach Malaysia when he originated from Germany in the Middle Ages. He wonders what about Noelle that might be related to him. "I must investigate Noelle's family history because they might have originated from Germany then settle down in Switzerland.
He can feel his heart feel heavy as he is about to leave the place where he was born. He contemplates if he should stay longer to investigate more about Germany but he knows that he needs to go back the soonest he can.
Since it only takes about 5 hours to reach Germany, Kian feels assured since he can persuade Noelle to come with him after the banquet is over.
Glossary:
1. Glühwein- also known as mulled wine or spiced wine
2. Schneeball- fried pastry that look like snowball
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber- German town that still have medieval structured which is preserved
4. Prune People- decoration made from prune which bring "Good Luck"
5. Lebkuchen-similar to gingerbread but it is sweeten with honey