Sylvie was now terrified. What could Serena possibly want from her? She immediately tried to think of something that may have offended her but couldn't come up with anything.
Serena started walking and then turned to face her. "Move your ass, girl. I don't have all day." Sylvie immediately ran to catch up with her. Danity watched her run off and just laughed, as she had grown quite used to Serena's personality.
"Bye, sis! See you soon!"
As Serena and Sylvie walked, Sylvie noticed Serena didn't say much. But she did notice all the hushed whispers and gasps as they both walked by.
"Isn't that Vanguard Serena?"
"Oh my, it's the Goddess Serena."
"Who's that brat with her? Another high-ranking warlord?"
"God, these people are insufferable," Serena muttered, breaking the silence. Sylvie took the chance to try to start a conversation.
"So… I take it you don't like all the attention?"
Serena glanced over at Sylvie, as if analyzing her. "Why do you think these people worship us like they do?"
Sylvie was taken aback by this. It was such a weird question. She thought about it for a bit and figured it had to be one thing. "Because we are strong."
Serena looked indifferent. "Strength is a small part of it. We are their light in the dark. To us, they are small feeble beings that must be protected at all costs. But without them, there wouldn't be us. At the same time, they can't see past the glory. They don't see… us."
Sylvie was now stunned. She was pretty sure Serena didn't open up like this to anyone, so why her? She wanted to ask but realized they had arrived in front of a back-alley shop. She hadn't been paying attention and didn't know where they were.
Serena told her to wait and walked in. After a few minutes, she emerged, and they both started walking again. This time Serena didn't say a word. After walking for a little bit longer, Sylvie realized they weren't even in the main capital anymore. At some point, they had exited and were now walking through the woods on a slightly worn path that Sylvie didn't recognize. It was a thick wooded area with rocky, ancient statues all around. Sylvie was a bit creeped out by it until she saw a clearing with the sun shining directly into the center.
As they approached the clearing, Sylvie could see a group of people waiting. As she got closer, she could see most were elderly men and women. They were all chatting but stopped talking as Serena approached. They all looked full of sorrow yet slightly at peace. As Serena approached each one, Sylvie watched her give them something but couldn't see what it was. As she did, Sylvie noticed they nodded and seemingly smiled, and little by little, they headed off.
Sylvie just stood after the last one departed, confused. Who were these people and why had Serena decided to meet them here? As she was lost in thought, she failed to notice the last person who suddenly appeared out of the woods. It was a very old lady who walked with a cane. Her head was wrapped, and her face worn as if she had seen many years of life.
As the elderly lady approached, Serena dropped to one knee, shocking Sylvie as she was suddenly yanked down as well. Serena then materialized a box and when she opened it, Sylvie gasped. "A Rose Gold Orchid!"
Sylvie knew this was among the rarest of rare plants due to them only blooming during a week-long period between winter and spring. That wasn't all. Outside of the blooming window, they only grew in a certain valley region that crawled with high-level beasts! But why did Serena have one and why was she giving it to the old woman? It was worth a fortune, let alone its magical properties.
Serena then removed the Orchid with care and gave it to Sylvie to hold. After Sylvie received it, Serena nodded her head, and Sylvie understood. She slowly raised it to the woman, who gently grabbed it as tears started to fall.
Serena then stared the woman in her eyes. "All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today. Cherish in joy and in sadness, flowers are our constant friends." The woman nodded and walked off. Sylvie believed she might have been the only Warlord to ever see this side of Serena.
Sylvie couldn't help but feel a deeper sense of respect for Serena. She had witnessed a rare and intimate moment that revealed a side of the Vanguard she had never imagined. It was a humbling experience that made her realize the complexities and burdens that came with their roles.