Iris opens her eyes. The morning sun was shining brightly through the window. She got up at noon that day. After last night's incident in Lindheim, they had stayed at Leon's residence in Red Peak.
Red Peak is just north west outside of the city of Lindheim and not too far away. It's called Red Peak because when dusk comes, the entire top of the mountain looks like it's red-hot.
Iris put on her slippers and walked towards the balcony. She opens the door. Cool air greeted her.
The view of the Terrace Highlands looks beautiful from a distance. Aside from the natural scenery, the room she was in also gave off a beautiful view of the mansion. She saw below it a garden decorated with a fish pond and the front of the mansion which looked magnificent with lion statues on the left and right of the gate.
The lion is the Greyson family emblem.
Iris pulled her nightrobe closer together and decided to enter the room. When she accidentally saw Leon who was chatting with a maid in the hallway. It seems that Leon's condition is better than last night.
The maid left and it was then that Leon noticed Iris who was on the balcony. Leon smiled gently when he saw Iris.
Iris smiled back and waved her hand shyly.
"As a guest however I'm still lazing around. I better get ready.", Iris muttered to herself.
Iris went back into the room and pulled the bell to call the maids.
The maids came not long after. A maid Iris saw earlier talking to Leon moved forward among the maids.
"Good afternoon, Lady Elizabeth. My name is Olivia. What can we do for you?"
"I want to take a bath. Can you get the water ready Olivia?"
"We will have it ready at once, Lady Elizabeth. Would you like hotter water or just warm?"
"I think it's warm enough."
"Very well, Lady Elizabeth.", Olivia clapped her hands and told the other maids to prepare the bathroom.
"Olivia, I forget to tell you. But I didn't bring a change of clothes. Because of my sudden arrival…"
Olivia gestured. The other maids came into the room carrying various dresses.
"There is no need to worry, Lady Elizabeth. Duke Greyson had sent me early to Lindheim to buy dresses for you. These dresses I chose on the preference of the duke himself. We hope you like it, Lady Elizabeth."
Iris was amazed to see the dresses with various models and colors in front of her.
"They are so beautiful. Thanks for choosing it, Olivia. But aren't there a lot of shops still not open in the morning?"
"Duke Grayson has many connections, Lady Elizabeth. He can ask them to open the shop as per his request."
"Oh, I see. All right. Thank you for the explanation."
Olivia bowed politely.
"Please, Lady Elizabeth. Let us prepare you for a bath.
Iris nodded and walked towards the bathroom.
=====
Isabel wiped her mouth with a napkin. She had already finished her lunch. This was her third cup of coffee and she still felt sleepy.
All night she could not sleep well. Because thinking about the conversation with Iris when they were on their way to Red Peak.
Inside the carriage, Isabel looked back at Iris who was in front of her. Iris' messy hair. And her hands looked like they had bruises even though Iris didn't seem to be in any pain. A bad thought suddenly crossed her mind.
"Iris, perhaps my question was a little too much. And... perhaps not the right time. But…what exactly happened when you were inside the opera house?"
Isabel could see Iris who looked uneasy to give an answer.
"Iris, tell me. I need to know what happened to you. If there is someone who behaves inappropriately to you…"
As if realizing Isabel's intention, Iris immediately shook her head frantically.
"No. Nothing happened if that's what you meant…"
"Then why do you seem so hesitant? I heard from Duke Greyson… someone took you away from the rebels. After that what happened to you and that person?"
Iris bit her lip. It seems she is confused to start telling stories.
"Isabel… the person who saved me… is none other than Joshua…"
Isabel was like being struck by lightning hearing it. She widened her eyes in disbelief.
"I know it's hard to believe. But it's true… it was him. And not only that… I also met…"
"Morrigans?"
"Y-you're right. How do you know?", Iris was surprised in turn.
"I accidentally saw it. Right before the incident at the opera house.", Isabel folded her arms with a tired face.
"I think I just saw wrong because she looks different. But then there was the magic wall incident at the opera house. Added to that when Duke Greyson lost you. That made my uneasy premonition even more real."
Isabel's face looked dizzy.
Iris fell silent. She could sense Isabel's turmoil. The gloomy atmosphere was accompanied by the sound of the carriage wheels running.
"Joshua… what happened to him? Why didn't he contact us if he was still alive?"
"He… looks different, Isabel… he doesn't say anything other than he's had memory loss. But I could feel that he was having a hard time. Besides… Seraphine Aile was on him now…. I hope we can meet him again. Maybe we can find him?"
"…"
Isabel fell silent hearing Iris's words. In her head filled with all kinds of thoughts the possibilities of what actually happened.
"Iris… maybe I was wrong. But maybe… Joshua… isn't the Joshua we used to know. You know Seraphine Aile is a dark power that can give strength to its user? And we also witnessed how the Seraphine Aile changed Raul and… I personally… saw it myself… how was it…"
Isabel flashed back the horrific memory. Memories of when Joshua fought with all his might against Raul while also struggling not to lose his sense of who he is.
Isabel's expression seemed to think hard. She looked at Iris who was waiting for her words. Isabel knew Iris must have a hard time hearing her words.
"I think... we should forget about Joshua and not have anything to do with him... because I'm sure... it's unlikely that Joshua will survive... and what is now before us might not be the real Joshua... maybe someone else like Joshua..."
"Isabel, why do you have the heart to say that… Because of him, we-"
"I know. But as your guardian. I have an obligation to look after you. Your father and Dumar sacrificed everything for you. I was worried… because Joshua appeared at the same time as Morrigan… it seemed like a bad omen."
"But that's ridiculous, Isabel. If there wasn't Joshua at that time, maybe I would have…" Iris looked at Isabel in disbelief.
"I know, My Lady. But we are dealing with dark magic and nothing good comes of it. Because of that, please… don't act recklessly and forget about Joshua.", Isabel answered while holding Iris' hand with a pleading look.
Iris nodded slowly but Isabel could see that Iris did it forcefully.
"Knock! Knock!"
A knock on the door interrupted Isabel's reverie. Olivia entered the room where Isabel was staying.
"Right now, Lady Elizabeth is having lunch with Duke Greyson. She asked me to tell you-"
"Okay. I'll wait for her in front of the dining room-", Isabel stood up. Prepare to go.
"She asked me to tell you that after lunch she would spend some time alone with Duke Greyson. She said you can just rest today.", Olivia continued her interrupted words.
Isabel paused for a moment and then sat back down.
"Okay. Tell Lady Elizabeth I received her message. Thank You."
Olivia nodded and leave the room
Isabel sighed, "Looks like Iris still wants to spend time here. Luckily this morning I had written to let Catherine know we were in Red Peak. Sigh… Now what should I do?"
Isabel looked out the window of her room while biting her finger. She seemed to be thinking hard and decided to go see Malcolm.
The room Malcolm was staying in was in the guest room for the servants that located in male dormitory servants.
As she approached the room Malcolm was in, the sound of people giggling inside could be heard.
Isabel quickly opened the door without knocking. Inside, Malcolm is seen laughing with a maid on his bed. Their laughter stopped when Isabel suddenly walked in.
Withholding embarrassment, the maid immediately left Malcolm and Isabel.
"I brought you with me not to seduce Duke Greyson's maid." Isabel said as she closed Malcolm's bedroom door.
"Aw, Isabel. We're just two people having fun. I'm a guest and I'm not breaking any rules. You know there's no prohibition against flirting with the host's maid.", Malcolm replied casually.
"I have a task for you. Go to Lindheim. Disguise yourself as a mercenary and find out about last night's incident."
Malcolm stretched for a moment in his bed. Before finally standing up.
"Hoam. As usual, it's always work."
"Take this. Who knows you may need it."
Malcolm catches the money bag Isabel threw.
"Finding information about yesterday's incident is not easy, Isabel.", Malcolm looked at Isabel with an annoyed face.
"I know. Find what you can. I give you twenty-four hours. After that, come back here soon.", Isabel answered while walking towards the door.
"Sigh... okay." Malcolm put on his outer shirt with a lazy face.
There was the sound of the door closing, by Isabel from outside.
=======
"Your uncle used to say that you liked spending time in the library. That's why I brought you here. So, what do you think of the Greyson family's library?"
After lunch, Leon took Iris for a walk around the mansion owned by the Greyson family. They had toured several rooms before finally arriving at the library.
"Very beautiful, Leon. I can imagine me reading a book while enjoying the mountain view."
"I'm glad you like it. Because I know my family's library is not as big as yours."
"You are too modest, Leon. Of course, I will like it. Where there are books and quiet places are always my favorite places.", Iris answered while walking around the library.
The Greyson family library looks quite spacious with some expensive furniture in it. And since it was located on the top floor, they could see the mountain panorama as an advantage.
It is different from the library in Grassland which is on the ground floor but has a bigger size and can be used to receive guests. Libraries at Greyson are more luxurious and private.
Iris' steps stopped when she saw a painting on display. The painting depicts an old man wearing a red robe from behind. His hands lifted up as if he was reciting a spell and in front of him appeared a herd of horsemen who seemed to be helter-skelter hit by a tornado.
"This painting… I think it's about St. Varos, isn't it?
"You're right, Iris. It's one of the heroic stories of St. Varos. It is said that because of the great magic power of St. Varos. So that he alone can drive away enemy troops when attacking. That's what ended the civil war back then."
"Yes. You are right. It is said that so great the power of St. Varos so that he is considered as an incarnation of a god. Not only that, with the miracles he performed, many people worshiped him and considered him like God. That was the first time he was known as a Saint and also the beginning of the church of St. Varos formed."
"You know quite a lot about St. Varos. Did you study it, Iris?"
But Iris did not answer. She imagined when she was still living in the church of St. Varos with High Priest Carlos and the nuns.
"Iris?"
This time Leon's words brought Iris out of her reverie.
"Ah…. No. I just happen to have read it, Leon."
Iris then walked over to the window. Trying to get some fresh air. Her mind seemed to wander far away.
"Tell me. What's bothering your mind? You don't look like you usually do. Are the books in my library incomplete or… maybe there is something from my attitude that is less pleasing like yesterday's incident?" asked Leon who was standing beside Iris.
Iris shook her head slowly, "No… It's nothing. Not because of you, Leon. In fact… it's me who should apologize for losing the hairpin you gave me. It belonged to your late mother…"
"It's alright, Iris. What's important is you're safe. The hairpin is not worth your safety. Lost items can be replaced but lives cannot…"
Iris just smiled faintly at Leon's answer.
"Speaking of what happened yesterday. Do you know who helped you? I guess I should thank him."
"Oh. I dont know him. He took me to a safe place and left me. It wasn't long before Isabel found me."
Iris answered in a low voice. She decides to keep Joshua's identity a secret. Leon's question made her remember the conversation with Isabel last night.
Iris's face became somber.
As if realizing something was bothering Iris' mind. Leon cleared his throat slightly, "I'm sorry. But you look sad, Iris. Did you have a fight with Isabel?"
Iris looked taken aback for a moment.
"Is it very visible, isn't it?"
"Yes, that is so. Besides, it's not like you usually told Isabel not to accompany you today."
"Because we're often together, it looks weird when I'm alone."
"So, what's been bothering you, Iris? Did you guys fight?"
"Hmm… we're not fighting. Maybe I don't agree with her more precisely. And right now, I find it hard to accept what she said."
"Oh, I see. I think I understand how you feel. I've felt that too. Even that thing happened with your uncle."
"Is it true? I didn't expect it because I saw you adored my uncle so much."
"Surprising, isn't it? But your uncle is a strict and highly disciplined person. It's no wonder there aren't many people who can keep up with him."
"You are right. My uncle is very strict. To be honest, when my uncle was about to introduce you…. I imagined someone older and scary…"
The two of them glanced at each other before laughing a little together.
Leon stroked Iris' hair and smiled, "Whatever problem you had with Isabel, make up with her. Isabel is a strict person like your uncle but they are the ones who want the best for you."
For a moment Iris was surprised. She didn't expect Leon to say that. Slowly she nodded.
"But you don't have to push yourself if you're not ready. There's also me who can accompany you and I don't mind… you stay longer here.", Leon said with a small cough.
Seeing Leon who looked blushing, Iris was unable to hide her smile.
"Come on, let's continue our tour." Leon said as he stretched out his hand.
Iris took Leon's hand while smiling in relief. She was glad that Leon didn't force her to tell her any further. Leon's words just now made her feel a lot calmer.
=======
Isabel was about to return to her room after having dinner in the kitchen. That day she spent her time pacing back and forth in her room restlessly. Be prepared in case Iris suddenly calls out to her. But that day it seemed that Iris really spent time with Leon.
Suddenly there was a sound of footsteps.
Isabel turned around. It seemed a maid was walking towards her. Isabel thought it was Olivia but her estimate was off. When the maid saw Isabel, she smiled briefly and walked past her.
Isabel sighed and entered her room.
"What was I thinking? Iris had already said that today she didn't want to see me. And I hope she calls me today." Isabel muttered to herself.
Isabel spent the night trying to get to sleep.
======
Iris tried not to show her fear. Even though her horse walked slowly, for her riding was her weakness since long time ago.
Leon who was beside her patiently accompanied her.
That day was Iris' second day staying at Red Peak.
"I-I'm sorry, Leon, if I'm riding slowly."
"It doesn't matter. Our destination is close. We still have plenty of time anyway."
After lunch that day, Leon took Iris to see one of the many lavender fields scattered across Red Peak.
"Uh-oh."
Iris looked panicked as her horse started to go faster around the bend.
"You don't need to be afraid. Stardust is the calmest horse I own. Unlike Spinner, this horse I ride is more impatient."
"A-all right."
"Iris, look. We have arrived."
Ahead of them lay a vast, beautiful lavender meadow. A very contrasting purple color on the expanse of the green mountain plains. Accompanied by a cool breeze that blows gently.
"Wow…. very beautiful, Leon…. This is the first time I saw a very large and wide expanse of lavender. If I were you, I would probably visit every day."
Leon helped Iris get off the horse. They took a leisurely walk while passing through a stretch of lavender.
"So how was it? Do you like the atmosphere in Red Peak?"
"Yes, I like it here. Libraries, expanses of lavender, cool air… although it's different from Grassland but I like it all. Your mansion is also a beautiful place."
"What about our maids? Did they treat you well?"
"They are so friendly and caring. The dress that Olivia chose was really to my taste and even the size fits. Olivia said she chose on your preference, Leon. I didn't expect you to be good at choosing women's clothes."
"It's good that you like it. I deliberately asked Olivia to bring at least one model of dress, some of which were white. The color you like.", Leon smiled satisfied.
"How did you know that I like white, Leon?"
Iris' sudden question made Leon flinch.
"Actually Leon… there's something I wanted to ask you a long time ago. Maybe it's just my feeling… but I feel like you know me… even before our first meeting… is that true?"
"Iris…"
Iris stared at Leon with sparkling eyes. Leon could see that Iris was eagerly awaiting his answer.
But Leon shook his head slowly.
"No Iris… we have never met before…"
"Oh ... I was wrong apparently."
"Are you disappointed?"
Iris shook her head with a smile.
"Not really. I'm just curious. Though I'm sure I'm right. But it seems I was wrong."
"Just like yesterday you said that I would be like your uncle? Old and scary?"
Iris nodded while chuckling as a result she wasn't paying attention to the road and slipped.
!
But Leon deftly caught it so it didn't fall.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Looks like this is punishment for teasing uncle. Haha…."
Iris raised her head and she just realized that she and Leon were very close and at this moment Leon looked at her with serious eyes.
"Iris, marry me…" Leon asked while holding Iris' cheek.
Iris felt her face heat up and her heart race.
In a low voice Iris replied, "Leon… I…don't know what to say. Wasn't that too fast and I-…"
Iris had not finished saying, Leon suddenly brought his face closer.
Iris, who was shocked, looked down in embarrassment while avoiding Leon who was about to kiss her lip.
"I-I'm sorry… I think I want to rest first. Can we go back first, Leon?"
Noticing Iris acting evasive, Leon nodded wordlessly.
Leon helped Iris onto her horse and they made their way home. The whole way they looked awkward.
Iris secretly glanced at Leon, wondering if he was mad at her. But Leon still behaved normally to her. As if nothing had happened between them.