The next morning, I was preparing my stuff to leave the mansion. There was a cart waiting for me outside to deliver me to my new home, with a new family. I was in my bedroom making sure to not forget anything indispensable.
"Money, guns, swords, some books, and repairing gear… I guess I´m set"
I never had a lot of belongings, if it´s not completely necessary, then I don´t need them to use space in my room, that´s how I´ve always lived. There were exceptions, like the photo of Veronica and myself on her 16th birthday. That same day I heard Herion talk about her engagement with the king and queen of Asphyxia. Even if the engagement hasn´t been decided yet, it puts me on edge every time I think about it.
The image of them getting married was to be expected according to the original story, and for the sake of the world, that marriage will end with Veronica´s death at the hands of the heroine. But I won´t let that happen. Ever.
"Just wait for me, heroine, you will meet my hands soon enough"
I packed everything in my bag and left the room, a sense of nostalgia invaded me as my feet led me to the mansion´s entrance.
"So, are you good to go?"
"Indeed, I am ready. Thank you for watching me leave, master Herion, master Delilah… My lady…"
Just outside the door, Véronica was standing with both of her parents by her sides. I gave them a bow before walking to the carts. Jasmine was waiting for me beside their doors. She was now wearing a maid´s outfit far more decent than her usual clothes. Twilight was ready to push us forward into our new home.
"Please take good care of me, master"
"Prepare yourself, this path will be nothing but pain for quite a while"
"Nothing I haven´t experienced by now, master"
I gave her my stuff and she entered the vehicle. I turned and looked at the nobles that had taken care of me for so long. I bent my knee and touched the ground with my fist. A sudden urge of crying rose from my insides.
"I… I don´t have the words to express… How grateful I am… You gave everything to a stray dog like me… I will never be able to repay you…"
With his humongous figure in front of me, the greatest of men talked to me.
"Raise your head, Dominique, we understand your feelings, and as such, we expect nothing from you but excellence. Show the world what you are capable of, and when the time comes, face us with the port of a true noble"
The words of Herion were as powerful as always. I respected this person with all my heart, he was my image of how a man should be. And hearing him say that he has expectations for me…
It was truly an unforgettable feeling…
"Dominique, be sure to learn a lot in the academy, there is no better place in the kingdom to carve a name at a young age. Become the best, and overcome all the obstacles that may come on your path"
Delilah placed her hands on my face, forcing me to look at her crimson eyes. Her warmth was soothing but so painful at the same time.
"Fufu. I never expected to see you cry at a time like this, you were always so mature... It felt like you always were on guard with us... That´s why I can´t say I´m not enjoying this view"
Her words made me realize that my cheeks were being flooded with tears. The pain in my chest finally had its way out in the shape of wails and sobs.
"M-Master Delilah, I-I, I just!"
"It´s okay Dominique, I know... I know my child..."
The warmth of the woman that gave me a motherly figure lent me her kindness once more with a soft embrace. I just didn´t have the words, nor the actions to tell her... How grateful I was...
Grateful for her acceptance, and her nice demeanor toward a stray dog like me. For giving birth to Véronica, and therefore, for giving me salvation and a reason to become a better man.
After a couple of minutes, I calmed down, and Delilah let go of me.
"Be good Dominique, we will be waiting for your return, become a man worthy of our praise"
I wiped out the remaining tears and rose from the ground. With my hand on my chest and the other on my back, I gave both nobles a perfect bow.
"I will meet your expectations, my masters. This I promise upon my name as Dominique Foe Yatra, noble of the proud Fotiadis branch"
Both of them nodded in satisfaction, and finally returned to their mansion, leaving me alone with her.
"I think I never saw you cry before, you are more sensible than you look"
"Give me a break, it would have been weird If I didn´t at least drop a tear"
"Yhea, sure"
"Uhum"
...
This awkwardness was not something new between us, however, it was a bit different from previous times. Maybe the situation was the reason for this weird air surrounding us. Or maybe the waves of feelings now twirling within us.
In any case, something had to be done.
"Domi, I-"
"My lady, I must-"
...
Our compatibility was as sharp as ever.
"G-Go ahead, my lady"
"... Véronica, when we are alone call me by my name"
"... All right..."
She was getting anxious, her words were fast to escape her throat.
"Even in the academy, you have to address me as an equal"
"... Only when we are alone, I´m not completely an equal to you yet"
Her legs took her to my front, her hands looked for mine.
"If you ever have problems with other students you can always count on me, not even teachers will be able to behave nasty in front of a Fotiadis"
"... Thank you, but I will deal with my problems by myself"
The heat was rising, I felt her grip getting tighter and her gaze sharper.
"I know... I know you´ll do that! But! Even so!"
"Véronica..."
Her voice was getting louder, and her eyes reflected my image way more accurately thanks to the water sliding down from them.
"You´ll be very busy from now on! You´re going to work hard to become the best version of yourself! A-And... I´m sure you will meet wonderful people on your journey... So... you will eventually forget about me..."
That line was like a strike to my heart. A very heavy one.
"... I see. Now I understand"
But it made me remember, that the reason for doing all of this, was only thanks to her.
I let go of her hands, she jumped a bit by this, but her reaction was nothing compared to the hug I gave her immediately after.
"D-Domi?"
"Véronica, listen to me very carefully, because I´m not going to repeat myself until I am someone capable of standing my word with the heavens and hell falling apart on me"
Making some space for our faces to see each other, I mustered all of my determination on my next lines hoping that she would be able to feel and comprehend me.
"Véronica. I will always protect you"
This was a vow, one that I would never forget.
"No matter if the entire world is against you"
A warning for some, and a death sentence for others.
"The one who will always have your back will be no one, but me"
I don´t care if I have to destroy this world and make a new one from the scraps.
"So it doesn´t matter if we are not together in body, my heart and soul are yours, and yours only"
Not even the gods will be able to stop me.
"Forever, until the end of this life"
So be prepared, world, because now, this is my story.
Our story.
"I am yours, but someday, I will make you mine"
I cleared her forehead, and before she could notice, I placed my lips on her.
"This is my promise to you, so please, accept it, and wait for me"
Her face gained a faint blush, and her lips rose into a gorgeous smile.
"Yes! I accept!"
Indescribable joy filled my existence, and with her arms and laugh resonating around the gates, we shared a moment of promises, and hopefully, of love.
Once we were both satisfied, I opened the door of my cart, the driver gave me a nod and held the cords to leave the mansion´s land.
My feet suddenly stopped, and I faced her one last time before leaving.
"See you later, my lady"
I said while doing a deep bow.
She gave me another smile and replied.
"See you later, Dominique, my dear guardian"
The drakes roared, and a new chapter of my life began.
There´s a lot to do, but I can´t wait to meet you, heroine.