NATHANIEL'S POV
"Young Lord, it seems like the spare tire will take longer to arrive." My horseman explained. One of our carriage's tires blew out. I advised them to double-check earlier since it feels different when it moves.
It appears that it will cause traffic on the road. But it's a good thing we didn't arrive at the town's gate; if we did, we'd be in big trouble.
"I see." I simply said.
*clack* *clack*
We could hear a carriage approaching us. and my personal servant spoke to me in hushed tones.
"Young lord, it seems, that carriage is from the house of Larmaleilles. it could be that young lady, my lord," he said. my eyes widen as I think of the young woman.
Adelle Louise of the noble house of Larmaleilles is aggravating; she's constantly asking, always following me whenever she sees me, and she won't stop begging me to be her friend. She seemed to be uninterested.
I often feel sorry for her since she is constantly ridiculed by the other noblewomen due to her condition, one of whom is my sister Natasha. I see her at every event here in the City of Tulip. Marquess Roman Larmaleilles celebrated his 39th birthday at their residence a few months ago. They have extended an invitation to my family.
That's when I noticed Adelle and the other nobility harassing her. I can't help but feel sorry for her. It appears that the Marquess intends to protect his nobility from the insults of the noblewomen.
I approach unconsciously towards their way, threatening the nobles who mistreated her. but then what? Adelle never leaves me and is always clinging to me like a lost dog, which is frustrating. I told her I didn't want to be friends, but she persisted. I'm ashamed I stood up for her on the occasion. She hasn't left me since. Every time we saw her, my buddies and I felt uneasy.
"If she insists on helping, don't say anything," I stated this as I saw their carriage approach us. I felt chills all over my body when I saw her face at the window; I could envision her unpleasant activities.
The carriage will pass right past us. huh? It is...
Miracle? She didn't want to cling to me today.
And then, the carriage suddenly stops in front of us.
I knew it.
I saw her open the window and glance at me, but her demeanor was indifferent this time. Typically, once we encounter one other, she goes crazy and shouts my name and asks if I want to be her friend, but this time is different.
"Do you need help?" I can't help but wrinkle my brow when she asks, what happened to her? Is there a change of heart? Maybe she realizes I'm not going to accept her friendship offer?
"It's fine. Our spare tire will be coming soon." I said and looked away.
"Ok--" I cut what she was saying. maybe I'm wrong she still wants to annoy me. I bet she's going to force me to get in.
"I don't want to be friends, okay? I hope you'll realize that and stop bothering me." I said to her to make her understand to leave me alone.
"Okay, I'm not going to force you. so, relax. geez," I flinched when she said that. Is this really Adelle?
*****************
I understand, and I can't help but think that in front of me, in this carriage, is the bothersome Adelle whom I want to avoid for the rest of my life. She's silent, and I can't help but gaze at her as she looks out the window. I mentioned before that I didn't gaze at her, but I can't stop myself.
Her eyes were focused on the passing scenery outside, and her chin rested gently on her palm. I couldn't help but be captivated by the serene expression on her face. The way her lips curled into a slight smile hinted at the wonder and curiosity that filled her thoughts.
I can't believe it's the same Adelle; every time we see one another, I become offended and irritated. But now I feel tranquil as if I'm with someone I long for. Her aura now has a new feel about it. Maybe she's changed for the better.
******************
I'm not sure why I've been following her since we parted ways. It's as though my body is moving on its own. I can't take my gaze away from her. I'm not sure, but she appears to be seeking someone. She doesn't even glance at the stalls or things being sold by the vendors.
I wonder who it was, that she was looking for.
She suddenly stops and turns around. I think she saw me.
"What?" I inquire innocently, only to state that I am not following her. She'll think I'm a weirdo.
"What? why are you following me?" She inquires. To dodge the queries, I turn aside. I saw the area and the products here are solely for women, so I know what I'm talking about.
"I'm not following you; I'm here to purchase something," I said to let her know that I was not following her, which I did. She stared at me, looking suspicious.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm simply here to buy my sister a present. By the way, your age is the same," I said to get rid of her suspicion.
"Okay. then let's part ways," she said and continued to walk. she turns her back again and looks at me. "...and don't try to follow me this time," she warned me before walking away.
I don't want to follow her, But I can't. I looked around and slowly followed her so she doesn't notice.
"Young Lord, look at my product; if you have a sister, I'm sure she'll appreciate it," the old merchant woman said, persuading me to buy her goods. Natasha will, in fact, like it. I decide on a hairstyle and purchase it.
But when I turned around. I can't see her. I look around and run to chase her.
After an hour, I still not able to find her
"Yes? do you remember? are you still selling some creepy artifacts? do you remember me?" I heard a familiar voice. and that was when I knew it was her.
I saw her at the hand of an old man. is he trying to kidnap her?
That damn old pervert.
I rushed towards them and pulled my sword and pointed at the old man.
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YULE'S POV
"Let go of her."
I heard a chilly and frightening voice. I gasped as I noticed who had pointed out the sword. He gives me a worried expression.
"Adelle, are you okay?" he said, his attention shifting to the elderly guy. "You, what are you doing? Are you attempting to abduct her?"
This guy is really weird like an idiot.
Nathaniel!!!!
"What are you doing?" I asked him, he looked shocked at my sudden question. I didn't let go of the hands of the merchants, because what if he tries to run away? he looks in poor health and he might be able to escape.
"I'm saving you; can't you see?" he said while refusing to take out the sword in the throat of the old man.
"Saving me? what are you talking about?" I asked and I showed my arm holding the man.
"Wait, he's not trying to harm you?" he asked. I nodded.
"...Put that sword away. you're scaring the old man, you know that?" I said. he slowly took away the sword and sheathed it. I look at the old man, he's not shocked at all. maybe he's really the one I'm looking for.
"What are you doing? don't tell me your type is an old man?" he remarked, disgustedly looking at me. What exactly are you on about? You're the most ridiculous person I've encountered since my rebirth.
"What you're saying is nonsense," I spoke. and look at the old man. I let go of his hand
"I'm sorry, that this idiot pointing his sword at you," I said. and look at Nathaniel
"Idiot?" he suddenly asked. I rolled my eyes. and turn my back to look at him
"What are you even doing here? I told you not to follow me." I said, it seems like he doesn't want to answer. I turned my back on him and looked at the old man.
"Uhm, excuse me? but you stated earlier that I appear to be familiar with you. if I may ask, where did we see each other and I Uhm, possibly did I purchase some of your products?" I ask him honestly. He looks at me and
"Father, what are you doing?" I heard a familiar voice coming this way. when I look at him
"Adelle?" "Daniel?" we both said the names of each other.
Come to think of it. Daniel is a merchant and they may be here because all merchants from other towns and countries are also here to sell their products. I look at the old man and he smiles at Daniel.
Could it be?
"What are you doing here Adelle?" he said and placed a big bag inside the stall. it appears to be their products. "...by the way, this is my father."
No way.
"Your... father?" I cannot believe it. if this old man is the one, I'm looking for. maybe he has all the answers to my question and why did he give the soul summon circle to Adelle?
"Yes, why?" he asks.
"He said that I look familiar and I'm just going to ask where the two of us met." I simply answered.
"What's your relationship with this guy?" I flinch when Nathaniel suddenly asks a question.
"You're still here?" I said. why is he clinging to me now?
"I cannot leave you alone," he said.
"Adelle, who's that man? Is he your servant?" Daniel suddenly asked. and the ambiance of these two got dark instantly. I can feel their tension looking at each other
"No, he's not my servant. he's Duke Harrison's son, Lord Nathaniel" I simply said to Daniel and looked at Nathaniel fiercely and said, "Daniel... is my friend."
"Your friend? oh... so he's the one you've been clinging to." he sarcastically said to me. what did he mean by that?
Oh, maybe because he feels that Adelle is done clinging to him. well, that's true.
"No, he's my friend because he wants us to be friends, not because I forced him," I said and rolled my eyes at him. I can feel the tension between these two looking at each other. What's their problem? I look again at the old man. I don't care about these two, my objective here is to find that man, and that man is possibly here in front of me.
"So, where did we meet? And when did I buy stuff from you?" I asked again to the old man.
"No, you didn't. we just met today. but your physical appearance is somewhat familiar, that's why I said that you seem familiar because my boy has been talking about you since the night he said he met you, young lady." he explained.
So, he's not the one. I feel relieved somehow. because if he is really the man I'm looking for. I know Daniel will be disappointed too. since, he's not. I'm going to look for him again. It's really tough to find someone who doesn't want to be found.
"Oh... I see." that's just what came into my mouth.
"Adelle, why? Are you looking for someone?" Daniel asks me. I shake my head
"No, I'm not," I spoke.
***********************************
I said goodbye to Daniel and his father, Daniel said he'd write to me as soon as he left the town.
And for this idiot that keeps following me everywhere. I kept walking through the market until I walked to the place where the carriages were.
"Why are you following me?" I spoke.
"Here," he said and handed me a box. "I notice you didn't buy anything," he said. I hesitated to get it.
"Looks like my carriage is here. well, see you again, my Lady," he said and went towards their carriage. he walked without looking back.
"Strange guy..." I mumbled to myself while looking at the box. it's a hair accessory.
"Who's the strange guy?" I flinch causing me to drop the box. Kaniz shocked me.
"Nothing..." I said while picking up the box, and looking at her.
"What? Kaniz what are those?" I ask because Kaniz... she purchased them all? She has no space to hold something because her hands are occupied with the things she bought.
"M-My L-lady..." she said because she struggled to walk because of the things she was carrying. I laughed at her because of how she looked right now.
"Hey, let me help you," I said and took some of the things he bought.
*******************************
We arrived at the house before nightfall. before I entered the house, I heard Eva crying and her bitch mother shouting.
"Give her a punishment she deserves, my dear! Eva has done nothing to her, and yet she humiliates Eva in front of her friends.!"
Ha! it's going to be a long night...