"-Flaudette-"
Cold night breeze touches my skin as I woke up, my blanket was nowhere beside me. Night has come. The sky tempts me to get off the bed and stare at the casement of my room. Thousands of stars glimmered as I lift the curtains. Bored as an idea crept to my head.
"Oh right! It's my chance to look for my hidden room.." I reached for a thick sheet and wrapped it around my shoulder as I left my room. This time I'm gonna be careful. But how can I get past the guards? I knew my father told them not to slack or else they will lose their job. I was on the corner waiting for the opportunity to slide outside.
About 10 minutes passed, I start to wonder, wait why are they not moving? This moment made me feel like l was such a dumb person staring at statues! I was encouraged to step closer to them no further than the other dark corner that is untouched by the light. But then I heard a snore....wait, don't tell me..? I take a stand in front of them and I was right! They are asleep!
These useless knights... Even the word knight doesn't suit them. A long silent sigh is all I could do to show my disbelief. But more part of me thinks I was my benefit. I could have my exit freely if they are being useless. But I and our enemies share the same advantage, to think that they could have their entrance freely as my exit wouldn't be a good idea.
I silently walked past them and run outside the mansion. I passed many guards on my way but since I was little they didn't notice me in just a glimpse of light coming from lanterns and the moon. The western part of the estate seems to have fewer knights on watch. I pant as I stop on the tree where I passed out, the wind is colder here. I planned to rest first, hiding with knights was more nerve-wracking than I thought.
I sat down at the base of the tree but then I saw a figure approaching. I jolted as I struggle to hide at the left side of the tree. How can anyone have a business with a tree? I carefully tilt my head only to see a surprising guest.
It was Nicholai. His wounds are still severe to look at. What is he doing outside? He should rest.
He lowered his head determined to seek a thing under the crooked roots of the tree. Did they hit him hard on the head? I began to wonder because of his strange behavior. Did he hide something on the tree?
"Woody.." He whispered a name.
"It's me, Woody..." Uttering his words, a chipmunk run to him. Witnessing the events stunned me. It wasn't wary of him, the chipmunk ran to his neck, tickling him and Nicholai let out a soft laugh. The sight was pleasant enough to make me smile.
"So cute...." Words accidentally fall out of my stupid mouth. It was loud enough for the two of us to hear, he stared at me.
"Ahaha...you guys are cute.." I said awkwardly, making him jump, I was sure he thought I wasn't real as if he was hallucinating. I was the most grateful knowing he didn't scream or else my little travel will end, repeatedly in this spot.
"Um..so I going now," I said as I walked stiffly, cringed at the awkwardness. A warm touch at my wrist stops me. Nicholai with his serious eyes meet mine, I was confused.
"Why..?" He asked. "Just why did you save me?"
"Saved you?, I don't remember doing such a deed" I answered. It's true, I didn't save him. I just wanted to return the favor on him since I wasn't able to repay him in my past life. If he hasn't saved me back then, I would have let him be tormented to death. It's not saving it's repaying.
"Stop it, you know what you did, why did you save me? You even sent a physician to heal me" Ah~ stubborn brats are hard to handle these days. The look on his eyes was determined to know what excuse I will come to say. I need a good excuse.
"Um...you were the head butler's son, I wanted to repay him for his good service to our family so I let your trouble slide," I thought the excuse was reasonable.
"Ha, that's the reason? The fact that I was an illegitimate child of my father has spread through the manor, my father would have been happy if I died at the torment grounds, I'm sure you know my father doesn't love me, he wasn't trying to hide it though" He said every word with a cold tone. We are similar, the love of my father will last as soon as I make an appearance to the public at 8 and that was the start of the duchess to ruin my reputation. I'm done being sad though. I am now unaffected.
"We are the same...I'm also an illegitimate child, alright! I was lying about making your troubles slide because you were the head butler's son, his service is lack of professionalism in fact" I was smiling, not ashamed being a bastard. He was surprised.
"So why did you save me?" Oh, I thought he forgets about that.
"Well, It's because I see something on you"
"Something in me?"
"Yeah! It is like a strong will to live! You had a dream, right? To became a knight, so I saved you because I believed you can become one" His grip on my wrist loosened. His eyes widened at my answer as the wind blows, making tree leaves wash towards us, the clouds that block the moon moved, giving light on us despite being under a tree. The wind smells nice, a scent of nature surrounds us.
"You believe me...?"
"Yeah! You will definitely become one, trust me!" I swear you can. I smiled at him, then the moonlight lustered to his face, giving me a clear view of his expression. Am I just imagining it? Why is his face is red? He looked like a tomato.
"H-hey, are you alright? Your face is red..?" I asked. He tried to cover his embarrassed face but his efforts are be useless. He sighed and cleared his throat.
"I told my father about my dream and he never believed in me he thinks it's impossible for a useless trouble maker like me, you are the first person to believe me..." He says. His eyes were somehow avoiding mine.
"Don't give up, you can do it!" Finally, he let go of my hand and I placed it on his shoulder. I want to comfort him. But then his eyes suddenly looked uncertain.
"How did you know I wanted to become I knight..?" He asked. The question struck my mind. I don't know why I say that!
"Um...hehe because I saw you training the other day..?" I lied. I never saw him doing something like that. Oh please, just let it go I need to find a hidden room.
"Oh yeah... I trained a couple of days ago" He said. He just stare at me when I let out a long sigh of relief.
"Yeah... so I'm going now" I turned to leave and walk to the western part of the manor. I wiped my sweat and walk faster. I shouldn't have rest at the tree, so I can return early before Roda finds me missing.
"Hey!" A loud voice knocked every thought off my head. I turned around only to see Nicholai was running towards me.
"Wait.." He says as he reached me.
"What now?" I told him, looking around if the guards happen to hear his yell. Thankfully, no one seems to notice it though we are having quite a distance to the mansion.
"I-I wanted to thank you," He said while shyly scratching the back of his head.
"Oh you don't have to-"
"I..! I'm going to be a knight! And I promise I'll protect you with my life..!" He yelled only to cut my words but I wasn't paying attention to his loud voice. His eyes locked straight to the eye while blushing. What? He just offered me his life.
"Listen...I will be strong, I may be weak right now but I will work hard and I'll protect you even if it cost my life!" I was stunned. He wants to protect me then he will be my guard. A knight that will fight for me and protect me wasn't bad. Alright, Nicholai! This night I will claim you to be the first person on my side. You will help me get away from my doom. I smiled at him.
"Alright! Anyway, I have a name it's Flaudette, just call me Flaudy" I reached out my palm for a handshake.
"Nicholai" He muttered shortly as he took my hand. After that moment I let go of his hand but he stayed holding it.
"Where are you going? It was midnight and the way is dark, I shall escort you as your knight" That's why he didn't let go of my hand. Well, I can't have anybody know my secret chamber. What should I do?!
"I will go back now, I just took a night walk" Dying inside, I helplessly followed his steps back to the mansion. Another chance is wasted.