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Sitting on the bench with his mind clouded by thoughts, Noah suddenly stood up. His gaze locked into a deeply unsettling sight.
A weak man struggled to pull a heavily laden carriage all on his own, navigating the long road. As Noah observed the sheer hardship etched across the man's face, his heart softened. Unexpectedly, the man halted his carriage by the roadside and slumped to the ground, his hands covering his face, overcome by misery and sorrow.
Baffled by the sudden change of events, Noah squinted, trying to discern the cause of the man's distress, "...What? What happened to him?" he held. Noah's heart ached in response, as a strong desire to help welled up within him. He took a step forward, distancing himself from his house.
However, just as Noah was about to reach out to the suffering man, he witnessed another figure approaching. To his shock and dismay, the person cruelly kicked the weakened man aside and continued on his way. Noah's eyes widened in disbelief as he uttered, "What a cruel world..." he shuddered, his core shaken by this blatant display of inhumanity. It was the first time he had witnessed such a insolence in public. His breath grew heavier once more, as he clasped his chest, overcome by pain, "Ugh."
Suddenly, realizing his reckless mistake, Noah cast his gaze around him, aware of his distance from home, "Now...what do I do? I am far from home. Sister..." he whispered to himself, worried.
Noah however, looked below, his eyebrows downturned, "...But. I don't feel like going back. I...also want to step out like this." he whispered, reserved. Looking at the sky, which was a mesmerizing blend of blue, green, and red, he frowned, "It wouldn't hurt...if once in while, though."
In an abrupt about-face, he giggled, clasping both of his hands behind his back with a wide innocent smile.
Library Duty
A library nestled peacefully along the cobblestone street, it's unassuming exterior blending seamlessly with the historical surroundings. The building featured an antique design with rectangular windows and a welcoming entrance. The charm of the lively street accentuated with its elegance.
During her library tasks, Enya carefully carried a tall stack of books in her hands, trying to maintain her balance as she walked towards the counter. She stumbled a few times, determined not to drop the books, and cautiously uttered,
"Whoa~," under her breath.
Suddenly, a figure darted towards her with incredible speed. Enya blinked, attempting to identify the approaching person, but before she could react, the figure enthusiastically embraced her, causing all of her books to crash onto the floor. "Nice to meet you~!!" A cheerful feminine voice echoed.
Enya's mouth hung open in shock at the sudden hug and the mess of fallen books. She shook her head and managed to gasp, "Excuse me, who are you? And cough! I can't breathe." Enya found herself tightly squeezed by a girl who appeared to be her age. The girl chuckled softly and replied, "My my~ your looks are suprisingly cool!✩" She loosened her grip and stepped back.
Enya took a deep breath to steady herself and regain her composure. When she looked up, her gaze met that of a charming young girl with beautiful, waist-length, curly blond hair adorned with assessories and ribbons. Her hair contrasted with a pair of shocking pink eyes that sparkled with vibrance. The girl wore a wide, friendly smile on her cheery red lips and twirled gracefully, dressed in a colorful knee length gown complimented by pink boots. Enya couldn't help but think of her appearance as undeniably "cute."
"My name is Rose, Aunt Mary's neice. Just like a rose, I am pretty and charming, don't you think?" Rose introduced herself with a sweet grin. Enya's eyes widened in suprise, her mind racing, "She the niece!?" she exclaimed internally however, forced a smile, laughing awkwardly, "Haha... Yes," she replied.
Rose reached for her hand, examining her from all angles, "Hm...You are Enya, right? Aunt told me about you~" she smiled.
Enya nodded, "Yes. That's me..." she replied, smiling.
Rose twirled again, "Oh~ You are the one and only knightess at the Training base, right? How lucky~ I have always wanted to step there atleast for once!" she chimed, her envy evident. Enya looked below, as she sat on her knees, gathering the fallen books, "Is that so?" she responded.
With clasped hands, Rose leaned in and whispered secretly, "Say, there must be many handsome guys at the training base, right? Anyone piqued your interest yet?" she inquired with great interest. Enya, absorbed in her task, stacked the books up and replied, "Mm. There may be. Too busy to notice, actually,"
Rose's expression turned disinterested as she twirled her hair strands and said, "Really? What a shame." Enya looked at her, perplexed.
Rose sighed in disappointment, "My~ so you're one of those who hide their emotions behind such excuses..." she mocked. Enya's brows drew nearer, shaking her head, "But it's no excuse," she told frankly.
"Humph. I know~ I know~ Say, Enya, could you take me to the training base someday? I'd love to meet the knights there~" Rose instantly requested, her eyes sparkling with fantasies. Enya's expression became more complex as she paused in picking up the remaining books, her gaze fixed at her with a gulp, "Yikes! This lady is danger! I have got to keep my brothers safe!" she thought and nodded to herself, cautiously.
Rose observed her curiously and asked, "Why aren't you replying?"
Suddenly, with a playful grin, Rose leaned closer to Enya and asked, "Don't tell me, you don't want me to go there because that might reveal your little secret~"
Enya blinked her eyes twice, "Secret?" she asked, with question marks.
Rose continued to smirk, "Oh ho~ No need to be flustered, I know. Every girl thinks this way. Like I do for the crown prince~" she hummed, smiling widely.
Enya nodded, standing up with the pile of books as a sudden boulder hit her and her eyes nearly popped out, "C-crown Prince?" she stammered.
Rose nodded, "Mm~ Of course. Don't you know...A charming, prosperous nobleman who's not only strong but also adept at captivating both women and youngsters? He's my ideal man!" she expressed with a blush colouring her cheeks.
Enya stared at her, dumbfounded, "Uh-huh..." Absorbing the piece of information, she closed her eyes, speechless and thought, "Tsk. Tsk. Why does everyone think this way? No dear miss, you are hitting your own foot with an axe!"
Rose helped Enya place the books on the table and questioned once more, "Hey~ I hear you are familiar with the Imperial family too~ Hehe. How about I tag along some day to meet him..."
Enya cleared her throat, replying with a forced smile, "Ahem. Sure, why not?" she agreed, with her thumbs up. She took advantage of this opportunity to secretly plot revenge on Abel, from the inside.
Rose, excited, gave her another enthusiastic hug, "Yes! Thank you!" she grinned with delight.
"Enya, bring the pile already. There are four more to go, and then your alignment work is pending too. Hurry up." Mary's call echoed through the library. Enya blinked in realization and pursed her lips, responding, "Sure, miss."
She hurriedly picked the large pile of books and proceeded with her work, saying, "It was good to meet you. Later," Enya smiled favourably at Rose before leaving.
Rose, watching her leave, twirled her hair and narrowed her gaze, thinking, "What a naive one... And super busy too." She puffed her cheeks.
...
A faint rustling sound from a nearby bush emanated. Noah walked forward to take a look. As he drew nearer, he caught sight of a small, fluffy creature nestled among the leaves. Noah blinked and noticed that the bird's right wing appeared to be injured, causing it to limp.
His brows furrowed, in distress, "It hurts, right?" he asked as his heart sank. Noah knew he couldn't leave it there, so he carefully knelt down and extended his hand to offer help. The bird chirped weakly, being picked up, its beady eyes met his.
Noah decided to find a safe place for the injured bird where it could recover.
He found a quiet secluded spot beneath a tree, where he began crafting a nest from twigs and leaves. Ensuring that the injured wing of the bird remained supported and comfortable, "It's alright. You will be fine now." Noah smiled, placing the bird gently.
After safely creating the small nest, Noah cautiously continued on his way. However, his foot suddenly became ensnared in an unanticipated tendril on the ground, causing him to stumble and fall with a thud, "Ah!" he winced, his frail body crouching in pain and his breath growing heavier, "What is happening?"
Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead as he assessed the situation with growing nervousness. Attempting to pull his leg out, Noah realised it was a futile effort; it was firmly stuck.
Panic welled up within him as he struggled against the unyielding grip of the tendril. His mind raced, thinking of what to do and how he might escape from here. Noah's heart pounded, and his breath became increasingly strained. His weakened condition made the situation more dire,
"...I messed up..."
Feeling, out of breat eventually, Noah, desperately calling for help, fell unconcious--
...
Before long, it became dusk, the sky had transformed into a tranquil canvas of deep blues and muted hues. Stars had timidly emerged dotting the darkening expanse, while shadows of trees and buildings had grown prominent. Streetlights and windows had emitted cozy glows, illuminating the peaceful streets.
After completing her long library duties, Enya headed for home. Her body was weary from hours of meticulous work.
"Sigh~ what a tiresome day. Anyway, I think I should go home. Ameren would worry again if I am late because of the practice some while later and another night duty too." she held. As she nodded in agreement with herself, an unexpected shudder coursed through her causing her to gasp and furrow her brows in slight confusion.
"Strange... Why do I suddenly feel so uneasy?" Enya pondered, her hand instinctively reaching to rub her neck. However, she managed to brush aside the troubling sensation.
As Enya surveyed her surroundings near the Imperial Palace while searching for a carriage, her gaze landed on Raven, who appeared dejected as she sat in the Palace garden. Enya furrowed her brows once more, puzzled by the sight, "Huh? Lady Raven? What happened to her?" A note of concern crept into her voice.
Approaching Raven discreetly, Enya carefully stepped closer, surveying her surrounds sneakily, "I hope that the annoying prince charming isn't lurking around here." she remarked, rolling her eyes and letting out a miffed scoff.
Raven, catching Enya's sight, gasped, "Enya?" with her eyes widened. Enya greeted her with a friendly wave and a mischievous grin.
Raven motioned to the bench next to her, silently instructing Enya to sit. Enya nodded and took a seat beside her.
"Why are you sitting here? You look upset...what happened?" Enya inquired worriedly, while gazing at the quiet Raven.
Raven, trying to shift the subject, faced her, offering a smile, "You tell me. How have you been?" she asked instead.
Enya responded with an ironically pleased grin, "All well here. Nothing to worry about me. Tell me, about yourself,"
Raven gazed below, her voice softening, "Nothing..." she murmured, dismayed.
Enya gazing at her, suddenly noticed the camellia flower adorning her hair.
"Wow...It's gorgeous," Enya complimented. Raven blushed faintly and touched the flower, biting her lip with a shy smile, "Mm. It's a special gift..." she replied.
Enya's grin widened as she teased, "Oho~ Judging by the looks of it, this is no ordinary flower. Moreover, the spiritual aura around it is unique itself. Which means, this must be a gift from someone quite out of the ordinary~"
Raven blushed deeper and nodded, "...You're not wrong," she confessed. "It's given to me by Brother Draven-"
Enya clapped her hands in delight, "Aha! I knew it! Hehe," she chortled, clearly pleased with herself.
Raven blinked her eyes in confusion, "...You seem different...all of a sudden." she reacted.
Enya's caring smile softened, "Please, tell me, Lady Raven. What's troubling you," she urged gently, her hairs catching the breeze as she pushed it back.
Raven's eyes widened, staring at Enya for a moment.
Grasping her hand, Raven's eyes welled up with tears as she pursed her lips, "I am glad you understand me, Enya..." she said like an innocent child, "I ...I am not alright."
Enya's forehead creased in confusion yet she nodded reassuringly, "I get it, Lady Raven. Just relax and ease yourself." she expressed with genuine care, and Raven returned the nod.