Under the gentle evening sun, Kole sat at a round ivory table, in the garden of Akerses' manor. In front of him, sat a young noble lady.
After learning that his friend has come to see him, Kole went back to his room, to freshen himself and change his clothes.
Luckily, he had some baggy, comfy clothing in his wardrobe that could adjust to the change in his height. And only after relaxing a bit, did he come to see her.
Kole poured two cups of tea, one for the young lady and one for himself, "Sooo… not that I am complaining, but why did you visit all of a sudden, Alice?"
Although it was the job of servants; in Akerses' manor, no servants could be seen, as such Kole and Caroline never felt dependent on them and served their guests on their own.
As for Faneia. She didn't care one bit about others. She only made food for her children.
This was another reason, why rumors about Akerse and Accursed were prevalent!
Despite having money, a woman of her status, who could hire many servants had none. This was too strange!
"Hmph! I was worried for you after I heard about your accident, and wanted to make my way earlier but father forbade me from visiting to not annoy the Duchess. Don't tell me, you aren't happy to see me?" Alice Turner pouted.
Alice had emerald, green eyes. Her blonde hair was long and tied in an elegant bun. She wore a green frilly dress and a feather hat with a fishnet veil, covering her beautiful face. Though it appeared to be more in line with the purpose of fashion as it didn't hide her spotless visage.
Her skin was pale white with light makeup, as she was still relatively young and appeared to be in her early twenties, almost around the same age as Caroline. While her cute lively smile was contagious, to say the least.
Kole had to admit, he was certainly joyous to see a breathtaking beauty such as Alice showing concern for him.
"I am glad… In fact, I feel much better after learning, there is a beautiful girl who'd cry for me if something happens to me…" Kole smiled, as his eyes wandered over her supple body, discreetly.
"Oh…" For some reason, Alice felt she was under the gaze of a predator, as her face turned slightly red.
Which straight woman didn't like the attention of the opposite gender?
Not to mention that handsome face! It was simply unfair!
Alice was stunned for a moment, completely captivated.
Her heart raced as she gulped a mouth of saliva.
Though she quickly composed herself as she realized Kole may have already Ascended, which helped her overcome her womanly emotions!
But she sensibly didn't ask about it.
Most young noble scions would Ascend only after their coming-of-age ceremony because exposure to mysticism before that was considered dangerous and frowned upon.
She was just glad that the gift she gave to Kole was useful.
Composing herself, she showed a small smile, "By the way, how are you? Are you fine? Can you tell me what happened exactly?"
She fired a series of questions, as her emerald eyes shined with curiosity.
Kole sighed as he revealed the turn of events.
After all, it all happened when he was returning from Turner's mansion after visiting Alice.
Although the news that the Duchess's heir was hurt in the "Banes" outbreak couldn't be hidden, how the events turned out was still a mystery, and aristocrats who had too much time on their hands started making ridiculous theories!
Alice mentioned all of it to Kole as they made small talk, laughed, and ridiculed these rumors while nibbling on cookies and sipping on tea.
Some believed Kole wanted to protect the people and rushed to stop the "Banes" like a hero, while others thought it was all a ploy by Duke Houston to nip the bud before it blooms!
Kole merely chuckled at these exaggerations of a narration.
It was all merely a coincidence, that he got embroiled in something so dangerous… or so he believed.
"That must've been so scary… and thrilling." Alice showed a look of mild horror but her face brimming with excitement betrayed her true emotions.
She was someone who loved adventures and went out to explore the seas a couple of times by hiding her identity.
The last time she went to venture, she was able to find a creature on an island and kill it.
She obtained a Creation Seed from that creature, which she gifted to Kole.
Although she could've used it for herself to increase her powers or even sell it to the church or on the black market, the fact that she was willing to help Kole, said many things about her lively, carefree, and unfettered personality.
"Yeah… That was definitely a spectacular experience that I would never forget." Kole nodded with a meaningful smile.
"Anyways," Alice's face suddenly turned somber, as she revealed, "Even my fiancé got mentally scarred by reading the Storm Daily… Luckily, he remembered the teachings of the prime Maxim, and upon reading that piece of article, he distanced himself… yet…" she sighed as a bitter smile emerged on her face.
Kole looked mildly shocked, as he showed a tinge of concern, "Is he fine, now?"
Though, a wolfish grin appeared in his mind.
"Ah… Yeah. He is being treated by Ascendants of Tempest Order, specializing in mental domains. Though we don't know how long the treatment would last. Even our engagement ceremony has been pushed back indefinitely." A twinkle appeared in those green gems of hers.
Which Kole did notice. He didn't know how, or why, but he could feel Alice wasn't truly sad about it.
Maybe because Kole knew about her unfettered personality, and she didn't wish to go through the arranged marriage?
Or perhaps, she truly hated that fellow.
Or maybe… The internal grin in Kole's mind stretched further.
"That's horrible…" Kole sighed genuinely. He truly believed it was bad luck for that poor fellow as he extended his hand over the table, grabbing her glove-covered little hand, as he comforted her with a sympathetic smile:
"Don't worry, I believe everything will be absolutely fine. Have faith in the Tempest!"
Saying so, he tapped on his chest four times in a clockwise direction, with a devout expression.
Oh, Goddess, I am so sorry for using your name! Please forgive me!... He internally asked for forgiveness so that 'She' doesn't strike him with divine retribution.
Alice flinched a little.
Her pupils trembled as she felt the strong warm hands of Kole, through the gloves.
What should I do?... She fidgeted in her seat as she saw, Kole gently stroking her hand.
This is just sympathy! Yes, compassion! Nothing indecent!... Alice calmed her turbulent emotions as she lied to herself and let Kole hold her hand.
A fatal mistake!