Morning sunlight dropped on the grasses, making the tiny dew drops on them sparkle like diamonds. The sun wasn't hot yet and the weather was still cool and foggy, adding a refreshing and calm feeling to mind.
Despite the soothing weather, Lucas could feel that the person in front of him appeared like a storm that was about to destroy the world.
Her eyes shone like blue sapphires. But the sight of it wasn't beautiful. Instead, her eyes looked terrifying. They were similar to a tiger's eyes when it targeted its prey, getting ready to pounce on it at any time.
She even walked left and right like a tiger trapped in a cage, looking for an opportunity to escape the moment the cage gate opens. Her whole persona emitted a bone-chilling coldness, making a pang of fear run through his body.
Lucas was surprised at himself. He knew how talented he was. Then why did he feel scared of a little girl? What a shame! His ears turned pink in embarrassment.
"Are you ready?" A smirk formed on her lips as she asked. Her red hair swayed as the wind brushed passed it.
Zadhea waved her silver sword in front of her young teacher, patiently waiting for his reply.
Lucas gulped. "Is it alright? You didn't practise for two days in a row. What about warming up a bit more?"
Zadhea casually shook her shoulders. "No need. Let's enter the game directly."
"Okay. If you say so..."
He also waved his sword and motioned her to attack first, pretending to be nonchalant.
Without speaking anything, Zadhea directly attacked him. "Hyah!"
"Damn!" A curse escaped through Lucas' lips without him knowing. He couldn't even think of counterattacking. All he could do was avoiding her attacks. Her actions were direct and sharp as she handled the sword without a hint of mercy, like a thunderstorm.
If Lucas diverted his attention to somewhere else, it would be the death of him!
Soon, he could adjust to the situation. He also started attacking her while chuckling. Only he knew that he chuckled in order to soothe his nervousness. He was pretending to be okay.
But in reality, he was a bit scared. Not because of his lack of talent, it was that... He didn't want to hurt her. If he thought of her as an enemy, she wouldn't be able to fight so freely with him like that.
At least, he thought so.
"Easy, girl. Easy there!"
Zadhea didn't pay attention to his words. "Focus," She scolded.
Lucas: "..." 'Excuse me, who's the master here?'
At this moment, three maids came towards Zadhea and lowered their heads to show respect as they greeted her. "Morning, your highness. Please forgive us for disturbing you."
Zadhea stopped fighting. She gave her sword to a soldier before grabbing a wet towel to wipe her sweaty face and neck. Lucas heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the maids in his mind before following her actions.
After cleaning herself, Zadhea focused her attention on the maids. "What is it?" She inquired, not very happily.
The maids secretly swallowed their saliva. Everyone in the palace knew that the princess wasn't in a good mood these days. Thus, they were afraid of provoking her. It was natural for them to be cautious and scared.
"His grace prince Heidith has sent you a present and asked us to deliver it to you as soon as possible, your highness." They answered in a shaky voice.
Zadhea squinted her eyes. Heidith sent her a gift? Was the sun setting from West today?
She didn't have a good feeling regarding his present. Was he trying to indicate something? Or... Blackmail her? She became scared. She highly doubted that... He took advantage of her that night. What a rapist!
Disgusting!
------
Evelyn hummed a happy song as she sat down on a seat with her currently most favourite book. She was in the public library. Although it was called 'Public', only noble people went there to read books. As for poor and average people, it was a rare incident.
The day before, she just finished reading a very beautiful yet sad love story. The ending was heart whelming. She cried along with the male lead when the female lead said, "I'm tired. I can't be with you anymore. Lemme take a rest, I beg you." Evelyn pleaded her to forgive him. But, in the end, she left him without looking back and he spent the rest of his life, thinking of their memories.
The next day, Evelyn's eyes were swollen because she sobbed all night!
To soothe the pain in her heart, she thought of reading another novel. But, this time she carefully chose one with a happy ending or else... Her poor heart would die from sorrow!
At a certain chapter, her eyes twinkled as a shy smile spread on her lips. The male lead was about to kiss the female lead for the first time.
'Come on, kiss her already!' She chanted in her mind as her eyes ran through every word.
'Oh! Here's the line I'm waiting for! Their lips were inches apart. Woohoo!'
"Swish!" Without warning, a figure appeared in front of her like a storm. Evelyn was so scared that she jumped up from her seat, the book she was holding was also thrown to a corner, colliding with an old book rack, shaking it.
"Oh my god!" Evelyn held her chest as she exhaled a heavy breath. "You almost gave me a heart attack."
Fortunately only a few people were there at that time. Otherwise, both of them would be thrown out by the librarian. Speaking of which, the librarian was no where to be seen. Maybe he was in the second floor since he usually stayed there.
"How did you find me?" Evelyn asked curiously as she saw her bestie taking the seat before hers.
"I know you, Evie." Zadhea smiled at her. "Where else will you stay instead of this book cave?"
"How rude! This isn't a book cave, humph!"
"What else?"
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Why did you think of visiting me? It's so sudden. Plus, we already met like yesterday."
Zadhea tilted her head. "You don't like me seeing you often? Am I a burden to you?" She pouted her lips, looking sad.
"Ayyoo, I didn't mean it that way!" Evelyn rubbed her temples.
"Anyways, take a look." Zadhea pushed a wooden box to Evelyn's side.
Evelyn curiosity opened the box. A unique smell filled the atmosphere instantly.
"Wow! A cake! Is this for me?" Her eyes lit up and she blinked at Zadhea cutely.
Zadhea shook her head. "Nope. It's for me. Guess who's the sender?"
"A secret admirer?"
Zadhea shook her head in disbelief. "Wow, Evie. You should really take a break. How can you think of everything as a part of a story?"
The blonde girl frowned. She wasn't too happy to hear that. "Excuse me, did you forget that this entire world is based on a story!?"
"Hush! You are too loud. I'm not here to argue with you." Zadhea gave her an unhappy look.
"Whatever..."
They continued glaring at eachother.
A few moments later.
"Hey look at this!" Evelyn's expression changed as she took out a letter from the box. "Did you read it?"
"Yep. I want to know your opinion regarding that. You know, I'm boiling in anger right now! Did he seriously think that I became pregnant because of him? How delusional!" Zadhea scoffed as her hands clenched into fists.
The letter was written by Heidith. He only mentioned that he was the one who made the cake using a Nucifera and he especially mentioned her to eat the whole cake without worries. Undoubtedly, Zadhea was furious.
Evelyn blinked her eyes in confusion. "What? I can't understand."
Zadhea sighed and explained, "You are the one who said Nuciferas are for pregnant ladies!"
"Gosh, girly! When did I say that? I only said it's good to have Nuciferas because it can soothe the pain of childbirth. It's one of its many benefits. Nuciferas are also popular among young women. They eat Nuciferas for maintaining their beauty. I think he only wants you to be even more beautiful."
Zadhea was at a loss for words. "He thinks I'm ugly then?"
Evelyn: "..." 'Gosh, I'm out.'
"No, no. I think he just wants to protect your beauty. You see, he cares for you. He even made a cake for you all by himself."
Zadhea glared at her. "Don't brainwash me, I warn you. You even took his side instead of mine. Bad friend! Humph!"
Zadhea stood up from her chair.
"Have it for yourself then. I'm leaving, bye."
"Hey, wait!"
Evelyn helpless looked at her disappearing figure, shaking her head. Then her gaze fell on the cake.
'Poor cake, how can I throw you away?'
She picked up the book that was on the floor before sitting on the
same chair. Flipping through the book, she entered another world while enjoying a delicious cake.
'Mmm... Yummy! Brother-in-law's the best!'