Osiros is visibly not pleased when he sees Karlos in his office who showed up unannounced.
"What brought you here? You shouldn't be lounging around when the investigation is still going on," he sternly said to Karlos.
"Well, I just want to find out the progress of the investigation. You see, intruders came and searched our camp while we were asleep. Luckily, there's nothing beneficial for them there."
"Huh? When did this happen?"
"Last week. Also…You are the only one who knew about that camp; so, I wanted to confirm if you sent those or if your investigators are just really good."
"I didn't send anyone. There's no reason for me to do that."
"Then, that's good or else our alliance will be severed."
"So…where did you camp now?"
"Somewhere, I'll let you know when necessary. For now, I'll spend a few days here in the Capital before going back to the camp. I also need to update myself about what's going on now."
"Then, stay in one of the inns. I can't afford to have you in my abode with this current situation. I'll pay the bill for that."
"Hmm. Thanks," he said and went away.
Osiros pressed his temples as a headache came to visit him.
XXX
At the training camp, Tobias is currently watching as Sol does her special training.
What should I do?
What Ka-el has said about the current month as the romantic time to confess kept playing in his head. It's been giving him headaches for that week as he doesn't know what he should do.
Of course, that's reasonable. How can he freaking know? He never thought that he would deal with this kind of feeling when he knew nothing about it.
Then, slowly, the time where Sol expressed her feelings for him flashed before his eyes.
Back then, Sol seemed to say it calmly and so easily. It even made my heart flutter.
How can I do the same? How can I say it? What should I do to make her heart flutter as well?
Ignorance in this field is giving me a lot of headaches.
Should I ask Ka-el? No, he will tease me nonstop and he might suggest weird things.
How about Dorn? Even though he's an intellectual, he's as ignorant as me in that field.
Tobias, let's think. Well, I'll just need to say it right? Then, I can just say it straight.
How about the gifts? Mm, well, if you give someone a gift, you need to know what they like.
Tobias sighed as he finally realized that he only knew a few things about what Sol liked and disliked.
I can just ask people who know more about him than I do. Haelas? Well, he's at the Manse. How about Karisha? Then Karisha it is.
XXX
Sol just finished her training when she called out to the Captain. But, he seemed not to be responding. She walked closer to him and she realized that he is deep in his thoughts. He also seemed to be murmuring a lot of words to himself as his jaw kept twitching.
What might be troubling him at this moment?
It also seemed weird that she finds him cute in this kind of situation. Sol let out a smile and stood closer to Tobias. She crossed her arms and stared at him.
Maybe my sweat can wake him up from his thoughts.
Tobias is still unmoved. Maybe because he can't see Sol eye to eye as he is a few inches taller than the latter.
Sol pouted and was about to walk away when she felt a firm grasp on her arm.
"I'm sorry, it took me a while to make up my mind," Tobias said in his gentle tone.
"So Captain, you saw me walking towards you?"
"Of course. My eyes are always on you. Anyway, you must be tired. Go wash up and rest now," he instructed her.
"Okay then Captain," she said and walked away.
"Is she pouting? She looked kind of cute," Tobias commented.
He let out a smile as he also went to his quarters.
XXX
Now, Tobias found himself in an uncomfortable and unexpected situation.
"Captain, I tell you. Say it now or else you'll regret later. Do you think you're the only one around Sol? No, there are a lot of men," Karisha said when Tobias wanted to ask something but he couldn't say it directly.
"Uh…I'm asking about the flowers," Tobias said, dumbfounded.
She doesn't seem to fear me anymore. She's lucky that she's friends with Sol.
"Oh. Flowers Captain? Well…Sol doesn't particularly like a certain kind of flower. Any will do. She will like it for sure as long as it comes from you, Captain."
"From me?" he asked, confused.
"Well, I don't know if I should say this but…I know all about you two Captain. That's why I can speak comfortably like this to you. My friend adores you so much…and from what I can see, you adore her as well. Isn't that right, Captain?"
"Well..I don't know if.."
"If you want my help Captain, you should be honest with me."
Tobias breathed in a lot of air before he answered.
"Right. What you said is true."
"Now, we're talking Captain," she said smiling triumphantly, "So, you're planning to give her flowers?"
"Y-yes."
Why does it feel like I'm being interrogated? By a mere aspirant!!!
"Only flowers, Captain?"
"Well…"
"Or, you're going to reveal how you feel about her as well, Captain?"
"That too."
Argggg! I want to scream real bad! Karisha screamed in her head because of excitement and pure joy.
"Okay, then trust in me Captain. I will help you successfully do this mission."
"Mission?"
"Yes. Let's call it 'Operation Manse'."
"Operation Manse?"
"Well, she's the Young Miss there right."
"Ah."
Tobias can't believe that he is in this kind of situation right now.
Well, it's not actually all that bad. Aspirant Grasi seemed to have a decent suggestion.
"Well, Captain, to add a romantic touch; why don't we get the flowers that Sol brought you like those pink orchids. Then we'll get red roses. It's the ultimate representation of love."
"Mm."
"Then…" Karisha stared at Tobias' robes, "Captain, Sol seemed to like to see you in bright clothes as you always wear dark clothes…and uh, let's lose that strict hairstyle."
"Mm."
For that whole day, they've been hustling to the flower shops, the boutiques and the bath house. Well, they went to the bath house because Karisha said that smelling pleasant is a plus.
XXX
Curious about the case, Sol decided to visit the Investigation Bureau to ask for their progress.
"I am sorry but the clues that we have led to nothing. They just vanished in thin air," Dorn said.
"It's okay, Sir. They will always make a mistake and they will reveal themselves."
She then bid them goodbye and decided to go back to the Manse. She's curious if the red flare lilies are nearing their blooming stage. Before going there, she decided to drop by the market.
She realized that it's the love month when she saw those countless flowers and glowing faces of the people hustling around.
Should I buy flowers for the Captain? But…won't he be angry at me? He already said that we should end what we have.
Sol bitterly smiled and continued to walk.
What is the use of knowing that he likes me when he doesn't want to start anything with me?
As she continued walking around, she passed by the area wherein she was attacked. She trembled and decided to turn around and bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" she immediately said and gazed at the person she bumped into.
He's a tall man of fairly big build. His silver tresses were loosely tied in a ponytail. He seemed like he suffered a rough life.
Is he an aspirant?
The man then suddenly looked down. Sol followed his gaze and found out that she had tripped on a bouquet of flowers. She immediately moved her foot.
"Oh no. I'm sorry. I'll buy another one for you."
"No, it's okay," he said in a deep voice.
"I insist, sir," Sol said and pulled him towards the nearest flower shop.
After she bought the same bouquet of flowers for that man; he muttered a thank you and walked away without looking back.
"By the way Auntie, what does hydrangea and lily mean in the language of flowers?" Sol asked the flower shop owner as she was curious why that man picked those kinds of flowers.
"Well they are flowers that represent heartfelt love. It is usually given to your significant other or your family. And in some cases…it is given to those loved ones that have passed away."
"Oh."
Sol suddenly remembered her mom. Even though she has a few fading memories of her, she still felt her love and that she longed for her. Without any further thought, she bought the same bouquet that the man had chosen.
XXX
As Karlos walked away from that flower shop, he was tempted to look back once again at the person who bumped into him.
She has purple tresses and her eyes have purple sprinkles. That means, she's a Wishbone.
Even with her rugged look, her charismatic presence suggests that she is from the high society. Though she has this menacing look, it suddenly became warm when she smiled brightly at him as she gave those bouquets of flowers to him.
Who is she?
XXX
On the D-day of the Operation Manse, Tobias decided to talk to Sol at the nearest lake in the Capital. He then sent someone to fetch Sol at the Training Camp; but then, the person he sent came back saying that she already left the Training Camp. That person also said that Sol was supposed to visit the Investigation Bureau and she hasn't returned yet. Karisha then volunteered to go to the Investigation Bureau and found out that she left early yesterday. Also, Dorn said that she plans to go to the Manse.
"Then, what should we do, Captain?" Karisha asked, concerned.
"It's alright. I'll take care of it."
"Mm."
"For now, you should go back to your training camp as you will have your training tomorrow. If it goes well, I'll treat you big time."
"Okay, Captain. I'll remember that."
"Mm."
"You can do it, Captain," Karisha said as she raised her clenched fist as a sign of encouragement.
"Mm. Aspirant Grasi, Thank you."
"Mm. All the best Captain," she said and parted ways with the Captain.
May the heavens align the stars tonight.
XXX
The bright moon shone through Sol's windows that she is tempted to take a walk. She decided to visit the lake. She might be lucky enough to see the first bloom of the red flare lilies.
She walked towards the center of the bridge and gazed at the shimmering lake and the budding red flare lilies.
As the breeze kissed her cheeks, she unconsciously turned towards her left side. She was stunned to see a familiar person gazing at her from the foot of the bridge.
How did Captain get here? Ah.
I must have a really good imagination. Why am I imagining the Captain at this moment?
Tobias, in her imagination, walked towards her and he walked so slowly. His loosened raven tresses and familiar peach robes danced with the gentle breeze. It seemed like he's floating in the air.
He's even smiling so sweetly.
"Good evening, Young Miss," he said in a gentle voice.
Wow, my imagination is really awesome. He is even talking in my imagination. I should enjoy this moment.
"What brought you here, Captain?"
"Um…"
Tobias became silent. Then he slowly showed a bouquet of flowers to him. It contained pink orchids, daffodils and red roses.
Sol reached out to receive the bouquet of flowers when Tobias immediately retracted his arm that was holding the bouquet.
Sol is left in confusion.
"This is my heart. If you take this, it would mean that you're going to take care of it for a long time."
Sol smirked and reached out at the bouquet of flowers.
"That's a given since I've already given you my heart."
Sol then harshly sighed.
"How can my imagination continuously give me false hope? It even leveled up. Now, I'm seeing the Captain confessing to me. But wait, there's not even a kiss. I heard that in confessions where two hearts agreed to be one, there should be a kiss. Captain, can't you kiss me now so that I could end this stupid imagination and go to sleep?"
Tobias lowered his head as he smirked; after being confused for a little while about Sol's monologue.
"Sure."
Tobias gently pulled Sol into his arms, cupping her cheeks as he aimed for those plump lips. It was soft and wet.
As two hearts united in the same emotion that night, the red flare lilies slowly opened their buds and bloomed beautifully.
Tobias wanted that sweet taste more when the other person pulled away. He looked at Sol who was so stunned at the moment.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"What's wrong is that you're real!" she exclaimed, gasping.
"Haa?"
"I thought you are a fragment of imagination since it's impossible that you would be here at this moment, dressed in peach colored robes and confessing your affection."
"I have been real since the beginning."
"Ha?" Sol trembled and held on the handrail of the bridge, "Then…what you have said…"
"You heard right. I finally made terms with how I felt about you. I have finally realized that what I'm feeling is not for an aspirant or a sister…it's for a significant other. I am sorry that I had to hurt you before and I came so late to tell you how I feel. If you still adore me, would you like to be my significant other?"
Tears slowly fell from Sol's eyes.
"Yes, Captain."
Tobias gently wiped her tears and kissed her forehead. He then engulfed her in her warm embrace.
"So, when did you find out that I was real?"
"When I can't breathe anymore from your kiss."
"Oh. Apologies. Though, I think you liked it."
"What a bad guy."
XXX
After some time, back at the training camp..
The morning air felt crisp as Sol and Tobias mounted their own steeds. They slowly galloped away from the camp as the sun started to spread its rays.
Tobias glanced at Sol and sweetly smiled.
"Why are you smiling, Captain??"
"Well, do you need a reason to smile?"
"Ha-ha," Sol just responded.
"Can you smile one more time?" the Captain requested.
Sol shook her head as she gave him her sweetest smile.
Tobias also returned the smile.
"So Captain, where are you taking me now?"
"Well, there's a popular lake at the Capital…"
"Ahh. That lake where a lot of couples go to?" she asked, teasing him.
"You can say it that way. Wait, did you already go there?"
"Why would I go to that place swarming with couples? I have no one to go with."
"You must be happy that you can finally go there, right?"
"Wow. So, I'm the only one who's happy? Is that what you mean, Captain?"
"Well, can't you see how I'm smiling ear to ear?"
Of course I'm happy. Maybe happier than you.
XXX
After several hours, they have finally arrived at Lake Venus. It truly lived up to its name. It's beautiful and breathtaking. Its water is so clear and blue as it is surrounded by the lush mountains. At the center of it stands a small piece of land where a beautiful abode was built. The house now serves as an accommodation and they also serve meals.
They then secured their steeds in a nearby stable and went towards the rental boats. Tobias decided not to avail the services of a boatman as he wanted a private time with Sol.
After being comfortable on the boat, they started to row slowly yet firmly as they breathed in the beauty of the lake.
It is truly refreshing.
"Captain, it is truly great to be out here with you."
"Mm. I am glad that you are here with me as well."
"By the way, it is already noon and why can't I see any couples here? It should be swarming around this time."
"Maybe, they heard that the Young Miss is coming so they cleared the area just for you," Tobias said, teasing her.
"Ha-ha. That's impossible, Captain."
After several minutes of rowing the boat, they finally arrived at the abode at the center of the lake. They climbed up the stairs and were greeted by the owner and his staff.
"Sir, we are glad that you are able to visit us today. We've already prepared the meal that you have requested," the owner said.
Sol stared at Tobias.
"I will then lead you to your seats," the owner said as he ushered them towards the seats outside the abode where you can see the scenic view of the lake.
The staff then started to dish in the meals that they have prepared.
"Captain, don't you think this is a lot?" Sol said as she stared at the scrumptious meal in front of her.
"Mm. Seeing your appetite last time, this is the minimum.," Tobias said, teasing her.
"Whoah. You really noted that, Captain?"
"Just kidding. I just wanted you to taste the food that they serve here."
"Speaking of that… Captain, did you perhaps… reserved this place? I mean, we are only the ones here. I can't see any other guests."
"Well, I wanted to have a peaceful time with you in a beautiful place."
Sol looked stunned.
"You don't like it?" Tobias, further asked.
"It's not that I don't like it Captain but I still would prefer that you won't go overboard like this. Even in crowded, unpleasant places, if I'm with you, it would still be beautiful."
Tobias let out a sweet smile.
"Mm."
"Anyway, I'm still glad that you reserved the whole place Captain so that…" Sol said and went closer to Tobias.
"...I could do this," she said as she leaned closer and kissed his cheek.
Tobias cleared his throat as his ears went red.
"Let's eat, Captain," Sol said, grinning, as she went back to her seat.
"Mm."
XXX
After they had their lunch, Tobias led Sol to a 30-minute hike up the viewdeck where they could have a good view of the lake.
As the magic of the afternoon settled, Sol slowly leaned on Tobias' shoulders, who in return, wrapped his arm around the Young Miss.
They stayed like that for hours until the sky started to be painted with hues of reds and oranges. Tobias gently woke Sol up and ushered her to watch as the sun set.
As Sol watched the setting sun, she unconsciously glanced at Tobias.
I hope that I'll get to see a lot of sunsets with you.
In that same moment, Tobias glanced at Sol, locking their gaze.
I hope that I'll always be beside you like this.
And slowly, Tobias moved closer to Sol. After one last gaze, their lips collided gently and sweetly.
XXX
In one of the inns in the Capital...
It was already late at night and Sol couldn't seem to fall asleep. She kept reminiscing of what had recently happened. Tobias' confession and their date today.
It just felt strange like it's all a dream. She never imagined that what she yearned finally happened.
If this is a dream, I wouldn't want to wake up at all.
In the other room, Tobias' gaze is fixated on the wall connected to the next room. His gaze was so warm as if he could see the person behind that wall.
Sol, I really want to be with you for a long time.
XXX
It was early morning when Tobias went to Sol's room. The latter was still sleeping soundly when Tobias approached her bed. He then proceeded to caress her tresses.
After gazing at Sol for a while, he decided to have a cup of tea while waiting for Sol to wake up.
He then went downstairs. It is where the dining hall of that inn is.
As he went to find his preferred table, he passed by the bulletin of that inn. He noticed that there are around 5 missing cases posted in it.
"This is quite alarming," he muttered.
"You're right. The Investigation Bureau should help the Amethysts. It seemed that they couldn't solve it," a guest commented.
Tobias looked back and he saw a middle-aged Largusan who's currently having his tea at a nearby table.
"They should," Tobias agreed.
"Actually that's been going on for days. It started in the South and now, we are already having cases like that in the Capital."
"It started in the South?"
"Yes. It's been around a month already and yet, they still couldn't find them."
"Then, that's really alarming Sir," Tobias said as he went to take a seat near the window.
Several minutes passed and Tobias already finished his tea. He decided to go and check Sol. As he was in the middle of the staircase, Sol appeared at the top. Tobias decided to wait for her.
"Good morning, Captain," Sol cheerfully greeted him.
"Good morning," he returned.
Sol then gestured to Tobias to move his face closer; which the latter did. She then gave him another peck on his cheeks, leaving Tobias frozen and blushing.
"Captain, you should hurry up. Let's have breakfast," Sol said grinning as she continued walking down the stairs, leaving Tobias flushed.
XXX