A year had passed since I began helping Lysander with his work, and I was thrilled to have finally made a friend around my age. His name was Glenn, a charming brown-haired boy with captivating green eyes, who was a year younger than me. He had recently become a Knight, serving at the Royal Palace. Our paths crossed by chance one day when he was patrolling the plantation. It was during our first conversation that I learned the plantation was actually owned by the Royal Family.
As days turned into weeks, Glenn and I grew closer. He would sometimes leave his patrol duties to help me pick fruits, his easygoing demeanor and humor making the work feel less like a chore. I always looked forward to our time together, sharing laughter amidst the bustling activities of the plantation.
One day, while we were picking apples, Glenn suddenly said, "Nerina, did you know that your lunch box is becoming popular inside the Royal Palace?"
I paused, surprise washing over me. "O-oh? Really?"
He grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah, the other knights have been talking about it. They're all jealous of Lysander for getting such a delicious homemade lunch every day. Some even say they'd switch places with him just to get a taste."
A rush of pride mixed with embarrassment flooded through me. "I didn't realize it was that good."
Glenn chuckled. "You're too modest. Honestly, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were a professional chef. You've really got a talent, Nerina."
His compliment made me smile, though I felt a little shy under his praise. "Thanks, Glenn."
After a moment, Glenn's expression turned hesitant. "If it's not too much of a bother... Can I also have a lunch box made by you?"
My heart raced, and I couldn't help but smile at his childlike anticipation; he looked so adorable! Unable to resist, I reached out and pinched his cheeks gently. "Of course! Then I'll make you food tomorrow!"
Glenn's eyes shimmered with excitement as he laughed softly, rubbing the spot where I pinched him. "I'll be looking forward to it. You just made my day, Nerina."
The following morning, I prepared a lunch for him with a mixture of excitement and nerves. Watching as he eagerly devoured the meal made my heart swell with happiness. "It's delicious!" he exclaimed between bites, his delight infectious.
I smiled, savoring the warmth of our newfound friendship. After finishing, Glenn reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black ribbon adorned with an emerald gem that mirrored the color of his eyes. He handed it to me with a shy smile. "I got this for you."
Surprise coursed through me as I looked at the ribbon, my fingers brushing over the cool gem. "What's this?" I asked, glancing up at him.
"Well, it's a thank you gift for making me this food," he said, scratching the back of his head in a way that made him even cuter.
I felt a swell of emotions, wanting to refuse, as it felt too much, but before I could protest further, Glenn moved behind me and gently tied the ribbon in my hair.
"There," he said, stepping back to admire the result. "It looks good on you."
Touched by his thoughtfulness, I smiled sweetly at him, unable to hide my gratitude. "Thank you, Glenn. I'll cherish this properly." The sincerity in my voice was unmistakable. This was the first gift I had received since arriving in this world, and it meant more to me than he could realize.
But my smile seemed to affect Glenn in an unexpected way. His cheeks flushed a bright red as he quickly averted his gaze, suddenly shy under my watchful eyes. "I'm glad you like it," he mumbled, clearly flustered.
As we said our goodbyes, Glenn and I parted ways to continue our work. Later, while I was sorting fruits, I happened to glance over and saw a man and a woman kissing under a tree not far from me. My eyes widened in surprise.
'What are they doing?' I thought, utterly bewildered. 'Is that man giving CPR to the woman? Did she drown?' I couldn't shake the confusion from my mind, trying to comprehend why they were behaving in such a manner.
Trying to make sense of it, I instinctively pulled my gaze away and focused on the fruit in my hands.