'Is this how it feels to be drunk?' Helle had no clue, but it was enjoyable. Especially since she felt so free.
"What do you like about that book?" Orion asked. He was not one to engage in small talks, but how Helle documented her thoughts about books not in the form of reviews, but analytics queered him.
"Well," she swirled the tiny amount of wine. "Perhaps the anxiety Dorothea feels? You know, the feeling of being under thousands of needles above us and yet being calm is the only way people can live? Hahaha," there was mockery in her laughter. A laugh so loud that it covered the entire space.
"You didn't read it for the romance?" It was a simple question, but once again, there was not a hint of jeering.
"Not really. But being asked out at the top of a mountain does seem romantic," she squeaked, and Orion too had a subtle snarky grin.
"It does." He remarked while losing himself to his thoughts as well. When was the last time he had gone on a trip that was solely for recreation?
"Well, someday..." she didn't complete her words but stared at the midnight sky and took the last sip before falling asleep. The creeping silence had the soft rhythmic breath of a sleeping beauty. After a while, Orion got up from the couch and walked towards the egg stand.
"Egg roll~" he commented and carried her in his arms.
~
For the first time, the breakfast table was filled with more than two people! Orion had taken the seat of the head; next to him was Donovan, and in two seats, his father was Helle, opposite Donovan. Platter mostly had meat items and bread, while Helle had her peach tea.
"Didn't you bring any solvers for me?" Donovan had a bratty younger brother pout on his lips while using the knife to cut the meat.
"You would you need those?" Orion rolled his eyes while taking a bite.
"Tsk, you're mean."
"So are you." Orion jabbed back, which earned a grin from Helle. It was a lively breakfast indeed.
Once it was over, Orion stood up. "Would you like to go shopping today?" He asked Helle.
"?"
"For the Christmas decorations and your dresses," Orion explained, and in an instant her eyes shined!
"Sure!"
"Ae! Not before we complete our class today. I even went to my hotel to gather the necessary equipment." Donovan had a salty glare towards Orion.
"Sure. Be quick though. I'll be in my room." The little fringe on his forehead was noticeable, but still, he walked past them and went upstairs.
~
The classroom was altered to look more like a fancy banquet. Tables were set up, and even a stage was prepared. Fresh camellias were placed, and it was as though a private party was about to be held.
"Your engagement would mostly be a very small ceremony, but it's far from 'non-influential.'" Numerous prestigious businessmen will be present, and so you need to let go of any anxiousness on your shoulders." Donovan gave a short preview, and then the lesson started.
First, he shortlisted a few of the important people, and then he worked on her posture, table manners, and even speech and manners. Nitpicking about every little detail, the class was hellish.
After an intense four-hour class, finally she was dismissed.
~
Walking upstairs, Helle knocked on Orion's room and heard him say, "Enter."
Turning the knob, she opened the door to the master bedroom. It had a brown and green cohesion. The room had the same fragrance of the burning wood that she remembered when meeting him at her home.
His back faced her since Orion was on his computer, constantly typing.
"I had a few questions to ask." Her hands were tightly interlocked, and her eyes curiously looked around. There was plenty of sunlight entering from the large windows, and he even had a private balcony!
Sending the very last email, Orion turned towards Helle. "Yes?"
"Well... If the engagement is happening so soon, then what's its theme to...dress appropriately, and also, would it be fine to not invite my mother? Won't people question you?" Unlike the energy she gave off, Helle had a strong stance in her words, also not backing away from locking eyes with Orion.
"There isn't a particular theme, so dress however you want. As for your mother, no. No one would question." He kept it short.
"O-oh," her lips agape. Almost as if she were disappointed. Perhaps it would be memorable to have her mother, but again, it was a contract engagement. With a nod, she turned around, about to leave.
"Also, could you come here?" The look of slight disappointment felt unsettling to him.
Confused, Helle walked towards Orion while he took out a nicely packed big box that had a picture of a flurry of snow. Handing it over to her, "It's from Japan," he said.
The sheer confusion, curiosity, gratitude, and amazement were on her face. It was heavy and even had a sweet but subtle scent.
"It's the latest products for the upcoming New Year's launch. Try them out and give me your feedback." Orion cleared his throat while Helle didn't even move an inch.
Her eyes softened at his words. "Sure," voicing out her gratefulness on her face, she slowly returned. Excited about the new things that were in the mystery box!
"We'll be heading out in thirty minutes," Orion reminded, which shattered the Angle cosplay of Orion in Helle's mind.
"...."
"That's too little time!" She reasoned.
"Then be quick."
"..."
She ran! Since her room wasn't very far, Helle roughly placed the box on the bed and opened the closet door.
Taking out a thin white mock neck shirt, a long dress with a dainty flower print, and a brown cardigan, she dressed herself for the autumn wind. Making sure to wear the thick tights and chunky white ankle-length boots, she touched up her makeup and rushed to the living room, where Orion stood with a smirk!
'SUCH A MENANCE!'