Ultear read the letter immediately as soon as Rita gave it to her. Her fingers tremble as she open the letter in a rush. But after a moment she stop on her tracks, realizing her peculiar behavior. Why am I acting this way? Why did I feel relieved and excited about a single letter? Me? Betania's only Princess got excited over such trivial matter? Ultear thought.
She compose herself and return to her normal pace. She seated on her chair that glitters with emeralds and rubies, as elegant as she can.
Rita's forehead knit in confusion with the sudden change of her master's action. But she didn't dare to ask because Ultear seems to be in a deep thought while holding the letter.
A minute passed by but, Ultear still haven't opened the letter and just staring at it. Rita excuse herself to get her master some Hibiscus tea and some snacks. Ultear started tapping her finger on the table as she contemplate either to read the letter or read it later.
"Uhh...whatever." she made up her mind and open the letter. Kurtis better has a reason why he didn't reply to any of my letters. Ultear utter to herself.
"Dear Tear,
How are you? I hope you're doing fine. I apologize for not replying to any of your letters in the past three months. I hope you forgive me. My class schedule got really busy since the start of my second year. I was beat every time I went back to the dorm that I don't have the time to write a reply.
Additionally, my mind's not in the right state. I got confuse about something and I needed time to clear my head. But don't worry, I kind of sort out my baffled emotions. Thus, I would like to meet you and talk about something. This is not that important, so, you're free to decline.
Nevertheless, if you agree, I'll be waiting for you at Silverswan Lake Park. One week from now after the third bell.
-Kurtis"
Ultear is speechless. She remain motionless for a long time while staring at the letter. She long been finished reading it for the fifth time but she's still couldn't quite grasp the entirety of the letter. It was just simple, in fact anyone can easily understand the content of the letter. But on some reason, Ultear keeps thinking about what made Kurtis confuse that he needed time to sort it out? And after he sorted it out, he suddenly want to talk about something with her.
He said I could decline but...I'm curious to what he wants to talk with me about.
Ultear's heart started pounding inside her chest again. She's curious and excited at the same time. She doesn't understand but receiving Kurtis letter, explaining why he didn't reply to her letters made Ultear...happy. She didn't even realize that her face lit up and her lips curve into a genuine smile.
Though, the content in his response is rather short compared to all the letters I've sent.
My Lady?" Ultear glance at Rita who's already done preparing the table for her snacks and tea. "Your tea's getting cold. Why don't you have a sip while reading the letter?"
"It's fine, Rita. I'm done reading it. Just prepare my bath. I want to take a bath now." Ultear stood up with a glowing face.
"What about the tea?"
------
Same day. Knight Academy
"Are you sure about your decision?" Russel, an inspiring knight in the Knight Academy, ask Kurtis while they were walking their way out of the indoor training ground. Classes just ended and they're on their way to their dorm.
"Yeah, I've already think about it for months. I'm sure about it. I'm even more certain about this than you, passing our second year."
"You fvck!" Russel jokingly punch him in the shoulder. "I'll pass this year, don't worry. I'll start attending classes tomorrow!" He even wink at Kurtis which the latter just answer him with a laugh.
They continue walking until they reach their dorm. Russel Vlantri is the second son of some noble family. Their family both lack fame and wealth but a noble is still running in his vines. That's why, when he and Kurtis first met none of them expected that they would end up being best buddies. Sharing the same dorm room and being classmates to three of their classes.
Kurtis know that Russel doesn't want to be a knight but his family force him to take it, despite that. At first Kurtis didn't understand Russel, because everyone in their Kingdom wanted to become knights especially all gentleman. Betania is known for it's history for producing exceptional, talented, prodigious Knights in every generation.
With that said, Kurtis was bewildered for a moment after meeting Russel who, doesn't want to be one of those highly respected Knights.
Russel's indifference towards knights made him skip classes often. And since Kurtis share the same dorm room with him, Kurtis caught him red handed. He found Russel sleeping soundly in their room one day. And that's how the two of them gotten close.
"Don't touch my butt." Russel said with an apathetic look on his face. He continue ravaging through his things inside his closet. Kurtis hand stop midair. He sigh.
"Your habit of touching butt hasn't stop."
Kurtis groan as he throw himself in the bed. "It stop when I'm with Tear."
"Yeah, yeah. She'll kick you or something if you continue, right?"
"Right. She's plenty strong." A small smile form on his lips while thinking about Ultear and their first meeting. Kurtis bad habit of touching the butt of someone near him, started when the botanical store was intruded with some goons. Thankfully that moment, a knight was patrolling that area. The incident was settled easily. Too easily in fact.
But when they thought it was already over, one of the costumer standing near Kourtney, took out a dagger and took her hostage. Turns out, she's one of the goons. She hid the dagger behind her.
Kurtis thought that if only he touch her butt that day, things would surely turn out differently. And so, a habit from that incident was born.