The next morning, Akuma woke up early, feeling excited and nervous about her walk with Zela in the gardens. She quickly got dressed in the same clothes she had worn the day before, as she didn't have many other options.
As she made her way to the garden gate, Akuma couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. She had never been much of a morning person, and the thought of walking with the beautiful and wealthy Zela made her stomach twist with anxiety.
But as she arrived at the gate, Akuma's doubts were immediately assuaged. Zela was already there, looking stunning in a flowing yellow gown that matched the bright sunshine perfectly. Her hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at Akuma.
"Good morning, Akuma," Zela said, her voice husky and confident. "I'm so glad you could make it. I love walking in the gardens in the morning – it's so peaceful."
Akuma smiled back at Zela, feeling a little more at ease. "I can see why," she said, gesturing to the beautiful gardens. "It's gorgeous here."
As they walked through the gardens, Akuma couldn't help but notice the way Zela seemed to glow in the morning light. Her skin was radiant, and her eyes sparkled with warmth and intelligence.
Akuma felt a pang of attraction, which she quickly pushed aside. She didn't want to get too caught up in her feelings for Zela – not yet, at least.
As they walked, Zela asked Akuma questions about her life in the village. Akuma was happy to share stories about her daily routine and the people she had met.
Zela listened intently, her eyes sparkling with interest. Akuma felt like she was really being heard, and it was a nice feeling.
After a while, they came to a beautiful pond, surrounded by tall trees and colorful flowers. Zela sat down on a nearby bench, gesturing for Akuma to join her.
"I love this spot," Zela said, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "It's so peaceful."
Akuma sat down beside Zela, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and letting the peaceful atmosphere of the gardens wash over her.
As they sat there in silence, Akuma felt a sense of connection with Zela that she couldn't quite explain. It was like they were two old friends, comfortable in each other's presence.
After a while, Zela opened her eyes and turned to Akuma. "I'm so glad we met, Akuma," she said, her voice husky and sincere. "You're one of the most interesting people I've met in a long time."
Akuma felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she met Zela's gaze. "Thanks, Zela," she said, trying to sound casual. "You're pretty interesting yourself."
Zela smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I try," she said. "But I think you're selling yourself short, Akuma. You have a unique perspective on the world, and I find that really refreshing."
Akuma felt a sense of gratitude towards Zela, who seemed to really see her and appreciate her for who she was. It was a nice feeling, and Akuma found herself wanting to spend more time with Zela.
As they sat there in comfortable silence, Akuma realized that she was actually having a really good time. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed Zela's company, and she found herself feeling more and more at ease around the wealthy and beautiful woman.
After a while, Zela stood up, gesturing for Akuma to follow her. "I should probably get going," she said. "But I had a really great time walking with you, Akuma. Would you like to do it again sometime?"
Akuma nodded enthusiastically, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of spending more time with Zela. "I'd love to," she said, smiling up at Zela.
Zela smiled back, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Great," she said. "I'll send a servant to fetch you tomorrow morning, and we can walk again."
Akuma nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Zela. "Thanks, Zela," she said. "I'm really looking forward to it."
As Zela turned to leave, Akuma felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't want their time together to end.
But as she watched Zela walk away, Akuma couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. She had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.
And as she walked back to her small hut on the outskirts of the village, Akuma couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Zela. She had a feeling that their walks together would become a regular occurrence, and she couldn't wait to see where their friendship would lead.
As she walked, Akuma's mind wandered back to her conversation with Zela. She had been surprised by how easy it was to talk to the wealthy and beautiful woman. Zela was intelligent and witty, and Akuma had found herself laughing and smiling more than she had in weeks.
But despite their easy conversation, Akuma couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Zela's interest in her. Zela was a member of the wealthy elite, and Akuma was just a poor villager. What could Zela possibly see in her?
As Akuma approached her hut, she noticed a figure waiting for her outside. It was a young woman with a kind face and a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Hello, Akuma," the woman said, bowing low. "My name is Lila. I'm a servant at the merchant's estate."
Akuma's eyes widened in surprise. "What brings you here, Lila?" she asked.
Lila smiled. "Zela sent me to fetch you for your walk tomorrow morning," she said. "She wants to make sure you're ready and waiting at the garden gate."
Akuma felt a flutter in her chest at the thought of seeing Zela again. "Tell Zela I'll be there," she said, smiling at Lila.
Lila nodded, bowing low. "I'll make sure to pass on the message," she said. "It was nice meeting you, Akuma."
As Lila turned to leave, Akuma called out to her. "Wait, Lila!" she said.
Lila turned back, a questioning look on her face. "Yes, Akuma?" she asked.
"What's Zela like?" Akuma asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "I mean, really like?"
Lila's expression turned serious, and she glanced around nervously before leaning in close. "Zela is kind and generous," she whispered. "But she's also fiercely independent and determined. She can come across as aloof or standoffish to those who don't know her, but once you get to know her, you'll see that she's really just a softie at heart."
Akuma's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Lila to be so candid about Zela's personality.
As Lila turned to leave again, Akuma called out to her once more. "Thanks, Lila," she said, smiling. "I owe you one."
Lila grinned, winking at Akuma. "No problem, Akuma," she said. "Just be sure to be on time for your walk with Zela tomorrow. She's not a fan of tardiness."
Akuma laughed, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. She couldn't wait to see Zela again and continue their conversation.
As she watched Lila disappear into the distance, Akuma felt a sense of wonder and curiosity. What would the future hold for her and Zela? Only time would tell.