Akuma woke up early the next morning, feeling excited and nervous about her walk with Zela. 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 tripped on a loose stone and stumbled. She managed to catch herself just in time, but not before she face-planted into a nearby bush.
"Ow," Akuma muttered, rubbing her sore nose. "Note to self: watch where you're walking."
As she approached the garden gate, Akuma saw Zela waiting for her. Zela was looking stunning in a flowing blue gown, and her hair was tied back in a elegant braid.
"Good morning, Akuma," Zela said, smiling at her. "I see you're right on time."
Akuma smiled back, feeling a little self-conscious about her earlier mishap. "Yeah, I'm like clockwork," she said.
As they walked through the gardens, Akuma couldn't help but notice the way Zela seemed to glide across the ground. She was like a princess in a fairy tale, and Akuma felt like a clumsy oaf in comparison.
But despite her initial awkwardness, Akuma found herself relaxing in Zela's presence. They talked about everything from books to music to their favorite foods, and Akuma was surprised by how much they had in common.
As they walked, they came across a group of gardeners who were busy pruning the flowers. One of the gardeners, a gruff-looking old man with a thick beard, looked up and caught sight of Zela.
"Ah, Mistress Zela!" he exclaimed, bowing low. "It's an honor to see you again."
Zela smiled graciously, nodding at the gardener. "Good morning, Jenkins," she said. "I see you're keeping the gardens looking beautiful as always."
Jenkins beamed with pride, his face turning bright red. "Thank you, Mistress Zela," he said. "We do our best to keep the gardens looking their best for you and your family."
As they continued on their walk, Akuma couldn't help but tease Zela about her obvious effect on the gardener. "You're like a princess, Zela," she said, grinning. "Everyone loves you."
Zela laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think it's just because I'm a good tipper," she said.
Akuma chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't think that's it," she said. "I think you just have a way with people."
Zela smiled, looking pleased. "Thanks, Akuma," she said. "That means a lot coming from you."
As they walked, they came across a small pond. Zela sat down on the edge of the pond, 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.
But as they sat there, Akuma's stomach suddenly growled loudly. She felt her face heat up with embarrassment as Zela opened her eyes and looked at her.
"I'm so sorry," Akuma said, mortified. "I guess I forgot to eat breakfast."
Zela laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't worry about it," she said. "I'm sure we can find something to eat in the gardens."
As they walked through the gardens, Zela pointed out various fruits and vegetables that were ripe for the picking. Akuma's eyes widened in amazement as Zela expertly plucked a ripe apple from a nearby tree.
"Here, try this," Zela said, handing Akuma the apple.
Akuma took a bite of the apple, and her eyes widened in surprise. It was the sweetest, juiciest apple she had ever tasted.
"Wow, this is amazing," Akuma said, taking another bite of the apple.
Zela smiled, looking pleased. "I'm glad you like it," she said. "The gardens are full of all sorts of delicious fruits and vegetables."
As they continued on their walk, Akuma found herself feeling more and more at ease in Zela's presence. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed the wealthy woman's company, and she 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 they walked, they came across a small fountain. Zela sat down on the edge of the fountain, 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.
But as they sat there, Akuma's clumsiness struck again. She accidentally knocked over her apple core, which landed with a splat in the fountain.
Zela's eyes snapped open, and she looked at Akuma in surprise. "Akuma, what are you doing?" she asked, laughing.
Akuma's face turned bright red with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," she said, mortified. "I'm just a little clumsy, I guess."
Zela chuckled, shaking her head. "It's okay, Akuma," she said. "Accidents happen."
As they sat there, Akuma couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious about her clumsiness. But Zela's kind words and gentle smile put her at ease, and she found herself laughing and smiling again.
As they continued on their walk, Akuma found herself feeling more and more comfortable in Zela's presence. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed the wealthy woman's company, and she found herself wondering if maybe, just maybe, she had a chance with Zela after all.
But as they walked, Akuma's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves. She turned to see a small rabbit hopping towards them, its big brown eyes shining with curiosity.
Zela laughed, scooping up the rabbit in her arms. "Hello there, little one," she said, cuddling the rabbit.
Akuma watched in amazement as Zela expertly handled the rabbit, stroking its soft fur and feeding it a piece of lettuce from her pocket.
"You're really good with animals," Akuma said, impressed.
Zela smiled, looking pleased. "Thanks, Akuma," she said. "I love animals. They're so innocent and pure."
As they stood there, watching the rabbit hop away, Akuma felt a sense of connection with Zela that she couldn't quite explain. It was like they were two kindred spirits, united in their love of animals and the natural world.
And as they continued on their walk, Akuma found herself feeling more and more at ease in Zela's presence. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed the wealthy woman's company, and she found herself wondering if maybe, just maybe, she had a chance with Zela after all.
But as they walked, Akuma's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter and music. She turned to see a group of people gathered near the garden gate, playing instruments and singing.
Zela's eyes lit up with excitement. "It's a celebration," she said, grabbing Akuma's hand and pulling her towards the crowd. "Come on, Akuma. Let's join in the fun."
Akuma's heart skipped a beat as she felt Zela's hand wrap around hers. She couldn't believe that the wealthy and beautiful Zela was actually holding her hand.
As they joined in the celebration, Akuma found herself feeling more and more alive. She laughed and danced with Zela, feeling a sense of joy and freedom that she hadn't experienced in weeks.
And as they celebrated, Akuma couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, she had found a new friend in Zela. Or maybe even something more.