Capítulo 9: The Mysterious Nobleman (?)
The central square of the commoners area was filled with bustling activity. Different stalls that offer various services lined the roads in an orderly fashion, kids could be seen frolicking about without a care in the world, their parents either chasing after them or too busy bartering with the merchants.
For the Princess currently in disguise, this was a welcomed sight. Far from the politics of the royal palace, she could breathe freely.
"Ahh, how relaxing"
With her crimson hair neatly hidden under her hood, the Princess spread her arms as a bird would it's wings after a long rest. In any other setting, this would've been seen as peculiar, or even downright strange, especially in high gatherings. But amongst the bustling crowd and playing children, the particular action of the hooded princess blended perfectly.
"Pri--"
"Tilma?"
Before the maid could complete her sentence, the Princess interrupted her with a cold voice.
"Uh, I mean, Mistress. Please refrain from doing anything too conspicuous, I feel really uncomfortable walking around without any guards"
Tilma nervously glanced around as she further fixed her hood.
"Would ya calm down, Tilma? Nothing'll happen. Trust me, yea?"
The Princess answered so in a weird accent.
"Uhhh pri--, Mistress, Please don't talk like that! Even among normal commoners you'll hardly ever hear anyone talk like that!"
"Hahaha sorry sorry, I was just pulling your leg, Tilma. You're too cute when you're like that"
The Princess laughed at the groaning, clearly uncomfortable Tilma.
"Still though, compared to the stiff atmosphere of the royal palace, I far enjoy this."
The Princess had always been quite adventurous. Compared to being cooped up in the palace akin to a caged bird, she wanted to get out and spread her wings. Being the second princess also didn't help her. The chance that she would inherit the throne was very unlikely, so the most that she could expect was to be engaged to a young, spoiled heir of a prominent house to boost the political power of the royal family. Of course she wasn't happy with this. Most girls dreamed of one day marrying a man they truly loved. She would take care of him, make his home, bear his children, raise them to be splendid individuals. Even the Princess was not exempted from this. But her status as a royalty prevented her from achieving such things.
The Princess looked up, her face clearly showing a sad, somewhat exhausted expression.
Tilma could only look at her as a mother would her troubled children.
"Mistress.."
Quietly mumbled Tilma.
The Princess noticing this, quickly tried to reassure her.
"Hm? Oh, I'm fine, Tilma. No need to worry, I'm just a little tired. With elder brother's birthday coming up, coupled with the talks about his engagement, and uhm.. my own, there had been a constant unease in the palace"
The birthday of the crown Prince of the Kingdom was fast approaching, because of this, there were an enormous amount of hustle and bustle going around the castle. Being the sibling of the Prince, it was only natural for the Princess to also get caught up in the atmosphere. She had been dragged along various gatherings for her brother. Most of which were geared for young ladies to appeal to the Prince. Calling the amount of marriage proposals for his highness numerous was a huge understatement, the prospect of marrying the future King of the Kingdom, even as a concubine, was extremely enticing to young ladies. Of course there were also no shortages of young lords trying to appeal to the Princess, most of which, she found unbearable. This was the main cause of her fatigue.
"That's why this breather is important, do you see now, Tilma?"
"I do, Mistress. I will no longer voice any complaints"
The Princess smiled as she heard her maid's response.
"Atta' girl"
"Uhhh, Princess Claudia please refrain from talking like that!"
In response to Tilma's slip of the tongue, groan, and complaint, Claudia only smiled wryly. Fortunately for her, with the bustling noise around them, her maid's slip up went unnoticed.
+++
Having finished her fitting, Lady Juliette quietly sat down on the sofa and took a sip of the tea served.
"What do you think about my choice, Larc? Do you think it's suitable?"
Juliette asked her butler with a fleeting glance.
"It suits you well, my Lady. I'm sure that any man who sees you would have their hearts stolen all the same."
The young lady had chosen a platinum silver dress that clearly complimented her silky silver blonde hair and her deep sapphire blue eyes. The dress was also sequenced with beautiful small sparkling gemstones, giving it a sense of innocence and appeal that were not too strong on the eyes.
In response to her butler's remark, Lady Juliette furrowed her brows and pouted.
"hmph.. I didn't choose it for other men, you know?"
[...cute]
[Wait, now's not the time for that!]
Seeing his charge sulk like that, Larc couldn't help but once again acknowledge the strength of the young lady's cuteness.
[Haaa.. I have to say something good now, or else Lady Juliette will continue sulking until we get back to the estate]
Larc racked his brains trying to figure out the response that would please Juliette.
"Uhmm, that's not the only thing though, it really does suit you, my lady. I barely only kept my jaw from dropping on the ground when I saw you"
"?!.. such a thing!.. is not bad, I think.. "
Juliette was visibly flustered at Larc's remark, she started fidgeting around while playing with her hair. With her face slowly dying in red, she looked away from him.
"I really did mean it, my lady."
Larc nonchalantly said so as he quietly poured more tea, he failed to notice Juliette's ears turning even redder.
"Mhmm.. that is, uhmm.. thank you, Larc"
Still looking away, she quietly mumbled as she played with her hair.
"I was merely stating a fact, My lady. There is no need to thank me, you are truly a lady fit to be called the rose of house Carmine. "
Juliette was now as red as a whole tomato from the neck down.
Larc, still unaware of just how much damage his words were causing Juliette, went about his business.
*Ahem!*
Milin's clearly fake cough broke the flowery atmosphere that was developing in the room.
"My lady, I believe that we have other businesses that we must attend today, like the tea party hosted by his Majesty the king, with the mistress and the master."
Milin's words were like a bucket of cold water poured on Juliette's burning face.
"Ahh right! I almost forgot about that! Mama said that we had something very important to talk about"
"Indeed, my lady. So I implore that we leave post haste"
Juliette, having regained her composure, stood up and faced Larc.
"That's right, Larc we have to hurry back"
"You can't, my lady."
Milin responded coldly to Juliette's request, she moved to her side and whispered.
"My lady, the mistress and the master explicitly told me to only bring you and you alone, I would believe that whatever the topic you're going to talk about, it is of the utmost confidentiality"
With her maid's whisper Lady Juliette groaned.
"Uuhh.. I guess it's hard to argue about that. Then, Larc, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to leave you for the time being."
"No need to worry about me, my lady. I'll take care of the business around here then await your return at the estate"
"..mhmm"
Lady Juliette seemed a little sad as she agreed with Larc.
+++
As Lady Juliette boarded she turned towards Larc one more time.
"Then, wait for my return, okay, Larc?"
"I hear and obey, my lady"
With that, the carriage bearing the dove over a golden rose rode away.
"Sir Larc"
A voice called out to him as he watched the carriage become smaller by the second.
As he turned around he saw the origin of the voice, a young boy, maybe around the same age as him. He was wearing the standard clothes of the employees of the tailor shop.
"Miss Hilda has called for you, sir. It seems that she needs your signature for the finalization of the transaction"
The boy explained to him in a calm and collected manner.
"Oh, of course. Sorry for the wait"
"No need to apologize, sir. Now, if you would"
The boy gestured for Larc to follow him back inside.
+++
Tilma walked behind me as we trailed down the road. We didn't have any real destination, I just wanted to stretch my legs a bit.. and to get away from the suffocating feel of the Palace.
I looked around and saw numerous people leisurely walking around, seemingly with any responsibilities, although I know that not to be true.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted from one of the stalls lined up on the road. Various people ran to and from the origin.
"Tilma, come quickly! Let's see what the fuss is about"
"Mistress! Please don't be rash, it maybe dangerous"
Tilma firmly rejected my proposal, but I paid her no mind, I strode fort the mass of people gathering and slowly inched my way in, I lost Tilma in the process.
What met my eyes were a couple of children, a boy and a girl, on the ground and an angry merchant shouting at them. The boy who looked to be the older of two was shielding the girl with his relatively small body.
"You damn brats! Coming in here trying to steal from me?! I ought'a cut yer hands to teach you a lesson!"
The voice of the man was thunderous.
But against such threats, the boy stood tall and unfazed.
"Just try, Old man! I'll beat you up!"
He spat back at the man.
"You son of a bitch! Is that what your whore of a mother been teachin' you?!"
The boy's face dyed red in anger, he dashed towards the man at full speed.
"YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!"
Roared the boy as he charged at the man,
Of course, it didn't end well.
The merchant quite easily evaded it then threw him off of his feet.
"Now you've done it, not only did you steal from me, but you even tried to attack me. I'll have to turn you over to the guards as well as cut off one of yer hands!"
The man stood tall over the boy on the ground. The hatchet on his hand intimidated the onlookers as he tightened his grip on it.
"Nooo! Don't hurt oni-chan!"
The crying girl didn't pay the weapon of the man any mind as she ran to the boy's defense.
"He only stole because I told him I was hungry! He didn't mean it! I'm sorry! Please don't hurt him anymore!"
It seems that the two were siblings.
The young girl clung to her brother as she sobbed and pleaded to the man.
The man looked at the two in scorn and disgust.
"Ohh, so you're the one who orchestrated this! You're the ring leader eh?"
He then raised his hatchet and appeared ready to strike the two.
I instinctively ran to the two's defense. I stood between the man and the children and spread my arms.
"Stop this at once! Who are you to hurt these unfortunate children?!"
I shouted at the man as I glared at him
He took a few step back and lowered his weapon, clearly showing his surprise at my sudden outburst.
"Wha?! Who're you?! Don't meddle in this!"
He shouted back at me in a loud domineering voice, but I stood my ground against him.
"You won't hurt these children anymore, do you understand?"
I told him in a cold low voice.
"What?! Who do you think you are, bitch?! Trying to boss me around?!"
The man was seething with anger, it was though as if smoke would fume out of him at any moment.
"Who am I?! Why I a---"
"Damn it! I don't care who you are!"
I tried to introduce myself, but the man ignored it and decided to just attack me,
He dashed forward in a sprint and swung his fist at me,
[Oh no, my incantation won't make it!"
My magic would take a second before activating, a second that I didn't have. I shut my eyes and raised my arms as I braced myself for the incoming attack.
Expecting a strong impact, a light gust of air breezed in front of me.
"What kind of man would raise his hand against a young lady and two children?"
A cold, stern voice reverberated from the front.
I slowly opened my eyes, and what welcomed me was the back of a young man in an exquisite suit holding the merchant's arm.
"Wha?! Let go of my hand! AH! Wait! Don't! It hurts!"
He groaned in pain as the suited man slightly twisted his arm.
"I'll let it go once I break it, no? And don't even think of using that hatchet of yours, I can't guarantee your life if you do so."
The threat of the young man was clearly meant. As could be seen from the merchant's facial expression turning deathly pale, and the sweat dripping from his face.
"T-those brats stole from me and tried to attack me! Then that girl over there insulted me!!"
Against the merchant's accusations, the two children could only look down. So I took it upon myself to defend us.
"That's a lie--"
"Ho? Is that all? Then wouldn't it be fine if I just pay you in their stead? Would a gold coin compensate for it?"
The young man slightly glanced at us as he cut me off. I wanted to protest, but under his gaze, words wouldn't leave my mouth. He looked at me as if saying "please be quiet for a while"
He had a lustrous black hair and slightly slanted almond colored eyes. His facial features, apparel and gestures clearly showed that he was of a high status, quite possibly a young lord of a noble house.
"T-that would be fine! But what of their assault on me?!"
With the mention of a gold coin, the merchant's face slightly twitched.
His arm, that was still being held by the mysterious man, was now slowly losing it's color.
".. surely a man such as yourself couldn't have been harmed by any kind of assault these people could possibly mount, no? But what if I pay you two gold coins, would that suffice?"
I could clearly see him tighten his grip on the merchant's arm,
Having his arm almost turning purple, and the allure of two gold coins, the merchant finally gave in.
"W-well, if you're willing to go that far, then I might just forget about the assault altogether"
"Very well"
The suited man's face clearly showed displeasure, but he let go of the arm nevertheless.
"I'm glad we came to an understanding"
He said so as he threw two gold coins at the direction of the merchant.
The man caught it with his visibly reddened arm,
"Tsk, I better not catch you two stealing again! I won't be as forgiving next time!"
I wanted to introduce myself here and there and punish the insolent man, but I realized that it would be bad if the palace learned that I snuck out, so I bit my lip and desperately tried to restrain myself.
*Sob* *sob* "oni-chan uohh.."
the little girl cried as she clung to her brother.
The mysterious man then faced us,
Looking at him closely, I confirmed that this man was indeed of a high stature. He stood tall, not wavering even in the slightest. He carried around a sense of dignity and pride as he walked towards us. His well toned body clearly showed that he didn't lack any training. That would explain his ability to stop the attack of a full grown man with one hand. His facial features, that could be said as slightly effeminate, was also easy on the eyes. To put it simply, he was quite a handsome man.
He slowly approached the children and crouched down.
Seeing that the ordeal had passed, the crowd that gathered around us started to slowly disperse. My attention was then taken by a Tilma running to me at full force, her face clearly showing her worry.
"Pri--, Mistress! Mistress! Please don't do that again! You had me so worried! Doing something so Reckless!!"
The nearly crying face of Tilma was quite cute and amusing to be honest.
She ran up to me and hugged me with all her might.
"Uuuhh, princess, you had me so worried"
"I'm fine, Tilma. Calm down for now and let me go!"
I squirmed vigorously to shake her off of me. she was reluctant at first, but after a few more wriggles, she finally gave in. I turned my attention towards the man that had helped us.
I saw him crouching down and looking at the two.
*Sob* *hic* "Uouhh.. oni-chan.. s..sorry, because of m..me.. you almost.. got.. hurt.." *hic*
"It's not your fault, Lily. That man was just a jerk"
The boy stroked the hair of his sister as he tried to comfort her.
"Nii-san, thank you for your help.. you too Nee-san"
The boy looked at the man then at me as he said so. Strangely enough, he looked mature for his age.
Then, he looked down, dejected.
"..I'm so sorry for all the troubles I caused the two of you, both of you almost got hurt because of me. And you lost a lot of money, Nii-san.. but I promise I'll pay you back! It's just been hard for us since mother died"
"Oh, I only did what I thought was right, pay it no mind"
I quickly waved my hands. In reality, I really didn't do anything noteworthy, so I felt that his words of gratitude were wasted on me.
At the boy's promise, the man only smiled, his faced looked so warm and loving, like a father would his children when they make a mistake.
*doki*
[?!]
Strangely enough, I felt my heartbeat rise and my chest tighten.
[What is this feeling??]
This was the first time I felt like this towards a boy, or anyone for that matter.
I continued to quietly watch the three of them,
The man then pat the heads of both the boy and the girl.
"Don't worry about it, I know you only did it for your sister, but you have to promise me not to do that again, okay?"
"Yes, Nii-san. I promise"
The boy's earnestness was clearly felt from his words,
"Good, you too now, dry your tears already, here."
The man handed a folded handkerchief to the young girl, along with two silver coins hidden inside.
The girls face became flustered at the sight of the two coins.
"Y-youre giving this to us, Nii-san?!"
The boy couldn't control his voice as he held the handkerchief close to him.
The young man smiled and pat his head once again,
"It's not much, but I think it can last you till tomorrow, I'll head back to the estate later and see if I can find you guys a place to stay, and some work as well, comeback here tomorrow and wait for me, okay?"
I was stunned at the his words,
[A noble willing to go so far, even risk his life and honour for two orphans?! Does such a thing truly exist?!]
I thought to myself as I watched the two children nod vigorously with teary eyes at the man's words.
With those words he helped the siblings stand up, and brushed his trousers clean of dust.
"Run along now, and remember, comeback here tomorrow at the same time as today"
""Yes Nii-san! Thank you!""
The siblings answered in unison as they walked back towards an alley. Then they suddenly turned towards me,
"Thank you too, Nee-san"
A smile broke from my face as I waved them goodbye,
[I wonder if I'll ever see them again]
All the while this was happening, Tilma was still busy sniffling while clinging to me.
The man then started to walk away,
[Ah!]
"Wait!"
I unconsciously called out to him, or, rather, it was more akin to a cry.
The man, startled, slowly turned to my direction.
"Uhm, yes? Do you have some business with me?" He answered.
Seeing his deep eyes directly stare at my own for the first time, I felt my throat clogging up.
I felt as though I was being drawn in by his gaze, and that if I got carried away, I would drown.
"Mistress?"
Tilma's voice pulled me from my trance,
"Is something the matter? Who is that man?"
At Tilma's questions, I regained my composure,
"T-that's what I would like to know ashwell. M-might I know what your name is, sir?"
[..I bit my tongue]
In my nervousness, I accidentally bit my tongue. I could feel my ears heating up from the embarrassment, but I held strong.
The man straightened his back and Lightly bowed,
"This one is called Larc, young mistress"
His movements and manner of speaking was graceful.
[A noble of such caliber, and with a kind heart as well!]
I was excited at the prospect of knowing such a man,
"Might I ask for your name as well, young mistress?"
He asked me as he showed me a dazzling smile.
*Doki*
[?! There it is again!]
I felt my chest tighten once more under his gaze. My heartbeat was now beating so loudly I feared that it may burst out from my chest at any moment.
"M-my name is Cl--"
"Mistress!"
Before I could finish my introduction, Tilma interrupted me with a yell, then she drew close to me and whispered,
"You can't introduce yourself here, princess! If the king were to find out about this, both of us would be in deep trouble, even more so for me!" Tilma pleaded to me with moist eyes
[That's right! I almost made a blunder there!]
"Thank you, Tilma." I whispered back to her.
I then fixed my posture and faced Larc once more,
"Apologies for the delay, sir. My name is Clarisse, this here is my cousin, Tina. pleasure to make your acquaintance" I did a slight curtsey along with Tilma,
"Clarisse, eh? What a beautiful name you have, young mistress"
*Doki*
[There it is again!! What is that??]
I couldn't figure out why my chest kept on getting tighter and my heartbeat getting faster.
"Then, I should take my leave now. Mistress Clarisse, Tilma, farewell"
Snapping back from my thought, I watched as the man called Larc walked away from us.
I could only watch as his back gradually became smaller and smaller.
[...wait]
"I didn't get his last name!!"
Tilma was clearly startled as I cried out when I realized that he had only given me his first name, and not his full name.
[How will I ever find him again??]
I hated myself for forgetting such a crucial point. Although I was sure that he was a noble's son, I didn't know which noble. I hurriedly turned to my maid and asked,
"Tilma! Do you know which house that man belongs to?"
At my sudden question, Tilma cupped her chin and thought hard,
"Please, Tilma! Think."
"Uuuuuh.."
She was clearly having a hard time, but I could only wait for her answer in anticipation.
But her answer was like a cold water poured on me,
"I can't seem to remember any noble from the Kingdom having black hair, princess, perhaps he's a visiting noble from Ferahim? Black hair is more common there I believe? I'm sorry"
Tilma hung her head down as she apologize,
"No, no need to apologize, that was my blunder"
[But still, he couldn't have been a visiting noble from Ferahim, right? We've been at war with them for a long time...]
I thought to myself as I bit my lip. There was a big chance that I would never meet that man again, and that sent yet another stinging pain on my chest, this one though, I know the cause.
I hung my head down in defeat as we walked back towards the palace.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder