Bab 14: Unspoken Desires, Silent Reassurances
Vermilion closed her eyes, but her mind kept flashing through the woman's piercing eyes and the words she had spoken. The invitation from Lyon to change the world together lingered in her thoughts. Tossing and turning in bed, she found herself unable to sleep.
The whole house was eerily quiet, and a sense of worry about Lyon's condition crept into her mind. Unable to ignore her concern any longer, she decided to check on him.
As she approached his room, she noticed the untouched dinner still sitting in front of his door. Taking the food, she packed it all up.
Late at night, Vermilion stood in front of Lyon's closed door, contemplating the situation. She knew that knocking wouldn't elicit a response from him.
"He must have been deeply affected by what had happened this afternoon."
"What should I do...? How can I help him?"
Suddenly, she remembered Alex, their other housemate, as mentioned by Carmella. Hoping for some solace or answers, she made her way to Alex's room. To her surprise, the room was empty, the door left ajar.
As she walked around the house, her eyes fell upon a pile of letters on the bookshelf. Curiosity piqued, she picked one up and read the letter. Sender's name: "To Lyonharld Rainier, from the Ministry of Defence."
With each word she read, Vermilion learned about Lyon's full name and how to write a letter. With a flash of inspiration, she felt compelled to write a letter of her own to Lyon. Searching for paper and pen, she began to pour her thoughts onto the page.
"Dear Lyon,
This is the first time I've ever written a letter, so please forgive me if it's not perfect. I hope you will read it until the end.
I know today must have been a shock for you. I can imagine the emotions swirling within you. But I know that your heart is strong and I believe you are just angry at yourself for not being able to protect those around you. However, you did try your best, Lyon. You stood up against that woman with bravery.
You spoke of wanting to be heroes, like the ones we met today, and change the world. From the moment I met you, I could sense your determination. And today, you proved it once again. If those three warriors are the ones you admire the most, then you, Lyonharld Rainier, are the one that I, Vermilion Yeleona, admire the most.
Though this letter may be only black ink on white paper, but it carries the weight of my true feelings. Tomorrow morning, as you depart, I have packed the food for you. When the time comes for us to meet again, I promise to give you a proper response to your invitation. I eagerly await the day we meet again.
Take care, my Hero.
From, Vermilion Yeleona"
Satisfied with her words, Vermilion placed the letter into an envelope and slipped it under Lyon's door. With a sense of relief, she made her way to the living room and opened the window, allowing the cool night breeze to sweep in. As exhaustion washed over her, she sat on the edge of the window and slowly drifted into a deep slumber.
Unaware of Vermilion's letter, Lyon awoke the next morning, preparing for his departure.
"I need to get myself prepared before the patrolling soldiers are here."
As he gathered his belongings, he noticed a piece of paper on the floor.
"Hmm? What is this? Why there is a letter on the floor."
"From Vermilion?" he murmured.
With curiosity, he began reading the letter. A smile formed on his face as he reached the end. Lyon wrote a simple note in response: "Thank you."
Quietly, he approached Vermilion, who was still peacefully sleeping by the window. Carefully, he placed the note and rooftop key in her hand, not wanting to disturb her slumber. Taking his packed belongings and the food Vermilion had prepared, Lyon left the house.
After taking the elevator to the ground floor, Carmella is returning from her errands, crossed paths with Lyon.
"So, you're leaving today."
Lyon nodded, unsure of what to say. Carmella took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking again, her tone softer than before.
"You know, Lyon, I believe we've misunderstood each other all along. I never intended to hurt your feelings."
"What do you mean?"
"When you spoke of your dreams, I may have teased you for not accepting reality. But the truth is, I struggle with facing this 'Reality' as well. I regret the times I mocked you. And deep down, I truly wish that you can change the world and prove me wrong."
Lyon stared at Carmella in surprise, her words resonating within him.
As Carmella entered the elevator, she continued with a faint smile, "See you next time, HE-RO!" before the elevator closed its door.
Lyon felt tears welling up in his eyes. Finally hearing the words he longed to hear, he let the tears flow freely. Those simple words held tremendous meaning and encouragement for the young man who had lost everything in the war during his childhood.
After composing himself, Lyon wiped away his tears, his expression turning serious and determined. As he set off towards his destination, he held onto the memory of Vermilion and Carmella's words, fueling his resolve.
Meanwhile, Carmella returned to the house, and Vermilion woke up at the sound of the door opening. She noticed the note in her hand. A soft smile graced her lips, knowing that her message had reached him.
"Morning, sis. I suppose you really like the window seat, don't you?"
"Nope, I just... it feels really comfortable sitting here."
"Our friend is leaving. You can look downstairs."
"Lyon?" Vermilion asks as they both stand by the window, watching Lyon leave.
"I expressed my thoughts to him. Hopefully, he will get it," Carmella said.
"Really? That would be good! By the way, you just returned home in the morning. Don't you feel tired at all?"
"I slept for the whole afternoon yesterday while you were hanging outside."
"No wonder you still look so energized. Oh! May I ask where Alex is? I haven't seen him so far."
"He is Dr. Apgar's very important personal assistant. He is seldom at home."
"Dr. Apgar's assistant? What were you two doing last night?"
"It's a secret ~. But when the time is right, you will find out."
"Well, then I won't ask any more questions."
"Hurry up and freshen up. It's my turn to take you around and go shopping today."
"Shopping?" Vermilion asks, surprised.
"Just hurry up! Otherwise, the patrolling soldiers will be here any moment!"
"Alright!" Vermilion responds with excitement.
With a smile, Vermilion followed Carmella's lead, eager for the day's adventures. As they left the house, Lyon arrived at the train station, where all the enlistees were gathered. Lyon boarded the train bound for the Ministry of Defence in the capital city.
As hours passed, Lyon reached his destination. Joined by others in the queue, he patiently waited for his turn to choose a team to join. With determination in his eyes, Lyon approached the officer when his name was called.
"Good evening, rookie. Have you decided which team you would like to join?" the officer asked.
The team options include:
1) Internship in military command
2) National Arms Development Agency
3) National Army
4) National Air Force
5) National Navy
With conviction, Lyon replied, "National Army."
"National Army? Good! Please take this and proceed to second floor."
Impressed by his resolve, the officer handed him the necessary paperwork and instructed him to proceed to the second floor. Lyon followed the officer's instructions and made his way to the waiting area.
Sitting amongst the other candidates, Lyon's mind was focused on the path he had chosen. Moments later, his name was called.
"Lyonharld Rainier!" the officer announced.
With a resolute expression, Lyon stood up and replied, "Yes, sir!"
"Welcome to the National Army, young man. Do you have any specific preferences or volunteer for any particular division?" the officer inquired.
Lyon met the officer's gaze, his determination shining through. "I would like to volunteer for the commando training group, sir."
The officer's eyebrows raised in surprise, and the other candidates exchanged astonished glances. Lyon's decision to join the commando unit was met with a mix of admiration and concern.
"Are you sure about that? Do you understand that it means you will be on the frontline of the battlefield? "
"Yes, I am sure. I understand the risks involved, and I am ready to face them. I want to join the commando training group!"
The officer studied Lyon for a moment before responding.
"Very well. Your determination is commendable. Report to the main entrance at 6 a.m. tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!" His determination shining through.
With that, Lyon took a deep breath, knowing that he was one step closer to fulfilling his dream. The following days would bring intense and grueling commando training, but Lyon was prepared to face the challenges head-on. He would not waver in his pursuit of becoming a true hero.
Meanwhile, Vermilion and Carmella continued their day, exploring the city and enjoying their time together. The bond between them grew stronger as they shared laughter, stories, and unforgettable experiences.
Little did they know that their paths would cross with each other once again someday.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone