章節 46: Too Picky
"We would like to check out please," Elric informed the old woman as he approached her.
"Alright," the woman bent down and took out a register. She computed the total bill amount and handed it to him, stating, "Here is your bill. Please check it."
Elric nodded and withdrew the coins from his pocket to pay the bill.
"I hope you enjoyed the stay with your wife," the old woman said with a stern face.
"Yes we did. Thank you," he replied politely.
The trunks were brought down and Evelyn stood outside the inn waiting for Elric to arrive and to leave for Zenira. She was happy to finally go back to her home. But, deep down, a tinge of sadness overshadowed the joy, and she knew why. She was used to seeing Elric around her but now after returning there wasn't any chance of it. Although she would be able to see him in the council but only for a few hours. She sighed deeply.
Listening to footsteps approaching, she turned in that direction and saw Elric.
"Done with the payment. We can now depart," he stated
She nodded to him and stepped into the carriage. Looking outside the window she thought if she could live one more day here. It was all of a sudden that they had to go back to Zenira. With a jerk, the carriage halted at the outskirts of the village, Limemere.
"What happened?" Glancing around, she asked Elric.
Elric replied, "Let me check," and stepped out of the carriage.
She noticed a carriage obstructing their path as she peered out the window. A middle aged man stepped out from it. By the appearance of it, he looked to be from a noble family. She noticed him conversing with Elric about something.
Just a few minutes later, they both approached in her direction.
The man bowed at her, nearing her. "Greetings from the noble man, Miss Evelyn," he greeted her.
She gave him a nod, puzzled as to how he knew her name.
"Don't be confused, Miss Evelyn. I've been to Zenira several times and know you're the princess. I learned about your presence from my sources. However, I see you're leaving," he stated.
"Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you. And I'm sorry we have to depart in this way," she humbly replied.
"It's alright. I realise you may have crucial work ahead of you. However, if you could make up for the small occasion at my Manor, I would be very grateful."
"We are already leaving sir. Thanks for the invitation though."
"I insist you, My Lady. It would be wonderful if you could bless my Manor with your presence." He was adamant about it.
She was perplexed, unsure whether to accept it or not. She turned to face Elric, who was gazing towards something. Nevertheless, thinking that it was just about one more day, she nodded in agreement.
*****
The carriage came to a halt in front of the same inn, and Evelyn entered after Elric.
"Did your wife forget something in the room?" The woman inquired, her gaze fixed on them.
"We will stay here one more day and leave tomorrow," Elric informed.
Evelyn noticed the woman staring at them with suspicion. Elric knelt to tie his shoelace, and the elderly lady's entire attention was drawn to her. Looking at her severe expression, Evelyn smiled uneasily.
"How many years since have you been married?" The woman began interrogation.
"Two years," Evelyn said. She looked down at Elric who was taking eternity to tie a shoelace.
"Do you mind if I have a look at your wedding ring?" She inquired.
A question arose that she had wished to avoid. Hearing that, the fear of being caught inside her grew.
"Umm….ah," she began replying indecisively.
She felt Elric touch her left hand. She felt something on her ring finger and looked down to see a gleaming green emerald ring.
She quickly raised her hand to show it to the woman. Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her nod. Elric rose to his feet and looked at the woman as if nothing had happened.
"Here, take the keys. It's the same room and I won't assist you this time," she replied sternly and handed the keys to Elric.
Evelyn felt relieved when she walked into the room. She thought the woman would discover their lie this time. Elric, thank heavens, rescued the day. She raised her hand and looked at the emerald. It was undoubtedly a beautiful ring. She took it out and extended her hand to give him back.
"Keep it with you. The woman might check it anytime," he said.
Nodding at him, she wore it back. A thought occurred in her mind. She turned towards Elric and asked, "What will we wear on this occasion tonight?"
Elric looked at her being perplexed. "Did you only pack trousers in the trunk?" He asked.
She gave him a sheepish smile as she nodded.
Elric chuckled mentally looking at face but put a stern face in front of her and asked, "Shall we go to the market?"
"Yes, please," she said as she stood up and followed him out to the market.
Evelyn noticed several dress shops as they walked through the market, but Elric didn't stop in front of any and continued walking.
"Where are we going?" She asked, wondering which store he would take her to.
"I don't like any of the shops here," he replied.
"Too picky," she thought to herself, before responding, "It's only for one day, and I liked a few of the clothes in those shops."
"You have a bad taste, princess," he commented bluntly.
She pouted angrily at him and replied, "I have a choice to wear what I want. You don't have to comment about it." With that she stormed ahead of him and entered a shop that came into her sight at first.
She didn't waste any time in selecting a dress and exiting the store, still being furious at his remark.
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