Chapter 9
[Embercrown 14th (8/14), Year 1356 of the Arcane Calendar]
| 5:00 PM |
-
-
[ Valco city, castle gate ]
Checking his pocket watch, Charles stood waiting by the gate, took a deep breath, and then settled onto a bench. "It has been some time since I experienced these episodes," he reflected.
Gazing at his slightly trembling hand, he murmured, "Is this a good decision? I might only become a burden to Anna if I accompany her."
For the moment, he resolved to set aside such thoughts. "After the rest I had since the afternoon, I feel considerably better. The thoughts are the true trigger," Charles said to himself, adding, "I should not dwell on it.
Charles wore a simple, neat cotton shirt and comfortable dark gray pants, his look completed with sturdy brown leather shoes.
"Sorry I made you wait," said Anna, walking up to him.
Anna wore a modest, light blue cotton dress with short sleeves and a flowing skirt, paired with practical black flats.
-
-
-
I put my hand in my right pocket and pulled out the temporary ID card for me and Anna. I held it out to the guard, and he quickly checked it.
He nodded and said, "Okay, you can go, but it's better to come back before 10—it can get dangerous at night in the city."
"Thanks for worrying about us," I said.
He leaned close to my ear, and I felt a bit scared about what he might say, almost like an episode was coming, until he added, "Take care of your girl. There's a nice bakery called Sunny Loaf that's not too expensive—good luck "
My lady? I thought, surprised, as he gave me a thumbs-up, looking happy with his guess and kind words.
I wanted to argue but stopped myself for a reason I didn't know.
Creak…
We left through the gate, the sound of it closing behind us as we took our steps .
A coachman waited outside, and to enter the city, we had to take a cart since the castle was located a bit outside the city limits. There are coachmen who work for the castle and are available to assist the servants. It was a 30 min ride to enter the city from the castle.
Clack clack…
"So, where do you want to go? Any places in mind?" I asked.
"Well, I heard a new clothes shop opened up, and I thought we could just walk around," Anna replied, her expression thoughtful. "I hadn't planned much beyond the clothes shop."
After a few seconds of silence to let her think, I suggested, "How about Sunny Loaf? I've heard it's a good bakery."
"Sure, why not? Let's go," she agreed.
Silence…
For the rest of the short journey, we didn't talk much, occasionally exchanging small talk to pass the time. Even though I've known Anna since I was 15, when Master Calix took me in, our conversations were usually limited to shared work or when she needed help, with only occasional small talk.
Our common topics often revolved around the young master, whom we both care for deeply; to me, though I wonder if a mere butler should have such thoughts, he feels like a younger brother I'd love if I had any family left, and I'm sure Anna feels the same way.
Gazing through the window, I watched trees glide past as the cart, pulled by the horse, slowly turned right onto a descending road. The fresh air filled my lungs, the tall trees briefly blocking the city lights that were gradually coming into view, where different species along with humans mingled. As we rode along, Anna broke the silence with a smile, saying, "Oh, by the way, I read this book lately—a funny story about a clumsy knight. It had me laughing so much I nearly spilled the water in my mouth!"
Listening to Anna's stories was never dull. I paid enough attention to learn that her favorite food is strawberry tarts, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite author is Eliza Hart, a preference she holds even now.
The word "cute" lingered on my tongue, as if urging me to say something—cute, cute?—and as I glanced at Anna, still chuckling while recalling the book's scenes, the wind playing with her hair, my mouth involuntarily uttered the word naturally as I offered her a warm smile.
"Cute."
-
-
-
Stepping down, I observed the streets bustling with people—humans bartering with sharp-eyed elves and stout dwarves hauling crates. The streets were lively with people moving left and right, the lamps casting bright illumination across the area. This was not my first visit to this city, but each time I returned, I noticed it had grown even more developed, I reflected.
"Well, it is the most advanced land in the county," I reminded myself, turning to Anna as she disembarked, her silence prompting me to ask, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she smiled, her gaze wandering, "just admiring the city."
Neigh
The horses pulled the cart away, and the coachman called out, "The clothes shop you mentioned is to the second left."
"Thank you," I said, watching the horses vanish from my sight as they turned right at the intersection.
"Okay, let's move, Anna—the crowd seems to be building up," I suggested, glancing at her.
With a nod, we navigated our way through the bustling crowd.
At a certain point during our journey, Anna seemed to drift into her own thoughts.
Why did he suddenly call me cute? Wait, was I misunderstanding? Perhaps he noticed something outside—yes, he was looking out the window, that must be it, Anna reasoned to herself.
As she watched Charles walking ahead, she felt that even though her explanation calmed her emotions, a subtle trace of disappointment still lingered within her.
Ding…
"Welcome, sir and madam! How can I help you? What type of clothes are you interested in today?" a lady greeted us warmly.
Anna approached her and began her shopping with enthusiasm.
She tried on numerous clothes as I sat on a chair, observing her between moments of rest. Taking the initiative, I engaged in conversation with the cashier while she modeled items such as sundresses, casual tunics, and flowing maxi dresses.
While Anna continued , the cashier leaned toward me and asked, "Did you hear about a research group called Animus Marionet? They've made a breakthrough in the domain of science and magic."
He then continued with a hint of excitement, after a short pause , "As the name suggests, this new group invented dolls similar to marionettes, but they have their own consciousness."
I struggled to respond at first, my throat tightening and words catching as I fought through my discomfort, my face tense with a mix of unease and effort.
After a moment, I managed to pull through, my eyebrows furrowing as my lips formed a skeptical line, doubt crossing my face. "That… that sounds hard to believe," I finally said, my voice unsteady but gradually controlled. "It might be false information or just exaggerated—conscious dolls seem more like a story than reality."
Giving a shrug, the cashier said, "Maybe you're right, but my sources are usually reliable—just a morning gathering of random men for tea." He gave a light chuckle.
Madam, this dress suits you perfectly; you should really buy it. The lady's voice, warm and coaxing as she assisted Anna, caught my attention.
I looked at Anna, her black hair cascading in sleek waves that caught the soft lavender hue of the elegant, floor-length gown, just barely grazing the ground, its complex lace and ruffled sleeves.
For a second, I lost myself gazing at her. Thump, thump, thump—Anna's voice snapped me out of my stare as she asked nervously, "Well, is it good or bad? Say something."
"It's good, it looks amazing; you should definitely take it."
Anna's face flushed, and without a reply, she hurried back to the trial room.
"Did I say something wrong?" I glanced at the man, his hand tucked beneath his chin, lost in thought over how to reply.
"Well, you didn't do anything wrong, but it came out a bit intense. It's good you're complimenting your woman, though," he said, shaking his head with a sigh. "My wife keeps nagging me that I don't give her enough attention."
My woman? "Sir, in your eyes, do we look like a couple?" I immediately asked in an even tone.
"Are you not? Still dating? Hmm… in my view, you both look like a couple. I'm sorry if I'm mistaken, sir," the man replied, his tone shifting to a slightly worried one.
Hmm…
Noticing Charles's contemplative look, the man leaned in, his voice dropping low. "If it's not too personal, may I ask what your relationship is with that woman?"
As I explained our relationship, tracing through our shared history, he nodded in understanding. "I see," he said, pausing. "If I'm not being rude, may I offer my view?"
Before I say anything let me explain this you seem to not have an understanding of the concept of human relations that much.I nodded, understanding what he said was something I already knew.
"This is my advice: say this to her later, whenever you have a moment of privacy." The man wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to me. As I read it, I understood nothing, giving the man a look of confusion.
"I see, you don't know the meaning of it—understandable. It's a new famous saying from a play written by Elliot Varnholt. My wife told me about it just yesterday. If you find its meaning offensive, you can come back anytime and take a swing at me," he said in a joking yet serious tone.
"But I recommend it; I can guarantee her expression will tell you everything." Hearing the man's genuine advice, I sensed no malice.
After purchasing the clothes just as we were about to leave the man called me again ,anna looked at me as if asking if it was fine to be honest, I was not completely fine but that was just the normal for me I gave her a nod she went out first waiting outside.
"Listen, my last piece of advice: life doesn't go our way. We face countless problems and twists—one morning you might wake up filled with joy, full of energy, but by night, you could lose everything gambling or watch your home burn down." He offered a warm smile. "You might make poor choices in life or be blinded by the wrong people, but don't overlook the right ones standing in front of you. Choosing the right companions, those true souls, can guide you through the storms and help you pass through the mistakes."
What the man said carried a weight, layered with experience and hard-won understanding. I didn't fully grasp his meaning, but I could sense I was blind to something important. I gave a nod, thanking him for his advice before I turned to leave.
Outside anna looking at the bill, Anna frowned. "I can't believe I spent this much," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
----------------------------------
Valco City Boutique Bill
Date: Embercrown 14th (8/14), Year 1356
Customer: Anna
Item | Cost (Sterling, Shill, Pence)
Lavender Gown | 5 Sterling 0 Shill 0 Pence
Simple Dress or Shawl | 1 Sterling 10 Shill 0 Pence
Total | 6 Sterling 10 Shill 0 Pence
----------------------------------
-
-
-
After that, we went to Sunny Loaf, as the guard had said the pastries there were good. What he didn't mention was that the place was famous for lovers and couples, another situation that made me question how others perceived us. When thinking about this, one might feel embarrassed or angry in such moments, mistaken for a couple. Those could be the usual reactions, but for me, it felt amusing and fun—perhaps because the thought of having someone like family again was strangely alluring.
-
-
-
[ Valco city, Lumivale grove ] | 7:45 PM |
We walked along a footpath in Lumivale Park, small stones crunching under our shoes. The grass smelled fresh and neatly cut willow trees rustled in the cool breeze. Glowing lanterns mixed with the moon's light, making the park shine softly.
Anna and I chatted about getting a pen for the Young Master before heading back. "I've still got some Sterling left," I said'
"I don't spend much." Anna nudged me to buy something for myself, like a new shirt, but I only cared for books. We settled on a wooden bench, its surface cool and slick with night dew. A few people strolled ahead, their quiet chuckles fading into the distance. As we paused, the fountain's water rippled softly.
Thinking of the man's words, I pulled out the slip of paper to read it again, checking my memory.
"Anna, can I say something?" I asked, my voice low.
"Yeah, sure, what is it? You don't have to ask, just say it," Anna replied, leaning back against the wooden bench. Her happy hum mingled with the laughs of a Kilrain child, his four arms waving at us, and a human walking ahead.
"In Auralis's light, your spirit shines beside mine."
"What!" Anna screamed, her face turning beet red, eyes wide with shock. She sat up straight, staring at me. "Charles, do you know what that means?"
My stomach dropped. I thought I'd said something bad, maybe offensive, just like the man warned.
"I… I don't know," I stammered, my hands tightening on the slip. "He said it was from a play by Elliot Varnholt. I didn't think it was bad."
Anna shook her head, still blushing, her voice quick. "No, it's not bad, but it's… big. You know Auralis is the Goddess of Spirit Harmony, She's also worshipped for love. That saying—it's like telling someone you want to be with them, like a couple." She looked down, twisting her fingers. "It's what lovers say."
I can guarantee her expression will tell you everything.
I glanced at Anna, her fingers nervously twirling strands of hair, her cheeks flushed a deep red as she tapped her foot against the ground, muttering words that together made no meaning. She wasn't angry—her eyes betrayed a softness. My own face grew warm, a flush creeping up my neck.
Thump thump… Thump thump… Thump thump…
"Mother, how did you marry Father? He's so boring, he won't even play with me!"
The woman's laughter had been warm, her voice tender as she replied, "I married your father because he made my heart race so fast, your dear mother couldn't resist him."
The boy, confused, had pressed, "What does your heart have to do with marriage, Mom?"
She'd smiled, patting his head. "You'll understand when you're older, my love. One day, you might find someone who makes your heartbeat just as wild."