Christina Pov:
' Is it really ok to do this '
That was the current issue facing Christine at the moment as she stared at the teleportation gate. She had accepted on impulse when she heard about the horses yet at the moment not only is she skipping classes, but she is also going to leave the place as a whole!!
' If father finds out then he will get really angry '
The thought creeped up making her start overthinking again
' Wait could this be a part of Sir Nicholos's plan to have me leave so my punishment would be greater
If I pass the gateway will father be waiting on the other side'
The possibility made her freeze
'No, that doesn't make sense he swore on his mana
But that could have been fake he might have found a way to trick me '
Of course, she knew no such thing was possible, trying to cheat the oath would simply cause the users mana to disappear on the spot but no matter how logical the explanation was she couldn't help but question such a possibility.
However, before her thoughts could spiral anymore a gentle hand reached out to her. With his hand on her shoulder and with a worried look in his eyes Sir Nicholos stared at her
" Hey, are you alright? If you don't want to go then you don't have to force yourself "
Seeing him and calming down she realised what she was thinking
' Ah, I am doing it again, I am blaming Sir Nicholos even though he has been so nice to someone as useless as me '
She has to apologize
" I'm sorry...I was thinking about bad things about you again... I'm sorry.... I'm a coward so I always tend to mess things up "
She had always chosen the wrong answer, so she has to apologize because she was at fault.
" I'm sor.."
" I didn't blame you though "
" What?"
" I said I don't blame you, so you don't have to apologize "
' I don't have to apologize, even though I was clearly at fault
Sir Nicholos is too kind.
But what if he is actually sad, then I should apologize again just in case '
Bowing her head she made sure to speak clearly
" Still... I was wrong... I am sorry "
' He won't be mad this way, right? He won't start hating me '
After staying bowed for a while she lifted her head to see if he had forgiven her, but all that she found was the same pair of eyes looking at her though this time they felt a little sad
' Why, did I do something wrong to upset him, I should apologize again '
Before she could do so though, his voice reached her making her blood run cold and forcing her to straighten her back
" Christine, I want you to hear me well "
" Yes.. Yes "
' He is angry, I did something stupid again '
She was used to this though, she simply had to keep her eyes closed when it started and keep smiling that way he will be able to calm down faster.
' Just keep smiling '
Preparing herself she braced for the beating, but it never came. Opening her eyes all she could see was Sir Nicholos who had an even sadder look than before.
Looking at her he closed her eyes and finally spoke
" Christine, I will never hurt you "
" What..."
" Christine, I said that you are like a daughter to me do you remember "
Recalling how he joked about that back at the classroom she simply nodded
" Then I will have you know I will never do something that might make you feel hurt, nor will I ever force you to do something "
" So how about it, do you want to come with me " he said stretching out his hand
At his suggestion her brain started swirling again
' What is he saying, wasn't he joking before to try to calm me down
Or does he actually see me as a daughter but that would make no sense
could he be lying'
Fearing the worst she simply stood still until she realized something, his hand it was constantly twitching
' He is nervous '
Realizing the emotion, she started to calm down again. Looking at the Gate she reached out and took his hand, which caused a small smile to spread on Nicholos's face
Closing her eyes she decided to trust the man who claimed to think of her as his daughter. This time a different thought occupying her mind.
' His hand is warm '
....
NicholosPov:
Reaching the other side hand in hand with Christine, Albert was already waiting for me carrying a silver tray. Perhaps because of the sudden appearance of someone she didn't know Christine hid behind me staring at albert from afar.
Thankfully it seemed albert outer appearance as a kind old man had it perks seeing how she didn't outright go into a panic again.
Walking towards us albert proceeded to completely ignore me before offering the kindest smile I have ever seen to Christine.
" Well now, even though master had told me he would be bringing a friend with him, I had no idea that it would be such a lovely young lady " he spoke in a tone I have never heard before
Moving the tray that he was holding towards Christine to show its contents he spoke again
" Hear is some chocolate ice cream for the nice lady "
Seeing it Christine's eyes sparkled as she slowly reached out for it before stopping and looking at me.
Already guessing what she wanted to ask I simply nodded my head causing her to take it carefully in her hands and taking a small bite, watching her face lit up with happiness I could only smile which seemed to be a mutual feeling seeing how albert also seemed happy.
Remembering the main reason we came here I turned towards albert before speaking
" Albert, I have promised Lady Christine to a day of horse-riding, I assume the horses are already ready? "
" Why of course we have already prepared over 20 different breeds "
" I see "
Hearing the conversation between me and albert, Christine who was engrossed in eating her ice cream froze
" 20 different breeds? " She asked albert in disbelief
" Over 20 Lady Christine " Albert corrected as he turned around and started walking
Behind him was me who was leading the still dazed Christine by the hand as we walked through the corridors finally reaching the entrance to the garden
Stepping out a wide range of horses was shown before us. Christine having saw this proceeded to let go of my hand as she walked towards one of the horses to have a better look.
As she stopped in the middle of the field she reached out to one of the horses patting it.
' Thank God they are tamed '
As I was about to praise albert for his work, I stopped dead in my tracks as I heard something amazing. Turning around I saw the smiling face of Christine as she both cried and laughed as she played with the horses.
Watching her I could only sigh
' I can't take her back immediately again seeing how happy she is '
It seems I will have to deal merlin earlier than expected to explain the situation, so he doesn't come storming in, but with how happy she looks I guess such trouble is worth it.