Jackson's new clothes fluttered in the wind as he walked comfortably through the garden. Even though his body was still weak, Eliana's words were causing his heart to race on the inside not because he was sick.
"Callista is here… staying in the Ravine estate for a few days… she was now in training ground."
The thought made him flush. She was now his fiancée not just a random acquaintance.
He began walking towards his way to the training area. As he approached the nearby training ground he could clearly hear the continuing rhythm of a sword slicing through the air.
Swish… swish…
There she was.
Callista was wearing a light training outfit. Her long black hair was pulled back properly and her red eyes were sparkling faintly in the sunlight. Her sword moved gracefully and its sharp edge a like flowing water that could suddenly become a crashing wave. She looked more lively and alive even though sweat trickled down her cheeks.
Jackson was silently sitting on the training ground's tree branch and he almost holding his breath. An unconscious smile curved his lips.
She's beautiful… no, beyond beautiful. She looks like she belongs in another world. And yet… she's going to be my wife? Someone like her… and someone like me…
For a while, he simply admired her. But then, her movements still. Callista slowly lowered her sword, wiped her forehead with a towel, and turned her head.
They have eyes contact with eachother.
Her lips curved into a warm smile and she began walking toward him while sword still in her hand.
"Jackson," she said in a gentle yet kind voice. "What are you doing here?"
Jackson's cheeks turned red as he tried to look casual in front of her but his were voice shaking slightly.
"I… I came here to see you. And… I wanted to spend some time with you before you return home."
Although she spoke in a softer voice then also her words were powerful. "Instead of wandering around here and there you ought to be rest inside your room. You still ill."
Jackson laughed uneasily and rubbed his cheek with his fingers. "I just wanted to observe you. I feel stronger somehow when I watch you train."
Callista blinked at him, then shook her head lightly. "Foolish words. But… thank you."
She moved closer towards him and placed her hand gently under his arm. "Come. You shouldn't sit on a branch like some bird. I'll help you back."
Jackson felt her warmth as she supported his frail body. His heart skipped.
She's encouraging me and touching me. even her strictness, she is gentle. Even though I'm not worthy of her than also I want to be with her forever.
They strolled back toward the garden together then into the estate. After guiding him to his room Callista got him a glass of water and assisted him in sitting on the edge of the bed.
She said in a soft voice "Here," handing over the glass of water to him. "Drink."
Jackson's shaking hands touched her hand when he accepted the glass of water. He drank in silence but inside he was enjoying the water and the fact that she had given it to him.
When he finished drinking water, Callista's expression turned a little serious. "If you want to see me again, don't run around by yourself. Tell the servants and they'll send word to me. I'll come to you."
Jackson stared at her, startled. "Y-you would really… come, just for me?"
She gave him a faint smile. "Of course. This isn't my duty as your fiancée?"
He lowered his gaze and whispered almost to himself as his chest constricted.
"…Thank you."
Then she added firmly, "Also, you should eat properly. You look weaker than last time. Wait here—I made lunch for you earlier."
Jackson blinked, surprised. "You… you cooked for me?"
Callista nodded, her eyes unwavering. "Yes. It's my duty as your wife."
He felt his ears burning red. Wife… The word echoed in his mind, wrapping around his fragile heart like a soft blanket.
A tray was soon brought in. The dishes weren't overly fancy but it was warm, smell good and neatly prepared. Callista placed it before him.
"Try it," she urged.
Jackson hesitated, then picked up a spoonful. The taste spread across his tongue, gentle and homely. His throat tightened.
"…It's good," he whispered.
Callista chuckled lightly. "Good. Then eat more."
Sitting next to him and she silently observed him while he ate. Jackson felt like someone actually cared for the first time in years.
If only… if only life could stay like this. Just her and me. A world free from the stares, the whispers, and my illness. Just us, living quietly… happily.
The system's cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind suddenly.
[Notification: Would you like to view Callista Staler's Life Force?]
Jackson flinched, but curiosity overtook him. He whispered in his heart: Yes.
A glowing screen appeared before his eyes.
Name: Callista Staler
Age: 16 years old
Class: Mage, 2nd Circle
Estimated Lifespan: ~100 years (may extend with higher circle advancement)
Jackson's spoon froze halfway to his lips.
A hundred years… so much life. Compared to me, with only a few days left… She's like a goddess. No wonder everyone admires her.
After a moment of his eyes dimming, he made himself smile at her.
Unaware of his thoughts, Callista pushed a plate in his direction. "Eat this too. You'll need your strength."
Jackson nodded softly, his heart trembling between gratitude, love, and a gnawing fear of death.
Thus, two people from different worlds who were united by an engagement that could eventually alter their respective destinies ate in silence.