Chapter 29 <Awakening>

We have a problem.

Before my eyes laid a room that makes any sane person seriously consider if he or she is really staying at merely an inn. The inn may have been a nice and decent place, but it definitely isn't one that is rated as the best, the most lavish, or one for the rich amongst those in which the inn is located at.

However, as if to prove me wrong, the room has presented itself to be fully furnished with furniture of high grade materials. Oak and maple seems to be the main materials of such furniture, bringing forth a sense of luxury within the realm of construction and woodworking.

Decor that are finely placed with extremely high precision acted as the final pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that together piece a picture of fine aesthetic.

Even the smell of room radiated a natural whiff of plants that does not irk those who dislike forestry. A subdued fragrance waft through the air, dragging out a form of intoxication from the people who look to stay within the room. The candles responsible for the olfactory atmosphere are even placed at well thought places to not appear obstructive.

And as if to carve in the final point, the single huge bed in the middle of the room had a mattress that looks soft. The white and fluffy aspect of it is a dangerous allure which I find comparable to that of a succubus.

I took a look again and turn around while holding my head in pain.

There seems to be a mistake.

When I had changed to my current traditional costume, this was not the room I remembered being in.

But as if to cement in its point, our luggage are nicely placed by the side where the footwear are.

If this is the wrong room, my expenses will skyrocket.

Even a certain someone beside me seem to gape at this surreal scene wordlessly, probably captured by an unseen beauty.

In turn, I silently watched her, while resisting a curious but weird temptation to gently poke her soft looking cheeks.

Indeed.

This is also a problem.

The most sensible thing right now is to turn around, head down and ask Jane for another room. However, I have not forgotten that we had arrived back at the Ivy Cottage past midnight after our little unplanned excursion to the Earl's Mansion, or what is left of it.

At that point in time, we had a mutual consensus that we are lacking in information and hence we should halt our operations for now. We would then gather information after we are well rested, at a more suitable time when people are up and awake.

Curiously, we seemed to have forgotten about the pile of misunderstandings that Jane seem to stack up by herself which led us to the current situation.

What a disaster.

Still unmoving, Princess Violet seemed frozen on the spot as though her mind had been stopped in time as well.

Somehow, I have an ominous premonition that if I tried to converse with her, unprecedented catastrophe would descent upon me.

With that conclusion, I slowly and quietly turn away from the room, opened the door, went outside and closed the door behind me.

Sitting down in the corridor and leaning on the door of my supposed bedroom, I hugged my legs and lulled myself to sleep.

"It's okay. I've been through worse, I've been through worse, been through worse, through worse, worse, worse worse..." (me)

Thanks to my years of experience of orphanage where we were trained to sleep under any circumstances, I quickly entered deep slumber.

***

Something tickled my nose.

When I have come to that realisation, my visual senses seem to instantly receive a slightly brighter sensation than usual.

However, since I feel much more fatigue than usual, I refused to open my eyes and continued to enjoy the soft material in contact with my skin.

This feeling is comfortable to the point where I wouldn't doubt it if it had the capabilities to send me to the clouds.

...Hold on a minute.

Soft?

A sudden thought crossed my mind.

Was I not sleeping in the corridor?

Shocked into awakening, I forced myself to open my eyes, in which a painting from the divine realms greeted me.

A beauty that looked as if she was a sculpture from the gods, laid not too far away from me. Her face is only a mere distance away where if it had come any closer, I would have felt her soft breaths on my face.

"!?" (me)

I desperately resisted the urge not to scream and jump out of bed.

In truth, my mind had turn as white as the bedsheets we currently lied down on. Even though I forced myself to start thinking about ways to rectify the situation, all that come out was a sense of undying anxiety.

In contrast to my inner thoughts and emotions, her face seem to display calm and peace.

If I hadn't known her identity, I personally would have continued lying down where I was and silently stared at this face of beauty.

Unfortunately, I know her identity.

And that is causing my mind to go haywire.

Slowly, I inched backwards while simultaneously pulling back the blanket which covered me. After what seems to be an eternity, I finally reached the edge of the soft bed.

I proceed to lower my leg towards the ground in a steady fashion, taking care to not make sudden movements or sounds.

One leg, and then the other.

Then my hand, and finally, I got myself entirely off the bed.

I slowly stood up and then gently repositioned the blanket.

The breath which I had been holding in till now released itself from my mouth quietly.

I spotted water stained marks in the middle of the bed, but I chose to ignore it and prioritised escape.

Just as I turn to head out of the room, I felt a shudder run down my body. I pretend not to see the blush colour her cheeks as a swiftly excused myself.

***

"Good morning." (Urkahn)

"Morning Raycent! I hope you had rested well!" (Jane)

"Good morning. Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it." (me)

Due to thoughts that refused to leave my mind, my reply almost came out half-hearted. I could not bring myself to complete the sentence as the unsettled feeling in my heart continued to run rampant within.

"Where, is Violet? Is she, okay?" (Urkahn)

Faced with this unexpected question, I almost stumbled my words as I tried my best to form an excuse.

"She's doing well. She is just tired from last night and requires more rest. Thank you for your worries." (me)

I immediately realised my mistake when I catch Jane slowly covering her gaping mouth.

"Oh my." (Jane)

"Stop! It's not what you think!" (me)

Just as I am waving my hands in panic, someone popped her head out behind the walls where the staircase leads to the guestrooms.

[Rey... I need help.] (Violet)

Don't do that action with a blush on your face at a time like this!

Nobody heard my inner screams, but I have all eyes on me as I held my head down in panic.

In the early morning in The Ivy Cottage, rumours of a couple emerged.

***

Awkward tension filled the air as Princess Violet and I were back in our rooms.

Facing the delicately crafted mirror, she quietly looked down while seated. Standing behind her, I silently held her silky hair and brushed it.

The poor mirror is unused when both people in the room are looking down.

The hair which I delicately held in my hand tickled my palm as I gently waved the brush with the other.

Subconsciously, I begin to compare it to my own. And before I knew it, I caught myself gazing at it motionlessly in amazement.

[Don't stare too much, it's embarrassing.] (Violet)

I heard my joints grate as my hands resumed their motions yet again, slowly caressing her hair. In a bid to hide my own embarrassment, I spoke out in response.

[I apologise. Someone such as myself never did come across such pretty hair, befitting of Princess Violet's beauty.] (me)

[...Unfortunately, I can only hear and receive the praises of those around me. I myself, could never come to witness it for myself. It wouldn't be a lie to say that such words no longer humour me, much less elate me.] (Violet)

Unconsciously, my actions grind to a halt. The words that Princess Violet uttered are heavy and laced with self loathing.

Words from one that could never trust anyone around them, and even their own selves.

When I took a look upwards, the mirror that was supposed to show both our countenance, only revealed my lonesome figure holding a brush behind an empty wooden chair.

Something within my heart creaked.

There was no words in my head that I could express in order to console the girl in front of me lamenting her lack of reflections.

The loneliness that Princess Violet shown weakly, resonated with my self that ran from my past till now.

Memories of the orphanage flickered in and out of my mind.

At that moment, I discovered the emotion behind my hesitation to communicate with this girl there and then.

It was a deep synchronization that neither of us wanted, a shared mutual aspect that neither of us were proud of.

I could only continue to stare at where the empty chair resided, desperately trying to imagine a figure of beauty.

What am I doing? I know not of my thoughts that seem to act in a will to resist this world.

This world.

This cruel world.

[It is fine. I accept your genuine words of praise. It is rare to hear compliments from a person who once took aim at your eyes and threatened you of your life after all.] (Violet)

I could hear a bitter laugh.

[After all, the wise do say that the words from one's enemies are the ones closest to the truth.] (Violet)

A delicate and soft hand held onto mine, shocking me into looking down. Her pale yet alluring facial features gently pressed down on my hand, as if expressing her desire for the touch of warmth and familiarity.

'I could never find myself to be your enemy.'

But those words that were supposed to come out of my dry throat, are stopped by the unfaltering pain within my heart.

***

It seems that aside from the troublesome costume, Princess Violet fortunately seems to know how to dress herself. Thankfully, the shopkeeper which we had visited to purchase clothes from had transmitted sufficient knowledge to her.

Back at the ground floor, we silently sit at a corner even though the place is no longer crowded as before.

It turns out that both of us had woken up at a very late timing. The sun had already risen to a high point, and if it wasn't for the barrier around Flurea, Princess Violet would have probably melted or evaporated.

This time, I had dressed myself in a simpler manner. Donned upon my figure are long-sleeved cotton shirt and leather pants with resilient boots. To top it off, a dark overall coat that hides the pole I hang at my back, as well as the dagger behind my hips. Lastly, a belt that holds a nicely sized utility pouch.

If I ever considered to work as an adventurer, elbow and knee guards, and probably chest armour, would probably complete my image.

Next to me, Princess Violet wears a simple floor-length dress with matching white shoes. Beside her, a simple silk hat laid on the table, which I presume its purpose to be concealing her identity.

Drawn by an urge, I looked into her eyes and sincerely apologised.

[I'm simply insufficient in preparing whatever you require.] (me)

[You worry too much Rey. This much from you is satisfactory.] (Violet)

Behind her, Jane beamed a smile as she served us late brunch.

I try not to think about the Ocean Swarm as I silently consumed my brunch whilst being watched by a member of royalty sipping her morning wine.

Suddenly, in the middle of my meal, I hear a commotion outside. There were yells and shouts that seem filled with anger.

[I wonder what is going on outside.] (Jane)

Jane held the tray close to her as she faced the window while talking to us. I shook my head in ignorance, feigning my lack of knowledge.

I earned a look of displeasure from Princess Violet, but I pretended not to see and took another bite out of my delicious sandwich.

[I do not know. But it seems dangerous outside. Miss Jane, it is best you stay within the inn for today for your safety.] (Violet)

[Ah, thank you for your concern Violet.] (Jane)

I silently took a peek at the ladies having a conversation, then continued finishing my meal. I barely could hide my amusement from the way Princess Violet acted.

Regardless of the commotion and danger, both of us still required information. I better get going soon before I upset my travelling companion more.

However, before I could finish my sandwiches, a massive tremble shook us to the core.

"!?" (me)

[!?] (Violet)

Around us, furniture and tableware are sent into an array of mess as the earthquake rocked everything into chaos. Customers and staff members alike are thrown onto the floor without notice.

Even before I could process my thoughts, I could hear Jane shouting for Urkahn. Outside the inn, screams and wails of terror could be heard.

I quickly picked myself off the floor and leaned on the wall close to me before giving Princess Violet a hand, who had curiously put on her hat successfully. I pulled her close and held her beside me to stabilise both of us while assessing the situation.

[Is this normal in Flurea?] (Violet)

[This isn't a time for jokes!] (me)

[What's happening outside!?] (Jane)

As if to answer our questions right on time, a bloodcurdling bestial roar echoed deafeningly through Flurea.