Town Of Memories P2

Back when she first came to the Mist Kingdom, there were many things she neglected. Like the town and its people, she only focused on her own agendas. Most people would tell her, 'It's okay, you were a child' She could use that excuse for when she first came but after she settled in?

Melina shook her head; there's no need for her to analyze her behavior as a child. Melina understood full well that she made many mistakes. Even if Melina were to list it and fix it, some things could not be undone. Like what happened that day with Old man Ghil and Priscila, if she weren't so reckless, then Old Man Ghil wouldn't have got hurt, and that girl would still be alive.

It still pained her thinking about her friend, despite the changes in the town. Melina was familiar with the area and several memories from the past flash through her mind.

"Oh my, who is this young lady?"

"Such a beauty, I'll tell your wife, Head Knight."

King Kazuya who was silent this whole time said, "She's family."

For a split moment, the whole place is silent, as people tried to register the King's words.

"King Kazuya is openly admitting to his broad light affair."

"Ah huh, she's just a child. Don't tease the King too much."

Family, Melina repeated those words in her head. She wanted to cry. The one thing that's changed about her is most likely this. She's prone to crying easily now. Arkwright walked back over and gave her a handkerchief from his pocket, which she gratefully accepted.

Arkwright smiled softly, "We all missed you, Melina. I can't wait until the others see you again."

.....

It didn't take long for the official business to start. The King apologized to her and said at most it would take a few minutes. Melina didn't mind it, she got a look at the town, even if it was a small portion she was satisfied.

Melina watched quietly from the sidelines as King Kazuya and Arkwright spoke to a group of officials. It felt awkward just standing by and watching. In the past, though she disliked it, she would end up getting dragged into such conversations. Then again this is the effect for leaving for so long. The position she has in the Kingdom is non-existence. Her pass as a member of this town expired, let alone her being a member of Queen Lyn's group. The eighteen-year-old Melina has no place in this town.

As flattered as she is about King Kazuya's words. Melina knew even if the Queen announced she returned, people wouldn't accept her so easily. Not only did she cause so much trouble back then, the position she had then was unstable.

Unlike the other members of Queen Lyn's group, she was the only one without status. Her thoughts broke off when the man King Kazuya was speaking too turned to address her. It's then Melina noticed that the other members of the group were already walking away.

The man was looking at her with a unreadable gaze which made her uncomfortable. His appearance struck her as odd, such pale skin - not like the Queen's porcelain beautiful skin. But more like an actual ghost. Dark black hair and silver eyes, indicating he came from

"And this young Lady?"

"Let me introduce you, Lord Edward, this is Madam Melina."

Recognition filled the man named Edward's eyes, which Melina found odd. She doesn't know this person.

"So this is the famous beautiful blade."

A knowing, "Ah," passed Melina's lips. She almost forgot about the title. So much time has passed since anybody called her that. Melina bowed, "Nice to meet you; I'm Melina."

"What a polite young lady too. I heard rumors of brash behavior contrary to her elegance on the battlefield. But, it seems like tumors are just rumors," the Lord smiled, and took her hand, he pressed his lips there and gave her a light kiss. This was not unusual for a greeting, yet it made Melina flinch slightly. The Lord noticed and pulled away, "Forgive me for being brash, you've been away for so long. I take it you've forgotten a few things."

Or more like back when she was a kid. Even if she was part of Queen Lyn's circle and treated with respect, she was still a child. Nobody greeted her like this before. A sigh passed her lips, forget it. He's only greeting her.

"It's quite alright, I was quite young when I left, so those rumors do hold some merit," Melina trailed off as she put on her professional smile. She was trying to hint that he shouldn't think of her as a delicate flower.

Edward's lips curve to a smile, "Indeed, you truly are an interesting woman. Kazuya, I changed my mind," Lord said, "I shall attend the banquet."

"Really? That helps."

Edward nodded, "I shall see you there," though he said those words to Kazuya. Melina noticed that he was looking in her direction. She looked at him puzzled. Huh? What? But Melina didn't get a chance to say a word when the man already walked away. What a strange person.

She turned back to the other two and found them both huddled up in a circle.

"Did you see that?"

"I guess becoming a beauty had that effect."

Hey! What are they doing talking about her for? Before Melina could argue back, though Arkwright commented.

"But still King, this is Melina we are talking about. Other than Lan, nobody else showed such interest before."

Lan.

Hearing that name, caused Melina to frown. Come to think of it; she hadn't seen him yet. For somebody who is supposedly the Second Knight, Melina didn't see him alongside the guards with the Queen yesterday. That man is most likely causing havoc somewhere else then, if not then he must be home with his wife. Wife huh? Whenever Melina thinks of it she shudders, that man four years ago asked her to be his girlfriend but then later changed it to wife. She told him to make his mind up, and he said something ridiculous in reply.

In the four years since she left, Melina forgot about him. In the first place, the two of them were not close. If it weren't for her not being able to control her powers, Melina doubts Queen Lyn would have assigned him to be her guard. However, because she couldn't control it, the amount of time she spent with him was large. Now she's eighteen and a grown woman, Melina doesn't expect to cross paths with him in the same manner as before.

If she has to meet him, then she wants to get it over with. A quick and short meeting. Not necessarily denying his existence but not interacting with him like before.