Is Love Important?

Eighteen-year-old, grown-up learned manners and upgraded fighting skills. The present her according to Ark, who is still surprised about the events that occurred earlier should have a list of prospective candidates. After witnessing that sight, Ark is persistent in his theory that she's a had a boyfriend or lover in the years since she left the Mist Kingdom. The truth is; however, she's had no time even when Melina separated from her Master and started her own journey by herself.

She was always too busy studying and searching for the cure. Whenever she wasn't doing those two things, she would upgrade her fighting skills though her life was normal after she left her Master's side. It didn't change the fact that her interactions with other people were limited to the investigation or educational purposes. She didn't truly get close to anybody.

For her that was fine, interactions with other people were the last thing on her mind during this time. A cure for her Master, that's all that went on in her mind. Interactions were limited to the investigation. Though there were those who tried to get close, she kept them at arm's length, close enough for her to speak with them daily without it being awkward. But not too close to reach her heart.

Her only experience with the word love is well that strange proposal she received when she was fourteen years old.

--

4019 Four Years ago

"Will you become my girlfriend, Madam Melina?"

Melina froze in shock before she calmed herself down, "One I'm 14, I'm too young. Two, what's the catch?" Melina questioned him. There's no way he genuinely harbors any feelings for her. While romantic love is a subject she doesn't understand, she knows this man has no feelings for her.

"Ah, you catch on quick. I'm looking for someone who can chase away the pesky fiance my parents have chosen for me."

"Aren't you an elite... Getting engaged with someone you don't know should be normal?"

"But, I dislike her," Lan said coldly.

--

Whenever she thought back to that time, Melina would shudder without fail. Of course, she would, it was creepy and unexpected. Or rather is that how you propose to a girl? Even though she was only fourteen then, Melina knew there was something awfully wrong about that situation.

As clueless as she was about the term 'love,' she knew that wasn't the way to propose or confess. Later on the years Melina learned a lot more and understood. What that man felt towards her definitely wasn't love. If it were love, one wouldn't be able to confess their feelings so openly.

"Is something wrong?" Arkwright asked, breaking her thoughts.

The two of them were in a restaurant, waiting for King Kazuya who was speaking with the owner. The moment they entered the place, everybody was stunned but like out in the market earlier everybody greeted them. So these days the King can casually stroll in without a group of guards? She remembered how in the past whenever Queen Lyn went to town. It drew everybody's attention, and people were at a loss for words. It seems like a lot has changed.

"I'm just a bit curious."

"About?"

"When did you first fall in love with the Princess? What came first? Love or affection?"

Arkwright almost spat out the contents of his tea. The people who sat behind overheard the conversation burst into laughter.

"Your gutsy Missy, nobody has ever asked him that upfront."

"Right right."

Melina looked at them, confused. Did she say something wrong?

Arkwright glared at them, "You guys. Be quiet."

"Yes yes, sir."

The more she watched the exchange, the more confused she got. Eventually, Arkwright turned to her; a deep sigh passed his lips.

"I never thought that the day would come where you of all people would ask me that question."

Melina looked down, "Is it that strange?"

Arkwright laughed and shook his head; he scratched his head awkwardly, "Well I suppose the wording is. Tell me, Melina, what's love to you?"

"Eh?"

"You just spoke about love and affection. But for me, those things are the same."

Is it the same thing?

"Isn't affection you liking another person or your fond of them but that like doesn't have to be romantic? Isn't it just the act of liking."

"Well in a sense yes. But in everyday life situations, people don't usually use the word affection. They just say, love."

"Oh."

"You don't get any of this huh Miley?" Arkwright asked, and she nodded, "But well I guess it is an improvement if your asking. Let's see; it was love for me. The ordinary kind."

"Ordinary?"

Arkwright smiled, "Yeah, your average childhood friend turned into a romantic love story. Shaarya was always different than your average elite. Even though she was raised in the same manner as any elite her age, she was a bright and lively child with loads of spirit, and despite having high-level skills. She didn't boast about it, whether it was her intelligence or sword skills. Instead, she strove to get better. I couldn't help but chase after her, chained to her like some sort of spell."

"That last part made me cringe."

His sweat fell, "But, well that's how it is. I fell in love with her that way. Before I knew it, I had gotten used to her by my side. When she told me she was returning to the palace and staying there permanently, I decided to confess my feelings and chase after her."

Melina said nothing, and Arkwright continued his story. The more she listened though, the more confused she got. Anybody listening to his story can probably relate to parts of it. Those sat nearby were nodding their heads and making relatable comments too. People who listen can relate. But Melina felt nothing. Is it because it isn't about her? No that's not it, it's because she doesn't understand what love is. If she understood it, then maybe things wouldn't be like this.

Arkwright must have understood her conflict, since he reached over and flicked her forehead, "Don't make that face, in contrast to before your getting much better."

"I think it's stupid, romance," Melina confessed, "But I can see why people would find it important. Queen Lyn, King Kazuya, the Head Advisor, and Prince Andrew. You and Princess Shaarya - all around me some people center their lives around their loved ones. There are plenty of good examples of love, and I can see how important it is to the rest of you. But for me?" Melina shook her head, "I don't see something like that as important."

Her friend ran his hand through his hair and nodded, "Well, it's different per person. You may be older now, but you're still young. Take your time."