40th Dawn - The Confounded New Recruit

"Hey, where do you think you're going!"

"What's this girl thinking?!"

"Watch out, Miss!"

"Don't run in that skirt!"

I only voice out words of apology as I continue sprinting through the swarm of people. It seems like everyone's already giving me the cold shoulder so early in the morning. It's my fault for being too caught up in my excitement, though. Even when they harshly poke on my boisterous playfulness, however, I remained undamped.

That's because today marks the beginning of my new endeavour - something I've longed for since day one.

My feverish dash didn't take place in downtown this time. I'm now blithely making my way to Freya's headquarter, which is located in the town square. Fresh and unfamiliar faces greeted me with unpleasant surprise the moment I started bolting out of nowhere. This reminds me of the time when I'm still a newcomer here in Ellicht.

As soon as I arrive, I find myself gaping. The headquarter sure is stunning.

It's larger than the salon but has less ornaments. It's white just like all the other edifices in this city, but this building has a large image of the business' fairy logo on the middle. Painted in glittering emerald, it shines a viridescent color when streaked by light. Luxurious decorations also adorn the wooden alabaster door and the polished windows.

"This... is awesome..." I mused before sauntering to the entrance.

Upon entering, a vast, soulless lobby with ashen wall interior greets me. I search around for a moment but find nobody. Just when I thought that I was just probably too early, I hear the sound of footsteps from above. With that, I instantly swerve to the direction of the stairs.

"Oh, who're you?"

An attractive young man with lustrous, unkempt brown hair and honey-colored irises is now staring at me with surprise while leaning on the rails. He's wearing a teal two-buttoned jacket over a harbor gray v-neck vest with a teal neck tie and a pair of black pants. I wonder if that's the apprentice's uniform.

"Good morning, my name's Lillain Daffodil. I'm supposed to meet up with Baron Pierre today for the apprenticeship," I greeted with a small curtsy and a courteous smile.

Lewis did tell me that first impression is everything.

"Daffodil...? Oh, that contract princess!" he blurted out all of the sudden, much to my bafflement.

"Contract what?"

I didn't get to hear the explanation behind this weird nickname since he already proceeded to tell me to follow him. Confused, I just trail after him as he leads me to the second floor. Hallways extend in all directions at this part of the building. There's a row of doors in each corridor and some of them are open. As we tread this path in silence, I take the chance to peek at what's inside. There are rooms full of sewing machines and mannequins while there are some that are probably used for classes and training.

"Oh, right! The name's Tristan, by the way. I'm an apprentice here," he chimed in while beaming, surprising me.

"Nice to meet you, Tristan," I simply answered before scrutinizing him.

Tristan somewhat has the air of a carefree spirit. He appears laid-back with how he languidly rests his arms on the back of his head as if leaning on them. He may look spruce, but the way he carries himself reminds me of my childhood friends who like showing off to girls. I'm not judging him, though. The thoughts just pop up in my head as I continue examining him from head to toe.

He seems to be friendly, anyway.

"So, Tristan, if you don't mind me asking, what sort of apprenticeship you're taking?" I started.

"I'm a merchant apprentice. What about you?" he replied, glancing at my direction.

"Well, it still depends on the result of the trial test."

"Huh? Trial test? I thought you already passed?"

At this, I just blink my eyes in puzzlement.

I then clarify that I haven't taken one yet, but Tristan suddenly tells me that the Baron has informed his students about a new recruit. He even boasted how I was his first ever apprentice who'd been qualified without taking the trial test. Flummoxed, I try to rack my brain and see if I screwed up my memories again. However, I still clearly recall that this is what Lewis told me before.

"And that's how the contract princess came to be!" Tristan enthused out of nowhere, bewildering me more.

"Just what exactly is that?" I questioned exasperatedly to which he just returned with a knowing grin.

"Well, you'll see..."

For some reason, I have a weird feeling about this.

Tristan takes me to an office filled with sumptous furniture and has a carpet flooring. He then reveals that the director is out for today so his daughter will be the one to take over the introductions for now. With that, he takes his leave while I remain in that empty room. Though I don't mind this last minute decision, I do hope that this person is as magnanimous and amiable as the Baron.

Seconds turn into minutes, and minutes into hours.

Nobody came.

On that day before Lewis departed, he told me how I shouldn't worry about failing the trial test. It's true that the result will determine what course I can take, but an exclusive offer like this doesn't happen if the apprentice-to-be doesn't show any promising feats. Therefore, no matter the outcome, it's highly possible that the company will still take me in. I'm not sure about what Tristan said regarding me passing the test, but at least I can hold onto what Lewis said.

Yet now, I'm more worried about getting stood up instead of failing or passing. This is all probably a prank in the end. Even then, however, I didn't waver. I can wait an hour or even a whole day if that's what it takes to finally find an apprenticeship. Besides, I'm already used to this. I've been waiting for months, after all.

Another hour later, the Baron's daughter finally came. But then, as soon as I lay eyes on her, I find myself gaping in flummox instead of rejoicing. At that very moment, it's as if my soul just left my body.