Chapter 03 – An Unwelcomed Memory
Having spent three years of her life fighting barbarians and other enemies at the borders of the North where filth and blood has been her definition of normal life makes her uncomfortable and sick to the stomach right now.
She can’t recall the last time she’s been to the Capital so the sight of everything sophisticated and beautiful is giving her the chills. She’s still not used to not seeing pile of dead bodies on the streets and the stench of blood filling her nose. This unfamiliarity is leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
“I’ve heard that there is an excellent designer around this block. Would you like to go there, Sir?” Anita inquired.
She shook her head. “Visiting a designer means more money. I’m fine with any other boutiques with ready- made dresses,” the maid just bowed to her and they resumed walking until they found a boutique selling what they’re looking for. The dresses aren’t that exceptional but not of a low quality too so she knows it’s just fine. Rosalind, her sister-in-law gave her a bit too much to spend but she has no plans to spend it solely for wardrobe. For her, a knight spending a lot of money for dress and shoes is a luxury.
“I’ll take this and that,” she said while holding a red, sleeveless dress with touch of beads and sequins in darker shade. She also pointed at the red high heeled shoes at the rack so Anita asked the store owner if they have her size.
Once they’re out of the boutique, Anita led her to the dessert shop she’s been telling her ever since she came back.
“Lady Rosalind has been here and I remember her saying that she likes the strawberry flavored sherbet. Isn’t it that the sir also likes strawberry?”
Hearing Anita said that, an unwelcomed memory suddenly flashed her mind that when she opened her mouth to answer she just made a grunting sound.
“Are you alright, sir? Would you like to go back?” Anita asked worriedly seeing her face turned slightly pale.
“No, it’s fine. I’d like to try that sherbet. I’ll wait for you here, and buy something for yourself too,” she walked towards one of the tables outside the shop and pulled a chair where Anita can place down the goods they have bought. The maid then excused herself before entering the shop.
She observed the place from where she was sitting. The front interior of the shop is glass so she can see the inside. Most of the customers lining up are younger females who are obviously of nobility based on the elegant dresses they’re wearing. The surrounding is also packed with carriages and maids in uniform waiting for their ladies.
Hmm, this place seems famous she thought to herself especially seeing nobles personally gathering there and do not mind to stand in line.
After a few minutes, Anita came back with a strawberry sherbet and a cupcake on a tray. She grimaced at that.
“Cupcake only? Why not sherbet?”
Anita smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, my lord. My throat feels a bit painful too so I’d rather have this. The vendor said that it’s also not too sweet.”
She did not retort back anymore since it seems like Anita meant it when she said that her throat is in pain.
Her eyes widened upon tasting the sherbet. Rosalind is right after all. The sherbet tastes good. The strawberries and milk used are obviously of high quality. The hype over the shop is well deserved.
This is the first time again she can put herself at ease so she decided to have a good time even though it won’t be long.
She laughed while devouring her sherbet, sharing stories about the war with the maid who’s always been interested with her affairs.
Anita is in the middle of telling her a story when Eve felt a presence. Her senses are quite sharper thanks to the campaign and trainings so she’s absolutely positive that someone is staring at her.
She then darted her eyes on a table a few meters away from them and she felt her breath hitched. A man was sitting there and is intently looking at her. He’s wearing a hood so she can’t see his face clearly and on top of that, he’s wearing a mask covering half of his face.
A chill went down her spine. She can’t make sure of it but from where she’s sitting, he can see that the man has a pair of cold red eyes.
Red eyes..
“Sir, are you okay?” she almost jumped when the maid held her by the elbow when the latter one noticed that it seems like she’s not paying attention anymore.
“Ugh, yeah.. she answered unconvincingly. When she looked back at the table where the man was, he’s nowhere to be found as if he just vanished into thin air.
“Would you like to go back now?” Anita asked worriedly because to her, it looks like her master just saw a ghost.
Eve sighed deeply before nodding her head.
***
“We thank you for being here, Lord Calypso,” it was Marquis Wales himself who welcomed them once they have entered the mansion.
“The pleasure is ours, Marquis Wales,” her brother answered and bowed as a sign of respect to the marquis. The marquis then looked at her with an amused expression. It’s evident that he’s surprised seeing her in a dress. She can’t blame him because this is also the first time, she wore a dress in a banquet and not her armor.
“Sir Calypo, I also welcome you. My son has been asking me non-stop if you will be attending today,” the marquis said laughing that she can practically feel herself blushing.
“I give you my greetings, Marquis Wales. Though I apologize for being clueless why the Lord Wales would ask for someone like me,” she said shamelessly though the marquis seems to not mind.
“Maybe it would be better if you’ll ask him yourself. He’ll be here anytime soon he just went to fetch the marchioness. Until then, please enjoy yourself.”
“I will, thank you.”