Memories of the Dark: ''Mission Expedition"

Cedany Shaw,

I had a feeling that something bizarre will happen, so I took the pendant that the DeepClaw dropped along with me. I have it in a little pouch that came with the disguise I bought from Charvaley Boutique. The pouch is very fancy looking, it fits well with the pendant.

Today, we are tasked with our first mission as Acantha representatives, an expedition to find Acantha's long-lost treasures. I find it suspicious that they willingly gave this mission to inexperienced adventurers when they could let the professionals do it in our stead. These past weeks we've been training and educating ourselves with unfamiliar things, but all those things we've been doing are not enough to label us professionals. We received temporary weapons, I do not know if these weapons are well-made and durable, since I am not knowledgeable about weapons. I have only taken lessons about being a proper noble lady ever since, not until now, of course. This is in contrast to what I'm familiar with. However, I do think the weapons we are now wielding are much better than the ones for training.

We are divided into three groups, it's rather sad that I am not teamed up with either of my friends. I guess I have Tristan as the only person I'm close to in the group. Although, we never interacted when we were alone. In our team, we also have William Hawk, who I only encountered two times. Ulric Montfort and I have bad blood. There is also Gavin Daft, whom I haven't interacted with ever since the time I collapsed. Gavin and Gwendolynn Ryia are quite close these days, maybe that is why we haven't been talking.

"Do you think I look good with this green scarf, Cedany?" Tristan is wearing a white coat with matching trousers and a beige turtle-neck top.

''It seems brand new, did you recently buy it?'' I asked, I wanted him to think that I'm interested in the things that he says. So I won't feel lonely throughout the expedition.

"Yes, this is a custom-made Charvaley scarf just for me! Charvaley Boutique is very well-known for its high-quality items and I am a model, fit for their luxury goods."

"You do look very stunning in that green scarf, however, if you don't mind me asking. Why are you wearing something so cosy? Won't you get hot?''

''We are going on an expedition, it might get very cold at night. We don't know how long we will be able to come across those treasures. What is much better than wearing a fashionable scarf?''

"I did not think of that. So that means we're going to camp outside in the wild?''

As I have said, I am not familiar with these things. I am too dumb to even think of wearing fittable clothes for camping.

''Yes. I was wondering why you're wearing that... turns out you must've not known that we are going to camp in the wild." Tristan looked at me worriedly.

I am wearing a white sleeveless turtle-neck top, a brown bottom, and a pair of knee-high boots.

''I only thought of battling some wild animals, so I decided to wear something that I'll be able to move freely in.''

''If ever you will need my coat, I will lend it to you. I am a gentleman after all!'' Tristan chuckled like he was a male lead in one of those romance novels.

''No thank you, the cold doesn't bother me in the slightest.'' I smiled at Tristan, but he doesn't seem convinced.

-

After some time, our group headed to the south with William Hawk leading us. He was assigned to lead us, although there is one person who refuses to listen to him, and that person is none other than Ulric Montfort. They don't seem to like each other. At least the horse that I'm riding on and I have a better connection and understanding than the two men from Andraste. The horse and I were like two peas in a pod.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard a high-pitched laugh from my back. Of course, I looked behind my back to see who it was. It was Gwendolynn and Gavin was smiling at her. He must have told her something funny for her to laugh so loud. Gwendolynn's laugh is painful to the ears.

"Should we go further in front?'' Tristan must have noticed my discomfort and I just nodded in response.

William and Arthur were in front, they looked serious that it keeps bothering me. Is there something that they should be telling us?

''Oh, it's you.'' William said as he noticed my existence.

''Yes, it's me.'' I responded and Arthur laughed.

"May I ask why you suddenly thought of joining us here?" William still had his attention on the path ahead.

"I just find it noisy at the very back. That's all."

"More like she got jealous..." Tristan mumbled, but I am still able to understand his mumbling.

"And yes, maybe a little bit bothered by the public display of affection that the couple is doing." I added it because of Tristan's words. Tristan snickered as I gave him a look.

"Couple?" Arthur became curious. William had a confused look on his face.

"Sir Daft and Miss Ryia, they seem to have a very comfortable relationship."

"Is that so? I never thought of Sir Daft to be a daring man. I guess my impression of him was wrong." William stole a glance at the back, probably to take a look at Gavin.

I find it funny that he had to take a look, just because of his curiousness. How silly.

"Gavin Daft? Am I hearing y'all just fine? Why are y'all talking about him?" Benedict suddenly bombarded us with questions.

"Sir Gaunt, could you please lower your voice?" I rolled my eyes at him.

"Aye! So what is it about?" Benedict lowered his voice.

He will not stop until I gave him an answer, huh?

"It seems that Sir Daft has the same culture as Sir Gaunt." I smiled at Benedict as he looked at me confusedly.

"That is such a mean jest." Despite saying those words, Arthur continued to laugh.

"I didn't know you had it in you to jest." William still had a serious look on his face, but I could feel that he was shocked by my words.

"I don't get it at all!" Benedict complained.

"Shut your loud mouth! You're so annoying." Just beside Benedict is an angry Ulric.

"It is sad how I'm surrounded by these men. It would've been nice to have mirrors surrounding me instead." Tristan sighed.

Now that I think of it, I am surrounded by men. Where are the other ladies?

I turned around to see that Dorothy Ismay and Lucy Buxton were having a conversation with themselves. I wish to join in, but just behind them was the couple.

"Hey! Are we still far away from our destination? This sucks, I'd rather just be at the dorm." Ulric was looking at William, waiting for a response.

"Ulric, please be patient. We can't possibly get there in a short period. When it gets dark, we will settle somewhere safe to camp and stay for the night." Instead of getting a response from William, Arthur was the one to reply in William's stead.

I've noticed something between these three. Their relationship is rather peculiar. William is very distant from Ulric, and while Ulric has this hatred for William, at the same time he wants attention from William. Arthur and Ulric have this hidden friendship going on on the sidelines.

"Do you wanna have a little chat with me, Lady Cedany?" I thought he wouldn't bother me again, but here he is trying to make a conversation with me.

"I don't mind having a chat with Sir Gaunt. However, please make sure it'll be interesting and worth my time."

I think he's intimidated by the look that I gave him, but that doesn't stop Benedict from having his way.

"I didn't leave a good impression on you when we first and last met! I want to take this chance so we could get to know each other more."

Benedict had a foxy expression, how can I ever trust that he doesn't have any bad intention behind his words?

"From Sir deGrey's words, you have someone that you already like. Lady Finn Ischer from what I remembered. It's rather indecent to 'get to know other ladies when you have lingering feelings for another."

"I didn't even think that you would remember that. To be honest with you, lady. I have a heart of a lion's. I easily get feelings for other ladies, despite having a lover. But rest assured, I am currently single!"

At this point, it's like he's selling himself to me. To be honest, I don't hate the idea. It's just sad how petty this guy is.

"I don't mind getting to know you if that's the case."

"I knew you would give in to this handsome face." Tristan must've been listening to our conversation because when Benedict said that, Tristan had a sour look on his face. I couldn't help but laugh. "Look, you're even laughing at my sense of humour. I have been honoured by your acknowledgement, lady." Benedict had an emotional expression on his face.

"Don't flatter yourself too much."

"I shall keep those words in mind. By the way, I heard that you're somewhat connected to Finn Ischer. Henry told me that Lianna and Mari Juana are cousins. So you must know Lady Finn, right?"

Lianna must've gotten caught that she looked like Mari Juana.

"Yes, Mari Juana and Finn Ischer are very good friends of mine."

"Then you should know where Finn Ischer's home is right?"

I see. He is still very much interested in this Finn Ischer character. I feel awful, she isn't even real.

"I do know where she lives. However, no matter what you do and continue to ask for her home address. I won't give it." I rolled my eyes at Benedict.

"Why is that? I thought that we were friends now?"

So all this time, he was just using me to get to Finn Ischer? How cunning.

"I think you should know, Sir Gaunt. I am a jealous woman. I thought that you came to me, wanting to know me more. However, here we are talking about Finn Ischer. Let's not talk again."

"Ah? You got me wrong—"

I moved farther away from Sir Gaunt before I could hear his excuses. I'm not angry at him, I'm just trying to seem and look that way.

"It seems that you're done with your conversation with Mr. Gaunt." William took a peek at me.

"Not quite, I just had enough of the conversation. Have you been spying on me, your Royal Highness?"

"It's quite bold of you to make that kind of statement. You do know that I have a fiancée?"

"I think you should say that to yourself, your Royal Highness. Looking at other ladies is a sin when you are engaged to another woman."

"You are good with your banters, Miss Shaw. And please refrain from calling me 'your Royal Highness', isn't it troublesome to call me that? Just call me William, that's just fine."

"I can't possibly call you that, we are not even close. What about Sir Hawk?"

"I do not mind it, but it is odd to be called in that kind of manner."

"Sir Hawk it is." I smiled teasingly as William raised an eyebrow.

"I admire the fact you are not scared of offending me. The fact that I am royalty and you are talking to me casually."

I don't want to tell him that I am also royalty. In my situation, it's hard to tell other people and explain to them.

"Pardon my behaviour, Sir Hawk. I didn't know that I was getting too comfortable and offending you."

"No need to apologize. As I have said 'I admire'. It's a compliment and you should gladly take it."

He never really smiles, so how should I know if it's a compliment?