Their unfortunate encounter

*Eveline pov*

Today was meant to be a day of rest, a precious respite from the rigours of our duties at Westallia Palace. Saerom and Theodore bid me farewell in the bustling kitchen. But, their curiosity was evident in their questioning gazes.

"Hey, Eveline, what are you up to in your free time today?"

Saerom inquired, seated on the kitchen countertop placed in the middle of the refined kitchen, cross-legged. Beside her, Theodore standing, curious gaze followed my movements.

As I prepared to depart, a playful smile tugged at my lips, and I turned slightly to the side of my shoulder with an air of mock seriousness surrounding me.

"I am heading on a mission, my dear friends,"

I declared dramatically, allowing the words to linger in the air like a mysterious secret.

"farewell, my loves"

The wind seemed to echo my words, swirling around me like a cloak billowing behind a knight setting out on a quest.

As I made my way towards the front gate of the estate, a familiar voice called out to me, breaking through my thoughts.

"Good morning, Eveline,"

Greeted Don Don, the guard stationed at the gate.

I turned to see her smiling warmly at me, and I returned the gesture with a wave, grateful for the brief exchange of pleasantries.

With purpose in my step, I set off towards the Town of Gray Agatnez, my mind set on a specific mission: to acquire an important book from one of the local bookstores. However, my optimism waned as I found myself met with disappointment at every turn.

Disheartened, I was on the verge of giving up, when a small rock caused me to stumble, sending me sprawling to the ground. As I picked myself up, I found my gaze drawn to a vintage bookstore standing before me.

With a surge of hope, I pushed open the door, the sound of a bell chiming, as I entered.

The air was heavy with the scent of aged books, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence in their presence.

I made my way towards the front desk, my eyes scanning the room for the owner.

Suddenly, an old man with big glasses appeared before me, his smile warm and welcoming.

"Good evening, young lady"

He greeted me kindly

"How may I be of help"

Startled by his sudden appearance, I took a moment to compose myself.

With a gentle smile, I responded politely

"Yes, good day to you too, sir,"

My heart skipping a beat of the thought of almost finding the book I had been searching for

"I was wondering if you have the book that contains the history of the country Athenia."

As the old man nodded in understanding, a joyful twinkle gleamed in his eyes.

"Ahh, that book,"

He exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine delight.

"I see, young lady, today is your lucky day, since we have that in only one version."

I couldn't contain my excitement as I clapped my hands together, a joyful smile spreading across my face.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, I had found the elusive book I had been seeking.

The old man pointed me towards the location of the book on the shelf, and with eager steps, I made my way towards it.

My fingers brushed against the spine of the book, tantalisingly close to finally being in my possession.

However, the moment of triumph was interrupted by the sudden entrance of a man whose presence seemed to fill the room with an air of authority. The old man's demeanour shifted instantly, his expression becoming guarded as he laid eyes on the mysterious stranger.

Meanwhile, lost in my own excitement, I remained oblivious to the unfolding drama around me. I reached out towards the book, anticipating the fulfillment of my search, when I suddenly felt a huge shadow looming over me.

His presence was imposing, yet strangely comforting, as I expected him to offer assistance. With a hopeful heart, I turned, extending my hand for what I assumed would be his aid in retrieving my book.

But my hope was dashed as swiftly as it had appeared. In an instant, he turned away from me, leaving me standing there, hand outstretched, like a fool.

It was only then that I realised the truth - he had taken the book for himself, leaving me empty-handed

My jaw dropped in disbelief, a surge of frustration and perplexed coursing through me.

"hey sir, that book. . . "

he ignored me, striding purposefully towards the door without so much as a glance back

"s-sir. . . "

I continued, my voice tinged with desperation.

My voice echoing through the store, I shouted

"SIR!"

But he continued on, deaf to my pleas. In that moment, unable to comprehend the audacity of his actions, fury consumed me

"that m****r f****r, who does he think he is"

As he disappeared through the door, leaving me alone in the store, I was left bewildered and enraged. His scent lingered in the air, yet taunting me with its familiarity, like a distant memory, I couldn't quite grasp. . . 

But in that moment, all I could feel was the sting of betrayal and the burning desire for retribution

With a storm raging within me, I marched towards the owner, my anger boiling over like a tempest ready to unleash its fury. I snapped at him, my voice laced with indignation and frustration.

"How dare he do that, that lousy man!"

I exclaimed, unable to contain the venom in my words.

The old man attempted to comfort me, his voice trembling as he offered his advice. But his words fell on deaf ears as I seethe with rage, unable to quell the fire burning within me.

"Young lady, I understand you are furious,"

he began, his tone filled with apprehension,

"But it would be wise enough to not curse at him, since he is the notorious Duke Aka-"

But before he could finish his sentence, I cut him off with a snicker of disbelief. Slamming my hand on the desk. I declared to him with a vehemence that matched the intensity of my anger.

"For all I care, may that imbecile fall from a cliff,"

I spat, my words dripping with contempt.

I stormed out of the store, my steps echoing with the force of my fury. Mumbling curses under my breath,

I allowed the weight of my anger to guide me, consumed by a desire for justice and retribution.