Music and Her

It was kind of hectic when several staff members rushed towards Giselle making a commotion outside the house. Yet, with a calm demeanor, she effortlessly reassured them, displaying a different side from what she had shown Lyra moments before. 

In other side, Lyra also noticed one thing.

She noticed the warmth and concern in their eyes, their frantic gestures revealing their deep affection for Giselle. It was a stark contrast to the solitary life she had led before arriving in this new world.

Even when she returned home from missions with bloody appearance and wounds on her body, had never been anyone to worry about her.

What awaited her was a cold, dark studio apartment where she lived alone.

There was no family; she has one before, but not anymore. 

"I'm fine, everyone... Really. I'm back safe and sound, so please don't worry too much, okay?" Giselle's voice carried over the murmur of the staff, reassuring them with a gentle smile.

"But--!"

"Oh! And I brought a new friend here. She is a traveler and will be staying with us for a while. Make sure to treat her kindly, as she is my savior," Giselle interjected firmly, cutting off their protests.

Curious and judgmental eyes turned toward Lyra, the shadowy figure standing quietly behind Giselle. With a warm smile, Giselle turned to Lyra, her expression softening. "This is my temporary home. It's not much, but it's where I belong before. I hope you like it."

Linking her arm with Lyra's, Giselle guided her through the large wooden doors and into the grand foyer. The interior was as impressive as the exterior, with elegant furniture and tasteful decorations. A grand chandelier hung in the center, adding a touch of antique charm.

"Could you wait here for a moment? I'll be quick. Let's have dinner afterward," Giselle asked, gesturing toward the living room.

Lyra nodded, brought herself to settle on a large sofa which pointed by Giselle.

Once again she admired the vast room which adorned with ornate decorations. A large portrait of Giselle hung on the wall, surrounded by various musical instruments displayed on a stylish wooden shelf.

'Music.' The sight of the musical instruments transported Lyra back to happier times. Whenever the weight of her assassin's life became too much, she would play them, finding solace and distraction in the melodies.

One of her few hobbies, a rare respite for her mind.

"Please enjoy this while you wait for Lady Giselle," a maid said, placing a cup of tea on the glass-topped coffee table before smiling and leaving.

Taking a sip, Lyra noticed the floral scent and the relaxing, comforting aftertaste of the sweet tea.

'Not bad.'

Before long, Giselle descended from the second floor, wearing a different dress. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she said, guiding Lyra to the dining room, where a large table was set in the center.

Lyra, still with her hood partially covering her face, watched as the staff meticulously arranged a variety of dishes on the table.

"So, should I also call you Lady Giselle?" Lyra asked.

"Oh, you shouldn't. I'm not a noble myself. Feel free to call me by my name," Giselle replied gently from the opposite side of the large table.

Lyra nodded, glancing at the food. It looked delicious and appealing, yet it wasn't the food that stilled her hands but the array of cutlery before her.

'What? So many utensils. Which one should I use?'

She had never encountered such an assortment, and her past as an assassin had never prepared her for this kind of dining etiquette. 

"So... what are your plans for tomorrow? Maybe I can accompany you! Remember the dessert shop I told you about yesterday? I really want to take you there," Giselle's voice pulled her attention.

"That's a good idea," she replied, then watching carefully, she began to mimic Giselle's graceful movements.

She picked up the right fork and knife, slicing into the tender roast beef. The flavors exploded in her mouth, reminding her of a fine restaurant. After days of simple meals, the richness was almost overwhelming.

"Ahem... Sorry my lady, but you have a schedule tomorrow. I don't think that's possible," said a middle-aged man standing beside Giselle.

"Oh come on..."

"You can't, my lady. The duchess will also be very worried if you're like this."

Hearing the word duchess made Giselle's face look disappointed, "Okay."

"Sorry, Lyra. I don't think I can accompany you tomorrow. But I'll recommend some good places to visit," she said, turning her head toward Lyra.

"That's okay, thank you."

They continued their dinner in silence. The servants occasionally glanced at Lyra strangely, but she ignored them. She was fully aware that her appearance was strange and unusual with her oversized and dirty robe.

'Yes, I have to buy new clothes tomorrow morning. Since I haven't spent a penny lately because Giselle refused to take my money, I guess I can choose more freely.'

After a while, the silence became unbearable. Sensing that Giselle's mood had been dampened due to the previous conversation, Lyra decided to start a conversation again. "Are you an artist, Giselle?"

"Wow! How did you know? I thought I had never told you before," Giselle replied, covering her mouth in amazement.

"Just a guess."

After spending a few days together, Lyra had learned how to lift the spirits of her new friend. And the question she asked earlier wasn't merely a guess; it was the result of her keen observations and an overheard conversation among the staff about Giselle's upcoming performance.

'Maybe I can come to see. She will be more delighted then.'

"Haha... And your guess is right. Yes, I'm on a tour, so for now, I will stay here. You can also stay here for a while when you are in this town," chuckled, she respond enthusiastically.

"Is that alright?" Lyra asked, noticing the uneasy expression on the servant beside Giselle.

It was a good offer, considering she hadn't found a suitable job to fill her pockets yet. But at that moment, she didn't want to complicate her life by dealing with those judgmental looks.

"Yeah, of course. It's alright," Giselle said reassuringly.

"Thank you for the hospitality then. I appreciate it a lot," Lyra responded, showing a faint smile.

Giselle chuckled again before saying with greater enthusiasm, "It's my pleasure. Let's finish dinner first. I know you're tired from the long trip, and then I'll show you to your room."