I stared at the man who had just helped us, no, Miss Rebbeca. The thought that she was safe now made my shoulders relax ever so slightly. 'In the end…I had no power to do anything for her.'
The images of earlier moments flashed in my mind like oil getting sprinkled on fire. I hated myself for that, for not being able to help her. All this time, I was living in the dark that I would be able to protect her, that I would be able to take care of her.
But, the world itself seemed to be against me.
"Gray…are you alright?" I snapped out of my thoughts as I felt her soft hand on my face, a tired smile on her face. She was still leaning heavily against me, seeking support and comfort.
I let out a sigh and nodded, my arm around her shoulder tightening a bit and replied, "Yes, I am fine, Miss Rebbeca. Don't worry, just rest for now. Sit down, you look exhausted."
She looked a bit hesitant but nodded, her grip on my arm loosened and I helped her sit down on the chair beside us on which Zordus had sat previously. Her hand lingered on my arm for a moment, almost reluctant to let go, as if afraid something might happen the moment she let go of me.
But reluctantly, she pulled her hand back and shook her head, letting herself get comfortable on the chair. I smiled and looked back at the two men standing not too far away from us, observing us. While Zordus's expression was as stoic as ever, Connor seemed to have a warm smile on his face that caught me off guard for a moment.
I took a tentative step closer to them and opened my mouth to speak. "Thank you…for helping her. And…I am…sorry about my behaviour earlier." It was almost pathetic that I was apologising to these guys, but I did.
"Just take care of her, she's going to be fine from now on. The mark will disappear by time, don't worry about why it's there, okay?" Said the man standing beside Zordus in a gentle tone. It was a stark contrast between the stoic king and his brother. How one could be so gentle and one could be as stubborn as a rock.
'I wonder what made him so gentle…'
I bit my lip to suppress the smile that threatened to form despite how much I hated everything. "I see. I will take care of her."
He smiled in return and looked back at Zordus. Zordus nodded and picked up his fur lined jacket, slinging it over his shoulders. He walked towards me and rummaged through the pockets of his jacket before glancing back at Connor. "Hey, I used up all of it all…"
Connor shook his head and walked towards the counter where Miss Rebbeca was sitting, eyeing us curiously. Connor then pulled out something from the pocket of his cream white fur jacket, garnished by delicate golden chains, and put it on the counter.
Miss Rebbeca looked a bit nervous and so was I, but that nervousness soon turned into shock as he pulled his hand back. There were almost around ten gold coins in the table, ones that had an angel etched into it, pointing a long spear that held in both hands, upwards — wings stretched out wide.
I wouldn't have been shocked if those were "just" gold coins but, this was the Astrian currency. One of the most powerful currencies in the entire world.
It wasn't just gold, it was the sole essence of gold. Normal gold was never 100% pure, but this? It was pure, pristine. The angel on the coin was so very well detailed that no one in the entire world could try and copy it. If there even was a skilled genius to copy it? The coin would be caught in a mere instant. That's how detailed it was.
It wasn't used by normal people but by kings and nobles.
What made it special wasn't just that but also the way it was made. A transcender of tribulation 5 would carve this gold from the crimson mountain.
There weren't many Astrian gold coins, but only one gold coin was enough to survive five whole months on, while a normal gold coin would hold on for as long as one month. That was the difference between Astrian gold and normal gold.
"I suppose this should be enough, right?" Connor asked.
I was at a loss of words at that moment, though Miss Rebbeca didn't know about Astrian currency, it was still gold to her if not the Astrian currency. She was utterly bewildered, flabbergasted, eyes wide and lips slightly parted.
"We…we can't accept this. It's way too much than what I was going to charge." She spoke, getting up from the chair abruptly. Connor stayed silent and Zordus walked towards the door. "I never asked if you wanted it or not."
Miss Rebbeca looked even more shocked at his words and I didn't even bother to speak, just observed them. 'Well, it's better for us anyway…we'll…we're rich now.' I thought, excited.
Connor smiled and bowed towards us. "Thank you for your help, lady Rebbeca." He glanced back at me and spoke again, "We will meet again…Gray."
Meet again? What the hell does he mean by that?
Connor smiled and turned around, waiting for Zordus. Zordus stood in the doorway and glanced back, not at me, but her, Miss Rebbeca. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, he looked more gentle, even his lips curled up ever so slightly. It caught me off guard but that shock was soon replaced by annoyance.
'Just leave already , damn you two.' I thought.
The door closed behind as the Astrian brothers finally left the apothecary. We both stared at the door for a moment before Miss Rebbeca grumbled. "What the hell was that all about? I swear, my head is going to explode from all this." She pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Well at least we have enough money that you don't have to work for the next few years, Miss Rebbeca." I replied, a smug smile appearing on my face.
"No, we're not going to use this money. I'm going to return it back to him. How dare he order me around."
Oh…she's…definitely mad.
I could see her eyebrows narrowed in annoyance and irritation.
"As…as you say Miss Rebbeca. He…hehe. Who…who am I to disobey you?"
She glanced back at me, her expression softening ever so slightly. "How are you being so obedient today, hm? What's the deal mister?"
I let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of my head. "W…whatever you may be talking about. Well, I should go and get ready, or else I'm gonna get late for the academy."
I could see the skeptical eyes at me as I looked back at her with a hesitant look on my face.
"Alright, I'll prepare breakfast in the meantime."
"Right." I nodded and then turned around, letting out a sigh of relief for no further investigation from her.
"Oh, and one more thing."
I tensed, slowly and hesitantly looking back at her. "Y…yes, Miss Rebbeca?"
"Wear that white jacket today, the other one isn't washed yet. Okay?"
"Oh…" I was caught off guard by her response but my shoulders relaxed nonetheless and I nodded. "Of course, I'll wear that one today."
"Good. Now go and get ready, I'll clean up here and then prepare breakfast."
"Right."
I then turned around and made my way back to my room upstairs. I closed the door behind and let out a sigh, shaking my head. "I hate those two…"
"Ah, I should go and take a bath first."
I looked around, finding something…"Ah, there you are." I walked towards the table beside my bed and picked a towel, and then made my way to the bathroom.
A small wooden chamber kept surprisingly fresh with crushed mint and dried lavender scattered over the clay-lined pit beneath the wooden seat. A stone basin filled with well water stood in one corner, alongside a simple herbal soap pouch. Bundles of drying leaves hung from the beams above, giving the air a soft, earthy scent that made the place feel clean, practical, and quietly comforting.
"She really does keep everything clean, huh?"
I closed the door and shivered as I stripped bare. 'Sheesh, let's just get it over with.'
***
I stood in front of the mirror in my room, my hair slightly damp, sticking to my forehead. My skin was pale, and I really didn't like that. "Sigh, let's just get dressed already, or else I'm going to freeze…"
Opening the wooden closet, I pulled out the clothes and wore them one by one. I then looked back at myself in the mirror and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle, my cheeks a bit rosy…it was because of the cold…right?
Wearing a pair of white pants, a delicate silver chain hooked around the waistband, hanging to the left side, down to my thigh.
Then, a white fur jacket. My neck felt like it was in heaven with the soft fur brushing against my skin; the rest of the jacket was plain, but it looked good… really good. Cream-coloured epaulettes sat on the shoulders, simple yet striking, each one etched with the same angel mark as the Astrian coins.
"Geez, this is a little too much but…I'll wear it."
I looked down at the table and saw the handkerchief Rose had given me. I held it in my hand, looking at it I couldn't help but crack a smile.
Putting it in my pocket, I fixed my messy hair and looked at myself in the mirror for a moment longer. "What a handsome specimen." I sounded so smug at that moment and couldn't help but wink at myself before making my way back down to the apothecary.
"Oh my…" I heard a gasp and looked up, seeing Miss Rebbeca with wide eyes, placing a tray which had two cups of hot tea, some cookies and bread in it, on the table.
"W…what?" I walked towards the table and sat down in the chair beside it, trying to hide my smug, satisfied look from her.
She chuckled, taking a seat beside me and picking up a cup of tea, steam oozing from the hot liquid.
"Nothing." She replied, taking a sip of her tea. I swear I saw that grin on her face.
"Get done with your breakfast and get going, or else you'll be late, you buffoon."
"Uhhh…fine." I let out an exasperated sigh and picked up the cup, bringing it to my lips and taking a sip, the warm liquid soothing my throat.
"By the way, you didn't bring your bag back last night, why?"
I almost choked on the tea as I heard her words. I glanced at Miss Rebbeca and saw her eyeing me suspiciously. I then cleared my throat and spoke.
"N-Nothing, I just, uh…forgot it at the academy. Heh..hehe."
"Seriously, Gray, you're not fooling anyone here. Your face tells everything that you did something scandalous again."
Right, it was a bit scandalous, only a little, though. Yesterday, I wasn't really in the mood of studying or attending any lecture on mana and magic anymore, so I tried skipping class with a specific someone, and we both ended up getting caught by professor Archie. The punishment was that we both won't be able to take our bags back with us.
"Don't even bother explaining anything, Sir Archie told me everything while you were out there causing trouble."
"I-I'm sorry, Miss Rebbeca…" I murmured, stealing a glance at her. She sighed and picked up a cookie, taking a bite of it.
"I won't be hearing any apologies next time, you gremlin. Now get your ass moving or you'll be late."
***
I stood before an enormous building, students walking across the gate that had been lowered onto the ground. A man-made river circled the structure, and without that gate bridging it, no one could enter. White spires rose into the sky, their tips glowing softly in the daylight. Students walking inside the building, some bored and some enthusiastic.
I stepped forward, my feet landing on the spacious garden before the building, rows of flowers and herbs growing in careful patterns, mixed with a few wisteria trees swaying gently in the breeze.
'These trees always take my breath away.'
I gazed at the ethereal sight, unable to pull my eyes away. That was when my vision suddenly dimmed, soft, warm hands covered my eyes, and a gentle weight pressed against my back. The warmth, the softness, the supple fullness of her… yeah, it was definitely a girl.
My face heated up, but I didn't dare comment on it.
"Guess who it is?"
The voice was delicate, almost fragile. I smiled and replied, "Lily?"
"Noooo…" The delicate voice suddenly became a bit pouty.
I chuckled. "It's definitely Lily."
She removed her hands from my eyes and let out a huff. I turned around and saw the girl standing in front of me. Cream coloured hair tied in a bun and emerald eyes covered by a pair of glasses, if gazed into them long enough — it would feel like standing in a vast, lone grassland. She wore the same attire as me.
"See? It's the pouty Lily after all." I remarked, and the pout on her face deepened.
"You could've at least tried to make it look like you were guessing? Way to ruin the mood, Gray…" She crossed her arms, letting out a scoff.
My lips curled upwards at her words. She could be as gentle as a butterfly and sometimes be pouty like a bratty kid. "Hehe, don't be like that, Lily. I just knew because no one else does that with me besides you."
"Still, you could've at least tried mister. You're no fun, tsk."
I lifted my hand and gently flicked her forehead, since I couldn't hold myself back from riling her a bit more. "Stop being such a baby, it's that big of a deal, you idiot."
"Ow, now you're being rude to a lady, you buffoon…" She murmured softly, rubbing the spot on her forehead where she got flicked.
"Sigh, you didn't bring your notebooks today?" I asked.
"What do you mean by that when you yourself haven't brought anything, huh? Did you forget that we left our bags in the classroom last time when Professor Archie caught us?" Lily glanced at me and replied, letting out a sigh.
I couldn't help but shiver at the memory of us two getting caught by him when we were sneaking off while the class was about to start. "Oh….riiiight. I totally forgot about that."
"Do you ever even remember anything? Great, I'm stuck with a guy who keeps forgetting things for the whole year. What a great day I have today…"
I gave her a side-long glance at her sarcastic remark. "Shut up."
"Pft, you're so easy to tease, hehe."
"Well now, you two seem in a pretty good mood this morning." I went still for a moment at that voice, and slowly raised my gaze up. Seeing Rose standing just a few feet away, walking towards us.
Lily's expression beamed as she ran towards her and threw herself in Rose's arms. Rose caught her effortlessly, holding her in her arms.
"Rose! You're here, finally! Now I won't have to deal with this jerk all day long."
My eyes twitched as I heard Lily's mumbled words, but that annoyance was completely gone when I remembered something. "Wait, you two know each other? How come I didn't know?"
A smirk formed on Rose's face as she replied. "Oh, we've known each other for quite a while now, Gray. But I have to admit, you look quite…captivating today."
Hearing her words, my heart, my treacherous heart fluttered and my face heated up ever so slightly. "Wha… I-I, uhh…th-thank you, lady Rose." I bowed hastily and averted my gaze from the princess still holding Lily in her arms.
My gaze fell on the surroundings and I got to know that every other student who was in the garden or was passing through the gate was looking at me with curious gazes, could also be described as jealousy?
"Huh? Captivating? More like a lost puppy posing because someone told him to and he believed it."
"What did you just say, you little gremlin?" I looked at Lily as the words irked me, giving her a half-hearted glare.
Then, Rose snorted out a laugh, patting Lily's head. "It's good to sometimes even compliment a lost puppy, Lily. They might remember their way back." She smirked as she stole a glance at me.
"Wh–whatever, let's just go already or we're going to be late for the class, you moronic buffoons" I scoffed, trying to hide the way my face heated up at her words more than Lily's.
"Alright, alright. Let's go Lily, someone here is quite flustered and impatient, I suppose?" Lily chuckled at her words and nodded, stepping back from her arms and taking a hold of her hand instead.
"Mhm, let's go then. I don't want to go with that jerk anyway." Rose snickered and nodded. They both walked inside the building, leaving me behind.
I let out an exasperated sigh and glanced up at the sky, trying to stop the smile that threatened to form on my lips. I didn't know Lily and Rose knew each other, but they seemed pretty close to each other.
'Come to think of it, I haven't told Lily about the whole ordeal between me and Rose, now have I? Crap, I hope Rose doesn't tell her anything, s
he's definitely not gonna stop teasing me whenever she gets the chance.'
My face heated up and I shook my head, trying to shake off any lingering, distracting thoughts.
"Sigh, let's see what chaos awaits today…"