Flower of Steel

I was in the middle of my thoughts as I aimlessly looked around the room when I found the luggage that Daisy had prepared for my trip. Oh, I just remembered something important that I had forgotten about.

“Oh, Rey. I have to leave the estate for about two weeks starting tomorrow,” I said to him.

“Why?” Rey asked as he stopped to see me.

I answered with a sigh, “The Crown Prince is going off to oversee the embankment construction site, and he appointed me as his associate.”

Rey sighed as he nodded, “Hah. So I am going off on a trip right after returning.”

“Pretty much.”

“Alright. I’ll go pack things up then.”

“Yeah. Get some rest when you’re done with it. Daisy, can you go help Rey?”

As they both left, I fell down on my bed again from fatigue. If it is during the trip that they have to be around me all the time, I’ll be able to find a room even from perfectly secretive ones like them. I have to find out what is going on behind them.  Then I fell asleep with those thoughts. Fortunately, I didn’t even dream and had a good night’s sleep.

***

I sighed as soon as I opened my eyes. The day came when I had to go out to the embankments with the Crown Prince. He said he’ll be going over to the capital and the northern region, so it’ll take about two weeks. I have to find out who is the one behind Rey and Daisy… and also deal with the Crown Prince. I already feel dizzy. But why? I had no idea why my heart was pounding so fast like this.

“Hey! Let’s go!”

I heard Rey’s voice and hurriedly finished getting out. As soon as I was done, Chelleno, in his uniform, smiled brightly at me, glared back at Rey, and turned to me again.

“Marin, I’m also going on this trip!” he said.

“What?” I replied with a look of confusion.

Chelleno answered delightedly, “Heh heh heh. My father doesn’t like abusing his powers, but it’s different when it comes to your safety. He said we can’t be assured of His Highness’ safety with just the guards, so it was decided to send me and Sir Droinel along on this trip.”

I felt my stomach sink at that word. Rian! Do I have to spend two weeks together with him when it’s already awkward to be around him? “No way!” I cried.

Chelleno became teary at those words I spat out without thinking. “M-Marin! Do you not like me?”

“Oh, er- no. Not that… It’s nothing. I was just surprised by such exceptional work from my uncle.” I tried my best for Chelleno not to recognize the awkwardness between me and Rian. Ugh, it seems everything is getting more complicated as time goes by.

***

As I got to the main gate of the Imperial Palace, I saw Rian in a uniform, smiling at me. “Marin, you’re here.”

He looked wonderful, but I felt awkward and uncomfortable every time I faced him. Chelleno frowned a bit at Rian, who only greeted me but immediately wiped the frown off his face when Rian looked at him. That made me question why Chelleno was so scared of him like that? I had such questions in mind until Rian turned to Rey, who followed me.

“Sir Reyan? I have heard a lot about you. I heard you are Marin’s cousin and the knight who swore an Oath of Protection.”

Ray nodded and greeted Rian back, “Any knight will know the honorable name of Sir Droinel. It is an honor to meet you, sir.”

“Same goes to you too, Sir Reyan. I am looking forward to accompanying you on this trip.”

I felt my stiff heart melt away at Rian’s smooth voice. Ugh. He’s a fruit inside the painting that I already decided to give up on… but it sure looks tempting. Honestly, I’ll never get to date such a man ever. It was at that moment when Rian came up to me and offered his hand.