51 City Gates

Alicia stood in line with everyone else. She gained the attraction of many eyes, with her golden blonde hair and blue eyes. Although she was still very young those that looked at her could tell she was going to be a beauty when she grew up. It was because of these features that an elderly man with white hair and a white mustache in what looked to be the clothes of a butler came running up to her.

"Young Miss! Are you by any chance Alicia, Master Berlin's disciple?" The Elderly man asked as he gasped for air from running too fast.

"Yes, I am? May I ask who you are?" Alicia answered.

"That's good! I have been waiting for your arrival! My name is Alfred Lawstone I am the head butler for your residence that Master Berlin appointed to take care of your everyday needs. " Alfred said as he gave a bow to Alicia.

"It's good to meet you, Alfred. I will see you in the city once I get past the checkpoint at the gate." Alicia replied with a smile as she returned a bow to Alfred.

Alfred stood dumbstruck for a moment because he came to pick this young miss up only to be told that she will meet him in the city! He then looked at the little girl and realized that maybe she misunderstood him! "Young Miss I am here to pick you up there is no need to wait in line..."

"Hmm? Why would I not wait in line like the rest? Isn't it only fair for me to wait with them? If I were to follow you now it would be like I was cutting in front of all these people who were ahead of me. That is not fair so I will wait my turn like the rest." Alicia explained. She did not like cutting in line. It was a rude and dishonest thing to do. Seeing how it was her first time in the capital she saw no reason not to wait in line. She needed to register at the gate like others since it was her first visit to the capital!

"Young Miss..." Alfred did not know what to do. He could only glance at Blake who was hanging a bit back.

"Your Majesty, are you seeing this?" Blake asked.

"This damn girl is as righteous as ever! Sigh… Just let her do as she wants. Once she gets in this mode it's hard to make her change her mind. I just hope this attitude of hers does not get her in trouble in the future… I will have you keep an eye on her until she passes the squires exam. Go tell Alfred to just go wait at the gate for her." Berlin said, shaking his head. He really did worry that Alicia's righteousness might be used against her in the future.

"Yes, your Majesty!" Blake said before taking a step in front of him. As soon as his foot was about to hit the ground a green magic circle formed under it and when his foot finally touched the ground he was standing next to Alicia.

The sudden appearance of Blake gave Alicia a start. She glanced up at the young boy next to her. His handsome face came into view causing Alicia to slightly blush but when she thought about how she had blurted out how she thought he was handsome her cheeks blushed even more.

Blake did not look at Alicia right away even though he could feel her gaze on him. Instead, he turned to Alfred and said: "Alfred you can wait at the gate while Alicia waits in line. I will wait with her."

"I give my thanks to Sir Blake then. Young Miss, I will be waiting for you at the gate. " Alfred gave a bow and walked back towards the gate.

With Alfred gone, Alicia was now left alone with Blake for the first time since they met at the bandit's hideout. This was the first time they were alone without actually fighting. Blake stood very close to Alicia so much so that the scent from his body filled her nose. At this time Alicia was at a loss of what to say and from the looks of it, Blake had no intention of starting a conversation with her. Only after about twenty minutes of silence did Alicia finally ask: "I thought you were supposed to stay hidden in the shadows?"

"Master Berlin told me I could stand at your side when we got to the city gates." Blake lied. It was the only excuse he could think of since he was not allowed to tell Alicia that he had been in contact with Berlin this whole time.

"Oh…" Alicia felt the sudden silence was somewhat awkward and did not know what to say. She hoped that Blake would at least try to carry on the conversation. But when she looked up at him his eyes were staring straight forward not actually looking at anything. She stood there staring at his handsome face for a while trying her best to figure him out. He seemed to always be about the mission and only the mission in front of him. This thought caused Alicia to be a little depressed. It was at this time that Alicia realized that she had some feelings for Blake. Although small they were there…

Her cheeks turned red as she thought of this. But she knew that she was still very young and so was he and these small one sided feelings that she had now would most likely fizzle out as time went on. Once again Alicia's thoughts made her sigh.

The two stood side by side in close proximity in complete silence for a while until Frey's sleepy voice sounded out... "Huh? Father have you come to marry Mother!?"

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