Chapter 40 - Outing I

"I never thought about this, but Miss Emelia, you do look good in any dress," Vanessa nodded her head in agreement and checked the dress Emelia was wearing once more before she would leave the palace.

It was her second time to leave the palace, but then it still is an unfamiliar place for her. "But to think it's a date between His Imperial Majesty and you, it's like a fantasy," Vanessa said while smiling.​ ​

Emelia didn't want to mean this negatively, but she thinks Vanessa is a weird person. Imagine having a friend who has a weird taste in men. Not to mention the rumors about Elliot were severe to some point. They say he's cursed. Too bad witches or magic don't exist in this world. It is a world where technology, agriculture, and others more improve over time.

"I don't think so," Emelia mumbled to herself as she stood away from the makeup table. Commoner clothes so comforting to the point she didn't want to wear the dresses she had worn for her entire life. "Miss Emelia, you're good to go. Please fill me in some details later," Vanessa gave her a wink and pushed her out of the door for Ayfara to escort her to the main door.

As they walked to the entrance, there was one question Ayfara had to ask. she asked, "I wonder why His Imperial Majesty is interested in you." Emelia looked at her for a second and couldn't agree more with her question. "But I think I know why," Ayfara laughed at herself as she then looked at Emelia. "Unlike the other rich nobles, you don't treat someone like me as inferior. Somehow I like it. Just imagine the faces of those who reject just because I am a girl," Vanessa said as she walked in a funny manner.

"Each one of us has the right to do something they want to do. The only thing that stops us from doing so are those people who are jealous of our skills," Emelia said while Ayfara couldn't help but agree more with her. This is the reason why Ayfara didn't mind serving Emelia.

They finally reached the entrance of the door, and down the stairs, Emelia sees a black horse and Air by Elliot's side. She didn't have a problem riding a horse since she was experienced but sharing a horse with him was something she didn't want to do.

She looked hesitant as Elliot offered his hand to help her climb on the horse. But then Emelia remembered about the promise she made with him. Just for today, she told herself. Then tomorrow, she'll forget about today's enjoyment. They both got on the horse, and Emelia couldn't help but feel any comfortable. She could feel his chest pressing her back, and she could feel his breath brushing her ears.

"Are you ready, Milady?" Elliot asked her, which she didn't need to be asked. "Yes, I am," she answered him.

As they rode the horse to the main town, Emelia thought they would be alone, but she was wrong as they are the only ones on the way. But as she looked closer, there are a few of his knights following him. Well, Alan isn't the type to leave those two alone, and keeping an eye on the emperor is his job.

"Why the main town?" Emelia asked Elliot as his eyes were set on the road.

"Why that main town, you ask?" Elliot repeated her question then answered her with, "There is a festival. Did you not know that?"

"I don't live in this empire. How would I know such things?" Emelia answered.

"Reasonable."

Though it was not the grandest festival, a festival is still a festival. At least every festival being held in the main town Elliot goes in to check from time to time. The question now relies upon who coordinates it.

In the Vivan Empire, there is a law made by the first emperor of the Vivan Empire. That is, grand festivals will be overseen by the emperor himself, while minor festivals will be held by the council, consisting of rich and powerful people in the noble circle.

For this festival, it celebrates the god of agriculture. The god of agriculture is known to like simple events. That is why this festival is considered a minor festival though the church opposed it at first.

"Here we are in the main town. Are you excited, Milady?" Elliot asked. "Why should I be?" Emelia asked back, leaving Elliot stunned. He laughed at himself as he went off his horse. He offered his hand to her, which she accepted it without hesitation.

The lively music played by the harmonica resonated with the people. Sone dancing along with it and some clapping their hands to the beat of the music. It was very lively and happy, and it was what Emelia wanted to see. For a while, Emelia felt lost within her own thoughts, forgetting Elliot's presence.

"Let's decide on how we should call each other. I'll call you Emelia, and you shall call me Elliot," He suggested, but Emelia didn't seem to like it. "I won't force you if you don't like it. However, calling me Elliot won't change," He added.

"No…it's alright," Emelia changed her mind last minute. It wouldn't be unfair for Elliot to have his real name. Plus, she didn't mind people calling her name. Aside from her mother, it was her first time another person called her name without her title.