Hearing that, I noticed a large stone right in front of Ardion, but he appeared oblivious to it.
“Ah.”
In an instant, Ardion stumbled and fell onto the dirt ground.
“Are you okay, Young Master?” I asked, concerned.
He brushed the dirt off his hands and nodded. I extended my hand, and after a brief hesitation, he grasped it firmly and pulled himself up.
For a moment, his strength almost caused me to lose my balance, but his force steadied me. Suddenly, we were standing quite close, and I found myself looking up at him.
Then a gust of wind blew by, sending my hair whipping across my face. Ardion’s hand slowly moved towards my cheek, a gentle yet deliberate motion.
He was certainly taller than I had realized. From a distance, it hadn’t been as apparent, but up close, the difference was strikingly obvious.
I smiled. “Young Master, you’ve grown quite a bit.”
At my words, Ardion’s hand faltered mid-air.
“...” He remained silent, gazing down at me.
“Young Master?” I asked.
His hand dropped away, and he stepped back, slightly stiff.
We continued our journey towards the capital in silence, the only sound being Derol chattering on about food.
When we finally reached the outskirts of the capital, a bustling crowd greeted us. Ardion’s expression began to soften as he admired the flowers decorating the area.
With a sense of wonder, he asked, “Is this what a festival looks like?”
His eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.
“Yes, it’s a tradition to adorn the venue with flowers,” I explained.
The surroundings were indeed beautiful, full of vibrant colors creating a lively atmosphere that lifted people’s spirits.
Ardion seemed to be in a better mood than before. “I’ve never seen a place like this.”
He gazed around, entranced. Seeing his delight made my heart swell.
I should have taken him to a festival sooner.
Lost in thought about busy days and responsibilities, I didn’t notice a carriage speeding towards us until it was nearly upon us. In a split second, Ardion wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me to safety.
I froze in shock.
“Laila, are you alright?” His voice was full of concern.
I quickly nodded. Ardion protected me?
It was a moment I hadn’t anticipated, and time seemed to rush forward with new intensity.
As people shuffled past us, I regained my composure. “Young Master, let’s find a quieter place. It’s too crowded here.”
As I led the way, I felt a large hand envelop mine. Surprised, I turned to see Ardion smiling.
“Then let’s hold hands.”
Caught off guard, I raised an eyebrow, but his next words were warm and reassuring.
“I might lose you in the crowd.”
His reasoning was so convincing that I found myself nodding in agreement.
Just then, fireworks erupted, showering the sky with colorful petals. Both Derol and I gasped in awe.
“Wow!” I exclaimed, captivated.
“Today feels even more splendid than last time,” I remarked with a smile.
Ardion grinned back.
However, the throng of people jostled us as we tried to enjoy the spectacle. Suddenly, I realized no one was bumping into me anymore. Confused, I looked around and saw Ardion had formed a protective circle around me.
Then it struck me that we didn’t need to stay here.
“Young Master, I know a better place to watch fireworks,” I said, excitement bubbling within me.
I remembered there was a hilltop that provided an amazing view.
I took his hand and led him up the gentle slope. Fewer people ventured this way since it was tucked behind a village, away from the bustling stalls.
“Here we are,” I announced when we reached a low spot perfect for sitting.
As we settled down, the panoramic view of the village unfurled before us. The sky was still alive with fireworks, and the sound of joyful laughter filled the air.
It was a spring scene that felt enchanting. The warm breeze brushed against us, carrying the sweet fragrance of flowers.
Lost in the beauty, I smiled unconsciously.
After a while, Ardion turned to me with a radiant face. “Laila, I never knew the world could be so beautiful.”
His joy was infectious, and my heart soared.
Then, as the last fireworks fizzled, he suddenly stood up. “Wait here, Laila.”
A few moments later, he returned, hiding something behind his back. I looked on curiously as he presented a bouquet of lilacs, white and purple blooms intermingled.
“Young Master, where did you find them?” I was surprised.
“I spotted them on our way up. You mentioned you liked lilacs,” he said, his eyes bright with sincerity.
“Oh...” I recalled mentioning it once, almost absentmindedly. He seemed to remember every detail I told him. But I accepted the bouquet with a smile, grateful for his thoughtfulness.
The scent was unmistakably lilac, and a smile bloomed on my face as I inhaled the freshness of the flowers.
“What does the lilac symbolize?” I pondered aloud, looking closely at the delicate petals.
Ardion glanced at me, hesitation in his gaze. “... It represents first love.”
“Really?”
The notion felt innocent and pure, contrasting with the depth of the moment.
As I turned the blooms in my hands, Ardion suddenly said, “About that thing you want to ask from me...”
His voice sounded hesitant.
I looked up, meeting his steady gaze. “You can’t give it to you right now.”
Had he already figured it out? But the date was still off.
Ardion’s eyes remained focused on my hands. “Are your hands still trembling because you’re low on mana?”
I gasped and gazed up at him.
“I can give it to you right now if you want.”
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