Chapter 039
1167 Words
I walk inside the cafe where Axel and I are supposed to meet. I was a few minutes early when I arrived, and it’s been an hour now, but no Axel appeared. I have emptied the bowl of nuts on the table and even drained the pitcher of ice-cold water, which has become lukewarm.
“Miss?” the waitress asks the third time. She didn’t complete her sentence because she knew that I already knew what she wanted to ask.
I give him a curt smile, take my things and pay for the space I’ve used while waiting for Axel. I should have known. Why would a Quad meet in a place where there’s a lot of people who can see us anyway? Am I too blind now that it didn’t even cross my mind?
I left the cafe. The sun is still high. I look in the direction of the Quad house where both Master Suvayan and Axel are staying. Quad houses are residential places that exist in different towns of a nation. In Marahuyo, there is only one Quad house available, so most Quad visitors stay there. It’s a two-storey house beside the house of the town’s representative.
It is too late when I realize that my feet are bringing me towards it. I didn’t even notice the road and the activities around me. I attempt to enter, but the warrior in front stops me.
“No visitors are allowed this time,” she says.
I look at the female warrior and the open door behind her. There are myriads of activities inside. Boxes and furniture are being rearranged. I catch a glimpse of Master Suvayan ordering people around. There are no guests inside, but I can’t see Axel.
“What’s with the commotion?” I ask.
“I can’t tell you,” is the short reply.
I withdraw from the uproar, but still, I can’t leave. To say I am disappointed is saying it lightly. I am looking forward to the meeting. I also memorized things that I’ll say this time.
“I’ll try.”
My ears perk up at the familiar voice. I look to my right and find the same merchant daughter I saw at the tavern. But what’s surprising is the person she’s with. It is Aaron. What's more shocking is how the two seem to be close. He hasn’t told me about any woman in his life, especially not this pretty.
In confusion, I hide in one of the bushes for display when Aaron starts to turn his head in my direction. Then I call for my anito, touch my skin, and create a potion that will make me invisible. It's only effective for non-mages because mages can use their blessing to see what is hidden.
“Aaron?” the girl asks, even her voice is beautiful and gentle.
“I thought I saw someone I know,” Aaron says.
“I don’t see anyone,” the girl tiptoes to see behind him.
Suddenly, I’m not sure how, but she falls by herself. Aaron catches her in time, and she hits her face on Aaron’s chest. And it stays there for an awkward length of time that I don’t like. Then, before I undo the potion I put on myself, she pulls herself up. Aaron helps her while touching her slender arms. I groan in frustration. This is the second time I have seen them together. The last time he says it’s an errand, is this also an errand?
“Careful,” he says.
The girl gives him a small smile and says, “Will you be able to come?”
“Tomorrow night?” Aaron asks.
The girl nods as if they are about to do something naughty. Night, huh? Let’s see what kind of activity they’ll do at night. I inhale, create a reversion potion and walk away from my hiding place. I approach the two, and it’s Aaron who notices me first.
He makes a huge smile and says, “Holly! Just as I thought it’s you!”
I frown. “I’m hoping to talk to the Quad, but they are out,” I answer, not responding to the cheerful greeting Aaron just made.
“You wouldn’t be able to take hold of either of them. They are busy with the preparations,” the girl answers.
My attention shifts to the girl. If I remember correctly, Tora says her name is Martha, a daughter of a noble uphill. So then why is she in the center of the town beside the Quad house?
“Why would you know that?” I ask and cross my arms in front of my chest.
“My father told me about it. He said there will be a party tonight.”
“Father?” my arms loosen, and I look at her and Aaron.
“My father’s the current Marahuyo representative,” she smiles.
I grimace. If that is the case, there’s a chance she’ll become the town’s representative, and I’ll need to work with her even if I am just an ordinary mage. But the way she stands next to Aaron and the way she speaks, I hate her already. I hate her the most because she’s prettier and looks like she likes Aaron.
“That’s why I am inviting Aaron to the party.”
“As his partner?” I ask.
Martha blushes, and I’m annoyed with the incredulity of it. “No. It’s nothing like a romantic dance,” she says, then peeks at Aaron, whose attention is on her. Who wouldn’t be? She seems like a perfect woman.
“Why?” I ask again.
That’s when I see Aaron’s huge smile as if he understands something. I look away.
“Master Axel will leave this week, so they’d like to have a farewell celebration.”
I glower at her. Is Axel going to leave again without telling me, even after making me wait?
“Oh! Are you an Axel fan?” she asks, totally misunderstanding why I am throwing daggers at her. “Why not join us? You can meet him at the party!” she exclaims.
My expression softens into that of disorientation. Beautiful, intelligent, rich and even generous? What the heck!
“That would be a great idea. We’ll be there!” Aaron answers. “See you then,” he adds.
He says his goodbye and pulls me with him. I allow him, but when I notice that his horse cart is in a different direction to where we are going, I stop him. “Your cart is at the back.”
He does not answer. Instead, he pulls me into a narrow street and when my back touches the wall, he kisses me full in the mouth. When he stops, he’s breathing hard. “You’re jealous,” he whispers.
“Why would I be?” I say, but then I reach for his neck and pull him in for another kiss.
To be continued…
- Writer
