Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 11 Part 2 - Setting off

Was this girl a noble? Dneth's eyes narrowed into scrutinizing gaze.

The girl looked to be in a good mood, humming quietly, and following gracefully behind master Kiel. Her movements had a certain refinement to them, not like what Dneth was used to seeing from nobles coming to the mansion. It was different. There was a certain air about it Dneth couldn't quite define. The air carried power, but not frightening or cold power, but rather something strangely warm and alive.

Dneth could understand why master Kiel would like this strange person. Men liked exotic and unique things, not to mention she was a living piece of art. She gave master Kiel a quick knowing look and noticed he looked messier than usual.

Strangely, even though ruffled, he seemed even more enchanting than usual. It was as if he returned more beautiful than he was when he left this morning.

Realization dawned on her.

Both master Kiel and his lady friend looked a bit ruffled. As if they had been rolling on the forest floor.

Dneth bit her lip to suppress her surprised gasp.

Were they rolling on the forest floor together?!

She didn't seem to be the only one that reached that conclusion because she could see the maid opposite of her blushing feverishly.

So it really was true that people looked more beautiful while in love?!

Master Kiel smiled politely and nodded at Dneth in greeting. He didn't make small chatter nor elaborate who the lady trailing behind him was. He had no need to explain himself to his servants.

Dneth pondered whether she should ask him if he needed something, or if his companion needed something. Her gaze landed back to the two, and her thought process was suddenly interrupted.

As she watched the two walking away, she felt as if she was watching a divine painting. There was something ethereal about them. True – both were creatures of extreme beauty that would draw attention whereever they went. But looking at them together, it was as if they enhanced each other's beauty even further.

Dneth could feel her hair standing on end. It was uncanny.

And that's when the fifth surprise hit her, making her hands reflexively clutch at her heart – Master Kiel took the girl upstairs, to his bedchamber.

Were they going to his bedchamber to finish what they started on the forest floor?!

Dneth wasn't the only servant baffled by the turn of events. Younger and older, females and males alike, turned their heads and dropped their jaws in surprise as their eyes passed over master Kiel. None of them made a sound, but they didn't need to, for the questions plaguing their minds were showing clearly on their faces.

Dneth glared at two younger male servants who seemed to be staring at master Kiel's guest inappropriately. Their ears reddened and they scattered back to work.

Other female servants avoided her eyes, pretending not to be interested in master Kiel and his guest, although the blush on their cheeks spoke otherwise.

Dneth waited a short while, before discretely moving towards master Kiel's bedchamber. She needed to be nearby if master needed her. Or at least, that's what she told herself.

She was actually worried about master Kiel. This turn of events might impact master Kiel's reputation! Servants will no doubt gossip about this for a long time.

She turned her head left and right, noticing other servants nonchalantly following her, as if her movement towards master Kiel's room gave them permission to join her. They evidently wanted to douse their curiosity.